GB2339388A - Picture frame : backing board attachment : picture location - Google Patents

Description

2339388 PICTURE FRAME AND METHOD OF ENHANCING PICTURE PRESENTATION This

invention relates, in general, to picture frames and an associated method of enhancing picture presentation and is particularly, but not exclusively, applicable to low-cost, pre-moulded picture frames produced in large quantities.

As will be readily appreciated, the principal purposes of a picture frame are to enhance the presentation of photographs or prints (generically referred to as the "picture") by isolating the picture from its immediate surroundings and to protect the picture from damage. A glass (or clear acrylic) sheet is often used within the frame to shield the picture from dirt and the effects of sunlight. The glass sheet also serves to provide a flat surface against which a backing board can sandwich the picture to restrict undulations in the plane of the picture, which undulations may otherwise cause image distortion. The backing board may be made from cardboard or and other suitable materials (such as a laminated hardboard) that provides an acceptable rigidity-to-weight ratio.

To enhance picture presentation, one or more colour-contrasted borders may surround the picture to further visually isolate the picture from its surroundings, with the width of the frame being somewhat arbitrary and is usually dependent upon an overall size of the picture and any borders.

There are principally three accepted methods for framing pictures, which methods vary from one another by virtue of relative cost, assembly time and finished appearance.

A traditional hand-made frame (manufactured from wood, metal or sculptured plaster) is the most expensive mechanism for framing a picture because individual lengths of a frame moulding (or cornice) are cut to length and mitred before being hand-assembled. Usually, each corner of the frame is then underpinned to provide the frame with its necessary rigidity. The frame can then receive the protective glass sheet (which is supported on an internal ledge within the frame), one or more borders, the picture and a backing board. The backing board is then secured within the frame by one of two methods, namely through the use of adhesive craft tape applied across a gap between the frame and the backing board or by metal securing tabs that are integrally fixed within the frame and which are bent across the backing board to hold the backing board in place. While craft tape effectively secures the backing board into the frame, its use is disadvantageous because removal of the picture from the frame for whatever reason necessitates replacement of the craft tape, while fixing of the craft tape is time consuming and intricate in nature. On the other hand, the use of metal securing tabs also requires an additional manufacturing step and nonetheless fails to provide a system that supports repeated removal of the backing board. In the later respect, the repeated bending of the metal tab causes increasing stress fatigue to occur at the bend that eventually results in the metal tab being broken in two.

Even though the picture is sandwiched between the protective glass sheet and the backing board, the picture often slips from central alignment within the frame with time because there is some play between the numerous abutting layers. As will be appreciated, the overall aesthetic appearance of the framed picture is adversely effected by any misalignment and re-positioning of the picture within the frame is therefore required. To address this problem, the picture is often dry- mounted (e.g. glued) to the backing board to prevent the picture from moving. However, dry-mounting is generally undesirable because the picture can either appear cockled if the glue is not evenly applied or, worse still, the picture can contain distinct creases overlapping folds. Dry-mount ing to an acceptable standard is therefore fairly laborious, while the glue itself can eventually degrade to appear as blotches within the picture.

As will be appreciated, this traditional form of frame takes considerable time to assembly and is not particularly viable in relation to a low-cost, high-volume market.

Another form of frame is basically constructed from a hardboard backing board and a clear acrylic sheet that is clipped to the backing board, with the picture merely securely sandwiched between the hardboard backing board and the acrylic sheet. Unfortunately, the metal clips remain visible around the periphery of the frame and intrude into the border of the picture to an extent where they appear unsightly. In fact, the critical eye also notes any discrepancies in the spacing between these metal clips that detracts from the overall appearance of the frame and the presentation of the picture. Furthermore, in the event that a paper border is used to accentuate isolation of the picture, the location of the clips about the periphery of the picture often causes the picture to slip within the frame because of the non-uniform distribution of fixing pressure across the framed picture. Again, dry-mounting can be used to mitigate this problem, but this type of frame is often used for poster-sized pictures, with the relatively large size accentuating the difficulties associated with producing an acceptable dry-mounted finish, Furthermore, paper borders are not as aesthetically pleasing as mitred cardboard borders, but the limited jaw-width of the metal clips prohibits the use of any thicker material than paper.

