FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is related to picture frames, and more specifically to modular picture frames.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional picture frames have comprised of a glass, art, a mounting board, a frame moulding as well as a means of holding the entire assembly. Kraft paper is also used as a dust cover which covers the entire back of the frame. Conventional office and home wall decor art has always been displayed with one permanently installed picture securely enclosed inside the frame, usually placed behind glass or permanently mounted or printed on a board. Changing the picture in the inside of a conventional frame requires dismantling the entire frame assembly, removing the picture, adding a new picture, and then putting together the frame. This process is time consuming, costly and requires specialized tools and supplies in order to be done correctly. Usually this is a service offered by a custom framing shop. In some other cases when the picture is permanently mounted on a backing material—usually MDF—like Plak-mount, Flush-mount, Float-mount—or directly printed on the material like canvas wall art, switching between images is impossible. The only solution for the user to display a new picture on his/her wall is to purchase a new display or canvas print. There has not been a fast and cost effective solution to quickly switch between images on the same frame up to now.
Previous attempts at creating reversible frames have required two images to be inserted, one on either side of the frame. Previous methods have required the entire frame be flipped over in order to display the second picture. Additionally when such a frame is placed on a wall it requires that the entire frame be removed, reversed and then placed back on the wall. As such, this process can be quite time consuming for users.
In addition, presently available reversible double sided frames cannot be used with the vast majority of custom framing moulding designs on the market, since the full rotation of the entire frame assembly requires the frame moulding to be completely flat against the wall. This restriction limits the possible appearances of such a frame and leaves the user with a very little choice when it comes to the style of the presentation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
There is a need for an easily interchangeable multiple side display system able to work with the majority of existing frame moulding on the market. The present invention allows for switching display images on a frame without requiring the frame to be taken apart, or even removed from the wall. The user without requiring any tools and in a matter of seconds, can replace a photograph with a new one from the front of the frame. The present invention uses a double sided display board which can hold one image on each of its sides and allows for a user to easily switch between sides by simply flipping the board without the need for removing or dismantling the frame. The entire frame is not reversible and is in a stable position when mounted thus making it easier for a user to switch between display items. A user can get a new board with new images on their existing frame or they can order multiple boards and switch the displayed art as they see fit.
The present invention uses conventional frame mouldings that are currently available and adapts them with the aid of the present invention. The present invention uses a mounting fixture made to fit a particular frame or style of display. The mounting fixture contains an attachment means which include but are not limited to being magnets. The reversible board contains an image on each side along with a similar attachment means as the mounting fixture. The attachment means are meant to securely hold the reversible board to the mounting fixture and frame but also with sufficient application of force allow for the reversible board to be removed easily.
An objective of the present invention is to allow for an absolutely easy, free of cost and quick exchange of images in a frame performed by the user. Another objective of the present invention is to make it possible to offer the functionality of this invention while maintaining the appearance of most if not all the different types of wall display options in the framing industry today (“mat board”, “floater”, wall standout, “gallery wrap” and etc.)
The present invention is also capable of using repositionable fabric or paper material so that a user can use the same board, remove the old pictures and mount the new images by themselves. Instead of ordering a new board with 2 images this option will lower the cost even more for the end user. The present invention will be able to provide the option of switching between two sides, two images or one side having a mirror and the other a photograph or a blackboard or any other options available.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments herein will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the claims, wherein like designations denote like elements, and in which:
FIG. 1 shows an overview of the present invention as placed on a conventional frame;
FIG. 2 shows the attachment means of reversible board and mounting fixture of the present invention;
FIG. 3 showing an alternative embodiment of the attaching means for the present invention;
FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the present invention of using a ball and spring attachment means;
FIG. 5 shows perspective exploded view of the present invention in a “floater” frame embodiment;
FIG. 6 shows a perspective exploded view of the present invention in a “mat board” frame embodiment;
FIG. 7 shows a perspective exploded view of the “gallery wrap” style embodiment of the present invention frame components also modified to hold 2 reversible boards and with a cleat hanging system embodiment;
FIG. 8 shows the vintage style frame embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the present invention with an ejection mechanism.
FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the present invention having a redundant set of magnets for preventing the fall of the doubles side board.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention comprises of a mounting fixture 100, a double sided board 200 and a frame moulding 150. The mounting fixture 100 is designed to fit in a regular frame moulding 150 and is capable of housing the double sided board 200. The mounting fixture contains a pocket 140 sized to fit the double sided board. The double sided board 200 has a front 201 and back side 202. The double sided board is capable of housing pictures 231-232 on either of its sides. A user can access the double sided board 200 while the mounting fixture 100 remains affixed to the frame 150. The user can then remove the double sided board 200 and choose which image 201-202 to display at a time. The depth of the pocket 140 of the mounting fixture 100 can also be sized to fit a plurality of reversible boards 200.
FIG. 2 shows the attachment mechanism that exists between the mounting fixture 100 and double sided board 200. The double sided board 200 is placed on a mounting fixture 100 and secured using magnets 300. Magnets 300 are inserted in slots 210 on the board 200. The number and positioning of the slots 210 and magnets 300 can vary depending on the requirements of each mounting fixture 100. However, the magnets 300 can preferably be attached to the corners and at the center of the double sided board. The magnet 300 in the double sided board is also glued to the board 200 using epoxy glue 211 or any other type of glue that would provide good results. Additionally different means of attaching can be used aside from magnets 300 such as ball spring plunger hardware and others.
Magnets 310 or attaching means are present in the mounting fixture 100 as well, as shown in FIG. 2A a magnet cup 310 is present in the mounting fixture 100 where a magnet 311 is inserted. Mounting the magnets 311 in cups 310 increases their attraction and provides a convenient way to set them onto the mounting fixture 100. The magnet cup 310 may be secured to the mounting fixture 100 by epoxy glue 111, a screw or similar. The magnets 300 on the double sided board 200 and on the mounting fixture 100 can be covered by a wood filler 210 which is sanded flat in order for the pictures 231-232 as shown in FIG. 2C to be mounted on smoothly.
Again referring to FIG. 2B, the placement of the magnets 300 on the double sided board 200 matches the position of placement of magnets 311 in the mounting fixture 100. This is done so the attachment of the board 200 to the mounting fixture 100 is secure. The magnets 300 may also be inserted at different depths in the double sided board 200 meaning that when the board 200 is flipped an adequate number of magnets 300 remain close to the mounting fixture 100 when the board 200 is flipped to either side.
Referring to FIG. 2C, the double sided board 200 is comprised of a double sided adhesive film 221 and 222 which aids in stacking the pictures 231, 232 to the board 200. The pictures 231, 232, may also be laminated using a hot or cold laminating film 240-241 in order to be protected from scratches and ultraviolet rays. Additionally, instead of printing on the top of the surface directly, images can be printed on a repositionable fabric paper like the Kodak® Photo Tex Repositionable Fabric that is capable of sticking to any non-porous flat surface and can be easily removed without leaving any residue. The use of repositionable material makes it even more affordable for the DIY (Do It Yourself) user to order and mount new prints on the board by themselves. The double sided boards 200 can also be sold with the double sided adhesive 221, 222 only, without the pictures 231, 232, so the user can print and mount their own images by themselves at a later time.
An alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 3. The frame side on FIG. 3 is identical to the magnet assembly on FIG. 2 as in the previous embodiment. However, the double sided board 200, in this embodiment is designed to have the ability of the magnets 300 to be inserted from an opening 215 located at the side of double sided board 200. As shown in FIG. 3A, a magnet 300 can be inserted easily through the opening 215. This allows for printing directly onto the board 200 using a solvent printer or similar and eliminates the need to mount photographs. This process is able to save time but it slightly sacrifices image quality because of current limitation of the solvent printer process in comparison with mounting regular photographic prints.
In this embodiment the double sided boards 200 are smooth on their surfaces as there is no need for a filler to cover up a slot 210 and the magnets 300 as in the embodiment in FIG. 2B. This embodiment allows a user to order and mount new images printed on the repositionable fabric paper at a later time and without the need to order new boards 200. This way the cost for a user to get a set of new images will be minimal. Also the cost for shipping the rolled up photographs will be way more affordable than shipping a new double sided board.
