PICTURE FRAME ASSEMBLY

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/661,672, filed Jun. 19, 2024. The entire specification and figures of the above-referenced application is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is directed to a frame for displaying an object, such as a photograph or artwork, and more particularly, relates to a quick-change framing system or assembly.

BACKGROUND

Traditional picture frames are well known in the art and can be made of wood, metal, plastic, and other common materials. Some picture frames can be adapted to accommodate matting, which provides a clean border to thus emphasize the image being displayed. In some cases, more than one matting sheet may be used in contrasting colors. The image being displayed may be a photograph, painting, watercolor, print, canvas, poster, or the like. In addition, the picture frame may hold a pane of glass or other transparent material which covers the picture for protection. It is often desired to replace the picture within the frame with a new or updated picture. For wooden frames, this is accomplished by removing any brads or nails that physically secure the picture to the wooden frame. For metal frames this is often accomplished by bending metal tabs up and away from the backing sheet or backing board of the picture. After the new picture is positioned in a wooden frame, brads or nails are pounded back into the wooden frame to secure the picture in place. After the picture is positioned in a metal frame, the tabs of the metal frame are bent downwardly against the backing sheet or board to secure the picture unit within the frame. However, a disadvantage inherent with the above traditional systems is that they require actions that may break the frame or permanently damage the picture displayed therein. Moreover, in the case of metal frames, the movable tabs can wear out and break over time, making the frame unusable. Accordingly, there exist a long-felt need for a picture frame assembly that is both visually appealing while also being configured to quickly secure a picture in a manner which makes replacement of the picture within the frame quick and easy with a minimum of effort.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Described herein is a picture frame assembly suitable for use in framing various image substrates, such as photographs, canvases, paintings, and the like. In one preferred embodiment, the picture frame assembly can be easily disarticulated so as to allow the image substrate positioned within the frame assembly to be removed and replaced with a new picture.

In a preferred aspect, the picture frame assembly described herein includes an outer frame having a first and second side length, and a top and a bottom length forming a display surface. The outer frame further includes a rear surface adapted to receive a transparent panel that can be positioned so as to protect an image substrate. In this preferred embodiment, the rear surface of the outer frame includes a tractable channel formed by an outer perimeter wall and an inner perimeter wall configured to receive an inner frame as described herein. In this preferred configuration, the outer frame described herein includes one or more integral couplers extending inward from the terminal portion of the outer perimeter wall.

In a preferred aspect, the picture frame assembly described herein includes a tractable inner frame forming a substrate backing adapted to be positioned against the rear surface of an image substrate, the rear surface of the inner frame further having an extended perimeter having an inner and outer extended surface configured to be coupled with the outer frame. In this preferred embodiment, the inner frame can be positioned against the rear surface of the outer frame, with the substrate backing being positioned adjacent to an image substrate. In this configuration, the one or more integral couplers extending inward from the terminal portion of the outer perimeter wall are positioned over the extended perimeter securing the inner and outer frame in place.

Additional aspects of the invention will become apparent from the drawings, specifications, and claims provided below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. shows a front-view of the display surface of the outer frame in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 2. shows a side-view the outer frame in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 3. shows a rear-view of an inner frame showing having a plurality of integral couplers positioned on each side length and the top and bottom lengths of the frame in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 4. shows a cross-section view of an inner frame showing the outer and inner perimeter walls forming a tractable channel in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 5. shows a close-up view of a cross-section view of an inner frame showing the outer and inner perimeter walls forming a tractable channel in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 6. shows a front-view of an inner frame having a substrate backing in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 7. shows a cross-section view of an inner frame showing the outer extended surface and inner extended surface forming the extended perimeter in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 8. shows a close-up view of frame coupler in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 9. shows a rear-view of an inner frame having a gripping surface and support reinforcing the outer extended surface in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 10. shows a close-up view of a gripping surface and support reinforcing the outer extended surface in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 11. shows an inner frame coupled with an outer frame in one embodiment thereof; and

FIG. 12. shows a stacked view of an inner frame, image substrate, and outer frame in one embodiment thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed to a quick-change picture frame assembly (100) configured to quickly and easily replace an image substrate (118) within the frame for display. In preferred embodiments, an image substrate (118) of the disclosure can be selected from: a canvas image substrate, a paper image substrate, a photograph image substrate, or a poster image substrate, which as described herein can be replaceable in the context of the picture frame assembly (100)

The picture frame assembly (100) includes an outer frame (102). Generally referring to FIG. 1, the outer frame (102) includes a first and second side length (122, 124), as well as a top (126) and a bottom length (126) forming a square or rectangular structural outline of the outer frame (102). Notably, in some embodiments each length portion can be a separable component that can be coupled together form the body of the outer frame (102), while in a preferred embodiment the outer frame (102) is an integral component, preferably formed from an injection molded or other similar process. In still further alternative embodiments, the outer frame (102) can include a plurality of different shapes and size orientations. For example, in one embodiment, the outer frame (102) can be formed as a circle, an oval, or even a triangle to provide several non-limiting examples. In each embodiment, the outer frame (102) forms a display window (134) through which an image substrate (118) can be displayed as described below.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the outer frame (102) of the disclosure includes a front display surface (104). In a preferred embodiment, the display surface (104) can include a decorative surface generally configured to look like a traditional frame. For example, the display surface (104) of the outer frame (102) can include decorative elements such as molding and decorative edges and designs, as well as raised and indented design elements. Moreover, as noted above, in a preferred embodiment the outer frame (102) is formed as an integral component from plastic, thermoplastic polymer, or a composite material, which can further include dye that generate a display surface having one or more colors.