A third type of picture frame (the "strip frame") has been developed for a low-cost market in which a picture is sold within a frame, e.g. a cute puppy or a photograph of a pop group is presented within a frame for direct retail. The strip frame is typically manufactured from semi--flexible plastic lengths each having a cup-shaped cross-section. Basically, the picture is sandwiched between the protective glass (or plastic) sheet and a backing board, and the cup-shaped cross-section then grips the respective outer edges. More specifically, the strip frame is made from a strip of extruded plastic that is both pre-sized and pre-mitred such as to correspond substantially to the physical dimensions of each side of the glass sheet. As such, the frame is constructed by folding the strip around the abutting protective glass (or plastic) sheet and backing board, with each corner accommodated by abutting pre-mitred edges of contiguous sections of the strip. Fixing of the strip to the abutting protective glass sheet and backing board therefore involves a hand-assembly process that typically requires two glue joints-, one and a starting corner and one at the finishing corner of the strip.

In relation to the strip frame, the predetermined sectioned lengths of strip are measured to provide one of a variety of alternative frame sizes, e.g. an assembled frame size of 20.3cm (centimetres) by 15.2cm or 15.2cm by 10.2cm. As such, each strip frame is sized to a particular size of picture, with slight variations in size not accommodated by a specific strip frame.

Unfortunately, the strip frame generally produces a relatively low quality product since the frame is not particularly rigid and is not securely attached to the abutting protective glass sheet and backing board. In fact, although the plastic strip (constituting the frame) may both clasp the abutting protective glass sheet and backing board and may be slightly stretched along each side of the abutting protective glass sheet and backing board, the plastic strip is only securely attached at the glued corner. Consequently, the frame can be pulled away from the edges of the abutting protective glass sheet and backing board. Furthermore, in order that the cup-shaped cross-section of the plastic strip can provide a reasonable gripping action, use of this type of frame proh ibits the use of borders. Indeed, in relation to a more rigid construction of strip, the cupshaped cross-section has an invariable lateral dimension that entirely restricts the use of the strip to a predetermined combined thickness of the abutting protective glass sheet and the backing board (and the negligible thickness of the picture).

Again, the strip frame does not securely maintain the position a picture within the completed frame, and so it is preferable to dry-mount the picture on the (typically) cardboard backing board.

The strip frame, which typically has a glossed and smoothed finish, also has another significant drawback in that its cup-shaped cross-section does not provide an internal ledge (or recess) on which to seat the protective glass sheet and backing board. Basically, the protective glass sheet and backing board combination rest on the bottom internal surface of the cup-shaped cross-section. Consequently, the depth of the cupshaped cross-section of the strip impinges into the area of view that therefore limits the available width and useable picture area within the frame.

In relation to the actual display of a framed picture, each one of the three aforementioned forms of frame requires either a hook system or a stand system. For wall-mounting the assembled frame, a pair of eye-hooks are screwed into the back of the frame (preferably at its thickest point to ensure greatest strength whilst also eliminating the likelihood of the screw emerging from a face-side of the picture frame), with a cord or picture wire then securely suspended between the two eye-hooks. For a free-standing frame, a stand must be provided to co-operate with the back of the frame, e.g. the cardboard backing board is cut to provide a hinged leg that can be extended outward from the back of the frame to form a support truss.

It will therefore be appreciated that there is a requirement for an improved, low-cost picture frame that can be used repeatedly and which can be quickly assembled. 5 According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a picture frame assembly comprising: a) a preformed frame having a plurality of stepped latches distributed between internal surfaces of the frame and wherein each stepped latch has at least one step; and b) a backing board dimensioned to fit within the frame, the backing board having a plurality of spring-loaded locking flaps arranged to engage and disengage the at least one step of a respectively positioned stepped latch to secure and release the backing board to and from the frame.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a backing board for a picture frame assembly comprising a pre-formed frame having a plurality of stepped latches distributed between internal surfaces of the frame and wherein each stepped latch has at least one step, the backing board dimensioned to fit within the frame and having a plurality of spring- loaded locking parts arranged to engage and disengage the at least one step of a respectively positioned stepped latch to secure and release the backing board to and from the frame.

In a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of maintaining alignment of a picture within a picture frame assembly comprising a frame having a support ledge, a protective sheet located on the support ledge and a bowed backing board, the method comprising the step of: aligning the picture on the protective sheet; sandwiching the picture between the protective sheet and the bowed backing board; applying pressure to peripheral edges of the backing board to reduce an amount of bow within the backing boards, thereby increasing a contact area of the backing board; and locking the backing board in the frame to maintain the increased contract area.

