FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure relates generally to picture frames and picture cabinets, and more specifically to rotatable picture frames and picture cabinets, which may be capable of holding more than one picture, postcard, drawing, greeting card, document, or object of a size which allows it to fit within the picture cabinet and which users would like to display (herein generally referred to as “pictures”) in a single frame. The picture frame may support a varying number of photographs (or pictures) in a varying number of picture support compartments while also allowing the picture frame to be accessible while said picture frame is mounted on a planar surface such as a wall.
BACKGROUND
It is known in the art to provide picture frames capable of displaying multiple pictures. For example, picture frames including several display areas within a single set of frame borders and picture frames providing multiple and corresponding picture support compartments are known in the art. It is known in the art to provide removable mat boards with pictures frames. It is also known in the art to manufacture picture frames with removable picture support compartments and matching, removable mat boards. It is not known, however, to manufacture pictures frames that can easily switch orientations. It is also not known to manufacture pictures frames that can easily switch orientations and remain fastened to the wall when a change to the balance point is created, e.g., when a front door is opened.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure may comprise one or more of the following features and combinations thereof.
A system according to some embodiments may include a hanging mount with attachment means for securing the hanging mount to a surface. The hanging mount may include a plurality of protrusions. The system may include a picture frame with a first set of recesses corresponding to the plurality of protrusions for releasably attaching the hanging mount to the picture frame in a first orientation. The picture frame may include a second set of recesses corresponding to the plurality of protrusions for releasably attaching the hanging mount to the picture frame in a second orientation.
According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a system may include a hanging mount with attachment means for securing the hanging mount to a surface. The hanging mount may include a plurality of protrusions. The system may include a picture frame with a first set of recesses corresponding to the plurality of protrusions for releasably attaching the hanging mount to the picture frame in a first orientation. The picture frame may include a second set of recesses corresponding to the plurality of protrusions for releasably attaching the hanging mount to the picture frame in a second orientation. The picture frame may include a third set of recesses corresponding to the plurality of protrusions for releasably attaching the hanging mount to the picture frame in the first orientation. The third set of recesses may be configured such that the picture frame can be mounted at two different heights or widths in the first orientation. The picture frame may include a fourth set of recesses corresponding to the plurality of protrusions for releasably attaching the hanging mount to the picture frame in the second orientation. The fourth set of recesses may be configured such that the picture frame can be mounted at two different heights or widths in the second orientation.
According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a picture frame may include a first set of recesses corresponding to a plurality of protrusions for releasably attaching the hanging mount to the picture frame in a first orientation. The picture frame may include a second set of recesses corresponding to the plurality of protrusions for releasably attaching the hanging mount to the picture frame in a second orientation.
These and other features of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description of the illustrative embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a picture frame in an open position, according to some embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a rear support member, according to some embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of a picture frame, according to some embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of a picture frame, according to some embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged, perspective view of the hinge shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged, perspective view of the corner support shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a picture frame in an open position, according to some embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the rear support member shown in FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a picture frame and hanging mount, according to some embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 10 is a back view of a picture frame, according to some embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 11 is a back perspective view of a hanging mount, according to some embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a hanging mount, according to some embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 13 is a right side view of a hanging mount, according to some embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 14 is a left side view of a hanging mount, according to some embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 15 is a top view of a hanging mount, according to some embodiments of the invention; and
FIG. 16 is a bottom view of a hanging mount, according to some embodiments of the invention.
FIG. 17A is a front, top perspective view of a stand, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 17B is a back, bottom perspective view of a stand, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 18A is a close-up view of a storage recess and a slot of a picture frame, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 18B is a close-up view of a slot of a picture frame, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a picture frame, according to some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to a number of illustrative embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same.
While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is herein described in detail, embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiments illustrated herein.
In some embodiments of the invention and as exemplified in FIG. 1, a picture frame or picture cabinet 10 with multiple picture compartments 116, capable of storing more than one picture, post-card, drawing, greeting card, document or object of a size which allows it to fit within the picture cabinet and which users would like to display (herein generally referred to as “pictures”) in each compartment 116, is provided. The picture frame 10 is comprised of a front frame member 50 hingeably and removably attached to a rear support member 100. The front frame member 50 is comprised of frame borders 60 which surround a transparent display window 54, which could be constructed of glass, plastic or other transparent materials of a similar nature. The front frame member 50 also includes a removable mat board 52 mounted on the inside of the transparent display window 54. The matboard 52 forms a border on the inside of the display window 54 and is releasably secured to the display window 54 by flexible support arms 58 attached to the frame borders 60. The front frame member 50 is releasably connected to the rear support member 100 and connected on one side by two hinges 80, however, embodiments of the picture frame could be altered to include only one hinge 80 or more than two hinges 80.
