WO2009061609A1

WO2009061609A1 - Improved picture frame

Info

Publication number: WO2009061609A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/080715
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joshua Michael Broehl; James Huang Lua
Original assignee: Wilton Industries, Inc.
Priority date: 2007-11-09
Filing date: 2008-10-22
Publication date: 2009-05-14
Also published as: US20090119965A1

Abstract

An improved picture frame having an open display pocket mounted behind a viewing aperture for quickly and easily changing the picture displayed within the frame. A storage compartment extends from the rear of the display pocket for conveniently storing a plurality of pictures while they are not being displayed, and a peripheral easel is mounted to the rear of the frame for supporting the frame in either a portrait or landscape orientation without interfering or traversing the display pocket or the storage compartment.

Description

TITLE: IMPROVED PICTURE FRAME

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field Of The Invention

[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of picture frames, and more particularly to a picture frame having a display, a storage compartment, and an easel.

[0003] 2. Description Of The Related Art

[0004] Many conventional picture frames have a border element surrounding a transparent viewing pane, such as a glass sheet. A backer board is positioned behind the viewing pane and is secured to the border element by pivot tabs. A necktie- shaped easel is mounted to the backer board, and, optionally, a framing mat is positioned between the backer board and the viewing pane. For rectangular frames, the easel allows the frame to stand upright in either a portrait or a landscape orientation.

[0005] In order to insert a picture into a frame such as the one described, the pivot tabs are rotated to an open position, the backer board is removed, and a picture is placed flat against the viewing pane. The framing mat is centered, the backer board is replaced, and the pivot tabs are moved back to a closed position. This process can be time consuming and cumbersome, and often must be repeated in order to establish proper alignment of the picture due to the tendency of pictures to shift relative to the viewing pane when the backer board is being replaced. [0006] It is therefore desirable to have a means for quickly and easily changing the picture displayed in a frame while maintaining proper orientation of the picture, and which also retains the ability to support the frame in either a portrait or a landscape orientation.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided in a first embodiment a border element, a viewing pane, a display pocket, a storage compartment, and a peripheral easel. The border element and the viewing pane are similar to those used for conventional picture frame applications, such as a wooden, rectangular border and a glass pane. The border element has a primary viewing aperture, and the viewing pane is preferably mounted behind the viewing aperture. The display pocket is mounted to the rear of the border element behind the viewing pane to form a narrow slot between the display pocket and the rear surface of the viewing pane. In order to display a picture within the frame, the picture is slid into the open top of the slot. The picture can be removed, and another inserted in its place in a similar manner. [0008] The storage compartment preferably extends from the rear of the display pocket to form a chamber between the rear wall of the compartment and the rear wall of the display pocket. Preferably, the chamber is large enough to hold 5-10 pictures for convenient storage while the pictures are not being displayed in the display pocket.

[0009] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a backing mat having a secondary viewing aperture that is smaller than the primary aperture flatly abuts the rear surface of the viewing pane. A display pocket is mounted to the rear of the backing mat, covering the secondary viewing aperture and forming a slot between the pocket and the rear surfaces of both the backing mat and the viewing pane.

[0010] The peripheral easel preferably has an L-shaped bracket with two ends. Each end of the bracket is pivotably mounted to the rear of the border element by hinges, and each hinge has an axis that is collinear with the other hinge's axis. The bracket is preferably positioned slightly within the periphery of the border element and does not traverse or interfere with the display pocket or the storage compartment. The bracket can be pivoted to an extended position for supporting the frame in either a portrait or a landscape orientation, and can also be pivoted to a retracted position for hanging the frame on a wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Fig. 1 is a rear exploded view illustrating the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view illustrating the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Fig. 3 is a rear perspective view illustrating the preferred embodiment of the present invention with a picture being inserted into the display pocket.

[0014] Fig. 4 is a side cross-sectional schematic view illustrating the preferred embodiment of the storage/display member with round protrusions extending from the pocket wall of the display pocket.

[0015] Fig. 5 is a side cross-sectional schematic view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the storage/display member with angled tabs extending from the pocket wall of the display pocket. [0016] Fig. 6 is a side cross-sectional schematic view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the storage/display member with spring-loaded fingers extending from the pocket wall of the display pocket.

