US3928931A

US3928931A - Stand-off type wall-mounted picture frame

Info

Publication number: US3928931A
Application number: US441655A
Authority: US
Inventors: John W Slemmons
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1974-02-11
Filing date: 1974-02-11
Publication date: 1975-12-30
Anticipated expiration: 1992-12-30

Abstract

A picture mount comprising a planar, generally rectangular backing member including four pairs of integral, fold-out legs and integral, fold-out locking tabs positioned parallel to and spaced from respective legs, the legs and the locking tabs folding outwardly along lines parallel to and adjacent the four sides of the backing member. Each of the legs includes a pair of integral, opposed, side tabs foldable relative to the legs towards the center of the backing member. The locking tabs engage and hold the ends of respective side tabs in locked positions with substantial portions of the outer edges of all of the legs, the side tabs, and the locking tabs coplanar to provide a rigid, stand-off type wall mount which can be hung in either a horizontal or a vertical position and which supports the backing member to prevent bending thereof.

Description

United States Patent Slemmons Dec. 30, 1975 I STAND-OFF TYPE WALL-MOUNTED PICTURE FRAME Primary Examiner-Robert W. Michell Assistant Examiner-Wenceslad J. Contreras Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Philip M. Hinderstein [57] ABSTRACT A picture mount comprising a planar, generally rectangular backing member including four pairs of integral, fold-out legs and integral, fold-out locking tabs positioned parallel to and spaced from respective legs, the legs and the locking tabs folding outwardly along lines parallel to and adjacent the four sides of the backing member. Each of the legs includes a pair of integral, opposed, side tabs foldable relative to the legs towards the center of the backing member. The locking tabs engage and hold'the ends of respective side tabs in locked positions with substantial portions of the outer edges of all of the legs, the side tabs, and the locking tabs coplanar to provide a rigid, stand-off type wall mount which can be hung in either a horizontal or a vertical position and which supports the backing member to prevent bending thereof.

9 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures V a fax;

1 run IIIHIIIIIIIHIIIIII urrnurnnur US. Patent Dec. 30, 1975 STAND-OFF TYPE WALL-MOUNTED PICTURE FRAME BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION l. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a stand-off type .wallmounted picture frame and, more particularly, to a low cost frame for photographs and art prints which provides a stand-off type wall mount which can be hung in either a horizontal or a vertical position.

2. Description of the Prior Art There is presently available several types of low cost mats and simple frames for framing small works of art and photographs for hanging on a wall and for standing on a shelf. For hanging on a wall, the picture frame usually includes a heavy paper frame backing sheet having a small, semi-circular tab die-cut therein with a hole in the center thereof. The semi-circular tab is bent out from the plane of the backing sheet and the hole therein is hooked over a small nail driven into a wall. In such a case, the frame essentially lies flat against the wall.

On the other hand, for mounting on a shelf, asmall fold-out easel is usually die-cut from the heavy backing sheet. To assemble, the easel leg is bent perpendicular to the original plane of the backing sheet and a small locking tab secures the leg in this position. The frame can then be positioned on a shelf in a stable position with a slight slope for easy viewing.

It has recently become desirable to mount a picture in still another manner so that it is spaced by a substantial distance from a conventional picture display surface, such as a wall. This stand-off feature provides a more sophisticated gallery appearance" to a framed photograph or art work. By way of example, a picture support designed to achieve this purpose is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,784,150 issued Jan. 8, I974. Such patent describes a picture support including a shell formed from a front panel for frictionally engaging the display surface, a pair of opposed side panels connected to opposite edges of the front panel and extending towards the picture, and means for engaging the rear of the picture for fastening the shell thereto. The front panel has at least one transverse flap mounted to pivot inwardly of the shell to stabilize the shell. Thus, the shell may be mounted against a wall thereby spacing the picture therefrom by a distance equal to the width of the side panels.

