U.S. patent application number 13/106404 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-15 for picture frames.
This patent application is currently assigned to Design Ideas, Ltd.. Invention is credited to Raoul GROSS, David HANAUER.
Application Number | 20120285060 13/106404 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47140880 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120285060 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GROSS; Raoul ; et
al. |
November 15, 2012 |
PICTURE FRAMES
Abstract
This invention is directed to picture frames. More particularly,
this invention is directed to one or more picture frames with
flexible borders that can be coupled together in a variety of
configurations.
Inventors: |
GROSS; Raoul; (Esch/Alzette,
LU) ; HANAUER; David; (Munchen, DE) |
Assignee: |
Design Ideas, Ltd.
Springfield
IL
|
Family ID: |
47140880 |
Appl. No.: |
13/106404 |
Filed: |
May 12, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
40/711 ;
40/700 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 2001/005 20130101;
A47G 1/065 20130101; A47G 2001/0672 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
40/711 ;
40/700 |
International
Class: |
A47G 1/06 20060101
A47G001/06 |
Claims
1. A picture frame comprising: a flexible border; and, one or more
rigid panels, wherein said panels are capable of insertion into
said border.
2. The picture frame of claim 1 comprising two panels.
3. The picture frame of claim 1, wherein said border further
comprises one or more magnets.
4. The picture frame of claim 3, wherein said magnets are cube
shaped.
5. The picture frame of claim 3, wherein said border further
comprises an inside edge, wherein said inside edge further
comprises a recess.
6. The picture frame of claim 5, wherein said one or more magnets
are disposed in said inside edge.
7. The picture frame of claim 6, wherein said recess further
comprises one or more receptacles and wherein said magnets are
disposed in said receptacles.
8. The picture frame of claim 5, wherein said panels are capable of
insertion into said recess.
9. The picture frame of claim 8, wherein said panels are capable of
insertion into said recess by stretching said border around said
panels.
10. The picture frame of claim 8, wherein said border further
comprises an outside edge, and said picture frame is capable of
standing on a horizontal surface unaided on said outside edge.
11. The picture frame of claim 1, wherein said picture frame is
square in shape.
12. The picture frame of claim 11, wherein said picture frame is
rectangular in shape.
13. A plurality of picture frames comprising: a first picture
frame, wherein said first picture frame comprises: a first frame
flexible border, wherein said first frame flexible border further
comprises one or more first frame magnets; and, one or more first
frame rigid panels, wherein said first frame rigid panels are
capable of insertion into said first frame flexible border; and, a
second picture frame, wherein said second picture frame comprises:
a second frame flexible border, wherein said second frame flexible
border further comprises one or more second frame magnets; and, one
or more second frame rigid panels, wherein said second frame rigid
panels are capable of insertion into said second frame flexible
border.
14. The plurality of picture frames of claim 13, wherein said first
picture frame is capable of removably coupling to said second
picture frame.
15. The plurality of picture frames of claim 14, wherein said
coupling is enabled by a magnetic attraction between said one or
more first frame magnets and said one or more second frame
magnets.
16. The plurality of picture frames of claim 13, wherein said one
or more first frame magnets are capable of removably coupling to
said one or more second frame magnets.
17. The plurality of picture frames of claim 13, wherein said first
picture frame is square in shape and wherein said second picture
frame is square in shape.
18. The plurality of picture frames of claim 17, wherein said first
frame flexible border comprises four first frame corners and four
first frame sides and wherein said second frame flexible border
comprises four second frame corners and four second frame
sides.
19. The plurality of picture frames of claim 18, wherein said first
frame flexible border comprises four first frame magnets and
wherein said second frame flexible border comprises four second
frame magnets.
20. The plurality of picture frames of claim 19, wherein each of
said four first frame magnets are disposed in one of said first
frame corners and wherein each of said four second frame magnets
are disposed in one of said second frame corners.
21. The plurality of picture frames of claim 20, wherein at least
one of said four first frame magnets are capable of removably
coupling to at least one of said four second frame magnets.