[0017] Fig. 7 is a rear schematic view illustrating an embodiment of the present invention with a single border element, multiple primary viewing apertures, and multiple storage/display members.

[0018] Fig. 8 is a rear schematic view illustrating an embodiment of the present invention with a single border element, a single primary viewing aperture, a single backing mat, multiple secondary viewing apertures, and multiple storage/display members.

[0019] Fig. 9 is a rear perspective view illustrating the preferred embodiment of the present invention with an L- shaped easel supporting the border element in an upright, portrait orientation.

[0020] Fig. 10 is a rear perspective view illustrating the preferred embodiment of the present invention with an L- shaped easel supporting the border element in an upright, landscape orientation.

[0021] Fig. 11 is a rear perspective view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the present invention with a U-shaped easel in a retracted position.

[0022] Fig. 12 is a rear perspective view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the present invention with a U-shaped easel in an extended position.

[0023] Fig. 13 is a rear perspective view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the present invention with a straight, elongated easel in a retracted position.

[0024] Fig. 14 is a rear perspective view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the present invention with a straight, elongated easel in an extended position.

[0025] Fig. 15 is a rear perspective view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the present invention incorporating a backing mat.

[0026] Fig. 16 is a rear exploded view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the present invention incorporating a pivoting backer board.

[0027] Fig. 17 is a front perspective view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the present invention incorporating a pivoting backer board.

[0028] Fig. 18 is a rear perspective view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the present invention incorporating a pivoting backer board.

[0029] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific term so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the word connected or term similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection, but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Referring to Figs. 1-4, the frame 10 has a border element 12 and a viewing pane

14 similar in shape and size to those used in many conventional picture frame applications. Additionally, the frame has a storage/display member 16 and a peripheral easel 18. For the sake of convenience and clarity, terms such as "front," "rear," "top," "height," and "width" will be used herein to describe the relative placement and orientation of various components of the invention, each with respect to the orientation of the border element 12 as it appears in Fig. 1. [0031] The border element 12 is a rectangular body having a rectangular primary viewing aperture 20. A rectangular shoulder 21 defines a mounting recess 22 in the rear surface of the border element 12 adjacent the primary viewing aperture 20. A mounting lip 24 (discussed in greater detail below) extends rearward a short distance from the periphery of the border element 12. The border element 12 is preferably fabricated from wood or metal, although all sufficiently rigid and durable materials, such as aluminum, magnesium, stainless steel, and plastic, are also contemplated.

[0032] The viewing pane 14 is preferably a rectangular piece of glass having a height and a width that are substantially equal to the height and the width of the mounting recess 22. The thickness of the pane 14 is slightly less than the depth of the recess 22. The viewing pane 14 fits snugly within the recess 22 parallel to the plane of the border element 12, and with its front surface abutting the rearward-facing interior surface of the shoulder 21. Although the pane 14 is preferably made from glass, all other substantially transparent materials, such as polycarbonate and acrylic, are also contemplated.

[0033] Still referring to Figs. 1-4, the storage/display member 16 is a unitary body having a display pocket 26 and a storage compartment 28. The display pocket 26 is a rectangular body having three adjoining sidewalls 30, 32, and 34 that extend forward from the edges of a pocket wall 36. The height and the width of the display pocket 26 are substantially equal to the height and the width of the mounting recess 22. Mounting flanges 38 and 40 extend outwardly from the front edges of the two opposing sidewalls 30 and 34 and fit within the mounting recess 22 parallel to the plane of the border element 12. The thickness of the mounting flanges 38 and 40 is preferably equal to the difference between the depth of the mounting recess 22 and the thickness of the viewing pane 14.

[0034] The front surfaces of the flanges 38 and 40 flatly abut the rear surface of the viewing pane 14 to define a picture slot 42 between the front surface of the pocket wall 36 and the rear surface of the pane 14. Because there is no top wall facing the bottom sidewall 32, there is an opening into the slot 42 through which pictures can be inserted.