Referring to FIG. 3, the outer frame (102) of the disclosure includes a rear surface (106). In a preferred embodiment, the rear surface (106) can be configured to receive a transparent panel (110) that is positioned to cover the display window (134) through which an image substrate (118) can be displayed. The transparent panel (110) of the disclosure can be formed from a material selected from: glass, polystyrene, acrylic, plexiglass, or polycarbonate. In some embodiments, the transparent panel (110) of the invention is adhered to the rear surface (106) of the outer frame (102), for example through one or more adhesives. In this preferred embodiment, an adhesive, such as glue or adhesive tape, is positioned on the perimeter of the transparent panel (110) and/or on the rear surface (106) of the outer frame (102) securing the panel (110) to the surface. In another preferred embodiment, an adhesive is positioned on the perimeter of the transparent panel (110) and/or on a support notch (120) positioned along the interior perimeter of the rear surface (106) of the outer frame (102) thereby securing the panel (110) to the surface. In alternative embodiments, the transparent panel (110) can be positioned such that its perimeter is transiently supported by a support notch (120) so as to secure the transparent panel (110) in place, for example during the replacement of an image substrate (118) without being permanently or semi-permanently affixed to the body of outer frame (102).

In further embodiments not shown in these examples, the transparent panel (110) can be secured to the body of the rear surface (106) of the outer frame (102) through one or more couplers (not shown). For example, the transparent panel can be positioned within a slot coupler position or further secured by one or more twist locks positioned over the rear surface of the transparent panel (110) to secure it to the body of the outer frame (102). Such examples are non-limiting, and the disclosure incorporates a variety of coupler mechanisms that would be understood as applicable by those of ordinary skill in the art.

The rear surface (106) of the outer frame (102) further includes a tractable channel (112). Generally referring to FIGS. 3-4, the tractable channel (112) of the disclosure is formed by an outer perimeter wall (114) and an inner perimeter wall (116) that, in a preferred embodiment extend around the perimeter of the rear surface (106) of the outer frame (102). As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the outer perimeter wall (114) extends rearward and at an angle from the rear surface (106) of the outer frame (102) forming its outermost surface. The inner perimeter wall (116), which extends inward from the rear surface (106) of the outer frame (102), forms the support notch (120) and the tractable channel (112). Notably, the outer perimeter wall (114) extends further than the inner perimeter wall (116). In this preferred configuration, the outer perimeter wall (114) is tractable such that it can flex outward to receive as well as disengage the inner frame (200) as detailed below.

The rear surface (106) of the outer frame (102) of the disclosure further includes one or more integral couplers (132). As shown in FIG. 3, an integral coupler (132) of the invention can be extended inward from the top, also referred to as the terminal portion of the outer perimeter wall (114) forming an extended overhang that can be used to secure the inner frame (200) described below. As further shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of integral coupler (132) are positioned on the first and second side length (122, 124), as well as the top and a bottom lengths (126, 128) of the outer frame (102), each being configured to be secured to the top portion of at least one extended coupling surface (212) at a frame coupler (210) position of the inner frame (200) as described below. Notably, while a preferred embodiment describes the couplers as integral, in alternative embodiments the coupler can include separable couplers. For example, in one embodiment a separable coupler can include a slide or clamp coupler configured to secure the inner and out frames together (200, 102).

The picture frame assembly (100) of the disclosure further includes an inner frame (200). In a preferred embodiment, the inner frame (200) is made from a tractable material, such as plastic or thermoplastic, that allows it to flex. Generally referring to FIGS. 6-10, the inner frame (200) of the disclosure includes a substrate backing (202) adapted to be positioned against the rear surface of an image substrate (118) when secured in the display window (134) of the picture frame assembly (100). Referring to FIG. 9, the inner frame (200) further can include an extended perimeter (230) formed primarily by an inner and outer extended surface (218, 220) respectively. As shown in FIG. 12, in this configuration, the inner frame (200) can be positioned against the rear surface (106) of the outer frame (102) with the substrate backing (202) being positioned adjacent to an image substrate (118) which can further be positioned adjacent to a transparent panel (110) such that the image substrate is positioned within the display window (134) of the outer frame. As the outer frame (102) and inner frame (200) are engaged, one or more of the integral couplers (132) extending inward from the terminal portion of the outer perimeter wall (114) of the outer frame (102) are positioned over the extended perimeter (230) of the securing the inner and outer frames (200, 102) in place.

