1. Field of the Invention
The present application relates to picture frames. In particular, the present invention provides systems and methods for providing an accessorizable frame system having a plurality of pieces that selectively connect to and disconnect from each other. Because certain pieces in the frame system can easily be connected to and disconnected from each other, the frame system is easily assembled, customized, and otherwise used to provide an aesthetically pleasing display.
2. Background and Related Art
Frames, such as picture frames, are known devices that are used to hold and display pictures, paintings, artwork, certificates, and the like. Conventional picture frames are available with a large variety of characteristics. In some typical implementations, however, picture frames comprise an outer square or rectangular frame, a backing, and/or a flat piece of glass or transparent plastic. In such implementations, artwork, or another object being displayed, is often sandwiched between the backing and the piece of glass (or a retaining lip in the frame if the glass/plastic covering is not present).
While conventional picture frames have proven useful as a means for holding and displaying certain objects, some conventional picture frames still have some shortcomings. In one example, some picture frames are not easily customizable or accessorizable. Accordingly, such picture frames can have a static appearance—as opposed to a dynamic appearance that can easily be changed for a variety of uses. In another example, some picture frames require tools for assembly or for hanging. In still another example, certain picture frames require a relatively high level of skill to properly align a picture within the frame. In yet another example, some picture frames can be expensive to manufacture.
Thus, while techniques currently exist that are used to frame and display pictures, paintings, and other artwork, challenges still exist, including those mentioned above. Accordingly, it would be an improvement in the art to augment or even replace current techniques with other techniques.
The present application relates to picture frames. In particular, the present invention provides systems and methods for providing an accessorizable frame system having a plurality of pieces that selectively connect to and disconnect from each other. Because certain pieces in the frame system can be connected to and disconnected from each other, the frame system is easily assembled, customized, and otherwise used to provide an aesthetically pleasing display.
Although the frame system can comprise any suitable component, in some implementations, the frame system includes a display plate and a frame plate. In such implementations, the display plate and the frame plate can have any suitable characteristic that allows them to function as intended. In one non-limiting example, the display plate comprises a first side and a second side, wherein the first side comprises a substantially flat display surface. Similarly, in another non-limiting example, the frame plate comprises a front side and a back side, wherein the back side comprises at least one receptacle for a connector, or a component that can support the frame system against a substrate (e.g., a wall, desk, refrigerator, a back cover, etc.). In still another non-limiting example, the frame plate has a larger perimeter than does the display plate. Accordingly, when the two plates are connected, at least a portion of the frame plate extends laterally past the display plate's perimeter.
The frame plate and the display plate can be connected to each other in any suitable manner that allows the two components to be selectively connected to, and releasably disconnected from, each other. In one non-limiting example, at least one clip extends from the display plate's second side and the frame plate comprises at least one receptacle that is sized and shaped to receive the clip.
In addition to the aforementioned components, the frame system can comprise any other suitable component, including, but are not limited to, an aligner, a liner, and/or a back cover. In such instances, the various components may serve any suitable purpose. By way of non-limiting example, the aligner can help a user to properly align a piece of artwork on the display plate. In another non-limiting example, the liner can be used to provide additional color, contrast, and/or another desired characteristic to the frame system. In still another non-limiting example, the back cover can cover the frame plate's back side and provide the frame system with a leg that allows the frame system to stand on its own.
While the systems and methods of the present invention have proven to be particularly useful in the area of framing photographs, awards, papers, certificates, paintings, drawings, artwork, silk screens, applied graphics, and other objects, those skilled in the art can appreciate that the described systems and methods can be used in a variety of different applications and in a variety of different areas of manufacture. By way of non-limiting example, the described frame system can also be used to display trophies, knick knacks, memorabilia, and other 3-dimensional objects.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth or will become more fully apparent in the description that follows and in the appended claims. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the invention may be learned by the practice of the invention or will be obvious from the description, as set forth hereinafter.
