Abstract:
This invention is a picture frame that is capable of framing a, picture in a manner suitable for hanging on a wall or standing on a table while also packaging a compact disc, digital video disc, memory card, or alternate media. Various embodiments are described that facilitate economical manufacture of the picture while allowing an elegant display of the picture. Further, these embodiments allow the user to easily switch between pictures in the frame and remove and replace the disc. Thus, a unique picture frame is disclosed that functions both to store and to display pictures while also serving as a package or receptacle for disc shaped and other media.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION  
       [0001]     This invention relates, generally, to picture frames; more particularly to picture frames that are designed to also carry media such as compact discs (CD&#39;s), digital video discs (DVD&#39;s), memory cards, as well as souvenirs, toys, promotional premiums, and the like.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     The packaging and promotion of recorded music and movies has long been paired with visual art. Phonographs, compact cassettes, and compact discs are usually packaged along with a decorative cover featuring a picture of the band, an artistic element, or both. Meanwhile, music and movies have also been promoted through the use of visual arts in such mediums as pictures and posters, that can be used by aficionados to celebrate the recording artists and movies of their choosing while decorating their living space. Indeed, promotion of an artist&#39;s image through visual media has proven to be nearly as important to an artist&#39;s commercial success as promoting the music itself.  
         [0003]     Although the packaging for such recorded media usually contains this visual art, it can be seldom be used for decorative purposes because the standard packaging it arrives in is not conducive to framing, hanging, standing on a table top, or otherwise making visible one&#39;s living space.  
         [0004]     Several devices have been developed in order to overcome this problem. U.S. Pat. No. 6,431,354 to Irisawa, for example, discloses a cover for a disc storage case that allows the disc storage case to be stood vertically on a table-top or hung from a wall. This invention, however, is not integrated with the disc storage case, and thus must be purchased separately by the user. Further, it is limited because it can only accommodate a graphic the same size as a compact disc and can only display the graphic that arrives as the compact disc case cover. Thus, it is unsuited to promotions that utilize a graphic different from the compact disc case cover. U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,146 to Reeves, Sr. discloses a merchandise display within a picture frame. This invention is directed towards merchandise displays in stores and would also be unsuited to promotion because it is expensive, elaborate, and requires substantial effort to move the merchandise in and out of the picture frame. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,981,211 to Janek and 4,856,213 to Hord both disclose combination picture frames and video cassette holders. Neither of these inventions, however, are compatible with compact discs or digital video discs, which are an increasingly common medium for music and videos. Further, both are elaborate designs requiring a number of parts and, thus, a high cost of manufacture. Finally, neither of these inventions includes an inexpensively-manufactured, easily-removable, integrated one-piece frame cover, which serves both decorative and protective purposes.  
         [0005]     U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,179,119 to Manoogian and 6,505,738 to Lin both disclose means of displaying compact disc artwork by displaying the original case or inserts. U.S. Pat. No. 6,179,119 discloses assorted flanges that can be used to vertically prop or suspend the compact disc&#39;s insert. Meanwhile, U.S. Pat. No. 6,505,738 discloses a folding package that covers the compact disc case and features a flange and a hitch that allow the case to be vertically propped or suspended. These inventions, however, lack the ornamental features of picture frames, require several additional parts, and are limited to displaying graphics the same size as the compact disc case.  
         [0006]     Other devices such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,052,564 to Zuzack and 6,446,799 to Simba disclose mountings to attach compact discs to one&#39;s wall. These, however, are separate devices from the compact disc packaging and, thus, are not useful for packaging or promotional means.  
         [0007]     While picture frames have been developed for storage of various items while displaying a photograph, no such frame exists for storing compact discs. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,024,211 to Johnston (condoms), 6,526,636 to Bernhardt (cremated remains), 6,715,226 to Sikanovski (baby bibs), 6,216,856 to Park (assorted desk articles), 5,218,774 to Mullins (flowers), 4,777,745 to Rose (teeth), 4,195,729 to Macken (tobacco and other items), and several other displays known in the art. A suitable, inexpensively manufactured picture frame that is suitable for mass produced promotional materials is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,248 to Reinhard. This invention, however, does not include provisions for packaging compact discs.  
         [0008]     Therefore, there is a need in the art for a picture frame that can also be used as a packaging mechanism for compact discs, digital video discs, memory cards, as well as souvenirs, toys, promotional premiums, and the like.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     This invention is directed towards overcoming the above problems by providing a picture frame that can also be used as a packaging mechanism for compact discs and digital video discs in particular as well as other digital media such as memory cards or souvenirs, toys, promotional premiums, and the like. More specifically, in one embodiment, a picture frame is manufactured such that the backing member doubles as a compact disc holder. In this embodiment, a simple two piece picture frame is comprised of a backing member that houses the compact disc and holds a photograph and a cover member that attaches to the backing member and includes a transparent center section, allowing a photograph laying beneath on the backing member to be viewed. Further, this invention can be used to display multiple sized images, including those of conventional compact disc cases, those of conventional photo prints (such as 5-inch by 7-inch or 8-inch by 10-inch), or unconventional sizes and shapes. Once the media is purchased, the consumer may choose to replace the included graphic with a picture of his or her own.  
         [0010]     In another configuration, the combination picture frame and media package can be used as a packaging mechanism for memory cards. The invention provides an improvement on the commonplace disposable packaging used for these materials because it allows the purchaser to reuse the packaging as a picture frame. As such, the invention is especially useful because memory cards are commonly used for storing digital photographs. Thus, a consumer suing the combination picture frame and media package, the media card&#39;s package can also be used to store and display photographs.  
