GB2306319A - Picture frame - Google Patents

Abstract

A picture frame is provided which can be folded flat for transport and storage. An embodiment of the frame comprises a support member 2 having four sides. First to fourth flaps 12, 14, 16, 18 extend from the sides of the support member. The flaps have respective front portions, e.g. 20, 24, that form the forward facing part of a raised frame. Means 26, 28 hold the flaps in position once they have been folded to form the frame.

Description

PICTURE FRAME The present invention relates to a picture frame, and more particularly to a frame which can be stored or transported in a relatively flat slate.

Collapsible picture frames are known from US5416993. The frame described therein comprises four individual pieces of stiff card or similar which are attached together at manufacture in order to form a "pop-up" picture frame having a bevelled surround.

According to the present invention, there is provided a picture frame, comprising a support member having at least three sides, each side having a respective flap extending therefrom and integrally formed with the support member, the flaps being foldable so as to define a raised frame at the sides of the support member.

It is thus possible to provide a frame which can be manufactured as a unitary element which can be stored and/or transported in a flat state.

Preferably, the support member has four sides defining a rectangle. Thus the frame can be folded into the shape of a conventional picture frame.

Preferably, the flaps are profiled such that, in use, adjacent flaps cooperate to define neat edges between adjacent flaps.

Preferably the flaps have a first portion which forms the part of the flap that. in use, forms the front surface of the raised frame.

The flaps may, for example, be arranged in an alternating series of first flaps in which the first portion has convex edges and second flaps in which the first portion has concave edges.

The flaps may, in use, be deformed so as to follow a curved path thereby forming a raised frame having a part circular or "D" shaped cross-section.

Preferably, at least one of the flaps engages retaining means formed in the support member. The retaining means may comprise one or more slots in the support member for engaging projections on a flap so as to hold the flap in position. Alternatively, projections may be formed in the support member for engaging a flap. Each flap may have an engagement portion for engaging the support member. As a further alternative, adhesive or hook and eye fastners may be used to secure one or more of the flaps in position. As a further alternative, the flaps may be distorted during assembly of the frame such that they bear against one another thereby providing mutual support to hold them in their constructed positions.In yet a further alternative arrangement, one or more magnets may be attached to one of the support member or a flap, and the other one of the support member and the flap may carry a magnetic plate or other magnetic item. The magnet and the magnetic plate cooperate, in use, to hold the flap in position.

A first embodiment of the present invention comprises a rectangular support member having first to fourth sides, the first side opposing the third side and the second side opposing the fourth side. The first portions of the flaps of the first and third sides have convex edges, whereas the first portions of the flaps on the second and fourth sides have concave edges. The support member has foldable tags which project from the support member to engage slots formed in engagement portions of the flaps so as to hold the flaps such that the first portion of each flap defines a curved surface.

Advantageously the flaps may be sub-divided such that a second portion is provided intermediate the first portion and the support member. Each second portion may, in use, be folded so as to define a side wall extending substantially perpendicularly from the support member.

Advantageously, a third portion may be provided intermediate the first portion and the engagement portion so as to define a further side wall. Thus, in a variation of the first embodiment, there is provided a picture frame having a raised frame portion which has a part circular cross-section spaced from the support member by planar walls.

Thus, a second embodiment may be provided, in which the first embodiment is modified by the inclusion of side walls.

Advantageously some of the flaps may be arranged such that their first portions are, in use, substantially planar and may be parallel with or inclined to the support member. Some of the first portions may be rectangular in shape whereas other ones of the first portions may be trapeziums. The trapezium first portions may have a relatively long base adjacent the support member and an opposing parallel side of the reduced length.

A third embodiment of the present invention compnses a rectangular support member hazing first to fourth sides. the first side opposing the third side and the second side opposing the fourth side. Each side has an associated flap divided into a first portion that forms part of the front surface in the completed frame, an engagement portion remote from the region of attachment between the flap and the support member, and a second portion intermediate the first portion and the support member. The first portions of the first and third flaps are rectangular, whereas the first portions of the second and fourth flaps are trapeziums. The flaps are, in use, folded so as to form a raised frame periphery having a triangular cross-section.The shape of the second and fourth flaps allow their first portions to align with the surfaces of the first and third flaps so as to give a neat join between adjacent flaps.