In order that the manner in which the above recited and other features and advantages of the present invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that the drawings depict only typical embodiments of the present invention and are not, therefore, to be considered as limiting the scope of the invention, the present invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
The present application relates to picture frames. In particular, the present invention provides systems and methods for providing an accessorizable frame system having a plurality of pieces that selectively connect to, and disconnect from, each other. Because certain pieces in the frame system can easily be connected to and disconnected from each other, the frame system is easily assembled, customized, and otherwise used to provide an aesthetically pleasing display.
In the disclosure and in the claims, the term display media, and variations thereof (e.g., display medium, medium, and media) may refer to any suitable object that can be placed on or in the frame system for display. Some examples of suitable display media include, but are not limited to, one or more photographs, certificates, pictures, drawings, paintings, canvases, applied graphics, silk screens, papers, awards, memorabilia, knick knacks, medals, trophies, keepsakes, and other suitable items.
The described frame system can comprise virtually any component that allows the system to frame one or more display media while allowing a plurality of components in the frame system to be selectively connected to, and disconnected from, each other. By way of non-limiting example,
With respect to the display plate 15, the display plate can have any suitable characteristic that allows it to hold one or more display media and to connect the display media to the frame plate 20. In this regard,
In another non-limiting example,
Where the display plate 15 comprises one or more raised edges 60, the raised edges can have any suitable characteristic. In one non-limiting example, the raised edges 60 have any suitable thickness X (as shown in
In some non-limiting embodiments, the display plate 15 optionally comprises a mechanism for securing a display medium to the display surface 55. In such embodiments, the display plate can comprise any suitable securing mechanism, including, without limitation, an adhesive, a clamping mechanism, and/or any other suitable means for attaching display media to the display plate. By way of non-limiting example,
With respect to the frame plate 20, the frame plate can comprise any suitable component that allows its outermost perimeter to extend past and form a border around at least a portion of the display plate's perimeter 62. Indeed, in one non-limiting example,
In still another non-limiting example, at least a portion of the frame plate 20 optionally extends proximally past the frame plate's front side 75 to create a shadow box presentation around the display plate 15 when the display plate is connected to the frame plate. While any suitable portion of the frame plate can be raised proximally past the frame plate's front side 75,
Where the frame plate 20 comprises one or more raised perimeters 85, the raised perimeters can have any suitable characteristic. In one non-limiting example, the raised perimeters are raised any suitable or desired height H (as shown in
In some non-limiting embodiments, the back side 80 of the frame plate 20 comprises one or more receptacles for receiving a connector that is capable of connecting the frame plate to a supporting object. As used herein, the term supporting object may refer to any suitable object that is capable of holding the frame system. Some non-limiting examples of suitable supporting objects include a wall (e.g., a wall comprising a fabric surface, a gypsum board (such as sheet rock), a cork board, etc.), a metal object (e.g., a refrigerator, a file cabinet, a shelf system, etc.), the back cover, and so forth. Additionally, as used herein, the term connector may refer to any suitable connecting mechanism that is capable of connecting the frame plate to a supporting object. Non-limiting examples of suitable connectors comprise one or more push-pins, pieces of hook-and-loop fastener, magnets, adhesives, slots for fasteners (e.g., nails, screws, etc.), and any other suitable component that can attach the frame system to a supporting object.
Where the frame plate's back side 80 comprises a receptacle for receiving a connector, the frame plate can comprise any suitable receptacle. In one non-limiting example,
Where the frame plate's back side 80 comprises a push-pin receptacle, the back side can comprise any suitable number of push-pin receptacles, including, without limitation, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more. By way of illustration,
Where the frame plate's back side 80 comprises one or more push-pin receptacles 90, a push-pin 100 can be anchored within each receptacle in any suitable manner, including, without limitation through the use of an adhesive or a frictional engagement. According to at least some presently preferred embodiments, however,
In another non-limiting example, the frame plate's back side comprises one or more indentations 103 for one or more connectors (e.g., hook-and-loop fasteners, double-sided adhesives, magnets, etc.). Accordingly, in this example, a connector can be placed in the indentation and the frame plate can be connected to a suitable supporting unit by simply placing the frame plate on the supporting object.
