US20020104247A1

US20020104247A1 - Picture frame

Info

Publication number: US20020104247A1
Application number: US09/776,506
Authority: US
Inventors: Richard Ohren
Original assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp
Current assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp
Priority date: 2001-02-02
Filing date: 2001-02-02
Publication date: 2002-08-08

Abstract

A picture frame for displaying a picture comprises a first layer of rectangular back cover having a first pair of identical longer side edges and a first pair of identical shorter side edges, a second layer of rectangular back cover having a second pair of identical longer side edges and a second pair of identical shorter side edges, and a transparent front cover, the transparent front cover having a transparent front panel and two flanges flanging at two opposite side edges of the transparent front panel, both the first layer of rectangular back cover and the second layer of rectangular back cover being deposed between the transparent front panel and the two flanges, and firmly held by the two flanges.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to improvements on a picture frame. More specifically, my invention is primarily intended for providing a low cost picture frame with a four-way mounting system, which is easy to be manufactured, stored and shipped.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Picture frames have been frequently used in today's society. In order to meet needs for framing a variety of things, a lot of inventions have been made to improve the conventional picture frames.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,779,366 discloses a Picture-Holding Device. The picture-holding device serves for fixing sheet-like picture material between a back wall and a transparent front panel, which together with the picture material can be exchanged towards the front side. The back wall is designed as one piece with a frame extending around the inserted picture material and the front panel and projecting towards the face side. Frame segments disposed on opposing sides of the frame each support at least one holding attachment and each are cut free by a through-extending opening disposed adjacent the holding attachment, wherein in each case one of said openings is aligned with a holding attachment, exposing an area in the back wall which is larger than the parallel projection of the projecting holding attachment.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,998,362 discloses a Picture Frame Assembly. The picture frame assembly comprises a frame for displaying a photograph or similar two dimensional work of art, an upright support attached to the frame, and a base upon which the upright support is mounted. The frame includes a detachable transparent cover for securing the photograph to the frame. The front surface of the frame includes a recess for receiving a photograph and the cover. Surrounding the recess and forming a part of the front surface is a border portion. The recess comprises a bottom surface and a sidewall. The inner edge of the sidewall connects the sidewall to the bottom surface of the recess, and the outer edge of the sidewall connects the sidewall to the border portion. The cover is inserted through the front of the frame and received within the recess such that the front surface of the cover is disposed between the outer edge of he sidewall and the bottom surface of the recess. Included along the rear surface of the cover are a plurality of protruding legs which engaged the bottom surface of the recess and ensure the secure retention of the cover within the recess.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,075,991 discloses a Front-Loading Display Frame. The frame has an integral outer margin and a back plate. A display item such as a picture, photograph, certificate, document, or the like is front-loaded into the frame by insertion of the corners of the display item into slots. The display item is thus held against the back plate and bounded by the outer margin. A flexible transparent sheet fits over the top of the display item and is inserted into the slots in like manner. The frame has a bracket such that the frame may be mounted upon a horizontal surface such as a table, desk, counter or the like. The bracket may be inserted into different sockets to change the orientation of the display item. The frame may also be mounted upon a vertical surface such as a wall by use of either of holes, depending upon the desired orientation of the display item a magnet or suction cup may also be sued for mounting upon other types of vertical surfaces.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,238 discloses a Framed Picture Hanger System. The framed picture hanger system uses a flexible sheet material device in a generally T-shaped form having an opening adjacent the outer end of the center leg and the head includes spaced legs at opposite ends extending parallel to the leg and the leg is threadable through die cut slits in a backing member that is attachable to a picture frame or the like. The hanger device which is preferably cut out from mylar sheet material provides a strong and sturdy hanger which together with the threadable attachment to the slit sheet backing member will support and hold considerable framed picture weight and mounting with conventional wall fastener devices.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,288 discloses a Quick Mount Picture Frame. The Quick Mount Picture Frame is a greeting card picture frame, which allows a picture to be easily and quickly mounted. The greeting card picture frame is a unitary integral construction of a decorative border having a filler or block providing a mounting surface for receiving a picture. Double-sided adhesive tape, on the center of the mounting surface, allows a picture to be easily and quickly positioned and secured by pressing it down on the adhesive surface of the tape. A matterboard is then applied that has double-sided adhesive tape securing the picture in the frame. A flat backing having a folding portion approximately equal to the width of the frame provides a self-contained stand or easel. A corner of the folding part is creased to provide a base for displaying the frame and picture on a desk or table top. A mounting hold is also provided in the frame for mounting the picture on a wall and for storing an included push-pin for hanging. A perforated hinge securing the folding portion to the flat backing allows the folding portion of the stand to be detached when the picture is to be mounted on a wall.

However, none of these inventions provide a picture frame that is simple in structure, cheap in cost, and easy to be manufactured, stored and shipped. What is needed then is a picture frame that is simple in structure, cheap in cost, and easy to be manufactured, stored and shipped.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of my invention to provide a picture frame that is simple in structure.

It is a further object of my invention to provide a picture frame that is thin.

It is a still further object of my invention to provide a picture frame that only has a one-piece frame and two layers of back covers.

It is a further object of my invention to provide a picture frame that is easy to be manufactured.

It is a still further object of my invention to provide a picture frame that is easy to be stored and shipped.

Other objects of my invention, as well as particular features, elements, and advantages thereof, will be elucidated in, or apparent from, the following description and the accompanying drawing figures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to my present invention I have provided a picture frame for displaying a picture.

In the preferred embodiment, a picture frame for displaying a picture comprises a first layer of rectangular back cover having a first pair of identical longer side edges and a first pair of identical shorter side edges, a second layer of rectangular back cover having a second pair of identical longer side edges and a second pair of identical shorter side edges, and a transparent front cover. The transparent front cover has a transparent front panel and two flanges flanging at two opposite side edges of the transparent front panel. Both the first layer of rectangular back cover and the second layer of rectangular back cover are deposed between the transparent front panel and the two flanges, and firmly held by the two flanges. The transparent rectangular front panel, the first layer of rectangular back cover and the second layer of rectangular back cover can be identical or varied in size. The transparent front cover of the picture frame is made of transparent synthetic plastic. Both the first layer of rectangular back cover and the second layer of rectangular back cover are made of card board stock.