22. The plurality of picture frames of claim 20, wherein said four
first frame magnets are capable of removably coupling to said four
second frame magnets.
23. The plurality of picture frames of claim 13, further
comprising: a third picture frame, wherein said third picture frame
comprises: a third frame flexible border, wherein said third frame
flexible border further comprises one or more third frame magnets;
and, one or more third frame rigid panels, wherein said third frame
rigid panels are capable of insertion into said third frame
flexible border.
24. The plurality of picture frames of claim 23, further
comprising: a fourth picture frame, wherein said fourth picture
frame comprises: a fourth frame flexible border, wherein said
fourth frame flexible border further comprises one or more fourth
frame magnets; and, one or more fourth frame rigid panels, wherein
said fourth frame rigid panels are capable of insertion into said
fourth frame flexible border.
25. A picture frame, comprising: a border having at least one
magnetic element therein; a pair of rigid panels for holding an
image document therebetween; wherein said border may be stretched
over said pair of rigid panels so as to hold same within said
border.
26. The picture frame of claim 25, wherein said border includes a
recess formed in an inner periphery thereof, said pair of rigid
panels fitting within said recess when said border is stretched
over said pair of rigid panels.
27. The picture frame of claim 25, further comprising a second
picture frame that is substantially the same as said picture frame,
whereby said second picture frame and said picture frame may be
coupled together by their respective magnetic elements.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention is directed generally to picture frames, and
more particularly to one or more picture frames that can be easily
coupled together in a wide variety of configurations, and which can
be rearranged quickly at will without the need for tools.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Picture frames are widely available in an assortment of
shapes, styles, and colors to display photos, drawings, artwork,
documents, and any other item that a person may wish to display.
Many of the picture frames available today, however, have
limitations. Some picture frames are heavy or contain sharp edges
and breakable glass. Some picture frames are constructed in such a
way that it is difficult to insert a photo or to swap out one photo
in place of another. Some picture frames are comprised of numerous
parts including hardware with which the user must contend in order
to use the picture frame. Some picture frames must be hung on a
wall and others require a stand to display the photo. Many picture
frames only allow a picture to be viewed from the front of the
frame. Many picture frames do not have a mechanism for attaching to
one or more other picture frames to make a collage, and even fewer
allow for the attachment to other picture frames in a variety of
configurations.
[0003] Thus, there is a need in the art for a picture frame that is
lightweight, safe, allows for easy insertion and removal of
pictures, can stand alone and display a picture from the front and
back, contains few parts and no hardware, and can be attached to
other picture frames in a variety of configurations easily, simply,
quickly and without the use of tools.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The invention relates to a picture frame with a flexible
border that allows for insertion of rigid panels containing one or
more image documents into the border. The picture frame may also
contain magnets for permitting attachment of the picture frame to
other picture frames. The invention also relates to a plurality of
picture frames comprising the above-mentioned elements. The
invention also relates to a picture frame with a border having
magnetic elements and a pair of rigid panels for holding an image
document, where the border may be stretched over the rigid panels
allowing the rigid panels to be held by the border.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] In the accompanying drawings that form a part of the
specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith, the
present invention is illustrated by way of example and not
limitation, with like reference numerals referring to like
elements, wherein:
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a picture frame of the
present invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the picture frame
shown in FIG. 1 containing two pictures.
[0008] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate examples of two possible magnet
configurations.
[0009] FIG. 4A illustrates the border of the picture frame depicted
in FIG. 1, showing a magnet removed from a receptacle on the inside
edge of the border.
[0010] FIG. 4B illustrates the border of the picture frame depicted
in FIG. 4A, showing the magnet disposed in the receptacle.
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the picture
frame shown in FIG. 4B.
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates the insertion of rigid panels into a
flexible border.
[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates the removal of rigid panels from a
flexible border.
[0014] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate the front and back respectively
of a single picture frame showing two different pictures.
[0015] FIGS. 9A-9P illustrate a variety of ways that two or more
picture frames can be configured.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The invention relates to a picture frame with a flexible
border that allows for insertion of rigid panels into the border.
The picture frame may also contain magnets for attachment to other
picture frames.