The engagement portions, or parts thereof, of at least two of the flaps, i.e., the second and fourth flaps, may be arranged to engage with slots or projections formed in the support member. In a variation, each of the engagement portions may engage with locating means on the support member.

In a fourth embodiment, the second embodiment is modified by the inclusion of a third portion intermediate the first portion and the engagement portion of each flap. The third and second portions can be made the same width such that, in use, the periphery of the frame has a box like cross-section with the first portion substantially parallel to the support member.

In a modification, the second portion may be made wider than the third portion such that the frame has a front surface inclined with respect to the plane of the support member. It is thus possible to provide a frame having a bevelled finish.

Advantageously, the engagement portions of some of the flaps may have projections that extend back towards the support member from each side of the engagement portions when the frame is in its nlanar state. The projections are formed when the associated first portion is a trapezium or, at least not rectangular. Thus the projections are effectively formed from material that would have been part of the first portion had it been rectangular, but has been removed from the first portion in making it into a trapezium (or a modified trapezium having curved short-sides with or without lugs). Thus the frame is still of a unitary construction and can be cut, punched or otherwise fabricated from a sheet of material.

Such an arrangement makes it possible for one flap to assist in holding an adjacent flap in place in the finished frame. It is also possible to arrange the flaps such that at least one of them must be distorted in order to construct the frame. The flaps are made of a sufficiently resilient material so as to return to their original shape, but during construction adjacent flaps are temporarily distorted such that they can then inter-engaged in a manner which secures the flaps such that they form a raised surrounding frame.

In a fifth embodiment. the frame comprises a rectangular support member having first and fourth sides the first side opposing the third side and the second side opposing the fourth side. Each side has an associated flap. The first portions of the first and third flaps are rectangular. whereas the first portions of the second and fourth flaps are trapeziums.

Engagement portions of the second and fourth flaps are irregularly shaped. but consist of rectangular sections having two inwardly extending approximately triangular tabs formed in the X lclnitv of opposing ends of the rectangular sections. Each flap has a second portion w hich. in use. forms a side wall. The second and fourth flaps are folded such that their engagement portions are in contact with the support member. The first and third walls are then folded inwardly and require slight deformation to bend their ends behind the ends of the first portions of the second and fourth flaps. The first portions of the first and third flaps have curved ends in order to facilitate their folding behind the raised frame portions formed by the second and fourth flaps.

Only one pair of the flaps may be provided with engagement portions, although advantageously each of the flaps has an engagement portion.

In a sixth embodiment, the engagement portions on the second and fourth flaps may have rounded tabs projecting therefrom. Additionally, the first portions of the first and third flaps may be modified to have outwardly projecting rounded portions, as may the engagement portions on the first and third flaps. Once again, the flaps cooperate to hold the frame in an assembled state.

In a further embodiment, the fifth embodiment is modified such that the first and third flaps have rectangular first portions and have engagement portions. The engagement portions are trapeziums and have a relatively long side which is less than the length of the first and third flaps. As in the fourth embodiment, the flaps are folded and subjected to some deformation in order to form the finished frame. In a variation of the this embodiment the engagement portions of the first and third flaps may be rectangular, but be shorter than the first portions of the first and third flaps.

Advantageously some of the fold lines may have embellishments thereon in order to provide a decorative finish.

The material forming the frame may be printed, die cut and/or embossed in order to create a desired finish. It is thus possible to vary the appearance of the frame such that it may appear modern or that it may mimic the styles of older picture frames.

Advantageously the material used to form the frame may be a stiff card, cardboard or a foldable plastics. Any other material which is suitable for folding and yet sufficiently stiff may also be used.

Advantageously, a backing member may be provided to cover any slots or holes formed in the support member so as to provide a neat finish to the frame.

