CA2479785A1 - Multi-picture frame apparatus and kit - Google Patents
Multi-picture frame apparatus and kit Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2479785A1 CA2479785A1 CA002479785A CA2479785A CA2479785A1 CA 2479785 A1 CA2479785 A1 CA 2479785A1 CA 002479785 A CA002479785 A CA 002479785A CA 2479785 A CA2479785 A CA 2479785A CA 2479785 A1 CA2479785 A1 CA 2479785A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- frame
- picture
- support
- picture frame
- mounting
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G1/00—Mirrors; Picture frames or the like, e.g. provided with heating, lighting or ventilating means
- A47G1/06—Picture frames
- A47G1/065—Interconnected frames; Frame assemblies; Frames for two or more pictures
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G1/00—Mirrors; Picture frames or the like, e.g. provided with heating, lighting or ventilating means
- A47G1/06—Picture frames
- A47G2001/0672—Picture frames employing magnets
Landscapes
- Drawing Aids And Blackboards (AREA)
- Mirrors, Picture Frames, Photograph Stands, And Related Fastening Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A modular picture frame apparatus and kit incorporates a plurality of picture frames of differing sizes mounted on linear support members. Each picture frame has channels corresponding to the horizontal cross-section of the linear support members. Magnets or other attachment means are disposed in the channels or on the linear support members to hold the picture frames in a desired position on the linear support members. Linear support members may be mounted on a wall or other mounting surface. Other elements of the apparatus may include corkboard, whiteboard, chalkboard or mirror attached to the mounting surface.
Description
Title of The Invention MULTI-PICTURE FRAME APPARATUS AlelD I~IT
Technical Field of the Inventiion The present invention relates generally to picture frames, and more particularly to an apparatus and a kit for mounting multiple pictures for display.
Background of the Invention With the access to low cost photography by consumers, a market has developed for photography accessories. tin important segment of this market is picture mounting and framing.
A wide variety of frames are available in a variety of materials, sizes and configurations. It is desirable for a picture frame to be easy to assemble and disassemble, and to offer a variety of configurations to permit individual expression in displaying photographs.
It is known to provide a device for mounting and framing a photograph using magnets to hold a photograph between front and back surfaces of a frame. Such a device is described in U.S.
Patent No. 3,885,336 to Olsen.
It is also known to provide an apparatus which comprises a plurality of separately framed compartments, each of which may display a photograph mounted thereon by magnetic means.
Such a device is taught in U.S. Patent No. 5,269,083 to Vampatella.
There are a number of desirable objectives in relation to a mu.lti-picture frame apparatus. Such an apparatus should ideally be easy to assemble and disassemble, permit assembly into a variety of structures, and allow for easy mounting and dismounting of ~~ictures on the display surface.
Existing picture framing devices achieve some of these objectives, but with varying degrees of success. Many of the prior art devices, such as the Vampatella apparatus, are bulky and do not permit of ease of packing and shipping. Prior art devices which are not modular are not ideal as they require higher packing, storing and shipping costs.
srb15rb02092 Summary of the Invention In one of its aspects, the mufti-picture frame apparatus according to the invention comprises one or more frame support tracks, mounting means for mounting the frame support tracks on a support surface, a plurality of picture frames each having a front and back surface, wherein each frame has one medial channel extending the length and one medial channel extending the width of its back surface for cooperation with the frame support tracks, and magnetic bonding means for supporting the picture frames channels on the frame support track.
The mufti-picture frame apparatus may further comprise a plurality of spacer blocks each having a front and back surface, each spacer block having one media:t channel extending the length and one medial channel extending the width of its back surface for cooperation with the frame support track, and magnetic bonding means for supporting the spacer block channels on the frame support tracks. The magnetic bonding means may comprise one or more magnets attached to the frame support tracks or to each of the channels.
The mufti-picture frame apparatus may further comprise a backing support for mounting thereon of the frame support track.
