Card – picture – or sign exhibiting – Picture frame – Mat – mount – or backing
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-12
2001-09-04
Davis, Cassandra H. (Department: 3628)
Card, picture, or sign exhibiting
Picture frame
Mat, mount, or backing
C024S003110, C248S469000, C248S174000, C040S658000, C040S666000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06282828
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates generally to frames for supporting and presenting photos, pictures or, indeed, any sheet containing decorative or informative data. More specifically it relates to a self-supporting resilient frame member that utilizes the inherent biasing action of the resilient material to clamp the display item.
BACKGROUND
Conventional picture frames typically consist of elongate members of wood, metal, or plastic arranged in a rectangular shape with the corners attached together with adhesives or fasteners. The display item, a photo for example, is placed in the frame along with a transparent front panel and backing material, which are further attached with more fasteners or other hardware. An easel or fold out leg is then used to support the frame on a horizontal surface to present the display item. Alternatively, the frame may have a wire or other suitable fastener appropriately secured for use in hanging the display item or picture on a wall or other vertical surface.
Frames for displaying photographs, etc on a desk or table are frequently made of cardboard or the like and, being light weight, tend to be unstable. Additionally, frames of this type frequently do not provide any protective transparent layer over the photo. Other more stable types typically have a wooden or plastic rectangular frame with a separate glass or transparent plastic front panel. Changing the photo in this latter type can be quite complicated and will normally require tools or special fittings.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,619,816 which issued Apr. 15, 1997 to Hillary Ellison discloses a free standing picture frame in which an article to be displayed is sandwiched between a pair of flexible panels. A cord attached adjacent the outer side edges of the panels is configured such that when it is joined at the rear of the frame the flexible panels are pulled into a curved structure which serves to retain the article and renders the frame free standing. As the article being displayed in this prior art device must also be curved not all types of display medium can be used. Additionally, the curvature of the article may distort the image.
The present invention provides a simple yet effective method of conveniently displaying photos, prints and the like.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
This invention primarily serves to allow a picture frame to hold a display item without the necessity of additional fasteners. It does this through the use of a specially designed opening(s) in the frame material. When the frame is bent slightly tensile force is imparted to the material. The display item, which may be sandwiched between a transparent front and a stiff backing material, is then inserted into the opening(s) and the assembly is held together by the force of the bent frame attempting to return to its original shape.
It secondarily serves, in the bent mode, to provide a shape that can allow it to support itself on a horizontal surface properly presenting the display material for enjoyment without the use of additional legs or hardware. It can also serve to provide decorative value through the use of interesting material types, shapes and colours.
In its basic form the picture frame of the present invention comprises a frame member made of a resilient material which may be flexed but which will return to its original shape when the flexing forces are removed. The frame member is provided with a suitably positioned opening(s) that is designed to co-operate with a display unit. When the frame member is flexed a laminated or sandwich type display unit is placed through the opening(s). When the flexing force is removed, the resilient material attempts to return to its original form thereby entrapping or clamping the display unit.
Therefore, in accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a picture frame comprising: a resilient frame member having co-operating means for receiving a display unit when the frame member is flexed to a bent state and for clamping the display unit in the frame member when the flexed frame member attempts to return to a non-bent state.
In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided a picture frame assembly comprising a resilient frame member having a cut out means for receiving a display unit in a flexed condition and for retaining the display unit therein when forces causing the frame to flex are removed, the display unit comprising at least one rigid panel to co-operate with the cut out means to maintain the frame member in a state of tension when the forces are removed.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1904318 (1933-04-01), Lehere
patent: 2528366 (1950-10-01), Houston
patent: 2961789 (1960-11-01), Hughes
patent: 3694974 (1972-10-01), Mukai et al.
patent: 4685785 (1987-08-01), Mundt et al.
patent: 5581925 (1996-12-01), Snoke et al.
patent: 5619816 (1997-04-01), Ellison
patent: 5933994 (1999-08-01), Misaresh
patent: 2189779 (1995-05-01), None
patent: 964895 (1964-07-01), None
(Marks & Clerk)
Davis Cassandra H.
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