U.S. patent application number 14/665593 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-01 for picture frame device with interchangeable trim and base section.
The applicant listed for this patent is Christina Frankenstein, Jens Frankenstein. Invention is credited to Christina Frankenstein, Jens Frankenstein.
Application Number | 20150272350 14/665593 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54188627 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150272350 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Frankenstein; Christina ; et
al. |
October 1, 2015 |
PICTURE FRAME DEVICE WITH INTERCHANGEABLE TRIM AND BASE SECTION
Abstract
A picture frame device includes generally sturdy and rigid base
section having a plurality of connectors disposed thereon. A frame
unit having central aperture and a plurality of complementary
connectors is secured to the base section in a removable manner. A
picture is removably positioned within the central aperture.
Inventors: |
Frankenstein; Christina;
(Ruskin, FL) ; Frankenstein; Jens; (Ruskin,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Frankenstein; Christina
Frankenstein; Jens |
Ruskin
Ruskin |
FL
FL |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54188627 |
Appl. No.: |
14/665593 |
Filed: |
March 23, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61932204 |
Mar 27, 2014 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
40/711 ; 40/745;
40/768 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 1/06 20130101; A47G
2001/0666 20130101; A47G 2001/0672 20130101; A47G 2001/0694
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 1/06 20060101
A47G001/06; A47G 1/14 20060101 A47G001/14; A47G 1/16 20060101
A47G001/16 |
Claims
1. A picture frame device, comprising: a base section having a
front facing surface, a back facing surface and a plurality of
sides; a plurality of connectors that are disposed along the front
facing surface of the base section; a trim unit having a front
facing surface, a back facing surface, a plurality of sides, and a
generally centrally located aperture; and a plurality of
complementary connectors that are disposed along the back facing
surface of the trim unit, said connectors and complementary
connectors being disposed onto the base section and trim unit,
respectively in a substantially identical pattern, and functioning
to removably secure the base section and trim unit together.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the connectors and the
complementary connectors include magnetic elements, and each of the
base section and the trim unit are constructed from a
non-ferromagnetic material.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the base section and the trim
unit include a similar shape.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the base section and the trim
unit include dissimilar shapes.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the base section includes a
dimension that is greater than a dimension of the trim unit.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the base section includes a
dimension that is less than a dimension of the trim unit.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the base section and trim units
are constructed from identical materials.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the base section and trim units
are constructed from different materials.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the connectors and the
complementary connectors are flush mounted to the base section and
trim unit, respectively.
10. The device of claim 1, further comprising a transparent member
that is disposed along the aperture.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein the base section is constructed
from a sturdy and rigid piece of material, and further includes a
pivotal stand along the back facing surface.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein the base section is constructed
from a sturdy and rigid piece of material, and further includes one
or more hooks that are disposed along the back facing surface.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein the connectors and the
complementary connectors are constructed from at least one of
opposing strips of hook and loop material, double sided tape, and
compression fittings.
14. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of
indicia that is disposed along each of the base section and the
trim unit.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser.
No. 61/932,204, filed on Mar. 27, 2014, the contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to picture frames,
and more particularly to a picture frame having an interchangeable
base and trim unit for supporting and presenting photos, pictures
and other such items.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The statements in this section merely provide background
information related to the present disclosure and may not
constitute prior art.
[0004] Picture frames are widely available in an assortment of
shapes, styles and colors to display photographs and other such
items. In this regard, picture frames typically include a
rectangular shaped frame body, or border, that is constructed from
wood, plastic or metal, for example. A transparent glass or plastic
panel functions to protect an inserted photograph without impeding
the visibility of the same, and a lightweight backing is secured
along the back side of the frame utilizing any number of different
fasteners. Finally, a stand for balancing the picture frame on a
support surface and/or a mechanism for hanging the frame on a
vertical surface is often provided along the back surface of the
backing.
[0005] As will be known to those of skill in the art, picture
frames are commonly used to retain a photograph in the following
manner. Specifically, the front surface of the transparent glass
plate is typically mounted onto the frame body in such a manner so
that the glass plate covers a central opening defined by the frame
body. The front surface of the photograph to be displayed is then
disposed against the bottom surface of the transparent glass plate.
As such, the photograph is positioned within the central opening in
the frame body and is clearly visible through the transparent glass
plate. With the glass plate and photograph mounted onto the frame
body, the backing is disposed against the rear surface of the
photograph and is retained in place by the fasteners.