The mufti-picture frame apparatus may further comprise one or more of a mirror, a corkboard, a chalkboard and a whiteboard mounted on the visible surface c~f the backing support. The frame support tracks and the channels may have a rectangular cross section.
In another of its aspects, the invention comprises a mufti-picture frame kit having modular frame support track elements, a plurality of picture frames having one medial channel extending the length and one medial channel extending the width of its back surface for cooperation with the frame support track, a collapsible backing support, and mounting means for mounting the kit on a support surface.
The mufti-picture framing kit may further comprise one or amore of a mirror, a corkboard, a chalkboard and a whiteboard for mounting on the visible surface of the backing support.
Other aspects of the invention will be appreciated by reference to the description of the preferred embodiment which follows and to the claims.
srb\srb02092 ' CA 02479785 2004-08-26 Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will be described by reference to the preferred embodiment and the drawings thereof in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the front side of a picture frame element, according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the rear side of a picture frame element, according to the invention;
Figure 3 is a front view of one embodiment of the assembly, according to the invention;
Figure 4 is a cross-section through line 4-4 of Figure 3 showing a picture frame element mounted on a linear support member; and Figure 5 is a front view of another embodiment of the assembly according to the invention.
Detailed Description of Best Mode and Preferred Embodiment of the Invention The picture frame assembly and kit of the invention comprises modular elements. One of the elements, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, is a picture frame 2. The; picture frame is generally planar, and preferably rectangular in shape, although a variety of shapes is possible.
As best seen in Fig.
l, each picture frame element 2 has a picture mounting surface 4 on its front surface. As best seen in Fig. 2, on the opposed rear surface 6, a first linear channel 8 extends the length of the frame at a medial position and a second linear channel 10 extends the width of the frame at a medial position intersecting the first linear channel. One or more magnetic attraction means 12 are disposed in the linear channels.
Each frame may display on its front surface a photograph or other image, text, or other items.
The frame elements may be a wide variety of sizes to accommodate photographs of differing size.
srb\srb02092 As shown in Fig. 3, the apparatus and kit also comprises at least one linear support member 14.
The linear support member 14 is of a width and thickness which corresponds to the width and depth of the linear channels 8, 10 to permit a close fit behveen the support member and the channel. Magnetic attraction means (not shown) are positioned at the interface between the S linear support and the channel. Magnetic attraction means may comprise a magnet on the surface of the linear support member in cooperation with a magnetic substance, such as a magnetic metal in the linear channel. Alternatively, the magnet may be located in the channel and the magnetic substance on the linear support member, or magnets of opposite poles may be located in the channel and on the linear support member.
The linear support member may be rigid or flexible. A flexible linear support member may be bent to a desired shape prior to mounting on a support surface to permit a wide variety of display options. Individual picture frames may be easily added to, repositioned on, or removed from the mounted linear support member.
As demonstrated in Fig. 4, the corresponding geometry of the linear support member 14 and the linear channel 8 provides support to hold the picture frame in a desired position. The magnetic attraction means, for example a magnet 18 on the linear support member and a magnetic substance 20 in the linear channel, provides additional force to hold the picture frame in position, while permitting easy manual removal or repositioning.
Figure S shows another embodiment of the apparatus and kit of the invention.
Linear support members 14 are mounted on a backing support 22. Individual frame elements 2 may be mounted on the linear support members in desired positions. Corkboard 24 or other planar accessories such as chalkboard, whiteboard or mirror, may be mounted on the backing support 22. Such accessories may be provided with an adhesive backing layer i:or mounting the accessory on the backing support. The backing support may be mounted on a mounting surface such as a wall.
Alternatively, with the addition of a stand, the apparatus may be displayed on a desk or other horizontal surface.
By completely covering the linear support member in an apparatus such as the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the frames will be better retained in position on the linear support member. As a variety of sizes of frames may be used in a desired assembly, the apparatus and kit may also include filler pieces (not shown) which are of dimensions selected to complement the frame sizes srb\srb02092 -$-for a particular kit, such that the entire linear support member may be covered by a combination of frames and filler pieces.