[0035] The rear surfaces of the flanges 38 and 40 are substantially flush with the rear surface 13 of the border element 12. Conventional pivot tabs 44, 46, 48, and 50 are mounted to the rear of the border element 12 on opposing sides of the mounting recess 22. The pivot tabs 44, 46, 48, and 50 rotate over the rear surfaces of the mounting flanges 38 and 40 for securing the display pocket 26 and the viewing pane 14 within the recess 22.

[0036] The picture slot 42 has a predetermined height, width, and thickness that make the slot capable of holding a single picture 52 for viewing through the primary viewing aperture 20. In the course of use, the picture 52 is inserted into the open top of the slot 42 and manually slid into position behind the viewing pane 14 with its viewable face seating against the pane 14. It is contemplated that either or both of the display pocket' s sides can additionally or alternatively be open for accommodating the insertion of a picture into the slot 42. A finger notch 53 in the top edge of the pocket wall 36 allows convenient manual gripping and removal of pictures from the slot 42.

[0037] Referring to Fig. 4, four retention members 54, 56, 58, and 60 (the members 58 and 60 are not within view, but are identical to members 54 and 56 that are shown) extend partially into the picture slot 42 from the pocket wall 36 of the pocket 26. The retention members 54, 56, 58, and 60 are protrusions that reduce the depth of the picture slot 42 to hold a displayed picture against the viewing pane 14, thereby preventing the picture from excessively bowing or curling. Although round protrusions are preferred, all other means for holding the picture in a similar manner, such as angled tabs (see Fig. 5) or spring-loaded fingers (see Fig. 6) extending from the pocket wall 36 of the display pocket 26, are also contemplated. [0038] The storage compartment 28 is a rectangular body having three adjoining sidewalls 64, 66, and 68 that extend forward from the edges of a compartment wall 70. The storage compartment 28 extends from the rear of the display pocket 26 to the wall 70 to form a storage chamber 72 therebetween. The storage chamber 72 has a width that is equal to, or slightly greater than, the display pocket 26, and a height that is preferably less than the height of the display pocket 26. The storage chamber 72 is deep enough to accommodate a plurality of pictures, for example, in the range of 5-10, for convenient storage while the pictures are not on display in the display pocket 26. The pictures are inserted through the top opening and are stacked in the chamber 72 in the manner of a deck of cards. Like the display pocket 26, a finger notch 74 in the top edge of the compartment wall 70 allows convenient removal of pictures from the storage chamber 72.

[0039] The storage/display member 16 is preferably fabricated from plastic, although all other sufficiently rigid and durable materials, such as various metals and woods, are also contemplated. Although it is preferred that the storage/display member 16 be a unitary body, it is contemplated that the display pocket 26 and the storage compartment 28 can be separate, independent bodies, positioned apart from one another on the rear of the border element 12, or positioned together after mounting one independent body to the other.

[0040] Referring to Figs. 1-3, an adhesive memory label 76 is mounted to the rear surface of the storage compartment 28 for recording the contents of the storage chamber 72. For example, the label 76 contains a complete listing of each picture contained in the chamber 72, or announces a theme that is common to all of the stored pictures. The memory label 76 is made from paper, although any material having a surface that can be written on in pen, pencil, or marker, for example an erasable material such as "dry-erase" plastic, could similarly be incorporated.

[0041] Embodiments of the invention are contemplated in which a single border element has a plurality of primary viewing apertures of various shapes and sizes, some or all of which having a storage/display member mounted behind them. For example, referring to Fig. 7, a single border element 77 can have a small, square viewing aperture 79 with no storage/display member, a large, rectangular viewing aperture 81 with a storage/display member, and a medium, circular viewing aperture 83, also with a storage/display member. It is also contemplated that there may be a plurality of display pockets and a single storage compartment mounted to the rear of a single border element. It should be noted, however, that there is never more than one display pocket per primary viewing aperture, and never more than one storage compartment mounted to a display pocket.