The first layer of rectangular back cover of the picture frame has a first ring-style cut-out centrally located along one of the first pair of identical longer side edges. The first ring-style cut-out is capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang the picture frame on a vertical plane in a horizontal orientation. The first layer of rectangular back cover of the picture frame has a second ring-style cut-out centrally located along one of the first pair of identical shorter side edges. The second ring-style cut-out is capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang the picture frame on a vertical plane in a vertical orientation. Both the first ring-style cut-out and the second ring-style cut-out are capable of being stuck out from and pressed back to the first layer of rectangular back cover.

The first layer of rectangular back cover also has a first set of cut-out capable of being stuck out from and pressed back to the first layer of rectangular back cover. The first set of cut-out is capable of securely supporting the picture frame upright on a horizontal plane in a vertical orientation.

The second layer of rectangular back cover of the picture frame has a third ring-style cut-out centrally located along one of the second pair of identical longer side edges. The third ring-style cut-out is capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang the picture frame on a vertical plane in a horizontal orientation. The second layer of rectangular back cover of the picture frame has a fourth ring-style cut-out centrally located along one of the second pair of identical shorter side edges. The fourth ring-style cut-out is capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang the picture frame on a vertical plane in a vertical orientation. Both the third ring-style cut-out and the fourth ring-style cut-out are capable of being stuck out from and pressed back to the second layer of rectangular back cover.

The second layer of rectangular back cover of the picture frame also has a second set of cut-out capable of being stuck out from and pressed back to the second layer of rectangular back cover. The second set of cut-out is capable of securely supporting the picture frame upright on a horizontal plane in a horizontal orientation.

In a second embodiment, a picture frame for displaying a picture comprises a first layer of rectangular back cover having a first pair of identical longer side edges and a first pair of identical shorter side edges, a second layer of rectangular back cover having a second pair of identical longer side edges and a second pair of identical shorter side edges, and a transparent front cover. The transparent front cover has a transparent front panel and two flanges flanging at two opposite side edges of the transparent front panel. Both the first layer of rectangular back cover and the second layer of rectangular back cover are deposed between the transparent front panel and the two flanges, and firmly held by the two flanges.

The first layer of rectangular back cover of the picture frame has a first set of cut-out capable of securely supporting the picture frame upright on a horizontal plane in a vertical orientation. The first layer of rectangular back cover of the picture frames also has a second set of cut-out capable of securely supporting the picture frame upright on a horizontal plane in a horizontal orientation. Both the first set of cut-out and the second set of cut-out capable of being stuck out from and pressed back to the first layer of rectangular back cover.