While this and other types of picturesupports are available for providing a stand-off type wall mount, numerous problems exist. In the first instance, the above described picture support includes parts which must be folded and glued to the back of a frame. It therefore requires assembly steps to glue the two parts together and when assembled, the frame will not lie flat since the shell is an add-on rather than an integral part of the backing sheet. Furthermore, the picture support does not provide means for readily hanging a picture either in a horizontal or a vertical position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a simple, inexpensive, stand-off type wallmounted picture frame for photographs and art prints which solves these problems in a matter unknown heretofore. The present picture frame provides a stand-off type wall mount which can be hung either in a horizontal or vertical position for rectangular type frames. All of the elements required to provide a stand-off type mount are die-cut and-folded outwardly from a single backing member thereby minimizing frame parts and the assembly operation, resulting in a minimum cost. The present stand-off mount is designed so that it supports the rest of the frame in such a manner that torsional forces tending to cause bending of the frame are completely eliminated. The present frame rigidly supports all sides thereof to prevent any warpage of the frame due to moisture or temperaturechanges.

The present picture frame is totally self-contained and includes means for readily mounting the frame on a wall or other frame support. The present picture frame is attractive, allows a photograph or other art print to be easily inserted, and. further allows the photograph or art print to be readily repositioned within the frame to provide proper cropping of the picture by the frame member. The present frame also includes means for holding a photograph or other art work in the position which is most attractive. This holding force is releasable so that the picture can be repositioned or replaced by another item at a later date. The present picture frame can also be used to provide a stand-off block mount.

Briefly, the present picture mount comprises a generally rectangular, planar backing member includirig four pairs of integral, fold-out legs and integral, fold-out locking tabs positioned parallel to and spaced from respective legs, the legs and the locking tabs folding outwardly along lines parallel to-and adjacent the four sides of the backing member. Each of. the legs includes a pair of integral, opposed, side tabs foldable relative to the legs towards the center of the backing member, the locking tabs engaging and holding the ends of respective side tabs in locked positions with substantial-portions of the outer edges of all of the legs, the side tabs, and the locking tabs coplanar. In this manner, any of the four legs may be used to mount the backing member and the remaining legs, side tabs, and locking tabs provide a rigid, stand-off type wallmount which prevents bending of the backing member.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the picture mount also includes a planar, generally rectangular, frame member positioned parallel to and con tacting the backing member adjacent opposite sides thereof. At least one of the remaining two sides of the frame member and the backing member are unconnected to provide an opening therebetween for insertion of a planar picture between the frame member and the backing member. The backing member includes two cut-out areas exposing diagonal corners of the picture to permit repositioning of the picture relative to the frame member. The backing member also" includes at least one fold-out tab supporting adhesive means on the surface thereof facing the frame member, the adhesive being adapted to contact the back of the picture to releasably hold the picture in a desired position relative to the frame member. According to a second embodiment of the invention, the backing member is combined with a heavy, planar, generally rectangular, cardboard sheet to produce a stand-off block mount.

OBJECTS It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a stand-off type wall-mounted picture frame.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a low-cost frame for photographs and art prints 3 which provides a stand-off type wall mount which can be hung in either a horizontal or a vertical position.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a picture frame which permits a photograph or other art work to be easily inserted thereinto,

It is another object of the present invention to provide a picture frame which permits a photograph or other art work to be easily repositioned within the frame to provide proper cropping of the picture by the which the mounting elements are die-cut and folded up from a heavy backing member thereby minimizing frame parts and the assembly operation, resulting in a minimum cost.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of a stand-off type wall-mounted picture frame which supports a picture without causing bending thereof due to its own weight when hanging on a wall.

An additional object of the present invention is the provision of a totally self-contained picture frame which includes means for mounting the frame on a wall or other support surface.

Another; object of the presentinvention is the provision of a stand-off block mount for photographs or other art works.

Still other objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become apparentto those skilled in the art from a reading of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments constructed in accordance therewith, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like numerals designate like parts in the several figures and wherein:

.. BRIEF DESCRIPTION or THE DRAWINGS,

FIG. 1 is a rear plan view of a first embodiment of stand-off type wall-mounted picture frame constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the picture frame of FIG. 1 showing the different sets of legs, side tabs, and locking tabs in various positions;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a fully assembled picture frame shown mounted on a wall orother support surface; I

FIG. 4 is a reduced, front perspective view of the picture frame of FIGS. 1-3; and

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a second embodiment of stand-off type wall-mounted picture frame used as a block mount.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS die. Fullycutlines ar'eindicatcd as solid lines. Furthermore, backin'g'mmber 11 is scored on lines indicated as stipled to assist in folding the various parts during ras'sembly..

