U.S. patent application number 11/377917 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-22 for picture frame.
Invention is credited to Suppawat Kosumsuppamala, Mark Vanderberg.
Application Number | 20070062088 11/377917 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36588931 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070062088 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vanderberg; Mark ; et
al. |
March 22, 2007 |
Picture frame
Abstract
A picture frame that is balanced when displayed in either of two
possible display orientations. The picture frame may include a
framework forming a perimeter of the frame, a first wall mounting
device disposed along a first side of the framework, a second wall
mounting device disposed along a second side of the framework
adjacent to the first side, an asymmetric rear support connected to
the framework, and a support bracket removably connectable to the
rear support. The asymmetric rear support is configured such that
the center of gravity substantially corresponds to or aligns with
the geometric center of the frame such that the frame is balanced
when mounted on a substantially vertically surface (e.g., a wall)
from either the first or the second wall mounting devices. The
framework may also be configured to provide two alternative display
perspectives of two alternatively-sized pictures.
Inventors: |
Vanderberg; Mark; (Round
Rock, TX) ; Kosumsuppamala; Suppawat; (Austin,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DINSMORE & SHOHL LLP;One Dayton Centre
Suite 1300
One South Main Street
Dayton
OH
45402-2023
US
|
Family ID: |
36588931 |
Appl. No.: |
11/377917 |
Filed: |
March 16, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60663544 |
Mar 18, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
40/746 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 1/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
040/746 |
International
Class: |
A47G 1/16 20060101
A47G001/16 |
Claims
1. A picture frame, comprising: a framework forming a perimeter of
said frame; a first wall mounting device disposed along a first
side of said framework; a second wall mounting device disposed
along a second side of said framework adjacent to said first side;
and an asymmetric rear support connected to said framework and
configured such that the center of gravity of said frame
substantially corresponds to the geometric center of said frame
such that said frame is balanced when mounted on a substantially
vertical surface from either said first or second wall mounting
devices.
2. The frame according to claim 1, wherein said rear support is
configured to mount a picture thereon and within said
framework.
3. The frame according to claim 2, wherein said framework is
configured to allow a transparent cover to be mounted thereon.
4. The frame according to claim 1, wherein said frame is configured
to alternatively mount two different sized pictures therein.
5. The frame according to claim 1, wherein said framework comprises
an upper mounting surface configured to mount a picture thereon;
and a plurality of side panels extending outwardly from an outer
periphery of said rear support to said upper mounting surface.
6. The frame according to claim 5, wherein said frame is configured
to mount a picture of one size on said rear support and a picture
of a different size on said upper mounting surface.
7. The frame according to claim 5, wherein said upper mounting
surface comprises a ridge extending upwardly from a perimeter edge
of said upper mounting surface; and an upper overhanging lip
extending inwardly from said ridge, wherein said upper overhanging
lip is configured to hold a transparent cover within said
frame.
8. The frame according to claim 1, wherein said rear support
includes at least one aperture configured to enable a user's hand
to extend therethrough to dislodge a picture mounted on said rear
support.
9. The frame according to claim 1, wherein said rear support is
curvilinear to provide said frame with additional flexibility in
order to facilitate insertion and removal of a transparent cover
over a picture mounted on said frame.
10. The frame according to claim 1, wherein said framework has four
sides and said rear support is connected to all of said sides of
said framework.
11. The frame according to claim 3, wherein at least one slot is
provided along a portion of said framework, said at least one slot
configured to provide flexibility in order to facilitate insertion
and removal of a transparent cover from said frame.
12. The framework according to claim 1, wherein said frame is
configured to mount a rectangular picture therein, and further
wherein said first wall mounting device is configured to mount said
frame in a portrait display orientation on a wall; said second wall
mounting device is configured to mount said frame in a landscape
display orientation on a wall; and said rear support is configured
such that said frame does not tilt when mounted in either of said
portrait or landscape orientations.
13. The frame according to claim 1, wherein said first and second
wall mounting devices are keyhole-shaped.
14. The frame according to claim 1, further comprising a support
bracket removably connectable to said frame and configured to
support said frame on a substantially horizontal surface when
connected to said frame.
