MODULAR PICTURE FRAME

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/683,040, filed on Aug. 14, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a picture frame that receives painting panels, prints, etc. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a picture frame that is removably attachable to a wall and receives a removably attachable panel within the frame.

BACKGROUND

Picture frames have been in use throughout parts of the world for hundreds of years. Picture frames are typically used to display artwork, including, at least, paintings and photographs. Early versions of picture frames were found in churches or wealthy structures and it wasn't until more recent years that picture frames began to make an appearance in homes. Picture frames have been produced using woods, metals, and other materials. Some picture frames utilize glass, or other transparent materials, to protect the artwork. Some of the picture frames use brackets or wires so as to allow the picture frames to be coupled to a wall. Furthermore, artwork may be affixed to the picture frames in numerous ways.

However, once most artwork is placed into a picture frame, it is either impossible or at least difficult to remove. That is, some art work may be permanently adhered to a frame so that each frame would receive its own piece of artwork. The advancements in modern technology have addressed some of the inherent shortcomings of traditional picture frames by allowing users to upload numerous photographs, digital artwork, etc. to a digital frame with a screen. While these digital frames have solved some of the issues inherent in traditional picture frames, they do not solve all issues. Many individuals enjoy the look and feel of tangible paintings, drawings, and photographs, which cannot be conveyed through digital frames.

Accordingly, there is a need for a frame that allows users to easily and quickly affix and remove paintings, photos etc. from the frame. The present invention seeks to solve these and other problems.

SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment, a modular picture frame comprises a frame. A back panel may be coupled to a rear of the frame. The back panel may be flush with the frame, being positioned within and circumscribed by the frame. The back panel may include one or more first apertures that receive a hanging fastener, such as a nail, to couple to a wall or any other location. The back panel may receive fasteners that pass therethrough to an intermediary panel. The intermediary panel may be positioned within the frame. The intermediary panel may include a first panel aperture and a second panel aperture. The intermediary panel may include a first bracket, a second bracket, a third bracket, and a fourth bracket in each corner thereof. The first bracket may include a first aperture and a second aperture with a first recessed portion that receives a first magnet. The second bracket may include a third aperture and a fourth aperture with a second recessed portion that receives a second magnet. The third bracket may include a fifth aperture and a sixth aperture with a third recessed portion that receives a third magnet. The fourth bracket may include a seventh aperture and an eighth aperture with a fourth recessed portion that receives a fourth magnet. The first, second, third, fourth, six, seventh, and eighth apertures may receive couplers, such as screws. A plate, sized to fit within the frame, may include a first plate bracket, a second plate bracket, a third plate bracket, and a fourth plate bracket. The plate brackets may be positioned on a lower surface of the plate. The plate brackets may be positioned on the plate so as to mirror the location of the brackets on the intermediary panel. That is, the plate brackets are positioned to fasten to the brackets on the intermediary panel. An upper surface of the plate may be blank so as to receive paint, ink, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a modular picture frame;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a modular picture frame;

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of a modular picture frame;

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom, rear perspective view of a modular picture frame;

FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of a modular picture frame with a removably attachable panel detached;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a modular picture frame with a removably attachable panel detached; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a rear perspective view of a removably attachable panel of a modular picture frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

While embodiments of the present disclosure may be subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular features, forms, components, etc. disclosed. Rather, the present disclosure will cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

Reference to the invention, the present disclosure, or the like are not intended to restrict or limit the invention, the present disclosure, or the like to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “alternate embodiments,” “some embodiments,” and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic.

Any arrangements herein are meant to be illustrative and do not limit the invention's scope. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their ordinary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. Certain terms are used herein, such as “comprising” and “including,” and similar terms are meant to be “open” and not “closed”terms.

It will be understood that the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence, arrangement, or with any particular graphics or interface. In fact, the steps of the disclosed processes or methods generally may be carried out in various, different sequences and arrangements while still being in the scope of the present invention.