The stand-off mount portion of backing member 11 consists essentially of four'regions 1215 which are identical in function and essentially identical in appear ance, the only *difference being the dimensions of the four regions in a rectangular frame. The four regions arepositioned adjacent the foursides 16l9, respectively, of backing member 11. Since the stand-off mounting elements in each of regions 12-15 are essentially identical, they will be given the same numbers and only o'newill be described in'detail.

: In each of regions 12-15, backing member 11 includes an integral,-fold-out leg 20 which is foldable outwardly along a line 21 parallel to and adjacent one of the four sides of backing member 1 1. The outer edge 22 of leg 20 is parallel to line 21 so as to be positionable parallel to the plane of backing member 11.

Each leg 20 includes a pair of integral, opposed,

side tabs

23 and 24 which'are connected to leg 20 along scored

lines

25 and 26, respectively, which are perpendicular to line 21 and outer edge 22. On the other hand, whilethe outer and

inner edges

27 and 28, respectively, of

side tabs

23 and 24 are parallel to each other, for reasons which will appear more fully hereinafter, edges 27 :and 28 are positioned at approximately a 30 angle with respect to line 21 and edge 22. Thus, and as shown in FIG. 2, when leg 20 is folded outwardly until inner edges 28 of side:

tabs

23 and 24 are approximately perpendicular to line 21 at the base of leg 20, leg 20 is positioned at an'acute angle of approximately 30 relative' to backing member. 11, extending towards the center of backing member 11. I

In each of regions 12-15, backing member 11 also includes an integral, fold-out locking tab 30 positioned parallel to and spaced from leg 20. Locking tab 30 is a generally rectangular'member .which is foldable outwardly along ascore'cl line 31. which is positioned parallel to line 21. At least a portion 32 of the outer edge 33 of locking tab 30 is parallel to and spaced from line 31 by the same distance that outer edge 22 of leg 20 is spaced from backing member 11 when leg 20 and

side tabs

23 and 24 are in the locked position, to be described hereinafter. Furthermore, the distance between outer and inner edges .27 and 28,.respectively, of

side tabs

23 and 24. is'also equal to the spacing between portion 32 of outer edge 33 of locking tab 30 and line 31. This'construction too, will be described more fully hereinafter. I I

-

Side tabs

23 and 24 and locking tab 30 are so configured that locki'ngtab 30 engages and holds the

ends

35 and 36 of tabs 23=and 24, respectively, in the locked position alludedto previously. More specifically, locking tab 30 includesza pair of

parallel slots

37 and 38 which are perpendicular to line 31 and approximately aligned with

lines

25 and 26 at the sides of legs 20.

Referring now to the drawings and, moreparticu larly, to FIGS. 1 and 2 thereof, there is shown a standoff type wall-mounted picture frame, generally designed 10, including a planar backing member 11 which is usually a rectangular sheet of heavy paper. All of the parts of backing member 11 to be described hereinafter are preferably cut therein using a steel rule Furthermore, ends 35- and 36 of

side tabs

23 and 24, respectively, are reduced in height so as to have approximately the same lengths as

slots

37 and 38, re-

spectively. On the other hand,

slots

37 and 38 are slightly narrower than'the width of. ends 35 and 36,

respectively; to provide a slightinterference fit therebetween. Thus, with leg 20 folded outwardly and

side tabs

23 and 24 folded towards the center of backing member 11, ends 35 and 36 of

side tabs

23 and 24, respectively, may be positioned directly above

slots

37 and 38, respectively. Locking tab 30 may be then folded outwardly to a position perpendicular to backing member 11 thereby engagingand holding ends 35 and 36 of

side tabs

23 and 24, respectively, in

slots

37 and 38, respectively. In this, the locked position, and with the dimensions described previously, outer edge 22 of leg 20, outer edges 27'of

side tabs

23 and 24, and portions 22 of outer edge 33 of locking tab 30 are all coplanar. Furthermore, by providing each of legs 20,

side tabs

23 and 24 and locking tabs 30 in each of regions 12l5 with the same dimensions, the multiple locking tabs 30 hold the ends of the

corresponding side tabs

23 and 24 in locked positions with substantial portions of the outer edges of all of legs 20,

side tabs

23 and 24, and locking tabs 30 coplanar.