All the transparent rectangular front panel, the first layer of rectangular back cover and the second layer of rectangular back cover can be identical or varied in size. Both the first layer of rectangular back cover and the second layer of rectangular back cover are made of card board stock. The transparent front cover is made of transparent synthetic plastic.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features of my invention will become more evident from a consideration of the following detailed description of my patent drawings, as follows: [0027]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a picture frame of the present invention in a preferred embodiment; [0028]
FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1; [0029]
FIG. 3 is a side view of the picture frame of the present invention with two layers of back covers taken out from the front cover; [0030]
FIG. 4 is a front view of the picture frame of the present invention without two layers of back covers; [0031]
FIG. 5 is a front view of the first layer of back cover of the picture frame in a preferred embodiment; [0032]
FIG. 6 is a prospective view of the first layer of back cover of the picture frame with first set of cut-out stuck out from the first layer of back cover in a preferred embodiment; [0033]
FIG. 7 is a front view of the second layer of back cover of the picture frame in a preferred embodiment; [0034]
FIG. 8 is a prospective view of the second layer of back cover of the picture frame with second set of cut-out stuck out from the second layer of back cover in a preferred embodiment; [0035]
FIG. 9 is a prospective view of a picture frame of the present invention in a second embodiment; [0036]
FIG. 10 is a front view of the first layer of back cover of the picture frame in a second embodiment; [0037]
FIG. 11 is a prospective view of the first layer of back cover of the picture frame with third set of cut-out stuck out from the first layer of back cover in a second embodiment; [0038]
FIG. 12 is a prospective view of the first layer of back cover of the picture frame with fourth set of cut-out stuck out from the first layer of back cover in a second embodiment; [0039]
FIG. 13 is a front view of the second layer of back cover of the picture frame in a second embodiment; and [0040]
FIG. 14 is a side view of the front cover of the picture frame in a second embodiment. [0041]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, the present invention concerns a picture frame for displaying a picture. [0042]
Referring now to FIG. 1, which is a prospective view of the [0043] picture frame 10 of the present invention. A picture frame 10 for displaying a picture in a preferred embodiment comprises a first layer of rectangular back cover 11, a second layer of rectangular back cover 12, and a transparent front cover 13. Neither first layer of rectangular back cover 11 nor the second layer of rectangular back cover 12 has to be rectangular in shape. As long as they can be fitted into the picture frame 10 and hold the picture within the picture frame 10. Both the first layer of rectangular back cover 11 and the second layer of rectangular back cover 12 are made of card board stock or like. The transparent front cover 13 is made of transparent synthetic plastic or like.
Referring now to FIG. 5, which is a front view of the first layer of [0044] rectangular back cover 11 of the picture frame 10 in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The first layer of rectangular back cover 11 has a first pair of identical longer side edges 51 and a first pair of identical shorter side edges 52. Since the first layer of rectangular back cover 11 does not have to be rectangular in shape, the first pair of identical longer side edges 51 and the first pair of identical shorter side edges 52 might not be identical in some incidences. The first layer of rectangular back cover 11 also has a first set of holes 53 and 54. One 53 of said first set of holes centrally located along one of said first pair of identical longer side edges 51, the other 54 of said first set of holes centrally located along one of said first pair of identical shorter side edges 52. Although in the preferred embodiment, there is only one hole 53 centrally located along one of said first pair of identical longer side edges 51, it can be the case that one or more holes be centrally located along each of said first pair of identical longer side edges 51. For the same token, it can be the case that one or more holes be centrally located along each of said first pair of identical shorter side edges 52. There is a first ring-style cut-out 55 around one 53 of the first set of holes, and a second ring-style cut-out 56 around the other 54 of the first set of holes. The first ring-style cut-out 55 is defined by a first score line 121, and the second ring-style cut-out is defined by a second score line 122. In the case that there exists more than one holes along either one of said first pair of identical longer side edges 51 or said first pair of identical shorter side edges 52, there is a ring-style cut-out around each of the holes. The first ring-style cut-out 55 is capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang said picture frame 10 on a horizontal orientation. The second ring-style cut-out 56 is capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang said picture frame 10 on a vertical orientation. The first layer of rectangular back cover 11 also has a first set of cut-out 57, which comprises a first large piece cut-out 58 and a first small piece cut-out 59. The first large piece cut-out 58 is defined by a third score line 123. The first small piece cut-out 59 is defined by a fourth score line 124. The first large piece cut-out 58 can be stuck out from and pressed back to the first layer of rectangular back cover 11 around a first fold line 125. The small piece cut-out 59 can be stuck out from and pressed back to the first layer of rectangular back cover 11 around a second fold line 126. All of said first ring-style cut-out 55, said second ring-style cut-out 56 and said first set of cut-out 57 are capable of being stuck out from and pressed back to said first layer of rectangular back cover 11.
Referring now to FIG. 7, which is a front view of the second layer of [0045] rectangular back cover 12 of the picture frame 10 in a preferred embodiment. The second layer of rectangular back cover 12 has a second pair of identical longer side edges 61 and a second pair of identical shorter side edges 62. Since the second layer of rectangular back cover 12 does not have to be rectangular in shape, the second pair of identical longer side edges 61 and said second pair of identical shorter side edges 62 might not be identical in some incidences. The second layer of rectangular back cover 12 has a second set of holes 63 and 64. One 63 of said second set of holes is centrally located along one of said second pair of identical longer side edges 61, the other of said second set of holes is centrally located along one of said second pair of identical shorter side edges 62. Although in the preferred embodiment, there is only one hole 63 centrally located along one of said second pair of identical longer side edges 61, it can be the case that one or more holes be centrally located along each of said second pair of identical longer side edges 61. For the same token, it can be the case that one or more holes be centrally located along each of said second pair of identical shorter side edges 62. There is a third ring-style cut-out 65 around one 63 of said second set of holes, and a fourth ring-style cut-out 66 around the other 64 of said second set of holes. The third ring-style cut-out 65 is defined by a fifth score line 131. The fourth ring-style cut-out 66 is defined by a sixth score line 132. In the case that there exists more than one holes along either one of said second pair of identical longer side edges 61 or said second pair of identical shorter side edges 62, there is a ring-style cut-out around each of the holes. The third ring-style cutout 65 is capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang said picture frame 10 on a horizontal orientation. The fourth ring-style cut-out 66 is capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang said picture frame 10 on a vertical orientation. The second layer of rectangular back cover 12 also has a second set of cut-out 67, which comprises a second large cut-out 68 and a second small cut-out 69. The second large cut-out 68 is defined by a seventh score line 133. The second small cut-out 69 is defined by an eighth score line 134. The second large cut-out 68 can be stuck out from and pressed back to the second layer of rectangular back cover 12 around a third fold line 135. The second small cut-out 69 can be stuck out from and pressed back to the second layer of rectangular back cover 12 around a fourth fold line 136. All said third ring-style cut-out 65, said fourth ring-style cut-out 66 and said second set of cut-out 67 are capable of being stuck out from and pressed back to said second layer of rectangular back cover 12.
Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3 and [0046] 4, the first layer of rectangular back cover 11 and the second layer of rectangular back cover 12 can be taken out from or put back into the transparent front cover 13. The transparent front cover 13 has a transparent rectangular front panel 14 and two holding members 15. Two holding members 15 extend from two opposite side edges 16 of said transparent front panel 14 and flange backwards to form two channels 17 at said two opposite side edges 16. In the preferred embodiment, the two holding members 15 extend from two identical longer side edges 16 of said transparent front panel 14. The two holding members 15 can extend from two identical shorter side edges of said transparent front panel 14 as well. The two holding members 15 can be multiple sets of holding members as well. As long as the holding members 15 are capable of holding the first layer of rectangular back cover 11 and the second layer rectangular back cover 12 along with a picture within the picture frame 10, the style of the holding members 15 are not limited. The first layer of rectangular back cover 11 and said second layer of rectangular back cover 12 are deposed within said two channels 17 and firmly held by said two holding members 15 as the two channels 17 are preferably sized and shaped to receive superimposed edge margins of both the first layer of rectangular back cover 11 and the second layer of rectangular back cover 12 to enable the holding members or flanges 15 holding to exert enough of an action to resist accidental displacement of the first layer of rectangular back cover 11 and the second layer of rectangular back cover 12 when engaged in the two channels or flanges 17, but yet still allow the first layer of rectangular back cover 11 and the second layer of rectangular back cover 12 to be moved to allow them to be adjusted for a hanging use of the frames or for the supports to be angular relation to support the frame on a support surface such as a table or a dresser chest and the like. The synthetic plastic front cover 13 and its two holding members 15 can be preferably comprised of a synthetic plastic having memory characteristics. The two holding members or flanges 15 can pinch the first layer of rectangular back cover 11 and the second layer of rectangular back cover 12 with a picture 9 when mounted in the frame to hold this assembly in an engaged secured relationship. Said first layer of rectangular back cover 11 and said second layer of rectangular back cover 12 may be identical in size, both of which may be smaller in size than the size of the transparent rectangular front panel 14 in order for the first layer of rectangular back cover 11, the second layer of rectangular back cover 12 and a picture to fit in the transparent front cover 13.