15. A picture frame, comprising: a framework forming a perimeter of
said frame; a first wall mounting device disposed along a first
side of said framework; a second wall mounting device disposed
along a second side of said framework adjacent to said first side;
and a transparent cover removably mounted in said framework, said
frame configured such that said cover may be mounted over a picture
mounted in said framework; wherein said framework includes at least
one slot along said framework to provide flexibility to said
framework to ease the insertion and removal of said cover from said
framework.
16. The frame according to claim 15, wherein said framework
includes four sides and said at least one slot comprises a slot
disposed along a portion of each of said sides.
17. A picture frame configured to mount either a picture in a
high-profile display perspective or a picture in a shadow box
display perspective, comprising: a framework forming a perimeter of
said frame and configured to mount a picture thereon in said
high-profile display perspective; and a rear support connected to
and disposed within said framework, said support configured to
mount a second picture thereon in said shadow box display
perspective.
18. The frame according to claim 17, wherein said framework
comprises an upper mounting surface configured to mount a picture
thereon in said high profile display perspective; and a plurality
of side panels extending outwardly from an outer periphery of said
rear support to said upper mounting surface.
19. The frame according to claim 17, wherein said frame is
configured to mount a rectangular picture therein, and further
wherein said frame comprises a first wall mounting device disposed
along a first side of said framework and configured to mount said
frame in a portrait display orientation on a surface; a second wall
mounting device disposed along a second side of said framework
adjacent to said first side and configured to mount said frame in a
landscape display orientation on a surface.
20. The frame according to claim 19, wherein said rear support is
asymmetric and configured such that the center of gravity of said
frame substantially aligns to the geometric center of said frame
such that said frame is balanced when mounted from either said
first or second mounting devices.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/663,544, filed Mar. 18,
2005.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to improved picture
frames. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
balanced picture frame that is mountable upon a surface (e.g.,
wall) in two alternative display orientations and/or
perspectives.
[0003] Many conventional picture frames are designed to enable a
user to mount or hang the picture frame in either a horizontal or
vertical orientation on a wall. Also, many of these picture frames
are not square or circular shaped, but rectangular or oval shaped.
In other words, one set of sides of the frame are longer than the
other set of sides (e.g., 5''.times.7'' frame, etc.). Such picture
frames generally include a first mounting device along one side of
the frame (e.g., a short side) and a second mounting device along
an adjacent side of the frame (e.g., a long side), enabling the
frame to be mounted from either of the mounting devices. Using a
rectangular shape frame as an example, when the picture frame is
mounted on a wall from a first mounting device on a short frame
side, its shorter sides are oriented substantially horizontal and
longer sides are oriented substantially vertical. This is what is
commonly known as a portrait orientation. If the picture frame is
turned approximately 90 degrees from the portrait orientation and
mounted on the wall from a second mounting device on a long frame
side, the picture frame's longer sides are substantially horizontal
and shorter sides are substantially vertical. This is what is
commonly known as a landscape orientation.
[0004] In addition, generally each picture frame is designed to
hold and display a specific sized picture. Moreover, each frame
only offers a user the ability to display a picture in one display
perspective. Thus, if a user wanted to changed the size of picture
being displayed or display perspective, the user would have to
change the picture frame as well. Accordingly, a need still exists
for an improved picture frame.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Accordingly, the present invention is intended to address
and obviate problems and shortcomings and otherwise improve
previous picture frames.
[0006] One exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a
picture frame that includes a framework forming a perimeter of the
frame. A first wall mounting device is disposed along a first side
of the framework, and a second wall mounting device is disposed
along a second side of the framework adjacent to the first side.
The frame also includes an asymmetric rear support connected to the
framework and configured such that the center of gravity of the
frame substantially corresponds to the geometric center of the
frame. When the center of gravity substantially corresponds to the
geometric center of the frame, the frame is balanced such that when
mounted on a wall from either the first or second wall mounting
devices it will not tilt to one side.
[0007] Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention
provides a picture frame that includes a framework forming a
perimeter of the frame, a first wall mounting device disposed along
a first side of the framework, a second wall mounting device
disposed along a second side of the framework adjacent to the first
side, and a transparent cover removably mounted in the framework.