The present invention advantageously provides an improved and re- useable picture frame that can be assembled by merely locating and securing (achieved in a single step) a backing board within a pre-moulded frame. Disassembly of the assembled frame is likewise simply since the spring-action locking mechanism of the backing board need only momentarily disengage the integral stepped latches formed within the fame to obtain release and hence access to the picture. The backing board can be set to a variety of different heights with respect to a protective glass or plastic sheet and therefore can accommodate a varying number of borders from zero to several.

Furthermore, the use of a backing board of varying (typically bowed or ridged) cross-section is particularly advantageous because since the picture, once located within the frame, is securely maintained in fixed alignment by virtue of central and edge pressure contact points. Indeed, with a bowed configuration, a greater area of pressured contact is achieved when the backing board is located deep within the frame, i.e. the spring-action locking mechanism engages one of the lower integral stepped latches of the frame.

Beneficially, the pre-moulded nature of the backing board allows for hooks to be incorporated within its structure, which eliminates the necessity of having to accurately locate and screw eye-hooks into the assembled frame.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a moulded frame of a preferred embodiment of the present invention-, FIG. 2 is a plan view of a backing board embodying the underlying principals of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the backing board of FIG. 2-1 FIG. 4 is an end view of the backing board of FIG. 2; FIG. 5 is an alternative end view of the backing board of FIG. 2-, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the backing board of FIG. 2, but in which additional details and features are shown; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a moulded frame of an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing a stepped latch configuration; FIG. 8 is a side view of one of the stepped latch configurations of FIG. 7; FIG. 9 is a plan view of a backing board of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 10 shows a cross-section through an end portion of the backing board of FIG, 9.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view (as viewed from its underside) of a moulded frame 10 of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The moulded frame 10 is preferably constructed from a plastic that can support an injection moulding process (although other materials can be used), and has a fascia 12 that can take a number of alternative colours and quality finishes, e.g. mottled, wood-effect, smooth or metallic. For the sake of explanation, the moulded frame 10 is rectangular, although other shapes are possible.

The moulded frame 10 is principally of a hollow construction, with the fascia 12 on an outer surface thereof. The hollow construction is formed by a convex outer shell 14-20 and inner barriers 22-28 that extend out of the plane of the frame 10, i.e. each inner barrier 22-28 forms at least a partial side to the continuous convex outer shell. Clearly, -the outer shell 14-20 take another profile, e.g. a sculptured wave.

Rigidity within the generally hollow structure is provided by a plurality of cross-struts 30-56 that are (preferably) evenly distributed along a common length between the convex outer shell 14-20 and inner barriers 2228. A support ledge 60 extends from and is integral to an internal edge of the convex outer shell 14-20, which support ledge 60 is also relatively proximate to the fascia 12. The support ledge 60 acts to provide a recess on which a glass, clear acrylic or equivalent protective sheet can rest. As such, the support ledge 60 defines an inner dimension of an available viewing area 62.

A first part of a locking mechanism of the preferred embodiment is also shown in FIG. 1. More specifically, a plurality of stepped latches 70-76 are integrally formed into opposing faces of two inner barriers 22 and 26. Preferably, at least a pair of stepped latches are present on each inner barrier, with each member of the pair located towards opposite ends of the inner barrier. However, the present invention would also operate with a single centrally located stepped latch formed in at least two opposing inner barriers. Each step 80 (or holding ledge) of each stepped latch has a triangular profile such as to discourage an upward movement of a planar surface that has passed a tip of the step 80. Spacing between each step is sufficient to allow a backing board (to be described subsequently) to be held securely beneath each step 80. As such, co-operation of the plurality of stepped latches with the backing board provides a number of different levels for the backing board relative to the protective sheet. In this way, a fully assembled frame of the preferred embodiment can accommodate one, more or no borders. The lowest step level setting is arranged such as to provide close fitting abutment of the protective sheet and the backing board, while successive steps provide greater clearance between the backing board and the protective sheet.

While shown on the longer sides of the frame for the reasons of clarity, the plurality of stepped latches 70-76 are preferably located along opposing shorter sides of the frame 10, i.e. along inner barriers 24 and 28.