As shown in FIG. 5, the hinge 80 is comprised of an L-shaped member having a first leg 82 and a second leg 84. The first leg 82 is attached to the rear support member 100 and the second leg is rotatably attached to a support pin 86 which is attached to the front frame member 50. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the front frame member 50 includes a hinge slit 88 that runs perpendicular to the frame border 60 on which the hinge slit 88 is located. The support pin 86 is located within and perpendicular to the hinge slit 88. The second leg 84 fits within the hinge slit 88 and is rotatably connected to the support pin 86, thereby allowing the front frame member 50 to rotate in the same plane as the rear 20 support member 100. This allows the picture frame 10 to be opened up to 180 degrees without removing the picture frame from the wall or other plane or surface on which it is mounted.
As shown in FIG. 1, the rear support member 100 is hingeably connected to the front frame member 50. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the rear support member 100 is comprised of a rear frame member 112 with a groove 108 provided on the inside portion of the rear frame member 112. A rear panel 106 is mounted within the groove 108 of the rear frame member 112. Also, a channel 109 is provided on the inside portion of the rear frame member 112 between the groove 108 and the front frame member 50. A picture compartment support 114 is mounted within the channel 109 of the rear frame member 112 where the edge 115 of the picture compartment support 114 is positioned within the channel 109. In the preferred embodiment and as shown in FIG. 1, the picture compartment support 114 includes at least one picture compartment 116 and each of the picture compartments 116 includes integral corner supports 104. The picture compartment support 114 also includes at least one corner aperture 117 which allows the picture compartment support 114 to be removed by securing the picture compartment from within the corner aperture 117. As described below in a discussion of an alternative embodiment, the corner supports 104 can be separate from the picture compartment support 114.
Moreover, an adjustment means 110 and a rear picture support 102 are removably secured within each picture compartment 116 by the corner supports 104. The rear picture support 102 is comprised of a flexible material, such as, cardboard. Thus, the rear picture support 102 can be removed from the respective picture compartment 116 by flexing or bending the rear picture support 102 to avoid some of the corner supports 104 thereby allowing the rear picture support 102 to be removed. The adjustment means 110 is comprised of a compressible, yet resilient, material such as a sponge or spring. Thus, the adjustment means 110 places a constant, yet variable, force upon the rear picture support 102 toward the display window 54.
A releasable attachment means 56 is provided, on the opposite side of the front frame member 50 and rear frame member 112 from the hinge 80, to releasably attach the front frame member 50 to the rear support member 100. One type of attachment means includes a lever with a hook shaped portion that is securably and releasably attachable to a protrusion, such as a screw head, nail head or similar item, and the hook shaped portion of the lever partially encompasses at least a portion of the protrusion. Another type of attachment means 56 includes a first strip 56a and a second strip 56b. The first strip 56a is comprised of hook fasteners 5 and is attached to the mat board 52, and the second strip 56b is comprised of loop fasteners and is attached to the rear frame member 112. When the picture frame 10 is in a closed position, the first strip 56a and the second strip 56b interact with one another and releasably secure the front frame member 50 to the rear support member 100.
In some embodiments of the invention and as shown in FIG. 8, a picture frame 10 with a single picture compartment 116, capable of storing more than one picture in said compartment 116, is provided. The rear support member 100 is comprised of a rear frame member 112 with a groove 108 provided on the inside portion of the rear frame member 112. A rear panel 106 and corner supports 104 are capable of being mounted within the groove 108 of the rear frame member 112. Moreover, an adjustment means 110 and a rear picture support 102 are removably secured to the rear frame member 112 by the corner supports 104. Therefore, in some embodiments, the channel 109 is not present and the corner supports 104 are mounted within the groove 108 of the rear panel 106. In some embodiments and as shown in FIG. 8, the corner supports 104 are comprised of a top wall 104a connected to a bottom wall 104b by side walls 104c′ and 104c″, an opening 104e and a pair of ridges 104d which extend perpendicularly to side walls 104c′ and 104c″. The corner supports 104 are attached to the rear frame member 112 by placing the ridge 104d within the groove 108 of the rear frame member 112. Further, each of the corner supports 104 will be placed in one of the respective corners of the rear frame member 112 such that the side walls 104c′ and 104c″will both abut the rear frame member 112 and the opening 104e will face the opposing corner of the rear frame member 112.
By allowing the picture compartment support 114, the rear picture support 102, and the mat board 52 to be removable, the number of compartments 116 for storing pictures can be changed by removing the picture compartment support 114, the rear picture support 102 and the mat board 52 and replacing them with an alternative picture compartment support 114, rear picture support 102, and correlating mat board 52. This allows purchasers of the picture frames 10 to vary the storage capability of the picture frame 10 without replacing the entire frame 10.