Referring now to FIG. 6, the [0047] picture frame 10 is capable of being securely supported upright on a horizontal plane in a vertical orientation by sticking out said first set of cut-out 57. Referring now to FIG. 8, the picture frame 10 is also capable of being securely supported upright on a horizontal plane in a horizontal orientation by sticking out said second cut-out 67.
Referring now to FIG. 9, which is a prospective view of a [0048] picture frame 90 of the present invention in a second embodiment. A picture frame 90 for displaying a picture comprises a first layer of rectangular back cover 91, a second layer of rectangular back cover 92 and a transparent front cover 93.
Referring now to FIG. 10, the first layer of [0049] rectangular back cover 91 has a first pair of identical longer side edges 94 and a first pair of identical shorter side edges 95. The first layer of rectangular back cover 91 has a set of holes 96 and 97. The first layer of rectangular back cover 91 does not have to be rectangular in shape. Therefore, the first pair of identical longer side edges 94 and the first pair of identical shorter side edges 95 might not be identical at all in some incidences. One 96 of said set of holes centrally located along one of said first pair of identical longer side edges 94. The other 97 of said set of holes centrally located along one of said first pair of identical shorter side edges 95. There is a first ring-style cut-out 98 around one 96 of said set of holes, and a second ring-style cut-out 99 around the other 97 of said set of holes. The first ring-style cut-out 98 is defined by a first score line 141. The second ring-style cut-out 99 is defined by a second score line 142. The first ring-style cut-out 98 is capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang said picture frame 10 on a vertical plane in a horizontal orientation. The said second ring-style cut-out 99 is capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang said picture frame on a vertical plane in a vertical orientation. The first layer of rectangular back cover 91 also has a first set of cut-out 100 comprising a first large piece of cut-out 101 and a first small piece of cut-out 102. The first large piece of cut-out 101 is defined by a third score line 143. The first small piece of cut-out 102 is defined by a fourth score line 144. The first large piece of cut-out 101 can be stuck out from and pressed back to the first layer of rectangular back cover 91 around a first fold line 147. The first small piece of cut-out 102 can be stuck out from and pressed back to the first layer of rectangular back cover 91 around a second fold lien 148. When both the large piece of cut-out 101 and the small piece of cut-out 102 are stuck out, the first set of cut-out 100 is capable of securely supporting said picture frame 10 upright on a horizontal plane in a vertical orientation as shown in FIG. 11. The first layer of rectangular back cover 91 also has a second set of cut-out 103 comprising a second large piece of cut-out 104 and a second small piece of cut-out 105. The second large piece of cut-out 104 is defined by a fifth score line 145. The second small piece of cut-out 105 is defined by a sixth score line 146. The second large piece of cut-out 104 can be stuck out from and pressed back to the first layer of rectangular back cover 91 around a third fold line 149. The second small piece of cut-out 105 can be stuck out from and pressed back to the first layer of rectangular back cover 91 around a fourth fold line 150. When both the large piece of cut-out 104 and the small piece of cut-out 105 are stuck out, the second set of cut-out 104 is capable of securely supporting said picture frame 10 upright on a horizontal plane in a horizontal orientation as shown in FIG. 12. All of said first ring-style cut-out 98, said second ring-style cut-out 99, said first set of cut-out 100 and said second set of cut-out 103 are capable of being stuck out from and pressed back to said first layer of rectangular back cover 91.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 10 show how the first set of cut-out [0050] 100 and the second set of cut-out 103 can be made in a first layer of rectangular back cover 11 to enable either a 5″×7″ or an 8½×11 photo can be selectively wall mounted or table mounted in one of four different positions. When the frame structure 10 has a photo mounted in it and one of the first set of cut-out 100 or the second set of cut-out 103 is turned away for mounting the frame structure 10 on a wall or a support surface, then the second layer of rectangular back cover 12 covers the slot left by the turned away cut-out to inhibit light being projected through the exposed cut-out slot, so this slot cannot be viewed on a front side of a photo mounted in the frame 10. Since both the first set of cut-out 100 and the second set of cut-out 103 are both on the first layer of rectangular back cover 11, the size of both the first set of cut-out 100 and the second set of cut-out 103 is limited to only half of the size of the first layer of rectangular back cover 11. For a small picture frame, neither the first set of cut-out 100 nor the second set of cut-out 103 is large enough to securely support the picture frame 10 on a horizontal surface, such as a table or the like. In order to avoid such a problem, my preferred embodiment has to be used. Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 7, the first layer of rectangular back cover 11 only has the first set of cut-out 57, and the second layer of rectangular back cover 12 only has the second set of cut-out 67. Therefore, both the first set of cut-out 57 and the second set of cut-out 67 can be larger than those in the second embodiment, and provide more support force to the picture frame 10.
Referring now to FIG. 13, the second layer of [0051] rectangular back cover 92 of the picture frame 10 has a second pair of identical longer side edges 106 and a second pair of identical shorter side edges 107. The second layer of rectangular back cover 92 does not have to be rectangular in shape. Therefore, the second pair of identical longer side edges 106 and the second pair of identical shorter side edges 107 might not be identical in some incidences.
Referring now to FIG. 14, the transparent [0052] front cover 108 has a transparent rectangular front panel 109 and two holding members 110 extending from two opposite side edges 111 of said transparent front panel 109 and flanging backwards to form two channels 112 at said two opposite side edges 111. Both said first layer of rectangular back cover 91 and said second layer of rectangular back cover 92 are deposed within said two channels 112 and firmly held by said two holding members 110. In some incidences, the transparent rectangular front panel 109 might have more than two holding members 110. As long as the holding members 110 are capable of holding the first layer of rectangular back cover 91 and the second layer of rectangular back cover 92 along with a picture, the actual number of the holding members 100 is not critical.
The first layer of [0053] rectangular back cover 91 and said second layer of rectangular back cover 92 may be identical in size, both of which might be smaller in size than the size of the transparent rectangular front panel 109. Both said first layer of rectangular back cover 91 and said second layer of rectangular back cover 92 are made of card board stock or like. Transparent front cover 109 is made of transparent synthetic plastic or like.
The second embodiment is feasible to only for those large size picture frames. Because large size picture frames have larger rectangular back covers, the first set of cut-out [0054] 100 and the second set of cut-out 103 can be big enough to support the weight of the picture frame 90, when they are stuck out from the first layer of rectangular back cover 91. The preferred embodiment is feasible to all size of picture frames. Because each of the first layer of rectangular back cover 11 and the second layer of rectangular back cover 12 has only one cut-out 58 or 68, both of the cut-outs 58 and 59 can be big enough to support the weight of the picture frame 10, when they are stuck out.
Hence, the present invention provides a picture frame that is simple in structure. [0055]
The present invention further provides a picture frame that is thin. [0056]
The present invention further provides a picture frame that only has a one-piece frame and two layers of back covers. [0057]
The present invention further provides a picture frame that is easy to be manufactured. [0058]
The present invention further provides a picture frame that is easy to be stored and shipped. [0059]
The present invention further provides a picture frame or a picture frame structure comprising a transparent front cover and at least two layers of rectangular back covers, where one rectangular back cover can provide a screen to inhibit light to flow through the other back cover, so light images cannot be easily seen through turned out cut-outs when a photograph is mounted in the frame structure. [0060]
The present invention further provides a picture frame or picture frame structure enabling different sized photographs, such as 5×7 or 8½×11 sized photos, to be hung or table supported in any one of at least four positions depending on whether the photo is mounted upright or longwise in the picture frame structure by making a selection of which of the four cut-out arrangements is to be used while at the same time providing a concealment for any open area of the associated back cover from which the selected cut-out is turned away from said associated back cover that blocking the light images of the cut-out slot area being viewed by a viewer when viewing a table mounted or wall mounted picture frame structure carrying a photograph therein. [0061]
As various possible embodiments may be made in the above invention for use for different purposes and as various changes might be made in the embodiments and methods above set forth, it is understood that all of the above matters here set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. [0062]