While the indentation can comprise any suitable surface that allows the frame plate to be connected with a connector, in some non-limiting embodiments, the indentations 103 comprises any suitable surface on the frame plate's back side 80 that is disposed proximally enough from the distal-most end 105 (shown in
The display plate 15 and the frame plate 20 can be connected to each other in any suitable manner that allows the two components to be selectively attached to and disconnected from each other. Indeed, in some non-limiting embodiments, the display plate and the frame plate are connected to each other through the use of one or more attachments, such as one or more frictional engagements, adhesives, clamping mechanisms, and/or any other suitable component that allows the display plate to selectively attach to and detach from the frame plate.
Where the attachment that connects the display plate 15 to the frame plate 20 comprises one or more fictional engagements, the frame system 10 can comprise any suitable frictional engagement. Some examples of suitable frictional engagements include, but are not limited to, a clip, a tongue and groove attachment, and any other suitable component that is capable of frictionally holding the frame plate to the display plate.
In some currently preferred embodiments, however, the display plate 15 selectively attaches to and detaches from the frame plate 20 through the use of one or more clips. Where the display plate and the frame plate connect to each other with a clip, the clip can be disposed on either component. In some implementations,
In embodiments in which the display plate 15 and the frame plate 20 are connected with one or more clips 115, the frame and display plates can be connected together with any suitable number of clips, including, without limitation, 1, 2, 3, 4, or more. In some presently preferred embodiments, however, the plates are connected with 2 clips.
Where the display plate 15 and the frame plate 20 are connected to each other with one or more clips, each clip 115 can comprise any suitable characteristic that allows it fulfill its intended purpose. In one non-limiting example,
In some non-limiting embodiments, the frame system 10 comprises one or more spacers to maintain a space between the display plate's second side 50 and the frame plate's front side 75. In this manner, the spacer can provide the frame system with a 3-dimentional appearance in which the display plate appears to float away from the frame plate.
Where the frame system 10 comprises one or more spacers, the frame system can comprise any suitable number of spacers, including, but not limited to, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more. Indeed, in some presently preferred embodiments, the frame system comprises 2 spacers to stabilize and separate the display plate from the frame plate.
Where the frame system comprises spacers, the spacers can be disposed on any suitable component that allows the spacers to fulfill their intended purpose. In one non-limiting embodiment, however,
While the spacer 155 can comprise any suitable characteristic that allows it to function as intended,
Additionally, where the frame system 10 comprises a spacer 155, the spacer can maintain any suitable distance between the frame plate's front side 75 and the display plate's second side 50. Indeed, in some non-limiting embodiments, the spacer maintains a space that is more than about 5 millimeters (about 0.2 inches), about 1 centimeters (about 0.4 inches), about 2 centimeters (about 0.8 inches), or larger. Similarly, in some non-limiting embodiments, the spacer maintains a space that is less than about 6 centimeters (about 2.4 inches), about 4 centimeters (about 1.6 inches), about 2 centimeters (about 0.8 inches), or less.
In some non-limiting embodiments, the frame system 10 also comprises one or more alignment members that extend between the display plate 15 and the frame plate 20. By way of illustration,
Where the frame system comprises one or more alignment members, the alignment members can serve any suitable purpose, including helping to stabilize the display plate on the frame plate. Indeed, the use of one or more alignment members can prevent the display plate from wobbling on the frame plate, while reducing the number of clips needed to stabilize the display plate on the frame plate. For instance, instead, of needing 2, 3, 4, or more clips to stabilize the display plate on the frame plate, the frame system can use 1, 2, 3, 4, or more alignment members to stabilize the system. Indeed, where the display plate 15 comprises 2 alignment members 165 and 2 clips 115, the display plate can be securely aligned with the frame plate while a user can easily separate the two plates by pinching the two clips at the same time.