The hinge 80 as used in the picture frame 10 is designed to allow the picture frame 10 to be accessed and to be opened while the frame 10 is mounted on a planer surface such as a wall. Additionally, the hinge 80 is designed to interact with the front frame member 50 and the rear support member 100 without requiring significant retooling of the front frame member 50 or the rear support member 100.
Also, the front frame member 50 may be removably attachable to the rear support member 100. This allows the picture frame user to remove the front frame member 50 from the rear support member 100 and replace it with a front frame member 50 comprised of a different material, i.e., a user may replace a wood front frame member with a plastic front frame member. Thus, the picture frame user can change the look and feel of the picture frame 10 without purchasing an entirely new picture frame 10.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a picture frame 910 and hanging mount 950, according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments of the invention and as shown in FIG. 9, a system 900 with a picture frame 910 and a hanging mount 950 is provided. The hanging mount 950 includes two protrusions 960 and mounting holes 955. The picture frame includes a first set of recesses 960a and a second pair of recesses 960b. The picture frame 910 includes a stand 970 and a storage recess 970a. The picture frame 910 includes a first stand slot 980 and a second stand slot 982.
In operation, the hanging mount 950 is attachable to a planar display surface (e.g., a wall, a mantel, a board, or other surfaces). In some embodiments, the hanging mount 950 may be attached to the surface via the mounting holes 955. Any attachment means, such as those described herein, may be used to attach the hanging mount 950 to the surface. If attachment means are used that are not flush (i.e., extend some distance through the back side, as shown, of the mounting holes), the hanging mount 950 may include a frame guard (e.g., as shown and described further below in reference to FIG. 12 and reference numeral 1210).
The picture frame 910 is designed to mount on the hanging mount 950 via recesses that correspond to the protrusions 960. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the picture frame 910 may mount onto the hanging mount 950 via a first pair of recesses 960a that correspond to the shape of the protrusions 960 such that the picture frame is mounted in a first orientation (e.g., an orientation commonly referred to as a “portrait” orientation). To accomplish the mounting as illustrated in FIG. 9, the picture frame 910 may first be placed onto the protrusions 960 at an angle and then may be gently lowered into a resting position in the first orientation. Thus, in some embodiments, the picture frame 910 may be easily and releasably mounted in a first orientation on the hanging mount 950.
The picture frame 910 may also mount onto the hanging mount 950 via a second pair of recesses 960b that correspond to the shape of the protrusions 960 such that the picture frame 910 is mounted in a second orientation (e.g., an orientation commonly referred to as a “landscape” orientation). Although the protrusions and recesses are described herein with reference to a hanging mount that includes two protrusions and the corresponding sets of two recesses, more or less protrusions and recesses may be used.
In some embodiments, the hanging mount 950 may mount onto an interim clip (not shown) that contains recesses. As an example, an interim clip may be used that attaches to the back of a picture frame 910 and contains a pair of recesses 960a (or multiple pairs of recesses) to mount the picture frame 910 onto the hanging mount 950. By using a stronger material for the interim clip in comparison to the exterior of the picture frame (e.g., steel instead of plastic), the interim clip may allow the picture frame and its contents to weigh more.
Rather than hanging the picture frame 910 via a hanging mount 950, it may be desirable to stand the picture frame 910 up. Thus, in some embodiments, a stand 970 may be used in combination with one or more corresponding slots (e.g., slots 980 and 982) to display pictures in the picture frame 910 in a standing position and various orientations, rather than a hanging position. The picture frame 910 may include a storage recess 970a to store the stand 970 when not in use. The stand 970, storage recess 970a, slot 980 and slot 982 are describe further below (e.g., in reference to FIGS. 17A, 17B, 18A, 18B, and 19). As shown in FIG. 9, the stand 970 is stored in the storage recess 970a. A close-up view of the storage recess 970a (without the stand 970 being stored) is further described and illustrated in reference to FIG. 18A.
In some embodiments, the picture frame 910 may include one or more sets of recesses to help easily and quickly mount the picture frame 910 in various orientations and at various heights and widths. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the picture frame 910 may include a first set of recesses 960a (also shown in FIG. 9), a second set of recesses 960b (also shown in FIG. 9), a third set of recesses 960c, a fourth set of recesses 960d, and a fifth set of recesses 960e. The picture frame 910 could mount onto any one of these sets of recesses 960a-e via a hanging mount (such as hanging mount 950). For example, in the landscape orientation, FIG. 10 illustrates three different ways to mount the picture frame 910.