The frame is configured such that the cover may be mounted over a
picture positioned in the framework. The framework also includes at
least one slot along the framework to provide flexibility to it to
ease the insertion and removal of the cover from the framework.
[0008] Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention
provides a picture frame configured to mount either a picture in a
high-profile orientation or a picture in a shadow box orientation.
The frame includes a framework forming a perimeter of the frame and
a rear support connected to and disposed within the framework. The
framework is configured to mount a picture thereon in the
high-profile orientation while the rear support is configured to
mount a second picture thereon in the shadow box orientation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] While the specification concludes with claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, embodiments of
the invention will be better understood from the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front plan view of an exemplary embodiment of
the picture frame according to the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective front view of the frame illustrated
in FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective front view of the frame illustrated
in FIG. 2 taken along line A-A;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective rear view of the frame illustrated
in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective rear view of the frame illustrated
in FIG. 4 taken along line B-B;
[0015] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of another exemplary
embodiment of the picture frame according to the present invention,
showing the frame having a picture mounted in a high profile
display orientation
[0016] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the frame illustrated in
FIG. 6A, showing the frame having a picture mounted in a shadow box
display orientation;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a front plan view of the frame illustrated in FIG.
6A;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective front view of the frame illustrated
in FIG. 6A;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the frame illustrated in
FIG. 8 at Detail A;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective front view taken along line A-A of
the frame illustrated in FIG. 8;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the frame illustrated in
FIG. 8 at Detail B; and
[0022] FIG. 12 is a perspective rear view of the frame illustrated
in FIG. 6A.
[0023] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative
in nature and not intended to be limiting of the invention which is
defined by the claims. Moreover, individual features illustrated in
the drawings will be more fully apparent and understood with
reference to the following detailed description.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0024] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments
of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals indicate similar
elements throughout the views.
[0025] The present invention provides a balanced picture frame
capable of being mounted (e.g., hung) upon a surface (e.g., a wall)
in two alternative display orientations (e.g., portrait or
landscape) without tilting to either side. The picture frame of the
present invention may also be configured to enable one frame to
provide two alternative display perspectives: a high profile
display perspective of a picture; and a shadow box display
perspective. This frame may also offer a user a choice between two
different sized pictures that may be displayed within the frame.
Additionally, the frame of the present invention may be designed to
include additional flexibility to improve the insertion and removal
of a glass or plastic cover from the frame.
[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, an exemplary embodiment of a picture
frame 10 of the present invention is shown as generally including a
framework 20 defining the outer perimeter of frame 10, a first wall
mounting device 40, a second wall mounting device 42, a rear
support 30 connected to framework 20, and a support bracket 50
removably connectable to rear support 30 and/or framework 20. Frame
10 and any or all of its components may be fabricated from a
variety of materials such as plastics, metals, composites, or any
combination thereof, using a variety of methods such as injection
molding, thermoforming, etc. In the exemplary embodiment, frame 10,
including framework 20 and rear support 30, are fabricated from a
somewhat flexible plastic material such as polycarbonate,
polystyrene, or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene ("ABS"), using an
injection molding process.
[0027] In the exemplary embodiment, framework 20 includes four
sides 21, 23, 25, and 27 defining a rectangular shape, wherein
sides 21 and 25 have a greater length than sides 23 and 27.