Where the frame system 10 comprises one or more alignment members 165, the alignment members can have any suitable characteristic that allows them to stabilize the display plate's position with respect to the frame plate 20. In one non-limiting example, each alignment member comprises a pin, a peg, an L-shaped shaft, or any other suitable shape. For instance,
As previously mentioned, in some non-limiting embodiments, the frame system 10 optionally comprises an aligner 25. The aligner may have any suitable characteristic that allows a user to use the aligner to place a display medium on the display plate in a desired position. In one non-limiting example, the aligner has a flat inner surface (on which the medium can be placed) and one or more raised sides, against which the medium can be aligned. In this example, the inner dimensions of the flat inner surface 168 are slightly larger than the perimeter 62 of the display plate 15 (as shown in
In one non-limiting illustration,
Where the display plate 15 comprises contact paper 65, or some other suitable securing mechanism (as previously discussed), the aligner 25 can be used as a jig to guide the display medium into proper alignment with the display plate. Once the display medium is secured to the display plate, the medium can be displayed on the frame system, with or without the aligner, according to the user's desires. For instance, where the aligner is used over the display plate (as a flat plate or as a shadow box), the aligner can protect the display media on or in the display plate. In contrast, in some cases, after the aligner is used to align media on the display plate, the aligner is removed from the display plate and the media is displayed without a protective cover.
As mentioned above and shown in
While the liner 30 can have any suitable characteristics,
In some non-limiting embodiments, the frame system 10 also comprises a back cover 40. Although the back cover can serve a variety of purposes, in some instances, the back cover connects to the frame plate's back side so as to cover the frame plate's back side and to allow the frame system to be freestanding or to be attached to a supporting object.
The back cover 35 can have any suitable characteristic. Indeed, in one non-limiting embodiment (which is not illustrated), the back cover comprises one or more holes, slots, grooves, hooks, loops, or other holders that are sized and shaped to catch a fastener (such as a nail, a screw, a hook, or any other suitable fastener) that is extending from a supporting object (such as a wall). In some presently preferred embodiments, the holder comprises a conventional hole having a plurality of diameters, wherein a first diameter of the hole is sized to allow a fastener's head to pass there through, and wherein a second diameter is sized to prevent the fastener's head from passing through that portion of the hole. In still another non-limiting embodiment,
In some other non-limiting embodiments,
Where the back cover 35 comprises one or more frame plate fasteners, the frame plate fasteners can comprise any suitable component that allows the back cover to be connected to the frame plate 20. Some non-limiting examples of suitable frame plate fasteners include one or more processes, clips, adhesives, mechanical fasteners (e.g., hook-and-loop fasteners), frictional engagements, and/or any other suitable component. In one non-limiting embodiment, however,
As mentioned, in some non-limiting embodiments, the back cover 35 comprises one or more legs 40. In such embodiments, the legs allow the frame system to support itself on a flat object, such as a table, a shelf, a cabinet, or any other structure suitable of allowing the frame system to stand thereon.
Where the frame system comprises one or more legs, the legs can have any suitable characteristic. In one non-limiting example, each leg can have any suitable shape. In another non-limiting example, each leg can connect to a distal face 190 of the back cover in any suitable manner, including, without limitation, by being integrally formed with the back cover, by being snapped into slots (not shown) in the back cover 35, by being chemically bonded to the back cover, and/or in any other suitable manner. In some preferred embodiments, however, a single leg is integrally formed with and connected to the back cover 35, as illustrated in
In addition to the previously mentioned components and characteristics, the frame system 10 can comprise any other suitable component or characteristic. In one non-limiting example, the frame system optionally comprises an additional border that can be used to further decorate and accessorize the frame system for a desired application. While such a border can be disposed in any suitable location,
Where the frame system 10 comprises an additional border 195, the border can be connected the frame system in any suitable manner. By way of non-limiting example, the additional border can connect to the frame plate through one or more frictional engagements, adhesives, and/or any other suitable component.