Backing member 11 may also include cut-out areas 39 adjacent outer edge 22 of each leg 20 to permit the insertion of a fingernail beneath leg 20 and the subsequent folding outwardly of leg 20 from backing member 11. Backing member 11 also would include a central cut-out area 40 which is removed as a result of the formation of locking tabs 30. On the other hand, the space in area 40 may be utilized to provide a small wall hanging button 41 which is also die-cut from backing member 11 and connected along outer edge 33 of one of locking tabs 30. Button 41 is perforated along the connecting line with tab 30 so it can be easily removed therefrom.

Button 41 includes a small square of double stick foam tape 42 attached thereto which may be stuck to a wall 43, as shown in FIG. 3, tape 42 holding button 41 a small distance away from wall 43 so that the sloping legs 20 of frame will easily engage button 41. In addition, one edge 44 of button 41 may be curved, edge 44 providing the top of button 41 so that the position of button 41 on wall 43 is not critical.

With reference to FIG. 5, backing member 11 may be used independently, as a separate mount, to be attached to the back of a photo or other art work 47, stiffened by a cardboard or heavy paper backing 48. In such a case, backing member 11 would be provided with at least two strips of double stick tape (not shown) adjacent opposite sides thereof to provide an easy attachment to the back of the picture item being displayed in a stand-off fashion. Alternatively, backing member 11 may be initially bonded or glued to the back of heavy cardboard sheet 48 which contains a sticky surface with release paper on the front side thereof for connection to photo or other art work 47. The release paper could be easily removed and pressed against photo or art work 47. The edge of cardboard sheet 48 could then be used to guide a knife or razor blade to'remove the excess photo or art work border.

According to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 14, picture frame 10 also includes a planar, generally rectangular frame member 50 which is preferably a sheet of heavy paper and is positioned parallel to and contacting the front surface of backing member 11, frame member 50 being slightly larger than backing member 11. Frame member 50 is connected to backing member 11 adjacent opposite sides of frame member 50. By way of example, sides 17 and 19 of backing member 11 may be glued or otherwise bonded to the adjacent sides of frame member 50 along areas designated 51 and 52, respectively. Atleast one of the remaining two sides of backing member 11 and frame member 50 and preferably both of the remaining two sides of backing member 11 and frame member 50 are 6 unconnected to provide an opening therebetween for insertion of a planar picture between backing member 11 and frame member 50. As seen in FIG. 4, frame member 50 has a central open area 53 for viewing such picture therethrough.

When frame member 50 is included, picture frame 10 may include several additional features to increase the convenience and utility thereof. More specifically, and referring primarily to FIG. 1, backing member 11 may include two cut-out

areas

54 and 55, area 54 being positioned at the intersection between

sides

16 and 17 of backing member 11 and area 55 being positioned at the intersection between

sides

18 and 19 of backing member 11. Cut-out

areas

54 and 55 expose diagonal corners of a picture 47 positioned within frame 10, thereby allowing the index finger of each hand to reposition picture 47 in frame 10, while viewed from the front side thereof, until the most desirable position is reached.

Picture frame 10 may also include a planar, generally rectangular, flexible sheet positioned between backing member 11 and frame member 50. The most convenient manner of connecting sheet 60 is to have the opposite ends thereof included within

areas

51 and 52 so as to beglued between backing member 11 and frame member 50. When inserting photograph or other art work 47 into picture frame 10, it is slid between frame member 50 and sheet 60. Thus, frame member 50 and sheet 60 provide a smooth, catch-free slot in which to slide picture 47 into frame 10. Without sheet 60, picture 47 may catch on the various die-cut portions of backing member 11.

