Picture frame system with telescoping support

Abstract

A picture frame system comprises a base, a telescoping support coupled to and extending from the base, a mount and a trim panel supported at an end of the support away from the base. The support is comprised of at least first and second coaxially joined tubes. The second tube being axially moveable relative to the first tube. *The first and second tubes can be joined by one or more intermediate coaxially joined tubes. The support has sufficient rigidity to support a load defined by the mount, trim panel, and a picture. Optionally, a plurality of telescoping supports can be coupled to and 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, to picture frames that are telescopingly positionable relative to a supporting base.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Telescoping elements are utilized in various arts for specific purposes. Tripods incorporating telescoping legs are known and are used to support cameras, surveying equipment and the like. These telescoping legs are formed from coaxially joined tubes which move axially to position an object which is mounted on a bracket supported by the tripod.

[0003] Telescoping elements are known to have diverse applications. Telescoping pointers are used during oral presentations to extend the reach of the speaker. Similar telescoping elements are used as antennas on electronic communication equipment (e.g., am/fm radios, televisions, cellular phones) to increase the reception or extend the transmission range of the device.

[0004] However, until now the benefits of telescoping elements have not been recognized in the displaying of pictures. There is a need for a picture frame that is supported by a telescoping element. What is needed is a picture frame that can position a picture above a base at a plurality of telescopically extended positions. The present invention satisfies this and other needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a picture frame system comprises a base with a telescoping support coupled to, and extending from the base. The telescoping support is comprised of at least first and second coaxially joined tubes. The second tube being axially moveable relative to the first tube. The first and second tubes can be joined by at least one intermediate coaxially joined tube. At an end of the telescoping support away from the base is supported a mount and a trim panel. The trim panel is positionable relative to the mount and capable of retaining picture between the panel and mount. The telescoping support supports a load defined by the mount, trim panel, and picture at a plurality of telescopically extended positions.

[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a picture frame system comprises a base with a plurality of telescoping supports. Each one of the supports comprises at least first and second coaxially joined tubes. At an end of each support remote from the base is supported 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 telescoping support supports a load defined by the mount, trim panel, and picture at a plurality of telescopically extended positions.

[0007] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a picture frame system comprises a base with a plurality of telescoping supports, each support being comprised of at least first and second coaxially joined tubes, as described above. Further, each support has an axial length, as measured between the base and the mount, which may be different from at least one of the other supports.

[0008] In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a picture frame system comprises a base with at least one telescoping support. At an end of the support 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.

[0009] 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 the picture frame system of FIG. 1;

[0012] FIG. 3a is an enlarged exploded perspective view taken along detail 3 of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 3b is an enlarged exploded perspective view of an alternate arrangement taken along detail 3 of FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 4a is an enlarged exploded perspective view taken along detail 4 of FIG. 1; and

[0015] FIG. 4b is a enlarged exploded perspective view taken along detail 4 of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] 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 telescoping support 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.

[0017] 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 of the base 20 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.

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a second telescoping support 130; however, the invention is not so limited. Rather, a single support 30 or multiple supports 30, 130, etc. can be provided within the scope of the present invention.

[0019] The telescoping support 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 preference by presenting their picture in a position which is aesthetically pleasing to themselves, as well as other viewers. Embodiments comprised of multiple telescoping supports 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.

[0020] The support 30 comprises at least a first tube 32 and a second tube 34 that are axially moveable relative to each other. Each tube extends in an axial direction between first and second ends. An exemplary support, as illustrated in FIG. 1, has the first and second tubes joined coaxially for telescopically slideable movement and interconnection. This configuration allows the second tube to axially move relative to the first tube, and thereby position the mount 40 in a plurality of extended positions. One or more intermediate tubes 36 can be coaxially joined between the first and second tubes 32, 34, to provide for further extended positions of the mount 40 that are more remote from base 20.

[0021] The term tube, as used herein, refers to hollow tubes with solid walls, hollow tubes with non-solid walls (e.g., woven or spiral walls), or solid tubes. Spiral tubes--e.g., rigid springs--may be used to form the telescoping support. In such an embodiment, the internal diameter of one spiral tube is sized to accept the external diameter of another thereby permitting axial displacement of one tube relative to the other (even by twisting). Additionally, combinations of hollow and solid tubes may be selectively combined to form the telescoping support. Further, the joining of the tubes is not limited to the implementation illustrated in the Figures. For example, an embodiment may have the diameter of second tube 34 being greater than the diameter first tube 32, and the first tube being coaxially joined within the second tube. Other cross sections or constructions of telescoping supports are also possible.

[0022] In a first embodiment, the telescoping support 30 is coupled to the base 20 by a first end portion of tube 32 being inserted within aperture 26 of FIG. 3a. FIG. 3b depicts an alternative coupling arrangement in which the telescoping support is more preferably arranged to articulate relative to the base. In FIG. 3b, this articulation is achieved by using a stem 24 which extends from base 20 and which has a bifurcated end, opposite the base, which is sized to receive an axially flat protrusion 33 at a first end portion of tube 32. The support 30 and base 20 can be coupled in other ways. For example, tube 32 and stem 24 may each have a single, off-centered, flat protrusion. Collar 22 is slideably positioned to provide stability to the picture frame system over a range of articulated positions.

[0023] With reference to FIG. 1, a remote portion of tube 32 is telescopingly joined with the second tube 34 (directly or via intermediate tubes). An end portion of second tube 34, remote from the end portion joined with the tube 32, is connected to a mount 40 which has picture 60 seated thereon. The telescoping support 30 has sufficient rigidity to support a load imposed by the mount 40, the trim panel 50, and the picture 60. This rigid support permits a user to freely position the 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 telescoping support 30 to sag or otherwise change its position from that selected by the user.