[0042] Referring back to Figs. 1-3, the peripheral easel 18 has an L-shaped bracket 78 that is pivotably mounted to the rear of the border element 12 by two conventional, collinear hinges (not within view). The hinges connect the two ends of the bracket 78 to adjacent sides of the border element 12, and their axes extend substantially along a single line, thus allowing the bracket 78 to pivot about the axes between a retracted position (see Fig. 2) and an extended position (see Figs. 9 and 10) without interfering with the operation of the storage/display member 16. A critical feature of the easel 18 is that it is able to lay against the rear surface of the border element 12 without traversing the storage/display member 16. Conventional hinge stops (not within view) prevent the easel 18 from pivoting outwardly beyond a stop angle of, for example, about 45 degrees, although stop angles that are lesser and greater are also contemplated. The easel 18 can support the border element 12 in an upright position when the border element 12 is in a portrait orientation (see Fig. 9) and a landscape orientation (see Fig. 10) when resting on a horizontal surface. For hanging the frame 10 from a wall or other vertical surface, the easel 18 is retracted.

[0043] Although it is preferred that the peripheral easel 18 have an L- shaped bracket, it is contemplated that the bracket could be any other shape that achieves the purpose of supporting the frame in either a landscape or portrait orientation without interfering with or traversing the storage/display member 16. For example, referring to Figs. 11 and 12, the bracket can be a U- shaped body 80 that is mounted to opposing sides of a border element . Referring to Figs. 13 and 14, the bracket can alternatively be a straight, elongated body 82 that is pivotably mounted to a border element by a single hinge 84.

[0044] The mounting lip 24 of the border element 12 preferably extends rearward farther than the rear surface 13, the storage compartment 28 or the peripheral easel 18. Because of this feature, the frame 10 can be mounted to a vertical structure, such as a wall, with the rear surface of the mounting lip 24 minimally spaced from the surface of the structure, thus hiding the rear of the frame 10 from view and thereby providing a clean and pleasing appearance. [0045] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, shown in Fig. 15, a rectangular, preferably opaque backing mat 86, having a secondary viewing aperture 88 that is smaller than the picture to be displayed in the frame 89, flatly abuts the viewing pane 90. The display pocket 92 is mounted to the rear of the preferably opaque backing mat 86, covering the secondary viewing aperture 88 and forming a picture slot between the pocket wall of the display pocket 92 and the rear surfaces of the backing mat 86 and the viewing pane 90. The display pocket 92 can be integral to or mounted with fasteners, such as glue, to the backing mat 86. A finger-push aperture 91 in the compartment wall of the storage compartment 93 allows insertion of a finger for manually lifting a picture out of the storage compartment 93.

[0046] Similar to the first embodiment of the invention, it is contemplated that the backing mat of the Fig. 15 embodiment can have a plurality of secondary viewing apertures of different shapes and sizes, some or all of which have a storage/display member located behind them (see Fig. 8). It is also contemplated that the viewing pane 90 can be omitted from the Fig. 15 embodiment, with the backing mat instead abutting the border element 94. [0047] In another alternative embodiment of the invention, shown in Figs. 16-18, a rectangular, preferably opaque backer board 96, having an interior storage compartment 98 extending from its front surface, fits within the mounting recess 100 of the border element 102 and flatly abuts the viewing pane 104. The bottom edge of the backer board 96 is mounted to the border element by a horizontally- oriented hinge (not within view) that allows the board 96 to pivot vertically between an open position (shown in Figs. 17 and 18) and a closed position (with the board 96 parallel to the border element 102 shown in Fig. 16 in exploded form). The storage compartment 98 is substantially identical to the storage compartments 28 and 93 in the embodiments described above, although it is not accessible when the backer board 96 is in the closed position. The hinge can be a piano hinge or any conventional pivoting structure. [0048] A spring-loaded latch 106 is mounted to the rear surface of the backer board 96 adjacent the top edge of the board 96. The latch 106 has a mounting portion 108 and a movable locking tab 110. The mounting portion 108 is rigidly affixed to the backer board 96 by two pins 112 and 114, although all other means of affixing the mounting portion 108 to the board 96, such as by adhesives or screws, are contemplated. The locking tab 110 has an upwardly-extending tongue 116 for matingly engaging a slot (not within view) in the downward- facing interior surface of the shoulder 118. When the backer board 96 is in the closed position, the locking tab 110 can be slid downward relative to the mounting portion 108 to an unlocked position, in which the tongue is withdrawn from the slot, or upward to a locked position, in which the tongue engages the slot, thereby preventing the backer board 96 from pivoting relative to the border element 102. A latch spring (not within view) biases the locking tab 110 toward the locked position. A notch 126 in the bottom edge of the locking tab 110 allows the tab 110 to easily fit over a support member, such as a nail, screw, or similar structure.