Turning to FIG. 2, a plan view of a backing board 90 embodying the underlying principals of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The backing board is preferably constructed from plastic and is formed by an injection moulding process. The physical properties of the plastic selected for the backing board 90 support repeated flexing of the backing board and, as such, the plastic is not brittle. The backing board 90 is dimensioned to fit snugly into the frame 10 and such as to rest upon the support ledge 60. In this particular example, the backing board 90 is rectangular in shape. Towards the corners of the backing board 90, slots 92-98 are cut into the plane of the backing board 90. The slots 92-98 (which are in this embodiment triangular) define flexible arms 100-106 of backing board material (arbitrarily about 0.5cm to 3.Ocm in width, although widths may vary according to the type of plastic selected) that can be flexed in the plane of the backing board (as shown by arrows 110). As will be appreciated, the slots therefore act to provide spring mechanisms. It will now be appreciated that the plastic of the backing board is selected to allow such flexing to occur on a repeated basis.

To provide some re-enforcement of a stress point that occurs as a consequence of the flexing of each flexible arm 100-106 in the plane of the backing board 90, the backing board is provided with integrally formed ribs 112-118 that extend out of the plane of the backing board 90. The ribs 112-118 are preferably substantially parallel to each end of the board and extend from close to an outer edge of the backing bo ard (i.e. from edges where the slots 92-98 are cut) to well beyond an end to each slot 92-98 (at which maximum stress is experienced). As can be seen in the drawing, each rib is preferably about one quarter to one third the width (or length, as appropriate) of the backing board 90. The ribs also serve to provide a finger hold for leverage purposes and therefore facilitate flexing of each associated flexible arm 100-102 and hence temporary closure of each associated slot 92-98. Furthermore, each rib provides additional rigidity for the backing board and so prevents upward and downward movement (i.e. displacement in a plane perpendicular to the direction of arrows 110) of each flexible arm 100-108.

The flexible arms (or flaps) 100-108 are arranged to engage into the stepped latches 70-76 of FIG. 1, although it is noted that the stepped latches of FIG. 1 should, in fact, be placed on the shorter inner barriers to receive the backing board 90 of FIG. 2. In other words, the ends of the flexible arms engage under a selected step 80 of each stepped latch 70 76, and closure of a respective slot 92-98 by flexing of an associated flexible arm 100-106 releases the flexible arm from under the step.

As will now be appreciated, the spring action of the flexible arms 100106 acts to form a second co-operating part of the locking mechanism of the preferred embodiment. Therefore, as can now be envisaged, location and securing of the backing board 90 into the frame 10 by co-operation of the stepped latches 70-76 and the flexible arms 100-106 sandwiches a print (or photograph) and any borders between the protective (clear) sheet and the backing board 90. For most effective fixing, the backing board 90 is located parallel to the protective sheet, i.e. it is located under corresponding steps of each of the stepped latches 70-78. Assembly of a complete picture frame is therefore very simple and merely requires the snapping into place of the backing board 90 within the frame 10.

The depth of the backing board 90 will vary dependent upon the plastic material selected for manufacture, although the depth (or thickness) will typically by of the order of a few millimetres. The thickness may also vary with size of the backing board, but the thickness is generally sufficient to provide rigidity and support for a mounted picture-, while still allowing reasonable easy flexing of the arms 100-106.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention also contemplates that a backing board can be curved or bowed, as seen in FIG. 3. The convex bowing of the backing board is especially advantageous since, when the backing board 90 is locked within the frame 10, the degree of curvature of the bow is reduced with the effect that a more even distribution of pressure is applied to the picture (and borders, if any) by virtue of it being sandwiched against the flat surface of the protective sheet. Consequently, the picture is less likely to move with time and the requirement for dry mounting can be eliminated, if desired. Preferably, the direction of bow is complementary to an engaging edge of each flexible arm 100-106.

Briefly turning to FIG. 4, an end view of the backing board 90 of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 is shown. Ribs 112 and 118 are particular prominent in this figure, as is the bowing of the backing board 90.

In an alternative embodiment to FIG. 3, bowing can be replaced by having a plurality of integrally moulded ridges 120-122 extending from an abutting side of backing board 130. The moulded ridges 120-122 are distributed across the abutting side. However, this embodiment is less desirable because pressure is concentrated at these ridges, which concentrated pressure may cause distressing to occur in the picture.