Framework 20 may also include overhanging lips 22 disposed along
portions of outer edges 24 of at least two of the four sides of
framework 20 that extend inwardly from outer edges 24. In the
exemplary embodiment, overhanging lips 22 do not extend into the
corners of framework 20. However, it is understood that overhanging
lips 22 may extend into the corners. After a picture or photograph
is placed within the front of framework 20, a glass or plastic
cover (not shown) is positioned over the picture between rear
support 30 and overhanging lips 22. Overhanging lips 22 hold the
glass or plastic cover within framework 20. To facilitate easy
insertion and removal of the cover from framework 20, a user may
hold framework 20 at opposite corners (e.g., corners 11 and 13) and
bend framework 20 backwards, allowing the cover to slide between
rear support 30 and overhanging lips 122. Once the cover is in
place, the user may release the framework corners (e.g., corners 11
and 13), permitting the framework to resume its original shape. It
is understood that framework 20 may comprise a variety of shapes,
configurations, and sizes, including but not limited to
square-shaped, circular-shaped, oval-shaped, elliptical-shaped, or
any other shaped known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0028] Frame 10 may include a first wall mounting device 40
disposed along a first side of framework 20 (e.g., side 23). A
second wall mounting device 42 may be disposed along a second side
of framework 20 (e.g., side 25) adjacent to the first side. First
and second wall mounting devices 40 and 42 enable frame 10 to be
mounted upon a surface such as a wall from either the first or
second wall mounting device. In the exemplary embodiment shown,
when frame 10 is mounted upon a wall from first mounting device 40,
frame 10 is mounted in a portrait display orientation. In other
words, longer sides 21 and 25 are disposed in a substantially
vertical orientation, and shorter sides 23 and 27 are disposed in a
substantially horizontal orientation. Alternatively, when frame 10
is mounted upon a wall from second mounting device 42, frame 10 is
mounted in a landscape display orientation. In other words, shorter
sides 23 and 27 are disposed in a substantially vertical
orientation, and longer sides 21 and 25 are disposed in a
substantially horizontal orientation as shown in FIG. 1.
[0029] Any conventional or yet-to-be developed methods or devices
known to one of ordinary skill in the art may be used for first and
second wall mounting devices 40 and 42. Additionally, the mounting
devices may be formed, attached or connected to frame 10 in a
variety of methods as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. In
the exemplary embodiment, first and second mounting devices 40 and
42 are keyhole-type mounting apertures that are molded or formed
into rear support 30 along first and second sides 23 and 25,
respectively. The exemplary keyhole-type apertures comprise an
aperture with two ends having a first diameter and a middle portion
having a second diameter larger than the first diameter.
Optionally, first and second wall mounting devices 40 and 42 may
include small protrusions 48 that extend from an aperture face 49
and are positioned partially along both sides of each of the
apertures to assist in holding support bracket 50 (discussed later
herein) connected to frame 10.
[0030] In the exemplary embodiment, rear support 30 is connected to
framework 20. The rear support may be asymmetric and configured in
order to position the center of gravity of frame 10 at
substantially the geometric center of frame 10 (e.g., center of
gravity of the frame is in partial or complete alignment with the
geometric center of the frame). When the center of gravity of frame
10 substantially aligns or corresponds with the frame's geometric
center, it provides a balanced frame. As a balanced frame, frame 10
may be mounted in either the portrait display orientation (from
aperture 40) or the landscaped display orientation (from aperture
42), and the frame will not tilt to one side (substantially
horizontal). For example, as a balanced frame, when mounted upon a
wall from either first or second mounting device 40 or 42, the
frame's bottom side (either side 27 or 21, respectively) will be
substantially parallel to the floor.
[0031] To substantially align the center of gravity with the
geometric center in the exemplary embodiment, the rear support's
configuration is designed to counterbalance the additional weight
of first and second wall mounting devices 40 and 42. In addition,
the weight and location of attached support bracket 50 (discussed
later herein) is accounted for in this weight-balancing calculation
in order for frame 10 to be balanced even with support bracket 50
attached to it (FIG. 1). Since the shape and configuration of rear
support 30 is manipulated to balance frame 10, the shape and
configuration of the rear support will vary depending upon the
shape and weight distribution of frame 10. In addition, rear
support 30 may also be configured to provide additional flexibility
to frame 10.
[0032] In the exemplary embodiment shown, rear support 30 comprises
a curvilinear shape that connects to all four sides (21, 23, 25,
and 27) of framework 20. However, it is understood that rear
support 30 may be connected to less than four sides of framework
20. Rear support may also comprise one or more holes disposed
within it (e.g., first, second, and third rear support holes 60,
61, and 62, respectively) to assist in balancing the weight of
frame 10. The curvilinear shape of the rear support not only
assists in balancing the frame but also provides frame 10 with
additional flexibility. Such additional flexibility eases the
insertion and removal of the cover from framework 20 as described
above. In addition, one or more of the holes (e.g., first rear
support hole 60) may be of sufficient size that a user's hand may
extend from the back of frame 10 through rear support 30 to
dislodge a picture (not shown) mounted upon a front mounting face
32 of rear support 30.