Although in the preferred embodiment magnets are used to hold the frames in position on the linear support member, other attachment means are possible.
The modular elements of the picture frame apparatus may be easily disassembled into a kit for packing, storing and shipping. The picture frame elements are individually removable. The linear support members may be segmented for ease of packing. The backing support and accessory materials such as whiteboard, corkboard, blackboaa-d or mirror may be collapsible by folding or rolling to permit easier packing, storage and shipping of the kit.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other variations of the preferred embodiment may also be practised without departing from the scope of the invention.
srb\srb02092
Technical Field of the Inventiion The present invention relates generally to picture frames, and more particularly to an apparatus and a kit for mounting multiple pictures for display.
Background of the Invention With the access to low cost photography by consumers, a market has developed for photography accessories. tin important segment of this market is picture mounting and framing.
A wide variety of frames are available in a variety of materials, sizes and configurations. It is desirable for a picture frame to be easy to assemble and disassemble, and to offer a variety of configurations to permit individual expression in displaying photographs.
It is known to provide a device for mounting and framing a photograph using magnets to hold a photograph between front and back surfaces of a frame. Such a device is described in U.S.
Patent No. 3,885,336 to Olsen.
It is also known to provide an apparatus which comprises a plurality of separately framed compartments, each of which may display a photograph mounted thereon by magnetic means.
Such a device is taught in U.S. Patent No. 5,269,083 to Vampatella.
There are a number of desirable objectives in relation to a mu.lti-picture frame apparatus. Such an apparatus should ideally be easy to assemble and disassemble, permit assembly into a variety of structures, and allow for easy mounting and dismounting of ~~ictures on the display surface.
Existing picture framing devices achieve some of these objectives, but with varying degrees of success. Many of the prior art devices, such as the Vampatella apparatus, are bulky and do not permit of ease of packing and shipping. Prior art devices which are not modular are not ideal as they require higher packing, storing and shipping costs.
srb15rb02092 Summary of the Invention In one of its aspects, the mufti-picture frame apparatus according to the invention comprises one or more frame support tracks, mounting means for mounting the frame support tracks on a support surface, a plurality of picture frames each having a front and back surface, wherein each frame has one medial channel extending the length and one medial channel extending the width of its back surface for cooperation with the frame support tracks, and magnetic bonding means for supporting the picture frames channels on the frame support track.
The mufti-picture frame apparatus may further comprise a plurality of spacer blocks each having a front and back surface, each spacer block having one media:t channel extending the length and one medial channel extending the width of its back surface for cooperation with the frame support track, and magnetic bonding means for supporting the spacer block channels on the frame support tracks. The magnetic bonding means may comprise one or more magnets attached to the frame support tracks or to each of the channels.
The mufti-picture frame apparatus may further comprise a backing support for mounting thereon of the frame support track.
The mufti-picture frame apparatus may further comprise one or more of a mirror, a corkboard, a chalkboard and a whiteboard mounted on the visible surface c~f the backing support. The frame support tracks and the channels may have a rectangular cross section.
In another of its aspects, the invention comprises a mufti-picture frame kit having modular frame support track elements, a plurality of picture frames having one medial channel extending the length and one medial channel extending the width of its back surface for cooperation with the frame support track, a collapsible backing support, and mounting means for mounting the kit on a support surface.
The mufti-picture framing kit may further comprise one or amore of a mirror, a corkboard, a chalkboard and a whiteboard for mounting on the visible surface of the backing support.
Other aspects of the invention will be appreciated by reference to the description of the preferred embodiment which follows and to the claims.
srb\srb02092 ' CA 02479785 2004-08-26 Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will be described by reference to the preferred embodiment and the drawings thereof in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the front side of a picture frame element, according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the rear side of a picture frame element, according to the invention;
Figure 3 is a front view of one embodiment of the assembly, according to the invention;
Figure 4 is a cross-section through line 4-4 of Figure 3 showing a picture frame element mounted on a linear support member; and Figure 5 is a front view of another embodiment of the assembly according to the invention.
