Patent Application
20190133346
The present invention relates generally to a combination auto visor and desk photo frame, and more particularly, to an apparatus for a double and single sized photo frame that is specifically tailored for use in an automobile (clipped onto the visor) as well as for use on a flat surface such as a desk or shelf.
Picture frames are well known in the art for displaying pictures, certificates and other mementoes. Picture frames are designed to hold one or more pictures in a viewable position to allow observation without touching the picture.
One such mass produced picture frame has a perimeter frame, e.g. of wood with mitred corner joints or alternatively of plastics, a transparent front panel of plastics or glass, and a rear opaque panel typically of fibre board or plastics. The picture is sandwiched between the front and rear panels, which are themselves received in a recess formed around the rear of the perimeter frame and held in position typically by flexible metal tabs driven into the perimeter frame, which are bent into position against the rear panel. To enable the frame to stand upright, the rear panel has cuts or perforations pre-formed in it to define a leg which can be bent backwardly out of the plane of the panel.
While commercially successful, such frames are not without shortcomings. Their appearance is not appropriate in some contexts; the leg can sometimes fold inward allowing the frame to topple backward, and abuse can cause the material forming the hinge for the leg to fail. Further, such frames are limited to use only on flat horizontal surfaces and cannot be used on surfaces like automobile visor.
Therefore, there is a need for a frame apparatus, which could be placed on any surface such as a flat surface and other surface like automobile visor.
The design shown here is of the double picture frame, however, the single functions exactly as the double except that it only has one visor clip at this time. The double is made up of a Frame, Frame Cover, Stand, and two Clips (the Clips are identical).
A frame apparatus adapted to use on any surface such as a flat surface and surface like automobile visor, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a frame, a frame cover and a visor clip mount. The frame comprising one or more flanges extends from a peripheral edge of the frame. The frame cover comprises at least two recess of predefined dimensions formed thereon for receiving a picture or photograph. The frame cover is fastened to the frame, wherein the flanges are adapted to overhang the frame cover to secure the frame, picture and frame cover in assembled condition.
In another embodiment, a portion of a side edge of the frame comprises a concave region. The concave region is adapted to enable easy removal of the frame cover. The visor clip mount is disposed at a rear side of the frame configured to receive a visor clip.
In one embodiment, the visor clip mount comprises an upper mount, a visor clip lock and a lower mount on a same plane and a clip retainer adjacent to the upper mount. The visor clip comprises a U-shaped configuration having a pair of legs, wherein the pair of legs comprises a first leg and a second leg having a circular hook-type end. The first leg is inserted into the upper mount and snapped into the lower mount, and a second leg is hooked to the clip retainer via the circular hook. In another embodiment, the visor clip comprises a characteristic shape adapted to fasten to the visor clip mount via a snap fit configuration. In yet another embodiment, the visor clip comprises an L-shaped structure. In yet another embodiment, the visor clip comprises a U-shaped structure.
In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a stand mount having a pair of slots disposed integrally at a rear side of the frame, wherein the stand mount is configured to hingedly fasten a stand. In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a stand retainer. The stand retainer comprises an inwardly formed groove at a rear side of a lower peripheral edge of the frame. The stand is configured to retract inwardly to snugly fit in the groove of the lower peripheral edge of the frame. The stand is further configured to extend outwardly beyond the peripheral edge of the frame.
In yet another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises one or more apertures or picture adjustment openings, one or more apertures are disposed at the rear side of the frame, where the photograph is received, to enable to adjust the position of the photograph.
In yet another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises one or more hinges at a lower peripheral edge of the frame cover. In yet another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises one or more hinge openings disposed at a lower peripheral edge of the frame. Each hinge opening is adapted to receive at least one hinge therein on fastening the frame cover to the frame.
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, exemplary constructions of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the specific methods and structures disclosed herein. The description of a method step or a structure referenced by a numeral in a drawing is applicable to the description of that method step or structure shown by that same numeral in any subsequent drawing herein.
A description of embodiments of the present invention will now be given with reference to the Figures. It is expected that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
A frame apparatus adapted to use on any surface such as a flat surface and surface like automobile visor is, disclosed. The frame's design has three configurations that can be changed back and forth at any time. The main features of the frame's design can be seen by referring to
As previously stated, the frame apparatus is made up of a frame, frame cover, visor clip mount, stand mount, stand, and two visor clips, (the clips are identical). The frame Cover is made of optically clear Polycarbonate, PC, and has two small recesses that are designed to hold 3″×4″ pictures. The recesses run all the way out to the ends so that if the pictures are thin enough they can be inserted from the sides without having to unclip the cover.
The frame comprises one or more flanges extends from a peripheral edge of the frame. The frame cover comprising at least two recess of predefined dimensions formed thereon for receiving a picture or photograph, wherein the frame is fastened to the frame cover, wherein the flanges are adapted to overhang the frame cover to secure the frame, picture and transparent frame cover in assembled condition. The visor clip mount is disposed at a rear side of the frame configured to receive the visor clip. The stand mount is adapted to hingedly fasten the stand. The stand enables to use the frame apparatus on a flat surface and the visor clip enables to use the frame apparatus on an automobile visor.
In one embodiment, the clips or flanges 110 are configured to hold the frame cover 102 in place, when the frame cover 102 is fastened to the frame 101. In one embodiment, the frame cover 102 further comprises hinges 112, (2×), that insert into hinge openings 114 in the frame 101 and allow the frame cover 102 to rotate forward as well as be removed.
In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 is made of Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). In one embodiment, a front side of the frame 101 comprises a flat structure and the hinge opening 114 must not have any flash in the area that the frame cover 102 fastens.
In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 further comprises a visor clip mount having an upper mount 122 and a lower mount 124 on a same plane and a clip retainer 126 adjacent to the upper mount 122. The visor clip 104 comprises a U-shaped configuration having a pair of legs, wherein the pair of legs comprises a first leg and a second leg having a circular hook type end. The first leg is inserted into the upper mount 122 and snapped into the lower mount 124, and a second leg is hooked to the clip retainer 126 via the circular hook.
In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 further comprises a stand lock and mount or stand lock 106 having a pair of slots is disposed integrally at a rear side of the frame 101, wherein the stand mount 106 is configured to hingedly fasten the stand 108. In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 further comprises a stand retainer 130. The stand retainer 130 comprises an inwardly formed groove at a rear side of a lower peripheral edge of the frame 101. The stand 108 is configured to retract inwardly to snugly fit in the groove of the lower peripheral edge of the frame 101. The stand 108 is further configured to extend outwardly beyond the peripheral edge of the frame 101.
In another embodiment, at least two ends of the stand 108 are assembled into the stand mount and lock 106 while holding the stand 108 perpendicular to the frame 101. Compress the other tip enough to clear the other stand mount 106 and allow it to enter into the opening. Then compress both tips enough to rotate the stand 108 until it is parallel with the frame 101. At this time the middle of the stand 108 base can be pulled or pushed over the stand retainer 130 thus locking the Stand 108 in place. This position used during package of the apparatus 100 or when used in car.
Referring to
In an embodiment, the FEA analysis of the stand 108 is disclosed. In one embodiment, the stand 108 and the stand designer are designed to be locked and unlocked without too much force having to be applied. The table above shows the results of the FEA analysis on the stand 108 as it travels from its natural position to the three positions it will be in; as packaged, on a desk, and moving between the two positions. The table shows travel, compressive force, and resultant stress.
The foregoing description comprises illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used only in generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein.
This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/512,294 filed on May 30, 2017. The above application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62512294 | May 2017 | US |