[0006] Owing to the design and operation of these conventional
picture frames, users must perform several steps when they wish to
replace one photograph for another in an existing frame. Moreover,
owing to the delicate construction of the backing and/or fasteners,
many users complain that this process results in the frame becoming
damaged and/or unusable. In addition to the above, there is no way
for a user to easily change the shape, color or other such design
elements of an existing frame to suit a particular occasion or
season.
[0007] Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide a picture
frame having interchangeable frame and trim elements that does not
suffer from the drawbacks of the above noted devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is directed to a picture frame device.
One embodiment of the present invention can include generally
sturdy and rigid base section having a plurality of connectors
disposed thereon. The invention can also include a frame unit
having central aperture and a plurality of complementary
connectors. The connectors can function to secure the frame unit
and base section together in a removable manner, so as to receive
and display a photograph within the aperture.
[0009] Another embodiment of the present invention can include a
pivotal stand, and a hanging hook along the back facing surface of
the base section, and a transparent member that is located along
the aperture of the frame unit.
[0010] This summary is provided merely to introduce certain
concepts and not to identify key or essential features of the
claimed subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings.
It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not
limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities
shown.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
picture frame device that is useful for understanding the inventive
concepts disclosed herein.
[0013] FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of the base section of
the picture frame device, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention.
[0014] FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the base section of
the picture frame device, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention.
[0015] FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of the frame unit of the
picture frame device, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention.
[0016] FIG. 3B is a rear perspective view of the frame unit of the
picture frame device, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention.
[0017] FIG. 4 is an exploded parts view of the picture frame
device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a front view of the picture frame device, in
accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a front view of the picture frame device, in
accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] While the specification concludes with claims defining the
features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is
believed that the invention will be better understood from a
consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings.
As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are
disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which
can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural
and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted
as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a
representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
variously employ the inventive arrangements in virtually any
appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases
used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide
an understandable description of the invention.
[0021] Identical reference numerals are used for like elements of
the invention or elements of like function. For the sake of
clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual
figures which are necessary for the description of the respective
figure. For purposes of this description, the terms "upper,"
"bottom," "right," "left," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and
derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
FIG. 1.
Definitions.
[0022] As described herein, the term "removably secured," and
derivatives thereof shall be used to describe a situation wherein
two or more objects are joined together in a non-permanent manner
so as to allow the same objects to be repeatedly joined and
separated.
[0023] As described herein, the terms "connectors," "complementary
connectors" and derivatives thereof can include any number of
different elements capable of removably securing two items together
in a nonpermanent manner. Several nonlimiting examples include
opposing strips of hook and loop material (i.e. Velcro.RTM.),
magnetic elements, tethers such as straps and ties, adhesives such
as double sided tape, and compression fittings such as hooks, snaps
and buttons, for example. Each illustrated connector can be
permanently secured to the illustrated portion of the device via a
permanent sealer such as glue, adhesive tape, or stitching, for
example.
[0024] As described herein, the term "indicia" can include any type
of decorative elements such as colors, markings, words, shapes,
symbols, logos, designs, lights, types of materials, texturing of
materials, patterns, images, lithographs, photographs and/or
jewels, for example. The indicia can be secured onto and/or into
the below described components in accordance with known techniques
so as to be flush with the surface thereof, or can be
raised/protruding outward from the surface so as to give a three
dimensional effect.
[0025] Although described and illustrated for use with photographs,
the invention is not to be construed as limiting in this regard. As
such, the picture frame can be utilized to receive any type of
generally flat material that is typically displayed to others.
Several non-limiting examples include portraits, paintings,
drawings, artwork, documents and the like.
[0026] FIGS. 1-6 illustrate one embodiment of a picture frame
device 10 that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts
disclosed herein. As shown, the device can include a base section
20 and a trim unit 30 which function to receive and display a
photograph 5 or other such document.
[0027] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate one embodiment of the base
section 20 which functions to provide a sturdy support for
receiving the below described trim unit 30. In one embodiment, the
base section 20 can comprise a generally rectangular shape that is
constructed from a sturdy and rigid non-ferromagnetic material
(e.g., 1/2 inch solid wood), having a front facing surface 21a, a
back facing surface 21b, a top end 21c, a bottom end 21d and a pair
of opposing side ends 21e and 21f.