Claims

I claim:

1. A picture frame for displaying a picture, the picture frame comprising:

a first layer of rectangular back cover having a first pair of identical longer side edges and a first pair of identical shorter side edges, said first layer of rectangular back cover having a first set of holes, one of said first set of holes centrally located along one of said first pair of identical longer side edges having a first ring-style cut-out around, said first ring-style cut-out defined by a first score line, the other of said first set of holes centrally located along one of said first pair of identical shorter side edges having a second ring-style cut-out around, said second ring-style cut-out defined by a second score line, and a first set of cut-out, said first set of cut-out defined by a third score line and a fourth score line, all of said first ring-style cut-out, said second ring-style cut-out and said first set of cut-out capable of being stuck out from and pressed back to said first layer of rectangular back cover;

a second layer of rectangular back cover having a second pair of identical longer side edges and a second pair of identical shorter side edges, said second layer of rectangular back cover having a second set of holes, one of said second set of holes being centrally located along one of said second pair of identical longer side edges having a third ring-style cut-out around, said third ring-style cut-out defined by a fifth score line, the other of said second set of holes being centrally located along one of said second pair of identical shorter side edges having a fourth ring-style cut-out around, said fourth ring-style cut-out defined by a sixth score line, and a second set of cut-out, said second set of cut-out defined by a seventh score line and an eighth score line, all said third ring-style cut-out, said fourth ring-style cut-out and said second set of cut-out capable of being stuck out from and pressed back to said second layer of rectangular back cover; and

a transparent front cover, said transparent front cover having a transparent rectangular front panel and two holding members extending from two opposite side edges of said transparent front panel and flanging backwards to form two channels at said two opposite side edges, said first layer of rectangular back cover and said second layer of rectangular back cover being deposed within said two channels and firmly held by said two holding members.

2. The picture frame in claim 1, wherein said transparent rectangular front panel, said first layer of rectangular back cover and said second layer of rectangular back cover are identical in size.

3. The picture frame in claim I is capable of being securely supported upright on a horizontal plane in one of a vertical or a horizontal orientation by sticking out either said first set of cut-out or said second set of cut-out.

4. The picture frame in claim 1, wherein both said first ring-style cut-out and said third ring-style cut-out are capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang said picture frame on a vertical plane in a horizontal orientation.

5. The picture frame in claim 1, wherein both said second ring-style cut-out and said fourth ring-style cut-out are capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang said picture frame on a vertical plane in a vertical orientation.

6. The picture frame in claim 1, wherein both said first layer of rectangular back cover and said second layer of rectangular back cover are made of card board stock, both said first layer of rectangular back cover and said second layer of rectangular back cover capable of blocking light transmission through any turned away cut-out slot to prevent a slot area image from being viewable from a front of said picture frame.

7. The picture frame in claim 1, wherein said transparent front cover including said two holding members all being one piece of transparent synthetic plastic.

8. A picture frame for displaying a picture, the picture frame comprising:

a first layer of rectangular back cover having a first pair of longer side edges and a first pair of shorter side edges;

a second layer of rectangular back cover having a second pair of longer side edges and a second pair of shorter side edges; and

9. The picture frame in claim 8, wherein said first layer of rectangular back cover has a first set of holes, one of said first set of holes centrally located along one of said first pair of longer side edges having a first ring-style cut-out around, said first ring-style cut-out defined by a first score line, the other of said first set of holes centrally located along one of said first pair of shorter side edges having a second ring-style cut-out around, said second ring-style cut-out defined by a second score line, both of said first ring-style cut-out and said second ring-style cut-out capable of being stuck out from and pressed back to said first layer of rectangular back cover, said first ring-style cut-out capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang said picture frame on a vertical plane in a horizontal orientation, said second ring-style cut-out capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang said picture frame on a vertical plane in a vertical orientation.