[0033] FIGS. 4 and 5 show a rear view of the exemplary embodiment
of frame 10. Any number of the sides of framework 20 may include
slots 26 disposed within and along a portion of a rear surface 28
of the sides. Such slots are fabricated within framework 20 to
provide framework 20 with additional flexibility in order to bend
for easier insertion and/or removal of a glass or plastic cover
from frame 10 as described above. In the exemplary embodiment,
slots 26 do not extend into the corners of framework 20. However,
it is understood that slots 26 may extend into one or more of the
corners.
[0034] Support bracket 50 may comprise any number of shapes and
configurations, but is shown in this exemplary embodiment as
substantially triangular-shaped. Support bracket 50 removably
connects to rear support 30 to support frame 10 in a substantially
upright position on a horizontal and/or flat surface (e.g., a
table). In the exemplary embodiment shown, support bracket 50
includes a first pin 52 disposed along one side of support bracket
50 and a second pin 54 positioned below first pin 52 to facilitate
the support bracket's 50 easy connection and disconnection to frame
10. In addition, rear support 30 may optionally include a notch 44
positioned below each of first and second wall mounting devices 40
and 42 along a rear face 34 of rear support 30. Notch 44 may
include three sides 44a, 44b, and 44c that partially encompass a
space 45. Second pin 54 may include a distal end 55 and is
substantially L-shaped (e.g., 90 degree angle).
[0035] Support bracket 50 is positioned adjacent rear support 30
such that first pin 52 inserts into space 45 and second pin 54
inserts into either of the apertures of the first or second
mounting devices 40 or 42, respectively. Once the pins are inserted
into the space 45 and one of the apertures of the wall mounting
devices, support bracket 50 may be slid, locking rear support 30
between first distal end 55 of second pin 54 and support bracket 50
and resting first pin 52 against first pin side 44b. To remove
support bracket 50, the process described above may be
reversed.
[0036] In addition, frame 10 may be fabricated such that support
bracket 50 may be removably connected to framework 20 via breakable
tabs 58 (FIG. 1) and positioned within a hole (e.g., hole 60) of
rear support 30. This allows frame 10 and support bracket 50 to be
distributed and sold as one integral unit, enabling a user to
decide whether to mount the frame on a vertical surface (e.g., a
wall) using one of the wall mounting devices or on a horizontal
surface (e.g., a table) using support bracket 50. If the user
chooses the former, support bracket 50 may remain connected to rear
support 30 and frame 10 may be mounted upon a wall from either
first or second wall mounting devices 40 and 42 without tilting to
one side because the frame is balanced. If the user chooses the
latter, the user just removes support bracket 50 from rear support
30 by breaking the breakable tabs and connects support bracket 50
to rear support 30 as described above. The support bracket also
allows the frame to be supported in either a portrait or landscape
display orientation along the substantially horizontal surface
(e.g., table).
[0037] It is understood that bracket 50 may be configured to be
re-attachable to framework 20 even after it has been removed from
framework 20 once. Also, frame 10 may be designed to be balanced
whether support bracket 50 is attached or un-attached to framework
20. Such design options provide a user with multiple use options
for frame 10.
[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 6A-12, another exemplary embodiment
of a picture frame of the present invention is shown as frame 100.
Frame 100 is designed to provide a user two alternative display
perspectives: a high profile display perspective of a picture of a
first size (FIG. 6A); and a shadow box display perspective of a
picture of a size different from the first size (FIG. 6B). The high
profile display perspective of a picture 110 produces an image,
wherein picture 110 appears to be suspended away or spaced apart
from a wall 200 as shown in FIG. 6A. This high profile perspective
accommodates a larger picture, for example, an 8''.times.10''
picture. The picture displayed in this high profile perspective is
similar to an image provided by a flat screen television.