Preferably, the support member or the backing member have hanging means, such as slots, holes or fixings, to enable the frame to be hung.

The present invention will further be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 Is a plan view of a frame constituting a first embodiment of the present invention; Figures 2 and 2a illustrate the way the frame of Figure 1 is folded to convert it from a planar state; Figure 3 is a plan view of the completed frame of Figures 1 and ':: Figure 4 is a plan view of a frame constituting a second embodiment of the present invention; Figures 5 and 5a illustrate the folding of the embodiment shown in Figure 4 in order to produce a finished frame; Figure 6 illustrates the completed frame shown in Figure 4; Figure 7 is a plan view of a frame constituting a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 illustrates the folding of the frame shown in Figure 7; Figure 9 is a schematic view of the completed frame shown in Figure 7; Figure 10 is plan view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 shows part of the folding sequence applied to the frame illustrated in Figure 10; Figure 12 is a plan view of a frame constituting a fifth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 illustrates part of the folding sequence applied to the frame illustrated in Figure 12;; Figure 14 is a plan view of a frame constituting a sixth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 15 is a plan view of a frame constituting a seventh embodiment of the present invention; Figure 16 illustrates the frame of Figure 15 in its completed state; Figure 17 is a plan view of a frame constituting an eighth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 18 is a plan view of the rear face of a frame constituting a ninth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 19 shows the frame of Figure 18 in a part folded state; and Figure 20 shows the frame of Figure 18 in a nearly completed state.

Like reference numerals will be used to refer to like parts.

The frame shown in Figure 1 has a rectangular planar support member 2 which defines the size of the completed frame. The support member 2 has first to fourth sides 4, 6, 8 and 10, respectively. A first flap 12 is attached to the first side 4. Similarly, second, third and fourth flaps 14 16, and 18 are attached to the second third, and fourth sides respectively.

The first flap 12 comprises a first portion 20 and an engaging portion 22. The other flaps are similarly constructed. The first portions 20 and 24 of the first and third flaps have convex curved edges extending between the corners of the support member 2 and their respective engaging portions. The first portions of the second and follrth flaps have concave edges.

Each of the engaging portions 22 has a variety of slits 26 formed therein. The slits co-operate with associated tabs 28 formed in the support member 2.

In order to assemble the frame, the engaging portions are first folded inward along folds represented by the chain lines 30, 32, 34 and 36. The first portions 20 and 24 of the first and third flaps are then folded inwardly, as shown in Figures 2 and 2a, and the tabs 28 are brought into engagement with their respective slots 26 in order to secure the first portions 20 and 24 such that they form curved raised frame elements. The second and fourth flaps are then similarly folded. The concave shape of the ends of the first portions of the second and fourth flaps allows them to neatly engage with the ends of the first portions of the first and third flaps. Thus the completed frame has a raised frame portion surrounding a recess for a picture or the like. The completed frame is illustrated in Figure 3.

Figure 4 is a plan view of a frame which is similar to that illustrated in Figure 1. However, each flap has been slightly modified. For brevity, only the modifications to the first flap 12 will be described, but it will be understood that the remaining flaps incorporate the same modifications.

The first flap is further sub-divided into a second portion 40 intermediate the first portion 20 and the support member 2. and a third portion 42 intermediate the first portion 20 and the engaging portion 22. Each of these portions are defined by fold lines. The way in which the frame is folded in order to convert it from its planar state to its completed state is partially shown in Figures 5 and 5a and is similar to the manner in which the first embodiment is folded. However, the second and third portions now form side walls which increases the depth of the completed frame, as illustrated in Figure 6. Thus, the raised frame elements will project further outward from the plane of the support member.It will be appreciated that the widths of the first portions and/or the widths of the engaging portions 22 of the flaps may be varied in order to vary the camber (i.e., radius of curvature) of the first portions in the assembled frame. Similarly, the fixing portions may also be moved to control the camber.