Referring to FIG. 3A, the opening created for the insertion of the magnet 300 on the side of the double sided image board 300 will be filled with wood filler 215 and sanded on the edges. The edges can then be primed and painted to provide an attractive finish that matches the color and finish of the edges of the mounting fixture 100.
FIG. 4 shows another method of securing the position of the double sided board 200 inside the pocket of the mounting fixture 100 requiring a ball and spring plunger hardware 330 to be attached form the side of the board 200 and thus again leaving the main surface of the board clear and smooth for direct printing or mounting of a repositionable fabric paper. The ball and spring mechanism 330 is located on the sides of the double sided board 200 at different positions depending on the size and shape of the double sided boards 200. The mounting fixture 100 contains grooves 331 sized to activate and then fit the ball and spring mechanism 330 of the board. When pressure is applied the ball and spring mechanism 330 retracts into the double sided board 200 and is able to enter the groove 331 on the frame. The ball and spring mechanism 330 then expands and secures the double sided board 200 to the mounting fixture 100.
The present invention also provides different styles of frames and mounting fixtures 100 to which the double sided boards 200 are attached. FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of the present invention which aligns the displayed art along the edge of a regular frame moulding 150 providing the look of a conventional “floater” frame. The mounting fixture 400 in this embodiment is custom made and sized to fit the interior dimensions of the frame moulding 150. The mounting fixture 400 has magnets 300 located at the same position as the double sided board 200 to provide optimal and secure attachment. The amount and location of magnets 300 depends on the size of the double side board 200. The mounting fixture 400 can be inserted in any picture frame moulding 150 that the client may already have or is able to purchase at any custom framing shops. Because of this, the system is very compatible with the thousands of different picture moldings available on the market today and even with older frames such as antiques. This makes it possible to convert a regular traditional frame to a double sided display system making it easy to switch images quickly and economically.
In FIG. 5B, it shows that the double sided board 400 is designed to create a small gap 401 between the double sided board and the frame which allows for easy removal. The gap 401 allows a user to more easily grasp the board 200 with their hands and remove it in order to turn it or replace it. This gap 401 around the board 200 gives the image the “floating” look. In FIG. 5B, it shows that in the back of the frame 150 is machined “deeper” than the depth of the mounting fixture 100. In this way, the board fits in the frame and the difference in depth amplifies the “floating” look.
Other types of conventional frames leave a border between the frame moulding 150 and the art, and this is generally referred to as a “mat board” frame. FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the present invention designed to achieve a “mat board” appearance. The mounting fixture of the board 600 in this embodiment is designed to be similar in appearance to a “mat board” and allows the double sided board 200 to sit in a pocket 140 and leave a space from the frame moulding 150 thus providing a traditional “mat board” appearance. The “mat board” component 600 can be manufactured using medium density fiber board (MDF), low density board (LDF) or any other types of material such as plywood, hard wood, plastic, PVC board, High Density Urethane, aluminum, or a ceramic material. The pocket 140 is created by using a solid single piece of material and precisely cutting an opening to match the exact size of the board 200. The pocket 140 and the double side board 200 have the same radius rounded corners and they work as a male-female inlay assembly. The pocket 140 is always a little bit larger than the double sided board 200 in order to allow easy removal and placement of the board 200 into the pocket 140.
The “mat board” mounting fixture 600 can work with most custom frame moldings 150 available in the market both old and new. The “mat board” component 600 can be painted and finished in a variety of colors and finishes determined by the material of the board. The “mat board” style mounting fixture 600 can also be covered with a book cloth, a fabric, or a leather material to achieve a more luxurious appearance. The “mat board” pocket 140 can also be lined with a layer of felt to prevent damage of a picture on the double sided board 200 that is in contact with the pocket 140. The “mat board” mounting fixture can also be constructed by miter joining of the wood profile instead of being machined from out of one piece of material or injected inside a mold.