10. The picture frame in claim 8, wherein said first layer of rectangular back cover has a first set of cut-out, said first set of cut-out defined by a third score line and a fourth score line, capable of being stuck out from and pressed back to said first layer of rectangular back cover, said first set of cut-out capable of securely supporting said picture frame upright on a horizontal plane in a vertical orientation, said second layer of rectangular back cover capable of blocking light transmission trough a first turned away cut-out slot to prevent a slot area image from being viewable from a front of said picture frame.

11. The picture frame in claim 8, wherein said second layer of rectangular back cover has a second set of holes, one of said second set of holes being centrally located along one of said second pair of longer side edges having a third ring-style cut-out around, said third ring-style cut-out defined by a fifth score line, the other of said second set of holes being centrally located along one of said second pair of shorter side edges having a fourth ring-style cut-out around, said fourth ring-style cut-out defined by a sixth score line, both of said third ring-style cut-out and said fourth ring-style cut-out capable of being stuck out from and pressed back to said second layer of rectangular back cover, either said third ring-style cut-out or said fourth ring-style cut-out capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang said picture frame on a vertical plane in a vertical orientation.

12. The picture frame in claim 8, wherein said second layer of rectangular back cover has a second set of cut-out, defined by a seventh score line and an eighth score line, capable of being stuck out from and pressed back to said second layer of rectangular back cover, said second set of cut-out capable of securely supporting said picture frame upright on a horizontal plane in a horizontal orientation, said first layer of rectangular back cover capable of blocking light transmission through a second turned away cut-out slot to prevent a slot area image from being viewable from a front of said picture frame.

13. The picture frame in claim 8, wherein said first layer of rectangular back cover and said second layer of rectangular back cover can be identical in size, both of which is slightly smaller than the size of said transparent rectangular front panel.

14. The picture frame in claim 8, wherein both said first layer of rectangular back cover and said second layer of rectangular back cover are made of card board stock.

15. The picture frame in claim 8, wherein said transparent front cover including said two holding members are being one piece of transparent synthetic plastic.

16. A picture frame for displaying a picture, the picture frame comprising:

a transparent front cover, said transparent front cover having a transparent front panel and two flanges flanging at two opposite side edges of said transparent front panel, both said first layer of rectangular back cover and said second layer of rectangular back cover being deposed between said transparent front panel and said two flanges, and firmly held by said two flanges.

17. The picture frame in claim 16, wherein said first layer of rectangular back cover has a first ring-style cut-out and defined by a first score line, said first ring-style cut-out being centrally located along one of said first pair of longer side edges, said first ring-style cut-out capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang said picture frame on a vertical plane in a horizontal orientation, and a second ring-style cut-out and defined by a second score line, said second ring-style cut-out being centrally located along one of said first pair of shorter side edges, said second ring-style cut-out capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang said picture frame on a vertical plane in a vertical orientation, both of said first ring-style cut-out and said second ring-style cut-out capable of being stuck out from and pressed back to said first layer of rectangular back cover, said first ring-style cut-out and said second ring-style cut-out being selectively usable to locate the picture frames in different positions.

18. The picture frame in claim 16, wherein said first layer of rectangular back cover has a first set of cut-out, defined by a third score line and a fourth score line, capable of being stuck out from and pressed back to said first layer of rectangular back cover, said first set of cut-out capable of securely supporting said picture frame upright on a horizontal plane in a vertical orientation, said second layer of rectangular back cover capable of blocking light transmission through a first turned away cut-out slot to prevent a slot area image from being viewable from a front of said picture frame.

19. The picture frame in claim 16, wherein said second layer of rectangular back cover has a third ring-style cut-out and defined by a fifth score line, said third ring-style cut-out centrally located along one of said second pair of longer side edges, said third ring-style cut-out capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang said picture frame on a vertical plane in a horizontal orientation, and a fourth ring-style cut-out and defined by a sixth score line, said fourth ring-style cut-out centrally located along one of said second pair of shorter side edges, said fourth ring-style cut-out capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang said picture frame on a vertical plane in a vertical orientation, both of said third ring-style cut-out and said fourth ring-style cut-out capable of being stuck out from and pressed back to said second layer of rectangular back cover, said third ring-style cut-out and said fourth ring-style cut-out being selectively usable to locate the picture frame in different positions.

20. The picture frame in claim 16, wherein said second layer of rectangular back cover has a second set of cut-out, defined by a seventh score line and an eighth score line, capable of being stuck out from and pressed back to said second layer of rectangular back cover, said second set of cut-out capable of securely supporting said picture frame upright on a horizontal plane in a horizontal orientation, said first layer of rectangular back cover capable of blocking light transmission through a second turned away cut-out slot to prevent a slot area image from being viewable from a front of said picture frame.

21. The picture frame in claim 16, wherein said first layer of rectangular back cover and said second layer of rectangular back cover may be identical in size, both of which may be smaller than the size of said transparent rectangular front panel.

22. The picture frame in claim 16, wherein both said first layer of rectangular back cover and said second layer of rectangular back cover may be made of card board stock.

23. The picture frame in claim 16, wherein said transparent front cover including said two holding members all being one piece of transparent synthetic plastic.

24. A picture frame for displaying a picture, the picture frame comprising:

25. The picture frame in claim 24, wherein said first layer of rectangular back cover and said second layer of rectangular back cover may be identical in size, both of which are smaller in size than the size of said transparent rectangular front panel.

26. The picture frame in claim 25, wherein said transparent front cover including said two holding members all being one piece of transparent synthetic plastic, both said first layer of rectangular back cover and said second layer of rectangular back cover may be made of card board stock.