Detailed Description of Best Mode and Preferred Embodiment of the Invention The picture frame assembly and kit of the invention comprises modular elements. One of the elements, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, is a picture frame 2. The; picture frame is generally planar, and preferably rectangular in shape, although a variety of shapes is possible.
As best seen in Fig.
l, each picture frame element 2 has a picture mounting surface 4 on its front surface. As best seen in Fig. 2, on the opposed rear surface 6, a first linear channel 8 extends the length of the frame at a medial position and a second linear channel 10 extends the width of the frame at a medial position intersecting the first linear channel. One or more magnetic attraction means 12 are disposed in the linear channels.
Each frame may display on its front surface a photograph or other image, text, or other items.
The frame elements may be a wide variety of sizes to accommodate photographs of differing size.
srb\srb02092 As shown in Fig. 3, the apparatus and kit also comprises at least one linear support member 14.
The linear support member 14 is of a width and thickness which corresponds to the width and depth of the linear channels 8, 10 to permit a close fit behveen the support member and the channel. Magnetic attraction means (not shown) are positioned at the interface between the S linear support and the channel. Magnetic attraction means may comprise a magnet on the surface of the linear support member in cooperation with a magnetic substance, such as a magnetic metal in the linear channel. Alternatively, the magnet may be located in the channel and the magnetic substance on the linear support member, or magnets of opposite poles may be located in the channel and on the linear support member.
The linear support member may be rigid or flexible. A flexible linear support member may be bent to a desired shape prior to mounting on a support surface to permit a wide variety of display options. Individual picture frames may be easily added to, repositioned on, or removed from the mounted linear support member.
As demonstrated in Fig. 4, the corresponding geometry of the linear support member 14 and the linear channel 8 provides support to hold the picture frame in a desired position. The magnetic attraction means, for example a magnet 18 on the linear support member and a magnetic substance 20 in the linear channel, provides additional force to hold the picture frame in position, while permitting easy manual removal or repositioning.
Figure S shows another embodiment of the apparatus and kit of the invention.
Linear support members 14 are mounted on a backing support 22. Individual frame elements 2 may be mounted on the linear support members in desired positions. Corkboard 24 or other planar accessories such as chalkboard, whiteboard or mirror, may be mounted on the backing support 22. Such accessories may be provided with an adhesive backing layer i:or mounting the accessory on the backing support. The backing support may be mounted on a mounting surface such as a wall.
Alternatively, with the addition of a stand, the apparatus may be displayed on a desk or other horizontal surface.
By completely covering the linear support member in an apparatus such as the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the frames will be better retained in position on the linear support member. As a variety of sizes of frames may be used in a desired assembly, the apparatus and kit may also include filler pieces (not shown) which are of dimensions selected to complement the frame sizes srb\srb02092 -$-for a particular kit, such that the entire linear support member may be covered by a combination of frames and filler pieces.
Although in the preferred embodiment magnets are used to hold the frames in position on the linear support member, other attachment means are possible.
The modular elements of the picture frame apparatus may be easily disassembled into a kit for packing, storing and shipping. The picture frame elements are individually removable. The linear support members may be segmented for ease of packing. The backing support and accessory materials such as whiteboard, corkboard, blackboaa-d or mirror may be collapsible by folding or rolling to permit easier packing, storage and shipping of the kit.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other variations of the preferred embodiment may also be practised without departing from the scope of the invention.
srb\srb02092
Claims (9)
1. A multi-picture frame apparatus comprising:
one or more frame support tracks, mounting means for mounting the frame support tracks on a support surface, a plurality of picture frames each having a front and back surface, wherein each frame has one medial channel extending the length and one medial channel extending the width of its back surface for cooperation with the frame support tracks; and magnetic bonding means for supporting the picture frames channels on the frame support track.
one or more frame support tracks, mounting means for mounting the frame support tracks on a support surface, a plurality of picture frames each having a front and back surface, wherein each frame has one medial channel extending the length and one medial channel extending the width of its back surface for cooperation with the frame support tracks; and magnetic bonding means for supporting the picture frames channels on the frame support track.