Alternatively, the shadow box display perspective of picture 112
shown in FIG. 6B accommodates a smaller picture (e.g., a
5''.times.7'') relative to picture 110. This display perspective
positions the picture rearwardly from a glass or plastic cover 114
and close to wall 200.
[0039] Frame 100 may include all of the same components as the
first exemplary embodiment shown and described above (FIGS. 1-5).
In addition, frame 100 may be fabricated using the same materials
and methods as the first exemplary embodiment. For example,
referring to FIG. 7, frame 100 may include a framework 120 defining
a perimeter of frame 100, a first wall mounting device 140 disposed
along a first side (e.g., 123) of framework 120, a second wall
mounting device 142 disposed along a second side (e.g., 125) of
framework 120 adjacent to the first side, a rear support 130
connected to framework 120, and a support bracket 150 removably
connectable to rear support 130. Similar to the first exemplary
embodiment, first and second wall mounting devices 140 and 142
comprise keyhole-type apertures that are molded or formed in rear
support 130. First and second wall mounting devices 140 and 142 may
also include small protrusions 148 that extend from an aperture
face 149 along both sides of each of the apertures to assist in
connecting support bracket 150 to rear support 130.
[0040] Framework 120 may also include four sides 121, 123, 125, and
127 that extend outwardly from an outer periphery 131 of rear
support 130. In this exemplary embodiment, the sides extend
outwardly from outer periphery 131 at an angle equal to or greater
than 90 degrees from rear support 130 and may be curved outwardly
as shown in FIG. 10. An upper mounting face 124 may be disposed
along each of the sides opposite outer periphery 131. Upper
mounting face 124 is configured to permit picture 112 to be mounted
thereon in the high profile perspective. For example, upper
mounting face 124 is positioned such that it is substantially
parallel to wall 200. In addition, a ridge 129 extends vertically
away from an outer edge 135 of upper face 124 and includes an upper
overhanging lip 122 that extends inwardly in a substantially
horizontal plane as shown in FIG. 11. Upper overhanging lips 122
may or may not extend into the corners of framework 120.
[0041] As described above, after a picture is placed within the
front of framework 20 and mounted onto upper mounting face 124, a
glass (or plastic) cover 114 is held (snapped) within framework 120
between upper overhanging lips 122 and upper mounting face 124. To
facilitate easy insertion and removal of cover 114 from framework
120, a user may hold framework 120 at opposite corners (e.g.,
corners 111 and 113) and bend framework 120 backwards, allowing the
cover to slide between the upper overhanging lips and upper
mounting face 124. Once cover 114 is in place, the user may release
the framework corners, permitting frame 120 to resume its original
shape. It is understood that framework 120 may comprise a variety
of shapes, configurations, and sizes, including but not limited to
square-shaped, circular-shaped, oval-shaped, elliptical-shaped, or
any other shaped known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0042] Rear support 130 includes outer periphery 131 and a lower
mounting face 132, wherein picture 110 may be mounted thereon in
the shadow box display perspective. Outer periphery 131 may be
partially or completely connected to framework 120. In this
embodiment, sides 123 and 127 are connected to outer periphery 131,
wherein sides 121 and 125 are not connected to outer periphery 131.
Because sides 121 and 125 are not connected to outer periphery 131,
slots 128 are provided between sides (121, 125) and outer periphery
131. Slots 128 are disposed completely through the rear support and
provide frame 10 with additional flexibility that eases the
insertion and removal of cover 114 from framework 120.
[0043] As described above in reference to the first exemplary
embodiment, rear support 130 in this exemplary embodiment may also
be asymmetric and configured such that the center of gravity of
frame 100 substantially aligns or corresponds with the geometric
center of frame 100 (e.g., center of gravity is in partial or
complete alignment with the geometric center of the frame) such
that frame 100 is balanced. The configuration of rear support 130
also accounts for the weight and location of attached support
bracket 150 to ensure the frame is balanced with the bracket
attached to within hole 160 of rear support 130. As described
above, when balanced, frame 100 will not tilt to one side when
mounted on a wall from either one of the wall mounting devices.