Another embodiment of the present invention of component frame is shown in FIG. 7. The embodiment shown in FIG. 7A can be referred to as a “gallery wrap” style. The width and length of this type of mounting fixture 700 is equal to the width and length of the double sided board 200 thus giving it a canvas gallery look. As shown in FIG. 7B, inside of the mounting fixture 700 another pocket 710 can be added that is capable of housing a second double sided board 250 and can make this embodiment of the present invention house four different images at the time. When the larger double sided board 200 is not mounted on the fixture 700, the second double sided board 250 is surrounded by a solid border that looks like a traditional frame. This solid border is the outer part of the mounting fixture 700 and it houses the magnets that hold the larger double sided board in place. The magnets are hidden inside this part of the fixture so when the large double sided board 200 is removed that part acts like a frame for the inside double sided board 250. The magnets 311 located on the inside pocket of the mounting fixture 700 can also be covered by a wood filler and painted so they are not visible to the user.
The board style of this embodiment does not require a frame or molding around it and it can be secured on a wall by using a French cleat system 750, as shown in FIG. 7C. The “gallery wrap” style mounting fixture itself 700 is machined at 45 degrees on its reverse side 751 in order to work with the cleat 750 that is installed on a wall. This hanging system allows the frame to be adjusted horizontally while ensuring that the frame is straight when the double side picture board 200 is removed to be flipped or replaced. The cleat piece 750 on the wall 755, may also possess a plastic cylindrical level vial 756, as shown in FIG. 7D, that allows for accurate horizontal positioning of the clean on the wall. The French cleat system on the mounting fixture itself 751 can be designed in order to work when the whole frame assembly is rotated 90 degrees in order to display a horizontal or vertical picture depending on which side of the double sided board 200 is being displayed and the picture's orientation. As such, when the whole “gallery wrap” mounting fixture 100 is rotated by 90 degree the French cleat system 750 on the wall 755 remains on the same location and still the fixture 700 is able to attach to it.
Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 8 in the vintage “lux” frame style mounting fixture. This type of mounting fixture 800 houses the double sided board 810 and also acts as a frame around the picture. This frame 800 in this embodiment can be machined out of a solid piece of MDF or a rigid foam or any other material such as wood and similar. The shape of the frame 800 can vary highly. Additionally, the size of the frame 800 can range to fit a wide range of double sided boards 200. In this embodiment the frame/mounting fixture 800 possess a pocket 810 with a plurality of magnets 811. The double sided board 200 can be directly placed in the frame pocket 811 and be removed easily when a user wants to flip the board 200.
FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention having an eject mechanism for the double sided board 200 when the board is placed inside a mounting fixture with a pocket. In this embodiment, in order to remove the double sided board 200 from the pocket 140 of the mounting fixture 100 is designed in such a way that it allows for the double sided board 200 to be pushed in on lower end 280. When such an action is performed by a user the double sided board 200 pivots along a central board 900 forcing the top end 281 of the double sided board 200 to pop out. This mechanism allows for easy removal of the double sided board 200.
Some of the mounting fixture/board combinations can be displayed without the need of an additional frame, such as the “gallery wrap” FIG. 7 and the “lux” frame FIG. 9. Other mounting fixture/board combinations like the “floater” FIG. 5 and the “mat board” FIG. 6, require a traditional frame molding to finish up the presentation.
The described embodiments also allow for the double sided boards 200 to be interchangeable between the frames. A user may use a double sided board 200 from a “gallery wrap” type of frame 700, shown in FIG. 7, and place it inside a “mat board” type of fixture 600, shown in FIG. 6, or otherwise. The position of the magnets on all frames, the radius of the corners of the inlay pockets and double sided boards 200 will be consistent in order to assure interchangeability.
Other embodiments of the present invention may include a system for catching the double sided board 200, as show in FIG. 10 a second set of magnets 302 is present on the mounting fixture 100 and double sided boards 200 for the “gallery wrap” embodiment. The second set of magnets may also be present on other embodiments where the double sided board is not enclosed in a pocket. The second set of magnets on the double sided board 312 is positioned underneath the first set of magnets 310 and serve to catch double sided board 200 in case an accidental force causes the double sided board 200 to fall as shown in FIG. 10B. A matching second set of magnets 302 are also present on the reversible board 200 so as serve to provide a redundant means of securing the reversible board 200 to the mounting fixture 100.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum relationships for the parts of the invention in regard to size, shape, form, materials, function and manner of operation, assembly and use are deemed readily apparent and obvious to those skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Patent Application
20160088957