Having regard to FIG. 6, a perspective view of the backing board of FIG. 2 has been enhanced by additional detail and features. Since the backing board is preferably manufactured by an injection moulding process, the backing board can be formed with pre-formed hook-eyes or their functional equivalent 140-142 (such as hanging flaps). Similarly, fixings 150-156 can be formed in the back of the backing board to receive a stand or leg; the stand is merely arranged to clip into an appropriate pair of fixings 150-156, as will readily be appreciated.

An alternative embodiment of a frame 200 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 7, in which a different stepped latch configuration 202-204 is employed. The frame 200, which is again preferably pre-moulded, is viewed from the back and has a suitably finished fascia (that is consequently not visible). The frame 200 contains inner barriers 22-26 and a support [edge 60, as previously described. The upstanding inner barriers 22-26 are strengthened by struts 208-214 that provide rigidity with respect to an internal surface of the fascia. The struts 208-214 are principally located at the corners of the frame 200, as shown. Another difference between FIG. 7 and the previous embodiment of FIG. 1 is in relation to the stepped latches employed within the alternative embodiments. In contrast to FIG. 1, FIG. 7 contains pairs of stepped latches 202-204 that are preferably set within at least two opposing inner barriers (e.g. inner barriers 24 and 28). While each stepped latch in each pair contains a number of teeth or steps 220-230 (although the present invention will operate with a single tooth or step), correspondingly numbered teeth in adjacent latches are offset in height relative to one another; this is best seen in FIG. 8 in which teeth 220-225 are in a first latched column of the pair and teeth 226-230 are in a second latched column of the pair. The offset in height between adjacent columns of teeth in each of the stepped latches 202-204 therefore offers optimum adjustment in terms of both height and applied pressure.

FIG. 9 is a backing board 250 of an alternative embodiment of the present invention that is arranged to fit securely within the frame 200 of FIG. 7. In contrast with the use of slots of FIG. 2 to define the arms, springloaded flaps 260-268 are formed by engineering T-shaped lagoon 272-278 within the backing board 250. More particularly, each lagoon is preferably formed by a relatively narrow channel and an elongated semi-circular lake, which channel is cut into each face of the backing board that engages into the stepped latches 202-204 of FIG. 7. The semi-circular configuration of the alternative embodiment therefore ensures that maximum rigidity is retained, while allowing sufficient flexibility in an engaging edge of each flap 260-268. Furthermore, since the frame preferably contains pairs of stepped latches along each inner barrier, the backing board 250 of the alternative embodiment requires three separate flaps in each engaging face 279; each flap being independently lockable.

Consequently, two independent locking points are provided for positive engagement into a respective column of teeth of each stepped latch.

As will be appreciated, the materials selected for the backing board 250 (and the frame 200) of the alternative embodiment of the present invention are subject to the same design considerations are previously discussed.

Also, to facilitate release from the teeth 220-230 of each latch and to provide additional substrate strength, the backing board 250 also contains ribs 280-285 (that are preferably pre-formed within the backing board during injection moulding).

Briefly, FIG. 10 shows a cross-section through an end portion 290 of the backing board 250 of FIG. 9. Preferably, each engaging face (or edge) 279 is bevelled to allow greater flexibility and hence to facilitate release of the flap, as required.

The present invention therefore advantageously provides_an improved picture frame that is easily assembled (in ostensibly a one-step operation) without the need of having to apply dexterity or skill. Consequently, labour costs in producing a picture for direct retail are low, while it is also possible to supply the frame in kit form, e.g. within a polystyrene case. The frame can accommodate a varying number of borders of different thickness', and can be re-used by virtue of its simple sprung-loaded locking mechanism. Furthermore, the feature of a bowed backing board eliminates the requirement for dry mounting and provides a more even distribution of pressure across the frame to an extent where a picture is not likely to move or slip over time. Additionally, since the backing board and the frame are preferably pre-formed in plastic, the backing board can include means for allowing easy display of the picture, such as by hanging or free-standing.

It will, of course, be appreciated that the above description has been given by way of example only and that modifications in detail may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the concept of using a sprung locking mechanism can be applied to any shape of frame, and the location of the stepped latches (and hence the corresponding flexible arms) can occur at different points along inner barrier, although it is preferably for the stepped latches to be located towards the corners of the frame. In relation to a circular frame, for example, the stepped latches would be distributed evenly about the internal surfaces (i.e. inner barriers) so as either to oppose one another (in the case of only two latches), or such as to possess an even angular distribution.