Figure 7 illustrates a frame in which all the surfaces are planar. For convenience. only the details of the first and second flaps will be described, but it will be appreciated that the third flap is similarly constructed to the first flap and the fourth flap is similar to the second flap.

The first flap 12 comprises a first portion 20 which forms the front surface of that side of the frame, and engaging portion 22 which will, in use, bear against the support member 2 and a second portion 40 intermediate the first portion 20 and the support member 2. The first portion 20 is rectangular. The second flap 14 is similarly constructed, except that the first portion 43 thereof is a trapezium whose width decreases with increasing distance from the support member 2. The shape of the trapezium is carefully selected such that the length of the short side equals the distance between the innermost parts of the first and third sides when they have been folded to form part of the raised frame. The engaging portion 44 of the second flap extends from the first portion 43 and is of reduced length compared to the length of the second portion 46.A tab 48 is formed in the engaging portion 44 and is arranged to engage a slot 50 formed in the support member 2.

In order to construct the frame, the first and third sides are folded along the fold lines defining the edges of the first and second portions. Thus, the second portion 40 forms a side wall, whereas the first portion 20 forms an inclined front surface which extends between the top of the side wall and the support member 2. The engaging portion 22 lies flat against the support member 2, as shown in Figure 8. The second and fourth flaps are then folded in a similar manner in order to produce a frame as illustrated in Figure 9. The tab 48 is passed through the slot 50 so as to hold the second flap in position. A corresponding operation is performed on the fourth flap.

Figure 10 is a plan view of a frame constituting a fourth embodiment of the present invention. For brevity, the details of only and first and second flaps will be discussed.

The first flap 12 is sub-divided into a first portion 20, an engaging portion 22, second portion 40 which. in use, will form a side wall and a third portion 42 which, in use, will also define a wall. The engaging portion 22 carries a tag 60 which, in use, engages slots 62 formed in the support member 2. The second flap 14 is similar to that described with respect to Figure 7, except that a third region 64 is provided intermediate the first portion 43 and the engagement portion 44.

In order to fold the frame into its working construction, the engagement portion of each flap is folded so as to be perpendicular to the third portion thereof and the third portions are folded so as to be perpendicular to the first portions thereof, as illustrated in Figure 11.

The tags 48 and 60 are also folded so as to stand proud, but parallel to their respective engaging portions. The first and third flaps 12 and 16 are then folded such that their respective second portions 40 are perpendicular to the support member 2 and also perpendiculpr to the first portion 20. This causes the engaging portions thereof to lie in contact with the support member 2 and the tags 60 can then be passed through the slots 62 in order to secure the flaps in place. The second and fourth flaps 14 and 18 are then similarly folded in order to complete the frame. The edges of the first portions of the second and fourth flaps overlie the edges of the first portions of the first and third flaps giving rise to the appearance of a mitre joint finish to the frame.

Figure 12 is a plan view of a frame constituting a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The frame, as with the previous embodiments, comprises a support member 2 and first to fourth flaps 12, 14, 16 and 18. For convenience, only the first and second flaps will be described in detail. The first flap comprises a first portion 20 which, in use, will form the forwardly facing part of the frame, and a second portion 40 which, in use, will form a side wall. The second flap 14 comprises a first portion 43, a second portion 46 and a modified engaging portion 70. The combined shape of the first portion 43 and the modified engaging portion 70 is approximately rectangular. The first portion 43 is a trapezium defined in part by a fold line 72 and cuts 74.This construction effectively transfers material from the first portion 43 to the engaging portion 70 such that the engagement portion 70 has two approximately triangular projections 76 extending from the bodv of the engagement portion 70 towards the support member 2.

In order to construct the frame, the second and fourth flaps are folded such that the second portions define substantially vertical side walls. the first portions define faces which extend from the upper most part of the side walls to the surface of the support member 2 and the engaging portions 70 lie flat against the support member 2, as shown in Figure 13.

The first and third flaps are then folded in and the ends of the first portions are tucked underneath the ends of the first portions of the second and fourth flaps. The tucked ends are held beneath the first portions and above the projections 76 of the engaging portions of the second and fourth flaps. This causes each flap to effectively hold its neighbouring flaps in position.

