WO2006102455A2

WO2006102455A2 - A picture frame

Info

Publication number: WO2006102455A2
Application number: PCT/US2006/010475
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Vanderberg; Suppawat Kosumsuppamala
Original assignee: Burnes Operating Company Llc
Priority date: 2005-03-18
Filing date: 2006-03-20
Publication date: 2006-09-28
Also published as: WO2006102455A3; US20070062088A1

Abstract

A picture frame that is balanced when displayed in either of two possible display orientations. The picture frame may include a framework forming a perimeter of the frame, a first wall mounting device disposed along a first side of the framework, a second wall mounting device disposed along a second side of the framework adjacent to the first side, an asymmetric rear support connected to the framework, and a support bracket removably connectable to the rear support. The asymmetric rear support is configured such that the center of gravity substantially corresponds to or aligns with the geometric center of the frame such that the frame is balanced when mounted on a substantially vertically surface (e.g., a wall) from either the first or the second wall mounting devices. The framework may also be configured to provide two alternative display perspectives of two alternatively-sized pictures.

Description

A PICTURE FRAME

The present invention generally relates to improved picture frames. More particularly, the present invention relates to a balanced picture frame that is mountable upon a surface (e.g., wall) in two alternative display orientations and/or perspectives.

Many conventional picture frames are designed to enable a user to mount or hang the picture frame in either a horizontal or vertical orientation on a wall. Also, many of these picture frames are not square or circular shaped, but rectangular or oval shaped. In other words, one set of sides of the frame are longer than the other set of sides (e.g., 5" X 7" frame, etc.). Such picture frames generally include a first mounting device along one side of the frame (e.g., a short side) and a second mounting device along an adjacent side of the frame (e.g., a long side), enabling the frame to be mounted from either of the mounting devices. Using a rectangular shape frame as an example, when the picture frame is mounted on a wall from a first mounting device on a short frame side, its shorter sides are oriented substantially horizontal and longer sides are oriented substantially vertical. This is what is commonly known as a portrait orientation. If the picture frame is turned approximately 90 degrees from the portrait orientation and mounted on the wall from a second mounting device on a long frame side, the picture frame's longer sides are substantially horizontal and shorter sides are substantially vertical. This is what is commonly known as a landscape orientation.

In addition, generally each picture frame is designed to hold and display a specific sized picture. Moreover, each frame only offers a user the ability to display a picture in one display perspective. Thus, if a user wanted to changed the size of picture being displayed or display perspective, the user would have to change the picture frame as well. Accordingly, a need still exists for an improved picture frame.

Accordingly, the present invention is intended to address and obviate problems and shortcomings and otherwise improve previous picture frames. One exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a picture frame that includes a framework forming a perimeter of the frame. A first wall mounting device is disposed along a first side of the framework, and a second wall mounting device is disposed along a second side of the framework adjacent to the first side. The frame also includes an asymmetric rear support connected to the framework and configured such that the center of gravity of the frame substantially corresponds to the geometric center of the frame. When the center of gravity substantially corresponds to the geometric center of the frame, the frame is balanced such that when mounted on a wall from either the first or second wall mounting devices it will not tilt to one side.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a picture frame that includes a framework forming a perimeter of the frame, a first wall mounting device disposed along a first side of the framework, a second wall mounting device disposed along a second side of the framework adjacent to the first side, and a transparent cover removably mounted in the framework. The frame is configured such that the cover may be mounted over a picture positioned in the framework. The framework also includes at least one slot along the framework to provide flexibility to it to ease the insertion and removal of the cover from the framework. Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a picture frame configured to mount either a picture in a high-profile orientation or a picture in a shadow box orientation. The frame includes a framework forming a perimeter of the frame and a rear support connected to and disposed within the framework. The framework is configured to mount a picture thereon in the high-profile orientation while the rear support is configured to mount a second picture thereon in the shadow box orientation.

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, embodiments of the invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a front plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the picture frame according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective front view of the frame illustrated in FIG. 1 ; FIG. 3 is a perspective front view of the frame illustrated in FIG. 2 taken along line A-A;

FIG. 4 is a perspective rear view of the frame illustrated in FIG. 1 ; FIG. 5 is a perspective rear view of the frame illustrated in FIG. 4 taken along line B-B;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the picture frame according to the present invention, showing the frame having a picture mounted in a high profile display orientation

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the frame illustrated in FIG. 6A, showing the frame having a picture mounted in a shadow box display orientation;

FIG. 7 is a front plan view of the frame illustrated in FIG. 6A; FIG. 8 is a perspective front view of the frame illustrated in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the frame illustrated in FIG. 8 at Detail A; FlG. 10 is a perspective front view taken along line A-A of the frame illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the frame illustrated in FIG. 8 at Detail B; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective rear view of the frame illustrated in FIG. 6A. The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative in nature and not intended to be limiting of the invention which is defined by the claims. Moreover, individual features illustrated in the drawings will be more fully apparent and understood with reference to the following detailed description.