[0017] As used herein, the terms below are given the definitions
that follow. The definitions are supplied to provide clarity and
consistency and are not intended in any way to limit the scope of
the invention.
[0018] Picture Frame or Frame: an assembly for holding an item to
be displayed. The item is not limited to a picture, and can include
any item capable of being displayed in a frame.
[0019] Picture or Item to be Displayed or Image Document: an item
that can be displayed in a picture frame. The item is not limited
to a picture, and can include any item capable of being displayed
in a frame. Examples include, but are not limited to, a picture, a
photograph, a drawing, a poem, a certificate, a speech, a document,
or a mirror.
[0020] Border: the outside portion of the picture frame that
surrounds the window, rigid panels, or image document.
[0021] Window: the opening through which the image document is
displayed. The window is surrounded by the border.
[0022] Outside Edge: the portions of the border that are viewable
from a top view, a bottom view, a right view, and a left view. The
opposite of the inside edge.
[0023] Inside Edge: the portions of the border that surround the
window and are only viewable by perspective and cross-sectional
views. The opposite of the outside border.
[0024] Rigid Panel: a transparent or translucent plate that fits
into the window and through which a photo behind it can be
seen.
[0025] Recess: an indentation or groove within the inside edge that
holds the rigid panels in place.
[0026] Magnets or Magnetic Elements: materials or objects that
produce a magnetic field. Can include permanent magnets, magnetic
particles, or any other magnetized material.
[0027] Receptacle: a cavity in the border where a magnet may be
disposed.
[0028] The picture frame of the present invention includes a
flexible border disposed around a window and one or more rigid
panels that fit into the border and cover the window. The picture
frame may also contain one or more magnetic elements.
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a picture frame 100 of the
present invention. FIG. 1 illustrates a front right perspective
view of picture frame 100. Picture frame 100 can be any size or
shape. In FIG. 1, picture frame 100 is sized to hold a wallet sized
photograph, but picture frame 100 could be sized to hold any item
to be displayed, such as, for example, a larger photo, a smaller
photo, a square photo, a panoramic photo, a poster, a diploma, a
postcard, or it could be randomly sized. In FIG. 1, picture frame
100 is a square shape, and more specifically, picture frame 100 is
a rectangular shape, but picture frame 100 could be any shape, such
as, for example, a circle, a triangle, a star, a moon, a diamond,
or any other shape.
[0030] Picture frame 100 includes a border 110 which is a flexible
material that is disposed around a window 120 and is capable of
holding one or more rigid panels 130.
[0031] Border 110 can be made of any material capable of stretching
around rigid panel 130. By way of example, border 110 may be made
of silicone, plastic, rubber, PVC, polyurethane, or any other
flexible material. Border 110 may be black, white, clear, or any
color or combination of colors. Border 110 can have a pattern or it
can be plain. Border 110 can have a consistent color or pattern or
various portions of the border 110 can be of different colors or
patterns.
[0032] Rigid panel 130 can be made of any material capable of
retaining its shape and that is transparent enough to allow an
image to be seen through rigid panel 130. By way of example, rigid
panel 130 can be made of acrylic, Plexiglas.RTM., plastic, glass,
PVC, or any other suitable material. Rigid panel 130 can be
completely transparent or it can be translucent. Rigid panel 130
can be completely clear or it can be tinted with a color or etched
with a pattern. Rigid panel 130 may be replaced with a mirror. If
picture frame 100 contains more than one rigid panel 130, the
multiple rigid panels 130 can be the same or they can be different.
For example, one rigid panel 130 may be transparent and the other
rigid panel 130 may be translucent. In other examples, the panel
130 may be flexible or soft. By way of example, the panel 130 may
be made of polyurethane, plastic, resin, silicone, or any other
suitable material.
[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of picture frame 100 of
the present invention. FIG. 2 shows border 110 and window 120 in an
empty state (without image documents 210 or rigid panels 130 in
place). As will be described in more detail in subsequent figures,
border 110 contains an outside edge 220 and an inside edge 230.