Figure 14 illustrates a frame constituting a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

This embodiment can be viewed as a modification of that shown in Figure 12. The first flap 12 is modified so as to include a third portion 42 intermediate the first portion 20 and a modified engaging portion 80. The engaging portion 80 is profiled so as to have part circular lugs 82 extending longitudinally from either end thereof. The first portion 20 is also profiled to have part circular lugs at either end thereof extending away from the support member 2. The second flap has a third portion 64 provided intermediate the first portion 43 and the modified engagement portion 70. The engaging portion 70 is also modified so that the projections 76 are made shorter and more rounded.

The frame is constructed in a similar manner to that described with reference to Figure 12.

The second and fourth flaps are folded in such that their respective engaging portions 70 are in contact with the support member 2 and the first portions 43 face outwardly. The first and third flaps are then folded in a similar manner and the rounded portions 84 are tucked in underneath the first portions 43 of the second and fourth flaps. The rounded projections 82 from the engagement portions 80 bear against the corresponding projections 76 on the second and fourth flaps such that the flaps are mutually supportive.

Figure 15 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention in which the fold lines between the first portion and engaging portion of each flap comprises a series of linking folding portions 90 separated from one another by severed portions 92. The severed portions 92 may be cut to form a decorative pattern such that the completed frame has a decorative surround, as shown in Figure 16. The method of folding the frame from its planar state into the finished state is similar to those methods described hereinbefore.

Figure 17 is a plan view of a further embodiment of the present invention. The first and third flaps 12 and 16 comprise a rectangular first portion 20 having a trapezium engaging portion 22 extending therefrom. The engaging portion 22 has a longest side which is shorter than the length of the first portion 20. A second portion 40 is formed intermediate the first portion 20 and support member 2. The second flap 14 is as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 12. In order to construct the frame, the second and fourth flaps are folded in such that their respective second portions 46 form side walls, their respective first portions 43 form sloping surfaces extending from the top of the side walls to the plane of the support member 2, and their respective engaging portions 70 lie adjacent the support member 2.The first and third walls are then folded in a similar manner and the ends of each first portion of the first and third walls are tucked underneath the edges of the first portions of the second and fourth flaps. Thus, the flaps actually hold each other in position.

Figure 1 8 illustrates a further embodiment which is similar to that illustrated in Figure 10.

Rectangular cuts of 100 are formed in the first and third flaps 12 and 16, so as to form tabs 102. which project from the first portion 20 into the engaging portion 22. The rear face (illustrated) of the support frame 2 has hooks 104 and slots 106 formed therein and they enable the frame to be hung on the wall, or to engage an additional stand element so that the frame can be stood on a surface. The forwardly facing face of the support frame 2 carries a backing board 110, which has holes formed therein, i.e., by die cutting, to accept and locate magnets 112. The flap adjacent to the magnets, (the second flap 14 as illustrated in figure 19) has a thin steel plate 114 or an equivalent magnetic member adhered thereto.

In order to use the frame, the engagement of portions of the first and third flaps, 12 and 16, respectively, are folded so as to be perpendicular to the second portions 42 thereof. The second portions 42 are also folded so as to be perpendicular to the first portions thereof.

This produces the configuration shown in figure 19, with the tag 102 projecting proud of the engagement portions. The second and fourth flaps 14 and 18, respectively, are folded in a similar fashion. The first and third flaps are then folded to make the first portion 20 perpendicular to the third portion 40 and the third portion 40 perpendicular to the support member 2. This produces the configuration as shown in figure 20. The fourth flap 18 is then folded in a similar manner and the tabs 102 are tucked in between the engagement portion 44 and front portion 43 of the flap. The second flap is then folded over to bring the steel plate 114 adjacent to the magnets 112 so as to hold the second flap in position. It will be appreciated that steel plates could be provided on the fourth flap 18, or indeed on all of the flaps in order to engage with respective magnets.The completed frame has an appearance similar to that shown in figure 9.