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals indicate similar elements throughout the views.

The present invention provides a balanced picture frame capable of being mounted (e.g., hung) upon a surface (e.g., a wall) in two alternative display orientations (e.g., portrait or landscape) without tilting to either side. The picture frame of the present invention may also be configured to enable one frame to provide two alternative display perspectives: a high profile display perspective of a picture; and a shadow box display perspective. This frame may also offer a user a choice between two different sized pictures that may be displayed within the frame. Additionally, the frame of the present invention may be designed to include additional flexibility to improve the insertion and removal of a glass or plastic cover from the frame.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, an exemplary embodiment of a picture frame 10 of the present invention is shown as generally including a framework 20 defining the outer perimeter of frame 10, a first wall mounting device 40, a second wall mounting device 42, a rear support 30 connected to framework 20, and a support bracket 50 removably connectable to rear support 30 and/or framework 20. Frame 10 and any or all of its components may be fabricated from a variety of materials such as plastics, metals, composites, or any combination thereof, using a variety of methods such as injection molding, thermoforming, etc. In the exemplary embodiment, frame 10, including framework 20 and rear support 30, are fabricated from a somewhat flexible plastic material such as polycarbonate, polystyrene, or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene ("ABS"), using an injection molding process.

In the exemplary embodiment, framework 20 includes four sides 21 , 23, 25, and 27 defining a rectangular shape, wherein sides 21 and 25 have a greater length than sides 23 and 27. Framework 20 may also include overhanging lips 22 disposed along portions of outer edges 24 of at least two of the four sides of framework 20 that extend inwardly from outer edges 24. In the exemplary embodiment, overhanging lips 22 do not extend into the corners of framework 20. However, it is understood that overhanging lips 22 may extend into the corners. After a picture or photograph is placed within the front of framework 20, a glass or plastic cover (not shown) is positioned over the picture between rear support 30 and overhanging lips 22. Overhanging lips 22 hold the glass or plastic cover within framework 20. To facilitate easy insertion and removal of the cover from framework 20, a user may hold framework 20 at opposite corners (e.g., corners 11 and 13) and bend framework 20 backwards, allowing the cover to slide between rear support 30 and overhanging lips 122. Once the cover is in place, the user may release the framework corners (e.g., corners 11 and 13), permitting the framework to resume its original shape. It is understood that framework 20 may comprise a variety of shapes, configurations, and sizes, including but not limited to square-shaped, circular-shaped, oval-shaped, elliptical-shaped, or any other shaped known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Frame 10 may include a first wall mounting device 40 disposed along a first side of framework 20 (e.g., side 23). A second wall mounting device 42 may be disposed along a second side of framework 20 (e.g., side 25) adjacent to the first side. First and second wall mounting devices 40 and 42 enable frame 10 to be mounted upon a surface such as a wall from either the first or second wall mounting device. In the exemplary embodiment shown, when frame 10 is mounted upon a wall from first mounting device 40, frame 10 is mounted in a portrait display orientation. In other words, longer sides 21 and 25 are disposed in a substantially vertical orientation, and shorter sides 23 and 27 are disposed in a substantially horizontal orientation. Alternatively, when frame 10 is mounted upon a wall from second mounting device 42, frame 10 is mounted in a landscape display orientation. In other words, shorter sides 23 and 27 are disposed in a substantially vertical orientation, and longer sides 21 and 25 are disposed in a substantially horizontal orientation as shown in FIG. 1.

Any conventional or yet-to-be developed methods or devices known to one of ordinary skill in the art may be used for first and second wall mounting devices 40 and 42. Additionally, the mounting devices may be formed, attached or connected to frame 10 in a variety of methods as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. In the exemplary embodiment, first and second mounting devices 40 and 42 are keyhole-type mounting apertures that are molded or formed into rear support 30 along first and second sides 23 and 25, respectively. The exemplary keyhole-type apertures comprise an aperture with two ends having a first diameter and a middle portion having a second diameter larger than the first diameter. Optionally, first and second wall mounting devices 40 and 42 may include small protrusions 48 that extend from an aperture face 49 and are positioned partially along both sides of each of the apertures to assist in holding support bracket 50 (discussed later herein) connected to frame 10.