For small photographs and other art works, picture 47 is held in position between frame member 50 and sheet 60 by the friction between these members. However, in larger frames 10, this frictionalforce is insufficient to consistently hold picture 47 in the desired, preselected position. Therefore, according to the present invention, the larger sizes of picture frame 10 include a holding mechanism for releasably holding picture 47 relative to frame member 50. More specifically, backing member 11 includes apair of integral, fold-out tabs 56 positioned at the intersections between

sides

16 and 19 and

sides

17 and 18 of backing member 11. Tabs 56 are positioned in back of the remaining two diagonal corners of picture 47 within frame 10. Each tab 56 is preferably die-cut in backing member 11 and is foldable outwardly along a line 57. Each tab 56 supports an adhesive means on the surface thereof facing frame member 50, such adhesive means being adapted to contact the back of picture 47 to releasably hold picture 47 in a desired position relative to frame member 50. This may be achieved most readily by providing each tab 56 with a small central hole 58 and a small piece of tape 59 facing downwardly so that the outer portion of the tape is connected to tab 56 whereas the central portion of the tape is exposed through hole 58. When picture 47 is properly positioned, a firm pressure on tape 59, above the center of hole 58, will releasably hold picture 47 in position. Onthe other hand, such holding force may be released by lifting tabs 56, thereby folding them outwardly along lines 57'so that picture 47 may be repositioned or replaced by another item at a later date.

It should be noted that while flexible sheet 60 is a generally rectangular member, the four corners thereof have, been removed, as shown :in FIG. 1. This permits access to the four diagonal corners of picture 47 through cut-out

areas

54 and 55 and tabs 56.

OPERATION If, as explained previously, picture frame 10 includes only backing member 11, picture 47 can be connected directly to backing member 11 or to heavy cardboard sheet 48 connected thereto, as described previously, and a knife or razor blade used to remove the excess photo or artwork border. In such a case, the photograph or other art work 47 extends to the four edges of the frame, providing what is referred to as a block mount.

In those cases where picture frame 10 includes frame member 50 and sheet 60, a photograph or other work of art 47 may be easily inserted into frame 10 by slipping the art work between frame member 50 and sheet 60. Frame 10 may now be held so as to view the front of frame member 50, with picture 47 exposed through I central open area 53, while the index fingers of each hand are located in cut-out

areas

54 and 55, contacting the diagonal corners of picture 47. Picture 47 can then be repositioned until the most desirable framing is achieved, whereupon the fingers are moved to tabs 56, when included, in order to apply pressure to tape 59, above holes 58. Tape 59 will releasably hold picture 47 in position until it is released at a future time by lifting tabs 56.

At this time, hanging button 41 may be removed from locking tab 30 and the protective sheet removed from tape 42. Hanging button 41 would then be connected to wall 43 with curved edge 44 positioned towards the ceiling. A small nail (not shown) can be driven through button 41 and tape 42 for additional support, if needed.

The stand-off mechanisms may now be assembled. Legs are first folded outwardly by extending a fingernail into areas 39, beneath legs 20. As legs 20 are elevated,

side tabs

23 and 24 are rotated about

lines

25 and 26, respectively, untilends 35 and 36 of

tabs

23 and 24, respectively, are positioned above

slots

37 and 38, respectively, in locking tabs 30. Locking tabs are then elevated to a position perpendicular to backing member 11 and leg 20 is pulled slightly to lock ends and 36 of

tabs

23 and 24, respectively, in

slots

37 and 38, respectively.

When all of legs 20,

side tabs

23 and 24, and locking tabs 30 in each of regions 12-15 are fully assembled, frame 10 is ready to be mounted on wall hanging button 41.

It should be noted that when

side tabs

23 and 24 are folded to the locked position, inner edges 28 thereof rest on uncut portions of backing member 11. If this were not the case and

tabs

23 and 24 extended through cut-out portions so as to rest on the back of picture 47,

tabs

23 and 24 would apply a forward pressure on the photograph or artwork, thereby causing considerable distortion when viewed from the front side. This is avoided with the present design.