[0044] In this particular embodiment, the curvilinear shape of rear
support 130 and first, second, and third support holes 160, 161,
and 162, respectively, assist in providing this substantial
alignment and thus a balanced frame. In addition, the curvilinear
shape provides for additional flexibility to frame 100 to assist
with the insertion and removal of cover 114 from frame 100 without
cracking or breaking cover 114. One or more of the holes (e.g.,
162) may be of sufficient size such that a user's hand may extend
from the back of frame 100 through rear support 130 to dislodge a
picture (e.g., 110) mounted within frame 100.
[0045] At the lower ends of at least two of the sides (e.g., sides
121 and 125), a lower overhanging lip 136 may extend inwardly along
a substantially horizontal plane from the sides such that lower
overhanging lips 136 overhangs a portion of outer periphery 131. In
this exemplary embodiment, lower overhanging lips 136 extend into
the corners of the sides and partially around onto the adjacent
sides (e.g., sides 123 and 127) as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9. In the
exemplary embodiment, lower overhanging lips 136 do not extend
completely around outer periphery 131. In order to install picture
110 in the shadow box perspective, picture 110 is placed upon lower
mounting face 132 with its corners of the picture positioned
between lower overhanging lips 136 and lower mounting surface 132.
Once installed, cover 114 is placed between upon upper mounting
face 124 and upper overhanging lips 122 in the same manner
described above. As shown in FIG. 9, lower overhanging lips 136 may
comprise an ornamental design such as leaves, flowers, etc.
[0046] Support bracket 150 may comprise any number of shapes and
configurations without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention but is shown in this exemplary embodiment as
substantially triangular-shaped. Support bracket 150 may include a
first pin 152 disposed along one side of support bracket 150 and a
second pin 154 positioned below first pin 152 to facilitate the
support bracket's 150 easy connection and disconnection to frame
100. Rear support 130 may optionally include a notch 144 positioned
below each of first and second wall mounting devices 140 and 142
along a rear face 134 of rear support 130. In this exemplary
embodiment, notch 144 is the same as described above for the first
exemplary embodiment. Second pin 154 is substantially L-shaped or
bends at a 90 degree angle to allow support bracket 150 to lock
into place on rear support 130. Similar to the first exemplary
embodiment, support bracket 150 of this exemplary embodiment is
positioned adjacent to rear support 130 such that first pin 152
inserts into notch 144 and second pin 154 inserts into either the
first or second wall mounting devices (140, 142). Once the pins are
inserted into notch 144 and the wall mounting device, support
bracket 150 may be slid counter to rear support 130 to lock rear
support 130 between second pin 154 and support bracket 150 and to
rest first pin 152 within notch 144. To remove support bracket 150,
the process described above may be reversed.
[0047] Frame 100 may be fabricated such that support bracket 150 is
removably connected to rear support 130 via breakable tabs 158
(FIG. 7) and positioned within one of rear support holes (e.g.,
hole 160). This permits frame 100 and support bracket 150 to be
distributed and sold as one integral unit, enabling a user to
decide whether to mount the frame on a substantially vertical
surface such as a wall using one of the wall mounting devices or to
mount the frame on a substantially horizontal surface such as a
table using support bracket 150. If the user chooses the former,
frame 100 is configured to be balanced even with support bracket
150 connected to rear support 130. Thus, frame 100 may be is
mounted (hung) upon a substantially vertical surface (e.g., a wall)
in either the portrait or landscaped orientation with support
bracket 150 still connected, and frame 100 will not tilt to one
side. If the user chooses the latter, the user just removes support
bracket 150 from rear support 130 by breaking the breakable tabs
and connects support bracket 150 to rear support 130 as described
above. The support bracket allows the frame to also be supported
upon a substantially horizontal surface (e.g., a table) in either
the portrait or landscape orientations. Similar to the first
embodiment, this embodiment of the frame may also be configured to
be balanced with or without support bracket 150 being attached to
frame 100.
[0048] All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the
Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference;
the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission
that it is prior art with respect to the present invention.
[0049] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
a-all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
* * * * *