In the exemplary embodiment, rear support 30 is connected to framework 20. The rear support may be asymmetric and configured in order to position the center of gravity of frame 10 at substantially the geometric center of frame 10 (e.g., center of gravity of the frame is in partial or complete alignment with the geometric center of the frame). When the center of gravity of frame 10 substantially aligns or corresponds with the frame's geometric center, it provides a balanced frame. As a balanced frame, frame 10 may be mounted in either the portrait display orientation (from aperture 40) or the landscaped display orientation (from aperture 42), and the frame will not tilt to one side (substantially horizontal). For example, as a balanced frame, when mounted upon a wall from either first or second mounting device 40 or 42, the frame's bottom side (either side 27 or 21 , respectively) will be substantially parallel to the floor.

To substantially align the center of gravity with the geometric center in the exemplary embodiment, the rear support's configuration is designed to counterbalance the additional weight of first and second wall mounting devices 40 and 42. In addition, the weight and location of attached support bracket 50 (discussed later herein) is accounted for in this weight-balancing calculation in order for frame 10 to be balanced even with support bracket 50 attached to it (FIG. 1 ). Since the shape and configuration of rear support 30 is manipulated to balance frame 10, the shape and configuration of the rear support will vary depending upon the shape and weight distribution of frame 10. In addition, rear support 30 may also be configured to provide additional flexibility to frame 10. In the exemplary embodiment shown, rear support 30 comprises a curvilinear shape that connects to all four sides (21 , 23, 25, and 27) of framework 20. However, it is understood that rear support 30 may be connected to less than four sides of framework 20. Rear support may also comprise one or more holes disposed within it (e.g., first, second, and third rear support holes 60, 61 , and 62, respectively) to assist in balancing the weight of frame 10. The curvilinear shape of the rear support not only assists in balancing the frame but also provides frame 10 with additional flexibility. Such additional flexibility eases the insertion and removal of the cover from framework 20 as described above. In addition, one or more of the holes (e.g., first rear support hole 60) may be of sufficient size that a user's hand may extend from the back of frame 10 through rear support 30 to dislodge a picture (not shown) mounted upon a front mounting face 32 of rear support 30.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a rear view of the exemplary embodiment of frame 10. Any number of the sides of framework 20 may include slots 26 disposed within and along a portion of a rear surface 28 of the sides. Such slots are fabricated within framework 20 to provide framework 20 with additional flexibility in order to bend for easier insertion and/or removal of a glass or plastic cover from frame 10 as described above. In the exemplary embodiment, slots 26 do not extend into the corners of framework 20. However, it is understood that slots 26 may extend into one or more of the corners. Support bracket 50 may comprise any number of shapes and configurations, but is shown in this exemplary embodiment as substantially triangular-shaped. Support bracket 50 removably connects to rear support 30 to support frame 10 in a substantially upright position on a horizontal and/or flat surface (e.g., a table). In the exemplary embodiment shown, support bracket 50 includes a first pin 52 disposed along one side of support bracket 50 and a second pin 54 positioned below first pin 52 to facilitate the support bracket's 50 easy connection and disconnection to frame 10. In addition, rear support 30 may optionally include a notch 44 positioned below each of first and second wall mounting devices 40 and 42 along a rear face 34 of rear support 30. Notch 44 may include three sides 44a, 44b, and 44c that partially encompass a space 45. Second pin 54 may include a distal end 55 and is substantially L-shaped (e.g., 90 degree angle).

Support bracket 50 is positioned adjacent rear support 30 such that first pin 52 inserts into space 45 and second pin 54 inserts into either of the apertures of the first or second mounting devices 40 or 42, respectively. Once the pins are inserted into the space 45 and one of the apertures of the wall mounting devices, support bracket 50 may be slid, locking rear support 30 between first distal end 55 of second pin 54 and support bracket 50 and resting first pin 52 against first pin side 44b. To remove support bracket 50, the process described above may be reversed.