As previously described, there is a need for a frame that allows users to easily and quickly affix and remove paintings, photos etc. from the frame. The present invention seeks to solve these and other problems.

Picture frames have been an important part of the art world for hundreds of years. Often these frames are necessary to display artwork and fasten artwork to walls. Frames may add a lot to an art piece. Picture frames have been produced using woods, metals, and other materials. Some picture frames utilize glass, or other transparent materials, to protect the artwork. Some of the picture frames use brackets or wires so as to allows the picture frames to be coupled to a wall. Furthermore, artwork may be affixed to the picture frames in numerous ways. However, after artwork is affixed to a frame, it, at times, becomes problematic to remove the artwork. Some of this art work may be adhered to the frame or affixed through other means. Artists are usually always producing new creations. With all of these new creations, an artist would need numerous frames to affix each piece of artwork.

Some have attempted to address this issue by utilizing technology. In particular, artists can now upload artwork to digital frames, which allow an artist to display many images on a single digital frame. While these digital frames solve some of the issues discussed above, they do not solve all. Many artists like actual artwork where brush strokes may be seen and the look and feel of the artwork can be felt and understood.

The modular picture frame discussed herein comprises a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side to create the frame. The modular picture frame further comprises a back panel, an intermediary panel, and a plate. It will be appreciated that the modular picture frame allows a user to place different types of artworks on the modular picture frame. That is, the user may replace artwork on the frame with different pieces of art that they or another have produced.

As shown in FIGS. 1-7, in one embodiment, a modular picture frame 100 comprises a frame 102 with a first side 104, a second side 106 parallel to and spaced apart from the first side 104, a third side 108, and a fourth side 110 parallel to and spaced apart from the third side 108. The frame 102 may vary in width, length, and height. As an example, in some embodiments, there may be a first size, such as 5″×8″, a second size larger than the first size, and a third size larger than both the first and second sizes. The frame 102 may be a continuous section of material or multiple sections. A back panel 112 may be coupled to a rear of the frame 102. The back panel 112 may be flush with the frame 102, being positioned within and circumscribed by the frame 102. In some embodiments, the back panel 112 may be recessed within the frame or protruding therefrom. The back panel 112 may include a first aperture 113 that receives a hanging fastener (e.g., a nail), or other type of fastening device, to couple to a wall or any other location. The first aperture 113 may include a generally circular portion 114 and a slot 115 extending upward therefrom. The circular portion 114 may be configured to initially receive the hanging fastener while the slot 115 is configured to secure permanently or temporarily the modular picture frame 100 against a wall. In some embodiments, the back panel 112 may include more than one aperture so as to make the modular picture frame 100 easily adjustable for height on a wall. In other embodiments, the back panel 112 may receive wire or other wall hanging mechanism so as to be coupleable to a wall. The back panel 112 may receive fasteners 116 that pass therethrough to an intermediary panel 118.

The intermediary panel 118 may be positioned within the frame 102 or may be positioned proximate a front or back of the frame 102. The intermediary panel 118 may be made of wood (e.g., particle board); or, in some embodiments, metal or plastic. The intermediary panel 118 may include a first panel aperture 120 and a second panel aperture 122. The first and second panel apertures 120, 122 allow a user to see the first aperture 114 in the back panel 112, thereby making it easier for a user to hang the modular picture frame 100 on a nail or other fastening device. While two panel apertures 120, 122 are shown, it will be understood that one or more than two panel apertures may be on the intermediary panel 118. The intermediary panel 118 may include a first bracket 124A, a second bracket 124B, a third bracket 124C, and a fourth bracket 124D in each corner thereof. However, it will be appreciated that while four brackets 124A-124D are shown, there may be more or less than four brackets, and the four brackets 124A-124D may be positioned in places on the intermediary panel 118 other than the corners. The first bracket 124A may include a first aperture 126A and a second aperture 126B with a first recessed portion 127A that receives a first magnet 128. The second bracket 124B may include a third aperture 130A and a fourth aperture 130B with a second recessed portion 127B that receives a second magnet 132. The third bracket 124C may include a fifth aperture 134A and a sixth aperture 134B with a third recessed portion 127C that receives a third magnet 136. The fourth bracket 124D may include a seventh aperture 138A and an eighth aperture 138B with a fourth recessed portion 127D that receives a fourth magnet 140. The first, second, third, fourth, six, seventh, and eighth apertures 126A, 126B, 130A, 130B, 134A, 134B, 138A, 138B may receive couplers 142, such as screws. While multiple apertures are shown on each of the brackets 124A-124D, it will be understood that the brackets 124A-124D may have more than two or less than two apertures to receive the couplers 142. In some embodiments, the brackets 124A-124D may couple to the intermediary panel 118 via an adhesive or other chemical or mechanical securement mechanism. Further, while magnets are discussed, other securement mechanisms may be used, such as hook and loop or latches. In some embodiments, the modular picture frame 100 may have one or more blocks placed on inner corners of the frame 102 or other places on the inner frame 102 instead of the intermediary panel 118, thereby the one or more blocks may receive the brackets and fasteners as discussed above. Other blocks, panels, or brackets may be used to receive magnets without departing herefrom.