As already discussed in reference to FIG. 9, the picture frame 910 may mount in a landscape orientation via the second set of recesses 960b. However, should it be desirable to mount the picture frame 910 in a landscape orientation but at a different height (e.g., to mount the frame higher in reference to the floor), the picture frame 910 may mount onto a hanging mount via the third set of recesses 960c. Similarly, should it be desirable to mount the picture frame 910 in a landscape orientation but at a different width (e.g., to mount the frame to the right in reference to a frame mounted at recesses 960b), the picture frame 910 may mount onto a hanging mount via the fourth set of recesses 960d.
Similarly, as already discussed, the picture frame 910 may mount in a portrait orientation via the first set of recesses 960a. Should it be desirable to mount the picture frame in a portrait orientation but at a different height (e.g., to mount the frame higher in reference to the floor), the picture frame 910 may mount onto a hanging mount via the fifth set of recesses 960e.
Although FIG. 10 depicts only five specific sets of recesses and two orientations, this is not intended to be limiting in any way. One of skill in the art would readily understand that more or less of these sets of recesses could be used to mount a picture frame at varying heights, widths, orientations, and/or angles.
FIG. 11 is a back perspective view of a hanging mount 950, according to some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a hanging mount 950, according to some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 12 illustrates a frame guard 1210. The frame guard 1210 may serve various functions. In some embodiments, the frame guard 1210 may protect a picture frame 910 from damage due to the attachment means used to secure the hanging mount 950 to the wall. For example, if two screws with rounded heads are used to attach the hanging mount 950 to a wall, the rounded heads of the screws will extend past the front of the hanging mount 950 and could damage or scratch the back surface of a picture frame, such as picture frame 910. To prevent this, the frame guard 1210 may be configured to extend out past the anticipated length of the attachment means and provide a smooth contacting surface for the picture frame 910. In a similar vein, the frame guard 1210 may be used to provide a level and smooth contacting surface for a picture frame. For example, the protrusions of a hanging mount (such as protrusions 960) may be designed to mount a picture frame a certain distance away from the wall. In this type of embodiment, the frame guard 1210 may be used to provide a level surface the same distance away from the wall such that the picture frame hangs in a certain manner (e.g., more vertically). Although the frame guard 1210 is illustrated in FIG. 12 as a raised, rectangular surface, various other designs could be used as well. For example, the edges of the rectangle could be moved out such that they comprise four individual raised surfaces that are not touching. As another example, the raised lines could be curved instead of straight lines.
FIG. 13 is a right side view of a hanging mount 950, according to some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 14 is a left side view of a hanging mount 950, according to some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 15 is a top view of a hanging mount 950, according to some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 16 is a bottom view of a hanging mount 950, according to some embodiments of the invention.
FIG. 17A is a front, top perspective view of a stand 970, according to some embodiments. FIG. 17B is a back, bottom perspective view of a stand 970, according to some embodiments. The stand 970 includes a notch 972 and one or more stand recesses 974. The perspective descriptions are for purposes of illustration only. Here, the side of the stand 970 that includes the notch 972 is described as the “front” side. This is not intended to be limiting as any side can be called the front side.
As described further below in reference to FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 19, the stand 970 may be stored in the storage recess 970a when not in use (e.g., when the picture frame 910 is mounted to the wall via a hanging mount 950). In some embodiments, the stand 970 may snap into the picture frame 910 for storage via a protrusion (e.g., protrusion 971 of FIG. 18A) that fits into one or more of the recesses of the stand 970 (e.g., stand recess 974). Similarly, the stand 970 may fit into one or more slots (e.g., slot 980 or 982) to support the frame in an upright position.
FIG. 18A is a close-up view of a storage recess 970a and a slot 980 of a picture frame 910, according to some embodiments. FIG. 18A illustrates a picture frame 910, a storage recess 970a with a storage recess protrusion 971, and a slot 980 with a slot protrusion 981. In some embodiments, the stand 970 may fit into the slot 980 and provide support to the picture frame 910 such that pictures are displayed in a landscape orientation. In some embodiments, the stand 970 may include a notch 972 that corresponds to a slot protrusion 981 such that the stand 970 may only be inserted into the notch 972 in a particular orientation. Although only one notch 972 and one slot protrusion 981 are shown, more than one of each may be used. Similarly, other designs or patterns may be used to ensure the stand 970 may only be fit into a slot in a particular orientation.
FIG. 18B is a close-up view of a slot 982 of a picture frame 910, according to some embodiments. FIG. 18B illustrates a picture frame 910 and a slot 982 with a slot protrusion 983. In some embodiments, the stand 970 may fit into the slot 982 and provide support to the picture frame 910 such that pictures are displayed in a portrait orientation. As previously described, the stand 970 and the slot 982 may include corresponding structures that enable the stand 970 to fit into the slot 982 only in a particular orientation.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a picture frame 910, according to some embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 19, the stand 970 fits into a slot 982 such that the picture frame 910 is supported in a standing position by the stand 970.
While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the foregoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.
Patent Grant
9949581