The frames can easily be constructed of a heavy card or cardboard since this can be scored in order to define folds and cut with ease. Furthermore, regions of the frame may be printed in order to provide a decorative finish. Fixing holes may be made in the support member in order to engage clips (or pegs in walls) in order to allow the frame to be hung.

Additionally, a backing sheet may be provided which can be attached, for example, with adhesive, to the back of the frame to cover any slots in the support member and give it a tidy finish. The backing sheet may have one or more apertures to allow the fixing holes to be used or it may have fixing holes or fixing brackets formed as part of the backing sheet.

It is thus possible to provide a picture frame which is supplied in a planar state and which may be folded so as to define a 3-dimensional frame similar to known conventional frames. Although the descriptions have involved a conventional rectangular shape, the number of sides may be adjusted in order to provide different shaped frames.

Claims (47)

1. A picture frame, comprising a support member having at least three sides, each side having a respective flap extending therefrom and integrally formed with the support member, the flaps being foldable so as to define a raised frame at the sides of the support member.

2. A picture frame as claimed in claim 1, in which the flaps have a first portion which, in use, form a front surface of the raised frame.

3. A picture frame as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the support member has four sides defining a rectangle.

4. A picture frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the flaps further comprises an engagement portion for engaging the support member.

5. A picture frame as claimed in claim 2, or any one of claims 3 or 4 when dependent on claim 2, in which the flaps are subdivided such that a second portion is provided intermediate the first portion and the support member.

6. A picture frame as claimed in claim 5, in which the second portion, in use, defines a side wall extending substantially perpendicularly from the support member.

7. A picture frame as claimed in claim 5 or 6, in which a third portion is provided intermediate the first portion and the engagement portion so as to, in use, define a further side wall.

8. A picture frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which, the flaps are arranged in an alternating series of first flaps in which the first portion has convex edges and second flaps in which the first portion has concave edges.

9. A picture frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the flaps are deformed, in use, to follow a curved path thereby forming a raised frame having a part-circular or D shaped cross-section.

10. A picture frame as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, in which, in use, the first portions of the flaps are planar.

11. A picture frame as claimed in claim 10, in which, in use, the first portions of the flaps substantially parallel with the support member.

12. A picture frame as claimed in claim 10, in which, in use, the first portions of the flaps are inclined with respect to the support member.

13. A picture frame as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, in which the flaps are arranged in an alternating series of first flaps in which the first portions are rectangular, and second flaps having first portions which are trapeziums.

14. A picture frame as claimed in claim 7 in which the second portion is wider than the third portion.

15. A picture frame as claimed in claim 4 or any one of claim 5 to 14 when dependent on claim 4, in which the engagement portion of at least one of the flaps has projections that extend back towards the support member from each side of the engagement portion when the frame is in its planar state.

16. A picture frame as claimed in claim 15, in which the projections are provided when the first portion of the flap is of a non-rectangular shape.

17. A picture frame as claimed in claim 15 or 16, in which the frame has first to fourth flaps with the first flap opposing the third flap and the second flap opposing the fourth flap, the second and fourth flaps having engagement portions with rounded tabs projecting therefrom.

18. A picture frame as claimed in claim 17, in which the first portions of the first and third flaps have projecting rounded portions.

19. A picture frame as claimed in claim 17 or 18, in which the first and third flaps have engagement portions having projecting rounded portions.

20. A picture frame as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, in which at least one of the flaps engages retaining means formed in the support member.

21. A picture frame as claimed in claim 20 in which the retaining means comprises one or more slots in the support member for engaging co-operating projections on a flap so as to hold the flap in position.

22. A picture frame as claimed in claim 20 in which at least one projection is formed on the support member for engaging a flap.

23. A picture frame as claimed in claim 20, in which adhesive or hook and eye fastners are used to secure at least one of the flaps in position.

24. A picture frame as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19 in which one or more of the flaps are distorted during assembly at the frame such that they have bear against one another thereby providing mutual support.