When fully assembled, outer edges 22 of legs 20, outer edges 27 of

side tabs

23 and 24, and portions 32 of locking tabs 30 are all coplanar so that regardless of whether frame 10 is hung horizontally or vertically, the stand-off mounting members join together to provide a stable plane for frame 10 that cannot exert forces on frame 10 which would cause undesirable bending thereof. Furthermore,

side tabs

23 and 24 contact wall 43 for a considerable distance below hanging button 41 to again eliminate any torsional forces that may be exerted on frame 10 around button 41.

Frame 10 may be readily hung either vertically or horizontally with any of legs 20 contacting top edge 44 of wall hanging button 41. Tape 42 holds button 41 a small distance away from wall 43 so that the sloping legs 20 will easily engage button 41, preventing frame 10 from being knocked from wall 43 due to normal room vibrations or air currents. In addition, by providing a curvature for edge 44 the position of button 41 on wall 43 is not critical.

It can therefore be seen that in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a simple, inexpensive, stand-off type wall-mounted picture frame for photographs and art prints. All of the elements required to provide the stand-off type mount are die-cut and folded outwardly from a single backing member thereby minimizing frame parts and the assembly operation, resulting in a minimum cost. The present frame is compact and all parts may be made of cardboard or plastic stock, making the resultant structure light weight and easy to mail. The assembly and function of all parts are simplified to a motion which is essentially obvious from the configuration of the die-cut parts which are, therefore, easy to assembly.

The present stand-off mount is designed so that it supports the rest of the frame in such a manner that torsional forces tending to cause bending are completely eliminated. The frame rigidly supports all sides thereof to prevent any warpage of the frame due to moisture or temperature changes.

The present picture frame is attractive, allows a photograph or other art work to be easily inserted, and further allows the photograph or art work to be readily repositioned within the frame to provide proper cropping of the picture by the frame member. The present frame also includes means for holding the photograph or art work in the position which is most attractive. This holding force is releasable so that the picture can be repositioned or replaced by another item at a later date. The present picture frame can also be used to provide a stand-off block mount.

Front frame member 50 will usually be die-cut from 1/16 inch thick artist mat board which is available in a variety of colors and surface textures. However, there is also a number of other types of attractive paper or plastic sheet materials which could give an appearance of woodgrain, brushed aluminum or gold, etc. The present frame concept can be readily adapted to cover a wide range of sizes, from 3 /2 inch square photographs to 1 l X 14 inches. If desired, one could use a thin sheet of transparent mylar or acetate over the photograph or art work prior to insertion into frame 10. This would provide desired protection without completely destroying the direct viewing of the item being framed. The present wall mount also unfolds flat, making mailing and storage very easy.

While the invention has been described with respect to the preferred physical embodiments constructed in accordance therewith, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited by the specific illustrative embodiments, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A picture mount comprising:

a generally rectangular, planar backing member including four integral, identical, fold-out legs and four integral, identical, fold-out locking tabs posi tioned parallel to and spaced from respective legs, each of said legs including a pair of integral, opposed, side tabs, foldable relative to said legs towards respective locking tabs, said legs and said locking tabs folding outwardly along lines parallel to and adjacent the four sides of said backing member, said side tabs being foldable towards the center of said backing member, said locking tabs engaging and holding the ends of respective side tabs in locked positions with substantial portions of the outer edges of said legs and said locking tabs coplanar.

2. A picture mount according to claim 1 wherein said locking tabs engage and hold the ends of the corresponding side tabs in locked positions with substantial portions of the outer edges of all of said legs and all of said locking tabs coplanar.

3. A picture mount according to claim 2 wherein a portion of the outer edges of each of said side tabs is coplanar with said coplanar outer edges of said legs and said locking tabs when in said locked positions.

4. A picture mount comprising:

a planar, generally rectangular backing member including at least one integral, fold-out leg and at least one integral, fold-out locking tab positioned parallel to and spaced from said leg, said leg including a pair of integral, opposed, side tabs foldable relative to said leg towards said locking tab, said locking tab engaging and holding the ends of said side tabs in a locked position with substantial portions of the outer edges of said leg and said locking tab coplanar; and

a planar, generally rectangular frame member positioned parallel to and contacting said backing member, said frame member being connected to said backing member adjacent opposite sides of said frame member, at least one of the remaining twosides of said frame member and said backing member being unconnected to provide an opening therebetween for insertion of a planar picture between said frame member and said backing member, said frame member having a central open area for viewing said picture therethrough.