Where the additional border 195 connects to the frame plate 20 through a frictional engagement, the border may be connected through the use of any suitable frictional engagement. By way of illustration,
In yet another non-limiting example of an additional component or characteristic, the frame system 10 is optionally adapted to be selectively connected to and disconnected from one or more additional frame systems to form a collage of frame systems. In this manner, a plurality of frame systems can be displayed as one cohesive presentation.
Where multiple frame systems 10 are connected together, the frame systems can be connected to each other in any suitable manner. Some examples of suitable mechanisms for connecting multiple frames systems together include, but are not limited to, the use of one or more adhesives, hook-and-loop fasteners, frictional engagements, mechanical clamps, and the like. Indeed, in some non-limiting embodiments, multiple frame systems are connected together through the use of virtually any suitable mechanical clamp that can releasably connect at least two frame systems together. By way of non-limiting illustration,
In still another non-limiting example, the frame system 10 comprises one or more separating bars. Generally, the bars may be used to split the display surface 55 of the display plate into a plurality of sections. In this manner, the display plate can be adapted to hold a plurality of media, of one or more sizes. Additionally, where the frame system comprises one or more bars, the bars can be used to create a montage on the display plate. Accordingly, the frame can be further be customized for specific media, applications, users, etc. For instance, the bars can be used to separate the display surface into 2 frames, 3 frames, 4 frames, etc., that are configured for specific media.
Where the frame system comprises one or more bars, the bars can have any characteristic suitable for use with the frame system. By way of non-limiting example, the bars can be about the length of the display plate and/or the frame plate. Additionally, the bars and/or the frame may be adapted to be snapped together and/or to one or more components of the frame system for fast and easy assembly. By way of non-limiting example,
The described frame system 10 may be made of any suitable material, including, but not limited to, a plastic, a wood, a metal, a ceramic, a polymer, a composite, and combinations thereof. However, in some preferred embodiments, the frame system is fabricated from a plastic or a polymer.
The frame system can also be made in any suitable manner. Some examples of suitable methods for forming the various components of the frame system include, but are not limited to, extruding, cutting, bending, molding, etching, bonding, fastening, joining, or otherwise shaping the various components.
The various components of the frame system can also have any desired color. Moreover, the various components of the frame system can be interchanged with components of various colors. In this manner, the frame system's color scheme can easily be customized and personalized by the user.
The frame system 10 may be virtually any desired size. Indeed, in some non-limiting embodiments, the frame system's length and/or width is selected from a measurement that is greater than: about 2 centimeters (about 0.8 inches), about 5 centimeters (about 2 inches), or about 10 centimeters (about 4 inches). Similarly, in some non-limiting embodiments, the frame system's length and/or width is selected from a measurement that is less than: about 1.2 meters (about 4 feet), 61 centimeters (about 2 feet), or about 30 centimeters (about 1 foot).
The various components of the frame system (e.g., the display surface 55 of the display plate 15, the outermost perimeter 110 of the frame plate 20, etc.) may also be any suitable shape, including, but not limited to, square, rectangular, circular, elliptical, polygonal, irregular, etc. In one non-limiting example,
The described frame system may offer several benefits and advantages. By way of non-limiting example, because the frame system is accessorizable, it can easily be configured and reconfigured multiple times. Moreover, the frame system can be personalized and customized for a variety of media, users, applications, etc. Additionally, because some components of the frame system can be selectively connected to and disconnected from each other through the use of one or more frictional engagements (e.g., clip 115) in some cases, the frame system is able to be accessorized and configured without the use of tools. In fact, in some cases, the frame system requires no tools for assembly and/or mounting. However, in other cases, the frame system may simply require a level to level the frame system, or an adhesive to permanently secure the components in place, if desired.
Thus, the present application discusses systems and methods for providing an accessorizable frame system having a plurality of pieces that selectively connect to and disconnect from each other. Because certain pieces in the frame system can easily be connected to and disconnected from each other, the frame system is easily assembled, customized, and otherwise used to provide an aesthetically pleasing display.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described examples and 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.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/160,570, filed Mar. 16, 2009, entitled “Systems and Methods for Providing an Accessorizable Frame System,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
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