Inside edge 230 contains a recess 240 that in this example extends
along the entire inside edge 230 of border 110. Recess 240 can be
any depth capable of holding rigid panels 130 in place and is of a
width capable of accommodating rigid panels 130 and one or more
image documents 210. In the example shown in FIG. 2, a first image
document 210a and a second image document 210b are sandwiched
between a first rigid panel 130a and a second rigid panel 130b. The
back of first image document 210a and the back of second image
document 210b are touching so that the front of each image document
is facing outwardly and can be seen respectively from the front and
back of picture frame 100. In another example (not shown), a single
two-sided image document may replace the two individual one-sided
image documents 210. The image documents can be any item capable of
being displayed in a frame, including, for example, but not limited
to pictures, photographs, drawings, poems, certificates, speeches,
documents, or mirrors.
[0034] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the front and back sides of
picture frame 100 are identical. In other examples (not shown) the
front and back sides could be different. For example, the window on
the front side may be a different shape than the window on the back
side, or the first rigid panel may be colored and the second rigid
panel may be clear, or the front of the picture frame may have a
window but the back may not have a window. In the last example, the
border may cover the entire back of the picture frame and lack a
window or the back panel could be replaced with another item such
as a mirror or an opaque panel, or a panel with a picture embedded
therein.
[0035] Picture frame 100 also contains one or more magnets 250. In
the example shown in FIG. 2, permanent magnets 250 are disposed
within receptacles 410 located in the recesses 240 (see detail in
FIG. 4A) in the inside edges of each of the four corners of border
110 (only one corner can be seen in FIG. 2).
[0036] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate examples of the positioning of
magnets 250. FIGS. 3A and 3B show the positioning of magnets 250
through a phantom view of the front of picture frame 100. In FIG.
3A magnets 250 in the upper left corner and the bottom right corner
are oriented so that the positive sides are facing front and
magnets 250 in the upper right corner and bottom left corner are
oriented so that the negative sides are facing front. The back of
the picture frame (not shown) would look the same. In FIG. 3B,
magnets 250 in the upper left corner and the bottom right corner
are oriented so that the negative sides are facing front and
magnets 250 in the upper right corner and bottom left corner are
oriented so that the positive sides are facing front. The back of
the picture frame (not shown) would look the same. These
arrangements, whereby the two positive sides are diagonal from each
other and the two negative sides are diagonal from each other,
allows each picture frame to connect with other picture frames
regardless their orientations, position, or arrangements.
[0037] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate the details of inside edge 230 of
border 110. More particularly, FIGS. 4A and 4B show inside edge 230
of border 110 and recess 240 contained in the inside edge 230. FIG.
4A shows a receptacle 410 for magnet 250 that fits therein. FIG. 4B
shows the same border 110 as FIG. 4A but shows magnet 250
positioned in receptacle 410. In the example illustrated in FIGS.
4A and 4B, magnet 250 is a cube. In other examples, magnet 250
could be other shapes capable of being disposed in picture frame
100. By way of example, magnets could be round or flat or rods. In
the examples illustrated in the figures, magnets 250 are disposed
in each of the four corners of border 110. In other examples,
magnets may be disposed in the top, bottom, and/or sides of the
border. In another example, a continuous magnet may be disposed all
the way around inside edge 230 of border 110. In another example,
several magnets may be disposed all the way around inside edge 230
of border 110. In still other examples, magnets may be disposed
somewhere other than inside edge of border. By way of example,
magnets may be disposed on the outside edge of border, magnets may
be disposed on the front or back of border, magnets may be embedded
anywhere within the border, or magnets may be disposed on one or
more rigid panels. In other examples, the magnet could be magnetic
particles or micro-magnetic particles embedded within the flexible
border or rigid panels. In another example, the picture frames may
not contain any magnets. In one example, the borders could include
a plug-in system or tongue-in-groove system (similar to the system
used within laminated flooring) for connecting one picture frame to
another picture frame whereby by the picture frames may be
connected by the construction of the borders. In other examples,
the picture frames may include clips to connect the picture frames.