A plate 144, sized to fit within the frame 102, may include a first plate bracket 146A, a second plate bracket 146B, a third plate bracket 146C, and a fourth plate bracket 146D. The plate brackets 146A-146D may include bracket apertures 147A-147H to receive couplers, such screws. In other embodiments, the plate brackets 146A-146D may be adhered to the underside of the plate 144. The plate brackets 146A-146D may include two apertures each. In some embodiments, the plate brackets 146A-146D may have more or less than two apertures. In some embodiments, the plate 144 may rest on top of and/or overhang edges of the front of the frame 102. There may be a gap that is between an inner side of the frame 102 and an outer edge of the plate 144. The gap may vary in size based on the size of the plate 144 and/or frame 102. The plate brackets 146A-146D may be positioned on a lower surface 148 of the plate 144. The plate brackets 146A-146D may be positioned on the plate 144 so as to mirror the location of brackets 124A-124D on the intermediary panel 118. That is, the plate brackets 146A-146D are positioned to fasten to the brackets 124A-124D on the intermediary panel 118. An upper surface 150 of the plate 144 may be blank so as to allow a user to paint, draw, or add any other type of art work. For example, the plate 144 may be a print or may be printed on with any type of medium to show digital photographs, other images, etc. The plate 144 may be made of particle board, canvas, or any other type of art medium. The plate 144 may vary in depth along with the frame 102. To address the change in depth, the modular picture frame 100, in some embodiments, may include one or more spacers that may be placed or removed to raise or lower the plate 144 so as to place the plate 144 at or near the front edge of the frame 102 (e.g., so as to make the plate 102 flush with the upper edge of the frame 102).

To use the modular picture frame 100, a user places a fastener into, for example, a wall. Then the user places the fastener into the first aperture 114 on the back panel 112 by looking through the first and/or second panel apertures 120, 122. The user may then paint or add other art forms to the plate 144 and then place the plate 144 on the intermediary panel 118 for viewing. If the user desires to replace the plate 144, then the user may remove the plate 144 and position an additional plate with new artwork onto the intermediary panel 118.

The modular picture frame 100 may be manufactured from wood. The modular picture frame 100 may also be manufactured from metal, plastic, porcelain, or any other type of material used in the art, with its various components being the same or different. The modular picture frame 100 may vary in size so as to allow larger plates or smaller plates to be positioned within the frame.

It will be understood that while various embodiments have been disclosed herein, other embodiments are contemplated. Further, certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties or features described in other embodiments. Consequently, various features of certain embodiments can be compatible with, combined with, included in, and/or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, disclosure of certain features or components relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting the application or inclusion of said features or components to the specific embodiment unless stated. As such, other embodiments can also include said features, components, members, elements, parts, and/or portions without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Although only a few of the example embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications are possible without materially departing from the present disclosure described herein. Accordingly, all modifications may be included within the scope of this invention.