25. A picture frame as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, in which at least one magnet is attached to one of the support member and a flap, and the other one of the support member and a flap carries a magnetic plate or other magnetic item, such that at least one magnet and the plate or other magnetic item co-operate to hold the flap in position.

26. A picture frame as claimed in claim 3, comprising a rectangular support member having first to fourth sides, the first side opposing the third side and the second side opposing the fourth side, in which the first portions of the flaps of the first and third sides have convex edges, whereas the first portions of the flaps on the second and fourth sides have concave edges, and the support member has foldable tags which project from the support member to engage slots formed in engagement portions of the flaps so as to hold the flaps such that the first portion of each flap defines a curved surface.

27. A picture frame as claimed in claim 26, in which the flaps are sub-divided such that a second portion is provided intermediate the first portion and the support member, and each second portion is, in use, folded so as to define a side wall extending substantially perpendicularly from the support member.

28. A picture frame as claimed in claim 1, comprising a rectangular support member having first to fourth sides, the first side opposing the third side and the second side opposing the fourth side, in which, each side has an associated flap divided into a first portion that forms part of the front surface in the completed frame, an engagement portion remote from the region of attachment between the flap and the support member, and a second portion intermediate the first portion and the support member, the first portions of the first and third flaps are rectangular, whereas the first portions of the second and fourth flaps are trapeziums and the flaps are, in use, folded so as to form a raised frame having a triangular cross-section.

29. A picture frame as claimed in claim 1, comprising a rectangular support member having first to fourth sides, the first side opposing the third side and the second side opposing the fourth side, in which, each side has an associated flap divided into a first portion that forms part of the front surface in the completed frame, an engagement portion remote from the region of attachment between the flap and the support member, and a second portion intermediate the first portion and the support member, and a third portion intermediate the first portion and the engagement portion of each flap, the first portions of the first and third flaps are rectangular, whereas the first portions of the second and fourth flaps are trapeziums and the flaps are, in use, folded so as to form a raised frame.

30. A picture frame as claimed in claim 2, comprising a rectangular support member having first to fourth sides, the first side opposing the third side and the second side opposing the fourth side, in which, each side has an associated flap, the first portions of the first and third flaps are rectangular, whereas the first portions of the second and fourth flaps are trapeziums, the second and fourth flaps have irregularly shaped engagement portions consisting of rectangular sections having two inwardly extending approximately triangular tabs formed in the vicinity of opposing ends of the rectangular sections, and each flap has a second portion which, in use, forms a side wall.

31. A picture frame as claimed in claim 30, in which each of the flaps has an engagement portion.

32. A picture frame as claimed in claim 2, comprising a rectangular support member having first to fourth sides, the first side opposing the third side and the second side opposing the third side and the second side opposing the fourth side, each side having as associated flap, in which the first and third flaps have rectangular first portions and have engagement portions, the engagement portions are trapeziums and have a relatively long side which is less than the length of the first and third flaps.

33. A picture frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising fold lines at the interface between neighbouring elements.

34. A picture frame as claimed in claim 33, in which at least some of the fold lines are embellished to provide a decorative finish.

35. A picture frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the frame is embossed.

36. A picture frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a backing member to cover a rear face of the support member.

37. A picture frame as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 35, in which the support member has hanging means to enable the frame to be hung.

38. A picture frame as claimed in claim 36, in which the backing member has hanging means to enable the frame to be hung.

39. A picture frame substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.

40. A picture frame substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 4 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.

41. A picture frame substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 7 to 9 of the accompanying drawings.

42. A picture frame substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 10 to 11 of the accompanying drawings.

43. A picture frame substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 12 to 13 of the accompanying drawings.

44. A picture frame substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figure 14 of the accompanying drawings.

45. A picture frame substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 15 to 16 of the accompanying drawings.

46. A picture frame substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figure 17 of the accompanying drawings.

47. A picture frame substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 18 to 20 of the accompanying drawings.