In still other examples, the picture frames may contain any other
attachment mechanism capable of coupling one picture frame to
another picture frame. In another example, the picture frames may
not contain any attachment mechanisms.
[0038] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of picture frame 100
illustrated in FIG. 4B. FIG. 5 illustrates inside edge 230 of
border 110 containing recess 240. It also illustrates two magnets
250 disposed in two receptacles 410.
[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates the insertion of two rigid panels 130a
and 130b containing two image documents 210a and 210b into flexible
border 110. In this example, first rigid panel 130a and second
rigid panel 130b along with first photograph 210a and second
photograph 210b are being inserted into recess 240 of inner edge
230 of border 110. The insertion is accomplished by stretching
border 110 around rigid panels 130a and 130b and inserting rigid
panels 130a and 130b into recess 240 within inner edge 230 of
border 110.
[0040] FIG. 7 illustrates the removal of two rigid panels 130a and
130b containing two image documents 210a and 210b from flexible
border 110. In this example, first rigid panel 130a and second
rigid panel 130b along with first photograph 210a and second
photograph 210b are being removed from recess 240 of inner edge 230
of border 110. The removal is accomplished by stretching border 110
away from rigid panels 130a and 130b and pulling rigid panels 130a
and 130b out of border 110.
[0041] FIG. 8A illustrates the front of a picture frame 100 and
FIG. 8B illustrates the back of the same picture frame 100. As can
be seen in FIGS. 8A and 8B, two different photographs 210a and 210b
can be displayed in one picture frame 100.
[0042] FIGS. 9A-9N illustrate examples of various configurations in
which multiple picture frames can be arranged. Specifically, FIG.
9A illustrates two picture frames that are coupled together via
magnetic attraction between two magnets in each picture frame. FIG.
9B illustrates two picture frames that are coupled together in a
different configuration via magnetic attraction, but in this
configuration, they are attached by only one magnet in each picture
frame. FIG. 9C illustrates three picture frames that are coupled
together via magnetic attraction between four magnets in the middle
picture frame and two magnets in each side picture frame. FIG. 9D
illustrates three picture frames that are coupled together in a
different configuration via four magnets in the middle frame and
two magnets in each side picture frame. FIG. 9E illustrates three
picture frames that are coupled together in yet a different
configuration via four magnets in the middle picture frame and two
magnets in each side picture frame. FIG. 9F illustrates four
picture frames that are coupled together via four magnets in the
two middle picture frames and two magnets in each of the side
picture frames. FIG. 9G illustrates four picture frames that are
coupled together in a different configuration via four magnets in
the two middle picture frames and two magnets in each of the side
picture frames. FIG. 9H illustrates four picture frames that are
coupled together in yet a different configuration via two magnets
in the two middle picture frames and one magnet in each of the side
picture frames. FIG. 9I illustrates ten picture frames that are
coupled together in a star pattern via all four magnets on each
picture frame. FIG. 9J illustrates nine picture frames that are
coupled together in a random pattern via all four magnets on each
picture frame. FIG. 9K illustrates ten picture frames displayed in
two rows. In the front row, four picture frames are coupled
together via magnetic attraction between four magnets in the two
middle picture frames and two magnets in each of the side picture
frames. In the back row, six picture frames are coupled together
via magnetic attraction between four magnets in the four middle
picture frames and two magnets in each of the side picture frames.
FIG. 9L illustrates ten picture frames that are coupled together in
a random pattern via four magnets in the seven middle picture
frames and two magnets in each of the side picture frames. FIG. 9M
illustrates four picture frames that are coupled together in a
stacked position via all four magnets in all four picture frames.
FIG. 9N illustrates two pictures that are coupled together via two
magnets in each picture frame. FIG. 9O illustrates three pictures
that are coupled together via two magnets in each picture frame.
FIG. 9P illustrates three pictures that are coupled together in a
different configuration via four magnets in each picture frame.
[0043] In the examples above, all of the picture frames are the
same size and shape, but in other examples, the picture frames can
be different sizes and different shapes. Also, the picture frames
can be configured in numerous configurations and the above examples
are for illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope
of the invention.
* * * * *