2. The multi-picture frame apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of spacer blocks each having a front and back surface, each spacer block having one medial channel extending the length and one medial channel extending the width of its back surface for cooperation with the frame support track, and magnetic bonding means for supporting the spacer block channels on the frame support tracks.
3. The multi-picture frame apparatus of claim 1 or 2 wherein the magnetic bonding means comprises one or more magnets attached to the frame support tracks.
4. The multi-picture frame apparatus of claim 1 or 2 wherein the magnetic bonding means comprises one or more magnets attached to each of the channels.
5. The multi-picture frame apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a backing support for mounting thereon of the frame support track.
6. The multi-picture frame apparatus of claim 1 further comprising one or more of a mirror, a corkboard, a chalkboard and a whiteboard mounted on the visible surface of the backing support.
7. The multi-picture frame apparatus of claim 1 wherein the frame support tracks and the channels have a rectangular cross section.
8. A multi-picture frame kit comprising modular frame support track elements, a plurality of picture frames having one medial channel extending the length and one medial channel extending the width of its back surface for cooperation with the frame support track, a collapsible backing support, and mounting means for mounting the kit on a support surface.
9. The multi-picture framing kit of claim 8, further comprising one or more of a mirror, a corkboard, a chalkboard and a whiteboard for mounting on the visible surface of the backing support.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA002479785A CA2479785A1 (en) | 2004-08-26 | 2004-08-26 | Multi-picture frame apparatus and kit |
US11/210,679 US20060042140A1 (en) | 2004-08-26 | 2005-08-25 | Multi-picture frame apparatus and kit |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA002479785A CA2479785A1 (en) | 2004-08-26 | 2004-08-26 | Multi-picture frame apparatus and kit |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
CA2479785A1 true CA2479785A1 (en) | 2006-02-26 |
Family
ID=35940996
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA002479785A Abandoned CA2479785A1 (en) | 2004-08-26 | 2004-08-26 | Multi-picture frame apparatus and kit |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060042140A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2479785A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070151136A1 (en) * | 2006-01-05 | 2007-07-05 | Dandie William J | Frame assembly |
US8156674B2 (en) * | 2009-10-21 | 2012-04-17 | Martinez Jr Sergio Eduardo | Frame block for flat rectangular planar objects such as photographs |
US9283700B2 (en) * | 2009-12-23 | 2016-03-15 | Tema Isenmann, Inc. | Removable magnetic liner and screening media, and processes of production, installation, and use thereof |
DE102014102361A1 (en) * | 2014-02-24 | 2014-06-26 | Thomas Hogrefe | Support plate for receiving presentation object, has connectors integrated into back part of support plate bodies, and not viewed from effective area if connectors are connected with support plate bodies |
CN106419342A (en) * | 2016-11-18 | 2017-02-22 | 淮北智淮科技有限公司 | Photo frame with color adjustable rims and processing method thereof |
US20190020131A1 (en) * | 2017-07-12 | 2019-01-17 | Fanae Aaron | Ornamental board connection system |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3238654A (en) * | 1960-11-25 | 1966-03-08 | Pabst Brewing Co | Expandable sign |
US3885336A (en) * | 1973-01-05 | 1975-05-27 | Midland Insta Change Company | Photo frame and the like |
US4132020A (en) * | 1977-01-03 | 1979-01-02 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Sign structure |
US5269083A (en) * | 1992-10-22 | 1993-12-14 | Claudia Vampatella | Quick change picture frame apparatus |
US6401373B1 (en) * | 2000-06-21 | 2002-06-11 | Clifford E. Sexton | Illuminated address display |
-
2004
- 2004-08-26 CA CA002479785A patent/CA2479785A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2005
- 2005-08-25 US US11/210,679 patent/US20060042140A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20060042140A1 (en) | 2006-03-02 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
EEER | Examination request | ||
FZDE | Discontinued |