[0028] A plurality of connectors 25 can be disposed along the base
section 20 and can function to engage complementary connectors 35
located on the below described trim unit 30. In one embodiment, the
connectors 25 can include lightweight magnets that are embedded
within the base section so as to be flush with the front facing
surface 21a. Of course, other embodiments are contemplated wherein
any number of different connectors are provided and arranged at
other locations along the base section.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 2B, the back facing surface 21b of the base
section 20 can include any number of different components for
positioning the assembled frame 10 on either a flat surface or onto
a vertical surface. In this regard, the base section can include
one or both of a pivotal stand 22 and one or more hooks 23. The
construction, installation and operation of picture frame stands
and hook are well known in the art.
[0030] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate one embodiment of the trim unit
30 which can be removably secured onto the base section 20. In one
embodiment, the trim unit 30 can comprise a generally rectangular
shape that is also constructed from a non-ferromagnetic material,
having a front facing surface 31a, a back facing surface 31b, a top
end 31c, a bottom end 31d, a pair of opposing side ends 31e and
31f, and a centrally located aperture 32.
[0031] A plurality of complementary connectors 35 can be disposed
along the trim unit 30 and can function to engage the connectors 25
located on the base section 20. In one embodiment, the
complementary connectors 35 can also include lightweight magnets
that are embedded within the trim unit so as to be flush with the
rear facing surface 31b, and oriented so as to be attracted to the
magnets 25.
[0032] Of course, other embodiments are contemplated wherein any
number of different connectors are provided and arranged at other
locations along the trim unit. In each of these instances, the
connectors 25 and complementary connectors 35 will be arranged in
an identical or nearly identical pattern, so as to allow the
connectors 25 and 35 to align when connecting the trim unit 30 to
the base section 20.
[0033] In another embodiment, a transparent or generally
transparent member 33 such as glass or plastic, for example, can be
positioned across the aperture 32. The transparent member can be
permanently secured to the frame unit via an adhesive material, or
other such manner, and can function to protect a photograph 5 or
other such item.
[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of the picture frame
device 10 in operation. As shown, a photograph 5 can be interposed
between the base section 20 and the trim unit 30 at a location that
corresponds to the aperture 32. Next, the connectors 25 and
complementary connectors 35 can be aligned (see arrows a), and
engaged, so as to secure the base section and trim unit together.
When so positioned, the trim unit and the base section will be in
direct contact, thereby preventing the photograph from becoming
unintentionally dislodged from the frame. Of course, whenever it is
desirable for a user to change the photograph, the user can simply
and easily separate the trim and base via a pulling motion, replace
the photograph, and reconnect.
[0035] Although described above as including a particular and
similar shape (i.e., rectangular) and/or construction material,
this is for illustrative purposes only. In this regard, each of the
base section 20 and the trim unit 30 can be constructed from any
number of different materials such as wood, plastic, composites
and/or various metals, for example. Moreover, both the base section
and the trim unit can be constructed to include any number of
different shapes, sizes, designs and/or indicia 50, so as to suit
the interests of a variety of individuals and occasions. As such,
FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate other embodiments of the frame 10 wherein
the base section 20 and trim unit 30 include dissimilar shapes and
sizes.
[0036] By providing a base section and trim unit with connectors
that are complementary to one another, it becomes possible to
utilize multiple trim units with a single base section, and vice
versa. Such a feature can advantageously function to allow a user
to permanently install the base section onto a wall, for example,
and to change the trim and/or photographs to coincide with any
number of different events such as birthdays, holidays, and the
like. Accordingly, the above described picture frame device
provides a unique and novel solution to the problems associated
with traditional photo frames.
[0037] As described herein, one or more elements of the picture
frame device 10 can be secured together utilizing any number of
known attachment means such as, for example, screws, glue,
compression fittings and welds, among others. Moreover, although
the above embodiments have been described as including separate
individual elements, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are
not so limiting. To this end, one of skill in the art will
recognize that one or more individual elements such as the frame
unit 30 and the transparent member 33, for example, may be formed
together as one continuous and/or transparent element, either
through manufacturing processes, such as welding, casting, or
molding, or through the use of a singular piece of material milled
or machined with the aforementioned components forming identifiable
sections thereof.
[0038] As to a further description of the manner and use of the
present invention, the same should be apparent from the above
description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the
manner of usage and operation will be provided.
[0039] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and
"the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood
that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this
specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude
the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[0040] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and
equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the
claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or
act for performing the function in combination with other claimed
elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present
invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and
description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the
invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations
will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The
embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the
principles of the invention and the practical application, and to
enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the
invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are
suited to the particular use contemplated.
* * * * *