27. The picture frame in claim 26, wherein said first layer of rectangular back cover has a first ring-style cut-out and defined by a first score line, said first ring-style cut-out being centrally located along one of said first pair of longer side edges, said first ring-style cut-out capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang said picture frame on a vertical plane in a horizontal orientation, and a second ring-style cut-out and defined by a second score line, said second ring-style cut-out being centrally located along one of said first pair of shorter side edges, said second ring-style cut-out capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang said picture frame on a vertical plane in a vertical orientation, both of said first ring-style cut-out and said second ring-style cut-out capable of being stuck out from and pressed back to said first layer of rectangular back cover, said first ring-style cut-out and said second ring-style cut-out being selectively usable to locate the picture frame in different positions.

28. The picture frame in claim 27, wherein said first layer of rectangular back cover has a first set of cut-out, defined by a third score line and a fourth score line, capable of being stuck out from and pressed back to said first layer of rectangular back cover, said first set of cut-out capable of securely supporting said picture frame upright on a horizontal plane in a vertical orientation, said second layer of rectangular back cover capable of blocking light transmission through a first turned away cut-out slot to prevent a slot area image from being viewable from a front of said picture frame.

29. The picture frame in claim 26, wherein said second layer of rectangular back cover has a third ring-style cut-out and defined by a fifth score line, said third ring-style cut-out being centrally located along one of said second pair of longer side edges, said third ring-style cut-out capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang said picture frame on a vertical plane in a horizontal orientation, and a fourth ring-style cut-out and defined by a sixth score line, said fourth ring-style cut-out being centrally located along one of said second pair of shorter side edges, said fourth ring-style cut-out capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang said picture frame on a vertical plane in a vertical orientation, both of said third ring-style cut-out and said fourth ring-style cut-out capable of being stuck out from and pressed back to said second layer of rectangular back cover, said third ring-style cut-out and said fourth ring-style cut-out being selectively usable to locate the picture frame in different positions.

30. The picture frame in claim 29, wherein said second layer of rectangular back cover has a second set of cut-out, defined by a seventh score line and an eighth score line, capable of being stuck out from and pressed back to said second layer of rectangular back cover, said second set of cut-out capable of securely supporting said picture frame upright on a horizontal plane in a horizontal orientation, said first layer of rectangular back cover capable of blocking light transmission through a second turned away cut-out slot to prevent a slot area image from being viewable from a front of said picture frame.

31. A picture frame for displaying a picture, the picture frame comprising:

a first layer of rectangular style back cover having a first pair of longer side edges and a first pair of shorter side edges, said first layer of rectangular back cover having a set of holes, one of said set of holes centrally located along one of said first pair of longer side edges having a first ring-style cut-out around, said first ring-style cut-out defined by a first score line, said first ring-style cut-out capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang said picture frame on a vertical plane in a horizontal orientation, the other of said set of holes centrally located along one of said first pair of shorter side edges having a second ring-style cut-out around, said second ring-style cut-out defined by a second score line, said second ring-style cut-out capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang said picture frame on a vertical plane in a vertical orientation, a first set of cut-out, defined by a third score line and a fourth score line, capable of securely supporting said picture frame upright on a horizontal plane in a vertical orientation, and a second set of cut-out, defined by a fifth score line and a sixth score line, capable of securely supporting said picture frame upright on a horizontal plane in a horizontal orientation, all of said first ring-style cut-out, said second ring-style cut-out, said first set of cut-out and said second set of cut-out capable of being stuck out from and pressed back to said first layer of rectangular back cover;

a second layer of rectangular style back cover having a second pair of longer side edges and a second pair of shorter side edges, said second layer of rectangular back cover capable of blocking light transmission through any turned away cut-out slot to prevent a slot area image from being viewable from a front of said picture frame; and

32. The picture frame in claim 31, wherein said first layer of rectangular style back cover and said second layer of rectangular style back cover may be identical in size, both of which are smaller in size than the size of said transparent rectangular front panel.

33. The picture frame in claim 31, wherein both said first layer of rectangular style back cover and said second layer of rectangular style back cover may be made of card board stock.

34. The picture frame in claim 31, wherein said transparent front cover including said two holding members all being one piece of transparent synthetic plastic.

35. A picture frame for displaying a picture, the picture frame comprising:

a second layer of rectangular back cover having a second pair of longer side edges and a second pair of shorter side edges, said second layer of rectangular back cover capable of blocking light transmission through any turned away cut-out slot to prevent a slot area image from being viewable from a front of said picture frame; and

36. The picture frame in claim 35, wherein said first layer of rectangular back cover has a set of holes, one of said set of holes centrally located along one of said first pair of longer side edges having a first ring-style cut-out around, said first ring-style cut-out defined by a first score line, the other of said set of holes centrally located along one of said first pair of shorter side edges having a second ring-style cut-out around, said second ring-style cut-out defined by a second score line, both of said first ring-style cut-out and said second ring-style cut-out capable of being stuck out from and pressed back to said first layer of rectangular back cover, said first ring-style cut-out capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang said picture frame on a vertical plane in a horizontal orientation, said second ring-style cut-out capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang said picture frame on a vertical plane in a vertical orientation.

37. The picture frame in claim 35, wherein said first layer of rectangular back cover has a first set of cut-out, defined by a third score line and a fourth score line, capable of securely supporting said picture frame upright on a horizontal plane in a vertical orientation, and a second set of cut-out, defined by a fifth score line and a sixth score line, capable of securely supporting said picture frame upright on a horizontal plane in a horizontal orientation, both said first set of cut-out and said second set of cut-out capable of being stuck out from and pressed back to said first layer of rectangular back cover.

38. The picture frame in claim 35, wherein said first layer of rectangular back cover and said second layer of rectangular back cover may be identical in size, both of which is smaller in size than the size of said transparent rectangular front panel.

39. The picture frame in claim 35, wherein both said first layer of rectangular back cover and said second layer of rectangular back cover may be made of card board stock.

40. The picture frame in claim 35, wherein said transparent front cover including said two holding members all being one piece of transparent synthetic plastic.