In addition, frame 10 may be fabricated such that support bracket 50 may be removably connected to framework 20 via breakable tabs 58 (FIG. 1 ) and positioned within a hole (e.g., hole 60) of rear support 30. This allows frame 10 and support bracket 50 to be distributed and sold as one integral unit, enabling a user to decide whether to mount the frame on a vertical surface (e.g., a wall) using one of the wall mounting devices or on a horizontal surface (e.g., a table) using support bracket 50. If the user chooses the former, support bracket 50 may remain connected to rear support 30 and frame 10 may be mounted upon a wall from either first or second wall mounting devices 40 and 42 without tilting to one side because the frame is balanced. If the user chooses the latter, the user just removes support bracket 50 from rear support 30 by breaking the breakable tabs and connects support bracket 50 to rear support 30 as described above. The support bracket also allows the frame to be supported in either a portrait or landscape display orientation along the substantially horizontal surface (e.g., table). it is understood that bracket 50 may be configured to be re-attachable to framework 20 even after it has been removed from framework 20 once. Also, frame 10 may be designed to be balanced whether support bracket 50 is attached or un-attached to framework 20. Such design options provide a user with multiple use options for frame 10. Referring now to FIGS. 6A-12, another exemplary embodiment of a picture frame of the present invention is shown as frame 100. Frame 100 is designed to provide a user two alternative display perspectives: a high profile display perspective of a picture of a first size (FIG. 6A); and a shadow box display perspective of a picture of a size different from the first size (FIG. 6B). The high profile display perspective of a picture 110 produces an image, wherein picture 110 appears to be suspended away or spaced apart from a wall 200 as shown in FIG. 6A. This high profile perspective accommodates a larger picture, for example, an 8" X 10" picture. The picture displayed in this high profile perspective is similar to an image provided by a flat screen television. Alternatively, the shadow box display perspective of picture 112 shown in FIG. 6B accommodates a smaller picture (e.g., a 5" X 7") relative to picture 110. This display perspective positions the picture rearwardly from a glass or plastic cover 114 and close to wall 200. Frame 100 may include all of the same components as the first exemplary embodiment shown and described above (FIGS. 1-5). In addition, frame 100 may be fabricated using the same materials and methods as the first exemplary embodiment. For example, referring to FIG. 7, frame 100 may include a framework 120 defining a perimeter of frame 100, a first wall mounting device 140 disposed along a first side (e.g., 123) of framework 120, a second wall mounting device 142 disposed along a second side (e.g., 125) of framework 120 adjacent to the first side, a rear support 130 connected to framework 120, and a support bracket 150 removably connectable to rear support 130. Similar to the first exemplary embodiment, first and second wall mounting devices 140 and 142 comprise keyhole-type apertures that are molded or formed in rear support 130. First and second wall mounting devices 140 and 142 may also include small protrusions 148 that extend from an aperture face 149 along both sides of each of the apertures to assist in connecting support bracket 150 to rear support 130. Framework 120 may also include four sides 121 , 123, 125, and 127 that extend outwardly from an outer periphery 131 of rear support 130. In this exemplary embodiment, the sides extend outwardly from outer periphery 131 at an angle equal to or greater than 90 degrees from rear support 130 and may be curved outwardly as shown in FIG. 10. An upper mounting face 124 may be disposed along each of the sides opposite outer periphery 131. Upper mounting face 124 is configured to permit picture 112 to be mounted thereon in the high profile perspective. For example, upper mounting face 124 is positioned such that it is substantially parallel to wall 200. In addition, a ridge 129 extends vertically away from an outer edge 135 of upper face 124 and includes an upper overhanging lip 122 that extends inwardly in a substantially horizontal plane as shown in FIG. 11. Upper overhanging lips 122 may or may not extend into the corners of framework 120.

As described above, after a picture is placed within the front of framework 20 and mounted onto upper mounting face 124, a glass (or plastic) cover 114 is held (snapped) within framework 120 between upper overhanging lips 122 and upper mounting face 124. To facilitate easy insertion and removal of cover 114 from framework 120, a user may hold framework 120 at opposite corners (e.g., corners 111 and 113) and bend framework 120 backwards, allowing the cover to slide between the upper overhanging lips and upper mounting face 124. Once cover 114 is in place, the user may release the framework corners, permitting frame 120 to resume its original shape. It is understood that framework 120 may comprise a variety of shapes, configurations, and sizes, including but not limited to square-shaped, circular-shaped, oval-shaped, elliptical-shaped, or any other shaped known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Rear support 130 includes outer periphery 131 and a lower mounting face 132, wherein picture 110 may be mounted thereon in the shadow box display perspective. Outer periphery 131 may be partially or completely connected to framework 120. In this embodiment, sides 123 and 127 are connected to outer periphery 131 , wherein sides 121 and 125 are not connected to outer periphery 131. Because sides 121 and 125 are not connected to outer periphery 131 , slots 128 are provided between sides (121 , 125) and outer periphery 131. Slots 128 are disposed completely through the rear support and provide frame 10 with additional flexibility that eases the insertion and removal of cover 114 from framework 120.