[0024] A series of arrows in FIG. 1 illustrate a few of the arbitrary movements that can be imparted to the support 30 and the mount 40. Movements indicated by arrow A can be imparted directly to the support 30 by users grasping the support and telescoping the tubes with their hands. Other ways of positioning the picture include grasping the mount 40 and rotating the mount as indicated by arrows B and C, or grasping the support 30 and rotating the support as indicated by arrows D, as illustrated in FIG. 3b.

[0025] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a preferred mount 40 for the picture 60 comprises a planer member 42 with proximal and distal sides (picture 60 being seated on the proximal side) and a planer trim panel 50 which has a surface 52 that is brought into contact or proximity with the planar member 42. The mount further comprises a bracket 44 in secure contact with the distal side of planar member 42 for joining the planar member with the second end portion of the support.

[0026] FIG. 4a illustrates an embodiment of bracket 44 and its connection to support 30. Bracket 44 is comprised of a pair of complimentary L-shaped arms 46 bonded to the distal side of planar member 42. On a leg not bonded to the planar member, each L-shaped arm has a clearance hole. The portion of support 30 near mount 40 is formed into an axially flat protrusion 35, also having a clearance hole. The bracket 44 is connected to the support by a screw passing through each of the clearance holes. This configuration permits the planar member to be moved in the directions indicated by arrows C of FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 4b shows an alternate bracket 45. A split ring socket 47, with a thumb screw, is bonded to the distal side of planar member 42. The telescoping support terminates into a ball 37. This ball and socket configuration imparts all three degrees of motion to mount 40 relative to support 30. Soldering or other bonding methods (e.g., rivets, welding, adhesives, etc.) can be used to connect bracket 44, 45 to the planar member.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] As noted above, plural telescoping supports 30, 130, etc. can be provided and supported from a common base 20. When plural supports are provided, each support 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.

[0031] 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 telescoping support comprising at least a first tube and a second tube, the first tube having a first end coupled to the base, and the second tube being coaxially joined to the first tube; said second tube axially movable relative to the first tube so as to locate a remote portion of the second tube in a plurality of telescopically extended positions; a mount supported at the remote 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 telescoping support supports the load in said plurality of telescopically extended 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 2, wherein the first tube is coupled to the base by a stem extending from the base.

4. The picture frame system of claim 3, wherein the stem has a bifurcated end opposite the base; said first end of the first tube has an axially flat protrusion interconnecting with the bifurcated end; and wherein said telescopically extended positions are articulated.

5. 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.

6. The picture frame system of claim 5, wherein the magnetic portion of the trim panel comprises at least one magnet affixed to the trim panel.

7. The picture frame system of claim 6, wherein the magnetic portion of the trim panel comprises two or more magnets affixed to the trim panel.

8. The picture frame system of claim 1, wherein the second tube is coaxially joined to the first tube through at least one intermediate coaxially joined tubes.

9. 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.

10. The picture frame system of claim 9, wherein the pad comprises one of a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, a cork, a rubber, and a polymer.

11. A picture frame system, comprising: a base; a first telescoping support comprising at least a first and second tube, said first tube having a first end coupled to the base, and the second tube being coaxially joined to the first tube; a second telescoping support comprising at least a first and second tube, said first tube having a first end coupled to the base, and the second tube being coaxially joined to the first tube of the second telescoping support; each said respective second tube being axially moveable relative to said each respective first tube so as to locate a remote portion of said each respective second tube in a plurality of telescopically extended positions; a mount supported at said each respective remote portion; and a trim panel positionable relative to each mount for retaining a picture between the trim panel and the mount, wherein each mount, trim panel and picture define respective loads for the first and second telescoping support and wherein each telescoping support supports a respective one of the loads in said respective plurality of telescopically extended positions.

12. The picture frame system of claim 11, wherein the first and second telescoping support each have a respective axial length as measured between the base and the end remote from the stem and wherein the axial lengths of the first and second telescoping support differ from one another.

13. The picture frame system of claim 11, 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.

14. The picture frame system of claim 13, wherein the first tube of said each respective telescoping support is coupled to the base by a respective stem extending from the base.

15. The picture frame system of claim 14, wherein said each respective stem has a bifurcated end opposite the base; and each said respective first end of each first-tube has an axially flat protrusion interconnecting with the bifurcated end; and wherein said telescopically extended positions are articulated.

16. The picture frame system of claim 11, 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.

17. The picture frame system of claim 16, wherein the magnetic portion of each trim panel comprises at least one magnet affixed to the trim panel.

18. The picture frame system of claim 16, wherein the magnetic portion of each trim panel comprises two or more magnets.

19. The picture frame system of claim 11, wherein each said respective second tube is coaxially joined to each said respective first tube through at least one respective intermediate coaxially joined tube.

20. The picture frame system of claim 15, further comprising first and second collars slideably positioned over the telescoping supports; wherein said collars slide over the stem and impart stability to the telescoping support.

21. The picture frame system of claim 11, further comprising a pad attached to the base for protecting a surface upon which the base may be seated.

22. The picture frame system of claim 21, wherein the pad comprises one of a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, a cork, a rubber, and a polymer.

23. A picture frame system, comprising: a base; a telescoping support having a first portion coupled to the base; a mount supported by a second portion of the telescoping support 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.

24. The picture frame system of claim 23, further comprising: a second telescoping support having a first portion coupled to the base; a second mount supported at a second portion of the second telescoping support 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.

25. The picture frame system of claim 24, wherein the telescoping support has a first axial length as measured between the base and an end remote from the base and the second telescoping support has a second axial length as measured between the base and an end thereof remote from the base, and wherein the first and second axial lengths differ from one another.