Claims (26)

1. Claims

   A picture frame assembly comprising:

   a) a pre-formed frame having a plurality of stepped latches distributed between internal surfaces of the frame and wherein each stepped latch has at least one step; and b) a backing board dimensioned to fit within the frame, the backing board having a plurality of spring-loaded locking flaps arranged to engage and disengage the at least one step of a respectively positioned stepped latch to secure and release the backing board to and from the frame.
2. 2. The picture frame assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises a support ledge beneath the stepped latches and the picture frame assembly further comprises a protective sheet that rests upon the support ledge.
3. 3. The picture frame assembly of claim 2, wherein the backing board, in situ within the frame, is proximate to the protective sheet to an extent that the backing board applies pressure across at least a part of the -20 protective sheet.
4. 4. The picture frame assembly of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the backing board has a convex bow.
5. 5. The picture frame assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of stepped latches are distributed between at least two internal faces of the frame.
6. 6. The picture frame assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of stepped latches are distributed between at least two internally opposing faces of the frame.
7. 7. The picture frame assembly of claim 5 or 6, wherein each face has at least two stepped latches.
8. 8. The picture frame assembly of claim 7, wherein the at least two stepped latches are distributed towards opposing ends of the face.
9. 9. The picture frame assembly of claim 5 to 6, wherein each face has at least two pairs of stepped latches distributed towards opposing ends of the face and each pair of stepped latches each contains at least one step, and wherein there is a relative offset in height between respective steps in each pair of stepped latches.
10. 10. The picture frame assembly of any preceding claim, wherein each spring-loaded locking flap is defined by a slot cut into the backing board and wherein the slot defines a flexible arm located and arranged to engage a stepped latch.
11. 11. The picture frame assembly of claim 10, wherein the backing board includes a strengthening rib associated with each flexible arm.
12. 12. The picture frame assembly of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein each spring-loaded locking flap is defined by a T-shaped slot cut into and engaging edge of the backing board and wherein the slot defines a flexible arm located and arranged to engage a stepped latch.
13. 13. The picture frame assembly of claim 12, wherein each engaging edge contains a plurality of T-shaped slots that provide a plurality of independently lockable flaps.
14. 14. The picture frame assembly of claim 13, wherein two independently lockable flaps are arranged to engage at different heights within each stepped latch.
15. 15. The picture frame assembly of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the frame and the backing board is manufactured from a plastic susceptible to an injection moulding process.
16. 16. A backing board for a picture frame assembly comprising a pre- formed frame having a plurality of stepped latches distributed between internal surfaces of the frame and wherein each stepped latch has at least one step, the backing board dimensioned to fit within the frame and having a plurality of spring-loaded locking flaps arranged to engage and disengage the at least one step of a respectively positioned stepped latch to secure and release the backing board to and from the frame.
17. 17. The backing board of claim 16, wherein the backing board has a convex bow.
18. 18. The backing board of claim 16 or 17, wherein each spring-loaded locking flap is defined by a slot cut into the backing board and wherein the slot defines a flexible arm located and arranged to engage a stepped latch. 25
19. 19. The picture frame assembly of claim 16 or 17, wherein each springloaded locking flap is defined by a T-shaped slot cut into and engaging edge of the backing board and wherein the slot defines a flexible arm located and arranged to engage a stepped latch,
20. 20. The picture frame assembly of claim 19, wherein each engaging edge contains a plurality of T-shaped slots that provide a plurality of independently lockable flaps.
21. 21. The backing board of claim 18, 19 or 20, wherein the backing board includes a strengthening rib associated with each flexible arm.
22. 22. The backing board of any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the backing board has a bevelled engaging edge.
23. 23. A method of maintaining alignment of a picture within a picture frame assembly comprising a frame having a support ledge, a protective sheet located on the support ledge and a bowed backing board, the method comprising the step of:

    aligning the picture on the protective sheet, sandwiching the picture between the protective sheet and the bowed backing board; applying pressure to peripheral edges of the backing board to reduce an amount of bow within the backing boards, thereby increasing a contact area of the backing board; and locking the backing board in the frame to maintain the increased contract area.
24. 24. A picture frame assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
25. 25. A backing board for a picture frame assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
26. 26. A method of maintaining alignment of a picture within a picture frame assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.