In a more preferred embodiment, the inner frame (200) includes one or more extended coupling surfaces (212) that extend from the top portion of the outer extended surface (218) of the extended perimeter (230). As noted above, the outer perimeter wall (114) of the outer frame (102) is laterally tractable, or movable to allow the extended perimeter (230) to be inserted into the tractable channel (112) the outer extended surface (218) also being tractable so as to allow the outer perimeter wall (114) and outer extended surface (218) to flex laterally allowing insertion of the extended perimeter (230) into the tractable channel (112). In this configuration, as the extended perimeter (230) inner frame (200) passes below an integral coupler (132) the outer extended surface (218) extend back outward laterally such that its extended coupling surface (212) is positioned below the overhang of the integral coupler (132) thereby forming a secured joint between the inner and outer frames (200, 102), respectively. In this arrangement, the coupled frames generate a sufficient pressure against the secure the image substrate (118) and preferably a transparent pane, that it is securely positioned within the display window (134). The coupled frames can be separated by disengaging the frames (102, 200), and in a preferred embodiment, replace the image substrate (118) as detailed below.

In another embodiment, the coupling assemblies of the inner and outer frames (200, 102) can include one or more guides and slots to help orient and guide the coupling of the frames. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, an extended guide (130) can be positioned on the outer perimeter wall (114) of the outer frame (102). Further, a slot (204) can be positioned on the outer extended surface (218) of inner frame (200) and configured to be mated with the guide (130). In a preferred embodiment, both the slot (204) and guide (130) are integral with the inner frame (102) and outer frame (200) respectively. As can be noted, in alternative embodiments, the guide (130) can be positioned on the inner frame (200), while the slot can be positioned on the outer frame (102) such that their positions are reversible.

As generally shown in the figures, the first and second side length (122, 124), and a top and a bottom length (126, 128) of the outer frame (102) include at least one integral coupler configured to be secured to the top portion of at least one extended coupling surface (212) at a frame coupler position (120) on the inner frame (200). However, this is an exemplary embodiment only. For example, the inner and outer frames (200, 102) can be secured at one or a plurality of positions. For example, depending on the shape and size of the picture frame assembly (100), the inner and outer frames (200, 102) may only require one, or a plurality of coupling assemblies as generally described herein. As such, the number and placement of coupling assemblies is exemplary only and should not be seen as limiting the overall disclosure.

The rear surface (208) of the outer frame (200) can further include one or more supports (216). As noted previously, the coupler assembly includes a tractable outer extended surface (218) forming the lateral surface of the outer frame (200). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, one or more supports (216) can be positioned on the rear surface (208) of the outer frame (200) and can be coupled with or integral with the outer extended surface (218). In this configuration, the supports (216) can buttress the tractable outer extended surface (218) to prevent over extension or flexion of the surface. Moreover, the one or more supports (216) can provide reinforcing support to the coupling assembly generally.

The present disclosure further includes methods of replacing an image substrate in a frame assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes the step of establishing outer frame, which can optionally have a first and second side length, and a top and a bottom length forming a display surface, and a rear surface adapted to receive a transparent panel, and wherein the rear surface of the outer frame further includes a tractable channel formed by an outer perimeter wall and an inner perimeter wall. Next, the image substrate can be positioned on the rear surface of the outer frame, preferably over a transparent panel, with the perimeter of the panel and image substrate positioned over a support surface. In certain embodiments, this step may further include removing a prior positioned image substrate.

The method further includes establishing a tractable inner frame forming a substrate backing adapted to be positioned against the rear surface of an image substrate, the rear surface of the inner frame further having an extended perimeter having an inner and outer extended surface. This tractable inner frame is inserted into the rear surface of the outer frame, wherein the extended perimeter is inserted into the tractable channel formed by an outer perimeter wall, which flexes to allow the insertion. Next, one or more integral couplers extending inward from the terminal portion of the outer perimeter wall engaged so as to be positioned over the extended perimeter securing the inner and outer frames in place.

In certain additional embodiments, to remove a positioned image substrate, a user can disengage at least integral couplers thereby disengaging the inner and outer frames. In this embodiment, this can be accomplished by extending the outer perimeter wall such that it is no longer positioned over the outer extended surface of the inner frame allowing the inner frame to be disengaged from the outer frame. In a certain embodiment, the inner frame may include a gripping surface (214) to assist a user in disengaging the frame components. In one embodiment, the outer and inner frame can be disengaged by being horizontally separated, while in alternative embodiments, a user can disengage a single integral coupler and extract the inner frame from the outer frame by sliding it laterally until fully disengaged. This is optimally accomplished while the frame assembly is in a prone position. Naturally, once disengaged, the image substrate can be replaced, and the inner and outer frames can be reengaged as described herein.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a number of embodiments, it would be understood by those skilled in the art that changes in the form and details may be made to the various embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and that the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to act as limitations on the scope of the claims. All references cited herein are incorporated in their entirety by reference. The terminology used herein is for describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “and” and “the” include plural referents unless the content and context clearly dictate otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “a” or “the” marker may include a combination of two or more such markers. Unless defined otherwise, all scientific and technical terms are to be understood as having the same meaning as commonly used in the art to which they pertain.