[0049] In order to insert a picture 120 into the frame 122 for display, the locking tab 110 is manually pushed or pulled downward with sufficient force to overcome the latch spring. Once the tab 110 is in the unlocked position, the latch 106 is pulled backward and downward along an arc, thereby causing the attached backer board 96 to pivot to the open position, as shown in Figs. 17 and 18. The picture 120 is then placed behind the viewing pane 104 with its viewable face seating against the pane 104. While manually holding the locking tab 110 in the unlocked position, the backer board 96 is then pivoted back to the closed position, after which the locking tab 110 is allowed to return to the locked position. When the backer board 96 is in the closed position, the picture 120 is held in a narrow gap between the compartment 98 and the viewing pane 104, and the compartment wall 105 of the storage compartment 98 presses the picture 120 flat against the viewing pane 104.

[0050] A conventional necktie- shaped easel 124 is pivotably mounted to the rear of the backer board 96. The easel 124 can support the frame 122 in an upright position when the frame 122 is in a portrait orientation and a landscape orientation when resting on a horizontal surface. For hanging the frame 122 from a wall or other vertical surface, the easel 124 is retracted. It is contemplated that a U-shaped easel or an L-shaped easel, such as the easels 18 and 80 described above, could alternatively be used to support the frame 122. A memory label 128, identical to the memory label 76 described above, is mounted to the rear of the backer board 96 for recording the contents of the storage compartment 98.

[0051] Referring again to Figs. 1-3, many components of the frame 10, such as the primary viewing aperture 20, the mounting recess 22, the viewing pane 14, the display pocket 26, and the storage pocket 28, have been described and/or shown as rectangular in shape. It is contemplated, however, that these components can have any other shape, such as circular, oval, triangular, or even an irregular shape, as long as the same spatial relationships and fitment constraints as those described above are adhered to.

[0052] This detailed description in connection with the drawings is intended principally as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the designs, functions, means, and methods of implementing the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and features may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention and that various modifications may be adopted without departing from the invention or scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An improved picture frame having a border element with at least one primary viewing aperture, the improvement comprising: a. at least one display pocket mounted to a rear of the border element, said at least one display pocket configured to hold a single picture adjacent a rear of said at least one primary viewing aperture and having an opening for accepting the picture; and b. at least one storage compartment configured to hold a plurality of pictures, said at least one storage compartment mounted to a rear of said at least one display pocket and having an opening for accepting the pictures.

2. The improved picture frame of claim 1, further comprising at least one backing mat having at least one secondary viewing aperture, said at least one backing mat mounted between said at least one display pocket and said at least one primary viewing aperture, said at least one display pocket mounted to a rear of said at least one backing mat for holding the single picture adjacent said at least one secondary viewing aperture.

3. The improved picture frame of claim 1, further comprising at least one transparent viewing pane mounted adjacent said at least one primary viewing aperture and defining a front wall of said at least one display pocket.

4. The improved picture frame of claim 3, further comprising at least one backing mat having at least one secondary viewing aperture, said at least one backing mat mounted between said at least one display pocket and said at least one viewing pane, said at least one display pocket mounted to a rear of said at least one backing mat.

5. The improved picture frame of claim 4, further comprising at least one finger-push aperture formed in a rear wall of said at least one storage compartment for manually shifting a picture within said at least one storage compartment.

6. The improved picture frame of claim 4, further comprising at least one memory label mounted to a rear of said at least one storage compartment for recording the contents of said at least one storage compartment.

7. The improved picture frame of claim 4, further comprising at least one retention member extending from a rear wall of said at least one display pocket partially into an interior of said at least one display pocket for holding the picture against said at least one viewing pane.

8. The improved picture frame of claim 7, wherein said at least one retention member comprises a protrusion.

9. The improved picture frame of claim 7, wherein said at least one retention member comprises an angled tab.

10. The improved picture frame of claim 7, wherein said at least one retention member comprises a spring-loaded finger.

11. An easel for a picture frame having a border element with at least one viewing aperture, the easel comprising at least one elongated bracket having a first end pivotably mounted to the border element by at least one hinge, and a second end pivotably mounted to the border element by at least one hinge wherein an axis of said at least one hinge of the first end and an axis of said at least one hinge of the second end extends substantially along a single line.