As described above in reference to the first exemplary embodiment, rear support 130 in this exemplary embodiment may also be asymmetric and configured such that the center of gravity of frame 100 substantially aligns or corresponds with the geometric center of frame 100 (e.g., center of gravity is in partial or complete alignment with the geometric center of the frame) such that frame 100 is balanced. The configuration of rear support 130 also accounts for the weight and location of attached support bracket 150 to ensure the frame is balanced with the bracket attached to within hole 160 of rear support 130. As described above, when balanced, frame 100 will not tilt to one side when mounted on a wall from either one of the wall mounting devices.

In this particular embodiment, the curvilinear shape of rear support 130 and first, second, and third support holes 160, 161 , and 162, respectively, assist in providing this substantial alignment and thus a balanced frame. In addition, the curvilinear shape provides for additional flexibility to frame 100 to assist with the insertion and removal of cover 114 from frame 100 without cracking or breaking cover 114. One or more of the holes (e.g., 162) may be of sufficient size such that a user's hand may extend from the back of frame 100 through rear support 130 to dislodge a picture (e.g., 110) mounted within frame 100.

At the lower ends of at least two of the sides (e.g., sides 121 and 125), a lower overhanging lip 136 may extend inwardly along a substantially horizontal plane from the sides such that lower overhanging lips 136 overhangs a portion of outer periphery 131. In this exemplary embodiment, lower overhanging lips 136 extend into the corners of the sides and partially around onto the adjacent sides (e.g., sides 123 and 127) as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9. In the exemplary embodiment, lower overhanging lips 136 do not extend completely around outer periphery 131. In order to install picture 110 in the shadow box perspective, picture 110 is placed upon lower mounting face 132 with its corners of the picture positioned between lower overhanging lips 136 and lower mounting surface 132. Once installed, cover 114 is placed between upon upper mounting face 124 and upper overhanging lips 122 in the same manner described above. As shown in FIG. 9, lower overhanging lips 136 may comprise an ornamental design such as leaves, flowers, etc.

Support bracket 150 may comprise any number of shapes and configurations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention but is shown in this exemplary embodiment as substantially triangular-shaped. Support bracket 150 may include a first pin 152 disposed along one side of support bracket 150 and a second pin 154 positioned below first pin 152 to facilitate the support bracket's 150 easy connection and disconnection to frame 100. Rear support 130 may optionally include a notch 144 positioned below each of first and second wall mounting devices 140 and 142 along a rear face 134 of rear support 130. In this exemplary embodiment, notch 144 is the same as described above for the first exemplary embodiment. Second pin 154 is substantially L-shaped or bends at a 90 degree angle to allow support bracket 150 to lock into place on rear support 130. Similar to the first exemplary embodiment, support bracket 150 of this exemplary embodiment is positioned adjacent to rear support 130 such that first pin 152 inserts into notch 144 and second pin 154 inserts into either the first or second wall mounting devices (140, 142). Once the pins are inserted into notch 144 and the wall mounting device, support bracket 150 may be slid counter to rear support 130 to lock rear support 130 between second pin 154 and support bracket 150 and to rest first pin 152 within notch 144. To remove support bracket 150, the process described above may be reversed. Frame 100 may be fabricated such that support bracket 150 is removably connected to rear support 130 via breakable tabs 158 (FIG. 7) and positioned within one of rear support holes (e.g., hole 160). This permits frame 100 and support bracket 150 to be distributed and sold as one integral unit, enabling a user to decide whether to mount the frame on a substantially vertical surface such as a wall using one of the wall mounting devices or to mount the frame on a substantially horizontal surface such as a table using support bracket 150. If the user chooses the former, frame 100 is configured to be balanced even with support bracket 150 connected to rear support 130. Thus, frame 100 may be is mounted (hung) upon a substantially vertical surface (e.g., a wall) in either the portrait or landscaped orientation with support bracket 150 still connected, and frame 100 will not tilt to one side. If the user chooses the latter, the user just removes support bracket 150 from rear support 130 by breaking the breakable tabs and connects support bracket 150 to rear support 130 as described above. The support bracket allows the frame to also be supported upon a substantially horizontal surface (e.g., a table) in either the portrait or landscape orientations. Similar to the first embodiment, this embodiment of the frame may also be configured to be balanced with or without support bracket 150 being attached to frame 100.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims a- all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A picture frame, comprising: a framework forming a perimeter of said frame; a first wall mounting device disposed along a first side of said framework; a second wall mounting device disposed along a second side of said framework adjacent to said first side; and an asymmetric rear support connected to said framework and configured such that the center of gravity of said frame substantially corresponds to the geometric center of said frame such that said frame is balanced when mounted on a substantially vertical surface from either said first or second wall mounting devices.