5. A picture mount according to claim 4 wherein said backing member includes two cut-out areas exposing diagonal corners of said picture to permit repositioning of said picture relative to said frame member.

6. A picture mount according to claim 4 further comprising:

a planar, flexible sheet positioned between said backing member and said frame member, said picture being positionable between said sheet and said frame member, said sheet and said frame member providing a smooth, catch-free slot in which to insert said picture.

7. A picture mount according to claim 4 wherein said planar backing member includes at least one fold-out tab, said tab supporting adhesive means on the surface thereof facing said frame member, said adhesive means being adapted to contain the back of said picture to releasably hold said picture in a desired position relative to said frame member, said tab being foldable outwardly to release said adhesive means from said picture to permit repositioning thereof.

8. A picture mount comprising:

a planar backing member including at least two integral, fold-out legs positioned adjacent opposite sides of said backing member and at least two integral, fold-out locking tabs positioned parallel to and spaced from respective legs, each of said legs including a pair of integral, opposed, side tabs foldable relative to said legs toward respective locking tabs, said locking tabs engaging and holding the ends of said side tabs in locked positions with substantial portions of the outer edges of said legs and said locking tabs coplanar.

9. A picture mount comprising:

a planar backing member including at least one integral, fold-out leg and at least one integral, fold-out locking tab positioned parallel to and spaced from said leg, said leg including a pair of integral, opposed, side tabs foldable relative to said leg towards said locking tab, said locking tab engaging and holding the ends of said side tabs in a locked position with substantial portions of the outer edges of said leg and said locking tab coplanar, said side tabs resting on unfolded portions of said backing member when in said locked position.

Claims

1. A picture mount comprising: a generally rectangular, planar backing member including four integral, identical, fold-out legs and four integral, identical, fold-out locking tabs positioned parallel to and spaced from respective legs, each of said legs including a pair of integral, opposed, side tabs, foldable relative to said legs towards respective locking tabs, said legs and said locking tabs folding outwardly along lines parallel to and adjacent the four sides of said backing member, said side tabs being foldable towards the center of said backing member, said locking tabs engaging and holding the ends of respective side tabs in locked positions with substantial portions of the outer edges of said legs and said locking tabs coplanar.

4. A picture mount comprising: a planar, generally rectangular backing member including at least one integral, fold-out leg and at least one integral, fold-out locking tab positioned parallel to and spaced from said leg, said leg including a pair of integral, opposed, side tabs foldable relative to said leg towards said locking tab, said locking tab engaging and holding the ends of said side tabs in a locked position with substantial portions of the outer edges of said leg and said locking tab coplanar; and a planar, generally rectangular frame member positioned parallel to and contacting said backing member, said frame member being connected to said backing member adjacent opposite sides of said frame member, at least one of the remaining two sides of said frame member and said backing member being unconnected to provide an opening therebetween for insertion of a planar picture between said frame member and said backing member, said frame member having a central open area for viewing said picture therethrough.

6. A picture mount according to claim 4 further comprising: a planar, flexible sheet positioned between said backing member and said frame member, said picture being positionable between said sheet and said frame member, said sheet and said frame member providing a smooth, catch-free slot in which to insert said picture.

8. A picture mount comprising: a planar backing member including at least two integral, fold-out legs positioned adjacent opposite sides of said backing member And at least two integral, fold-out locking tabs positioned parallel to and spaced from respective legs, each of said legs including a pair of integral, opposed, side tabs foldable relative to said legs toward respective locking tabs, said locking tabs engaging and holding the ends of said side tabs in locked positions with substantial portions of the outer edges of said legs and said locking tabs coplanar.

9. A picture mount comprising: a planar backing member including at least one integral, fold-out leg and at least one integral, fold-out locking tab positioned parallel to and spaced from said leg, said leg including a pair of integral, opposed, side tabs foldable relative to said leg towards said locking tab, said locking tab engaging and holding the ends of said side tabs in a locked position with substantial portions of the outer edges of said leg and said locking tab coplanar, said side tabs resting on unfolded portions of said backing member when in said locked position.