12. The easel of claim 11, wherein said at least one bracket is L-shaped and is mounted to adjacent sides of the border element.

13. The easel of claim 11, wherein said at least one bracket is U-shaped and is mounted to opposing sides of the border element.

14. An improved picture frame having a border element with at least one primary viewing aperture, the improvement comprising: a. at least one display pocket mounted to a rear of the border element, said at least one display pocket configured to hold a single picture adjacent a rear of said at least one primary viewing aperture and having an opening for accepting the picture; b. at least one storage compartment configured to hold a plurality of pictures, said at least one storage compartment mounted to a rear of said at least one display pocket and having an opening for accepting the pictures; and c. an easel comprising at least one elongated bracket having a first end pivotably mounted to the border element by at least one hinge, a second end pivotably mounted to the border element by at least one hinge, and wherein an axis of said at least one hinge of the first end and an axis of said at least one hinge of the second end extends substantially along a single line.

15. The improved picture frame of claim 14, further comprising at least one backing mat having at least one secondary viewing aperture, said at least one backing mat mounted between said at least one display pocket and said at least one primary viewing aperture, said at least one display pocket mounted to a rear of said at least one backing mat for holding the single picture adjacent said at least one secondary viewing aperture.

16. The improved picture frame of claim 14, further comprising at least one transparent viewing pane mounted adjacent said at least one primary viewing aperture and defining a front wall of said at least one display pocket.

17. The improved picture frame of claim 16, further comprising at least one backing mat having at least one secondary viewing aperture, said at least one backing mat mounted between said at least one display pocket and said at least one viewing pane, said at least one display pocket mounted to a rear of said at least one backing mat for holding a single picture adjacent to a rear of said at least one secondary viewing aperture.

18. The improved picture frame of claim 17, further comprising at least one finger-push aperture formed in a rear wall of said at least one storage compartment for manually shifting a picture within said at least one storage compartment.

19. The improved picture frame of claim 17, further comprising at least one memory label mounted to a rear of said at least one storage compartment for recording the contents of said at least one storage compartment.

20. The improved picture frame of claim 17, further comprising at least one retention member extending from a rear wall of said at least one display pocket partially into an interior of said at least one display pocket for holding the picture against said at least one viewing pane.

21. The improved picture frame of claim 20, wherein said at least one retention member comprises a protrusion.

22. The improved picture frame of claim 20, wherein said at least one retention member comprises an angled tab.

23. The improved picture frame of claim 20, wherein said at least one retention member comprises a spring-loaded finger.

24. The improved picture frame of claim 17, wherein said at least one bracket is L-shaped and is mounted to adjacent sides of the border element.

25. The improved picture frame of claim 17, wherein said at least one bracket is U-shaped and is mounted to opposing sides of the border element.

26. An improved picture frame having a border element with at least one primary viewing aperture, the improvement comprising: a. at least one backer board pivotably mounted to a rear of the border element; b. at least one storage compartment mounted to a front surface of said at least one backer board configured to hold a plurality of pictures and having an opening for accepting the pictures; and c. a display gap between said at least one storage compartment and the border element configured to hold a single picture adjacent a rear of said at least one primary viewing aperture.

27. The improved picture frame of claim 26, further comprising at least one transparent viewing pane mounted adjacent said at least one primary viewing aperture and defining a front wall of said at least one display gap.

28. The improved picture frame of claim 26, further comprising a latch mounted to said at least one backer board having a movable locking tab for engaging a slot in the border element for releasably securing said at least one backer board against movement relative to the border element.

29. The improved picture frame of claim 28, wherein the backer board is pivotably mounted to the border element by a hinge affixed to a first edge of the backer board and the latch is mounted to a second edge of the backer board that is opposite the first edge.

30. The improved picture frame of claim 26, further comprising a necktie- shaped easel pivotably mounted to a rear of said at least one backer board.

31. The improved picture frame of claim 26, further comprising at least one memory label mounted to a rear of said at least one backer board for recording the contents of said at least one storage compartment.