41. A picture frame for displaying a picture, the picture frame comprising:

42. The picture frame in claim 41, wherein said first layer of rectangular back cover has a first ring-style cut-out centrally located along one of said first pair of longer side edges, said first ring-style cut-out and defined by a first score line, said first ring-style cut-out being capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang said picture frame on a vertical plane in a horizontal orientation, and a second ring-style cut-out and defined by a second score line, said second ring-style cut-out being centrally located along one of said first pair of shorter side edges, said second ring-style cut-out capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang said picture frame on a vertical plane in a vertical orientation, both of said first ring-style cut-out and said second ring-style cut-out capable of being stuck out from and pressed back to said first layer of rectangular back cover, said first ring-style cut-out and said second ring-style cut-out being selectively usable to locate the picture frame in different positions.

43. The picture frame in claim 41, wherein said first layer of rectangular back cover has a first set of cut-out, defined by a third score line and a fourth score line, capable of securely supporting said picture frame upright on a horizontal plane in a vertical orientation, and a second set of cut-out, defined by a fifth score line and a sixth score line, capable of securely supporting said picture frame upright on a horizontal plane in a horizontal orientation, both said first set of cut-out and said second set of cut-out capable of being stuck out from and pressed back to said first layer of rectangular back cover, said first ring-style cut-out and said second ring-style cut-out being selectively usable to locate the picture frame in different positions.

44. The picture frame in claim 41, wherein said first layer of rectangular back cover and said second layer of rectangular back cover may be identical in size, both of which may be smaller in size than the size of said transparent rectangular front panel.

45. The picture frame in claim 41, wherein both said first layer of rectangular back cover and said second layer of rectangular back cover may be made of card board stock.

46. The picture frame in claim 41, wherein said transparent front cover including said two holding members all being one piece of transparent synthetic plastic.

47. A picture frame for displaying a picture, the picture frame comprising:

a first layer of rectangular style back cover having a first pair of longer side edges and a first pair of shorter side edges;

48. The picture frame in claim 47, wherein said first layer of rectangular style back cover and said second layer of rectangular style back cover may be identical in size, both of which may be smaller in size than the size of said transparent rectangular front panel.

49. The picture frame in claim 48, wherein said transparent front cover including said two members all being one piece of transparent synthetic plastic, both said first layer of rectangular back cover and said second layer of rectangular back cover are made of card board stock.

50. The picture frame in claim 49, wherein said first layer of rectangular style back cover has a first ring-style cut-out and defined by a first score line, said first ring-style cut-out being centrally located along one of said first pair of longer side edges, said first ring-style cut-out capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang said picture frame on a vertical plane in a horizontal orientation, and a second ring-style cut-out and defined by a second score line, said second ring-style cut-out being centrally located along one of said first pair of shorter side edges, said second ring-style cut-out capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang said picture frame on a vertical plane in a vertical orientation, both of said first ring-style cut-out and said second ring-style cut-out capable of being stuck out from and pressed back to said first layer of rectangular style back cover, said first ring-style cut-out and said second ring-style cut-out being selectively usable to locate the picture frame in different positions.

51. The picture frame in claim 50, wherein said first layer of rectangular style back cover has a first set of cut-out, defined by a third score line and a fourth score line, capable of securely supporting said picture frame upright on a horizontal plane in a vertical orientation, and a second set of cut-out, defined by a fifth score line and a sixth score line, capable of securely supporting said picture frame upright on a horizontal plane in a horizontal orientation, both said first set of cut-out and said second set of cut-out capable of being stuck out from and pressed back to said first layer of rectangular style back cover.

52. In combination, a picture frame structure and a photograph mounted in assembly therewith, the picture frame comprising

a second layer of rectangular style back cover having a second pair of longer side edges and a second pair of shorter side edges; and

a transparent front cover, said transparent front cover having a transparent rectangular front panel and two holding members extending from two opposite side edges of said transparent front panel and flanging backwards to form two channels at said two opposite side edges, said first layer of rectangular style back cover and said second layer of rectangular style back cover being deposed within said two channels and firmly held by said two holding members, said photograph having a viewing side abutted against a backside of said transparent front panel, and photograph edges slidingly engaged in said channels, said two flanges pressing against said first rectangular style back cover and said second rectangular style back cover and against a back side of said photograph and coacting with said transparent front panel maintaining said photograph in secured assembly in said channels.

53. The picture frame structure and a photograph mounted in assembly therewith in claim 52, wherein said first layer of rectangular style back cover has a first ring-style cut-out and defined by a first score line, said first ring-style cut-out being centrally located along one of said first pair of longer side edges, said first ring-style cut-out capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang said picture frame structure on a vertical plane in a horizontal orientation, and a second ring-style cut-out and defined by a second score line, said second ring-style cut-out being centrally located along one of said first pair of shorter side edges, said second ring-style cut-out capable of receiving a wall fastener device to hang said picture frame structure on a vertical plane in a vertical orientation, both of said first ring-style cut-out and said second ring-style cut-out capable of being stuck out from and pressed back to said first layer of rectangular style back cover, said first ring-style cut-out and said second ring-style cut-out being selectively usable to locate the picture frame structure in different positions.

54. The picture frame structure and a photograph mounted in assembly therewith in claim 52, wherein said first layer of rectangular style back cover has a first set of cut-out, defined by a third score line and a fourth score line, capable of securely supporting said picture frame structure upright on a horizontal plane in a vertical orientation, and a second set of cut-out, defined by a fifth score line and a sixth score line, capable of securely supporting said picture frame structure upright on a horizontal plane in a horizontal orientation, both said first set of cut-out and said second set of cut-out capable of being stuck out from and pressed back to said first layer of rectangular style back cover.

55. The picture frame structure in claim 52, wherein said transparent front cover including said two members all being one piece of transparent synthetic plastic, both said first layer of rectangular style back cover and said second layer of rectangular style back cover may be made of card board stock.