2. The frame according to claim 1 , wherein said rear support is configured to mount a picture thereon and within said framework.

3. The frame according to claim 2, wherein said framework is configured to allow a transparent cover to be mounted thereon.

4. The frame according to claim 1 , wherein said frame is configured to alternatively mount two different sized pictures therein.

5. The frame according to claim 1 , wherein said framework comprises an upper mounting surface configured to mount a picture thereon; and a plurality of side panels extending outwardly from an outer periphery of said rear support to said upper mounting surface.

6. The frame according to claim 5, wherein said frame is configured to mount a picture of one size on said rear support and a picture of a different size on said upper mounting surface.

7. The frame according to claim 5, wherein said upper mounting surface comprises a ridge extending upwardly from a perimeter edge of said upper mounting surface; and an upper overhanging lip extending inwardly from said ridge, wherein said upper overhanging lip is configured to hold a transparent cover within said frame.

8. The frame according to claim 1 , wherein said rear support includes at least one aperture configured to enable a user's hand to extend therethrough to dislodge a picture mounted on said rear support.

9. The frame according to claim 1 , wherein said rear support is curvilinear to provide said frame with additional flexibility in order to facilitate insertion and removal of a transparent cover over a picture mounted on said frame.

10. The frame according to claim 1 , wherein said framework has four sides and said rear support is connected to all of said sides of said framework.

11. The frame according to claim 3, wherein at least one slot is provided along a portion of said framework, said at least one slot configured to provide flexibility in order to facilitate insertion and removal of a transparent cover from said frame.

12. The framework according to claim 1 , wherein said frame is configured to mount a rectangular picture therein, and further wherein said first wall mounting device is configured to mount said frame in a portrait display orientation on a wall; said second wall mounting device is configured to mount said frame in a landscape display orientation on a wall; and said rear support is configured such that said frame does not tilt when mounted in either of said portrait or landscape orientations.

13. The frame according to claim 1 , wherein said first and second wall mounting devices are keyhole-shaped.

14. The frame according to claim 1 , further comprising a support bracket removably connectable to said frame and configured to support said frame on a substantially horizontal surface when connected to said frame.

15. A picture frame, comprising: a framework forming a perimeter of said frame; a first wall mounting device disposed along a first side of said framework; a second wall mounting device disposed along a second side of said framework adjacent to said first side; and a transparent cover removably mounted in said framework, said frame configured such that said cover may be mounted over a picture mounted in said framework; wherein said framework includes at least one slot along said framework to provide flexibility to said framework to ease the insertion and removal of said cover from said framework.

16. The frame according to claim 15, wherein said framework includes four sides and said at least one slot comprises a slot disposed along a portion of each of said sides.

17. A picture frame configured to mount either a picture in a high-profile display perspective or a picture in a shadow box display perspective, comprising: a framework forming a perimeter of said frame and configured to mount a picture thereon in said high-profile display perspective; and a rear support connected to and disposed within said framework, said support configured to mount a second picture thereon in said shadow box display perspective.

18. The frame according to claim 17, wherein said framework comprises an upper mounting surface configured to mount a picture thereon in said high profile display perspective; and a plurality of side panels extending outwardly from an outer periphery of said rear support to said upper mounting surface.

19. The frame according to claim 17, wherein said frame is configured to mount a rectangular picture therein, and further wherein said frame comprises a first wall mounting device disposed along a first side of said framework and configured to mount said frame in a portrait display orientation on a surface; a second wall mounting device disposed along a second side of said framework adjacent to said first side and configured to mount said frame in a landscape display orientation on a surface.

20. The frame according to claim 19, wherein said rear support is asymmetric and configured such that the center of gravity of said frame substantially aligns to the geometric center of said frame such that said frame is balanced when mounted from either said first or second mounting devices.