         [0011]     The backing member can be constructed of vacuum formed plastic, injection molded plastic, sheet metal, formed paper, multiple materials, or other material(s) conducive to rigid construction. The center of the backing member may include an indentation to hold an enveloped compact disc or an indentation with a mounting that securely holds the compact disc in place. Also, an indentation is included to fixedly support a picture that can be inserted into the frame. In order to give the appearance of conventional, decorative picture frame moldings, an indented border can be included along the edges of the backing member, protruding above the plane of the frame. Further, this indented border can be integral with the border used to support the picture inserted into the frame.  
         [0012]     The cover member can also be constructed of vacuum formed plastic, injection molded plastic, multiple materials, or any other material(s) facilitating a semi-rigid construction and a transparent center section. The cover member includes a planar center section that is transparent and serves to protect the picture while allowing it to be viewed and displayed. The border of the cover member serves to surround the backing member. If an indented border is included with the backing member, the cover member will be similarly shaped such that their borders lie flush with one another when the frame is assembled. The cover member can also include additional decorative features such as colors, designs, writing, and/or additional indentations. Further, the cover member can also include an integral mounting mechanism that allows it to be attached to the backing member. In one embodiment of the invention, the cover member includes an indentation, allowing it to house a small toy, souvenir, or other object within the picture frame.  
         [0013]     Various mounting mechanisms can be used to affix the cover member to the backing member. For example, the cover member can be constructed with a series of bendable mounting tabs that a lowered to fix the cover member to the backing member and raised in order to release the cover member and remove the compact disc. Other known mounting mechanisms can be used such as a detent arrangement, velcro, adhesives, clips, ridges, slits, or other mounting mechanisms known in the art.  
         [0014]     Additionally, the picture frame includes a means for displaying the frame in one&#39;s living space. These display means include one or more of the following: a hole or tab on the rear of the backing member to vertically attach the frame to a nail or hook on one&#39;s wall, a hole or indentation in the mounting tab of the cover member to vertically attach the frame to a nail or hook on one&#39;s wall, double-sided tape one the rear of the backing member to vertically attach the frame on one&#39;s wall, an easel-type flange that allows the frame to be stood on a table, or any of the many other mounting means known in the art.  
         [0015]     Additionally, the combination picture frame and media package can be constructed to allow nesting of many such frames for shipping purposes. Nesting allows for more convenient and cost-effective shipping by allowing the upper surface of the frames to be packaged adjacent to the lower surface of the frames above them, thereby minimizing the amount of space in between frames. This allows for more convenient and cost-effective packaging because many more frames can be fit into a single box than would be possible without nesting.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]      FIG. 1  is an exploded illustration in three-dimensional view of one embodiment of the invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 2A  is an exploded illustration in isometric view of another embodiment of the invention.  
         [0018]      FIG. 2B  is a cross sectional illustration of the backing member for this embodiment of the invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 3  is an exploded illustration in isometric view of another embodiment of the invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 4  is an illustration in perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 5A  is an exploded illustration in isometric view of another embodiment of the invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 5B  is a cross sectional illustration of the backing member for this embodiment of the invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 6A  is an exploded illustration in isometric view of another embodiment of the invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 6B  is an enlarged illustration of the hinge mechanism of one embodiment of the invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 7  is an exploded illustration in isometric view of another embodiment of the invention.  
         [0026]      FIG. 8  is an exploded illustration in isometric view of another embodiment of the invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 9  is an exploded illustration in isometric view of another embodiment of the invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0028]     In the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of one or more embodiments of the invention, however, one or more embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and/or components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of embodiments of the invention.  
         [0029]     In the following description, certain terminology is used to describe certain features of one or more embodiments of the invention. For instance “picture frame” refers to any structure used to hang or display pictures, “picture” refers to any photograph, artwork, certificate for display, or other decorative item and “compact disc” any optical disc on which data such as music, movies, text, or graphic images are digitally encoded.  
         [0030]      FIG. 1  is an exploded illustration in three-dimensional view of one embodiment of the invention. A vacuum-formed embodiment of the combination picture frame and media package  100  is illustrated exploded to show many of its constituent parts. These parts include a backing member  105  that serves as the base for the combination picture frame and media package  100 . The backing member  105  is manufactured to include a compact disc holder  110  that allows storage of a compact disc within the backing member  105 , two finger tabs  115  that allow one to easily remove a compact disc  140  that is placed in the backing member  105 , a discharge tab  120  that securely holds the compact disc  140  once placed in the frame, and a platform  125  that is flat and designed to support a picture  150 . An indented border  130  lines the edges of the backing member  105  and is formed such to give the decorative appearance of a conventional picture frame molding. A compact disc  140  is shown above the backing member  105  and is inserted into the compact disc holder  110  when the frame is assembled. When inserted, the hole  145  in the compact disc  140  will mate with the discharge tab  120  of the backing member  105  to hold the compact disc  140  securely in place. A picture  150  is shown above the compact disc  140  and can be placed on the platform  125  when the frame is assembled. A cover member  155  is shown above the picture  150  and serves to enclose the entire combination picture frame and media package  100 . The cover member  155  includes an integrated center plate  163  that is transparent and allows one to view the picture  150 . The edges  160  of the cover member  155  are elevated to fit snuggly over the indented borders  130  of the backing member  105  once the combination picture frame and media package  100  is assembled. Several tabs  165  are included on the cover member  155  and can be lowered around the grooves  170  on the backing member  105  when the combination picture frame and media package  100  is assembled, in order to secure the various parts. The tabs  165  can be raised in order to open the frame, remove the compact disc  140 , or remove the picture  150 . The tabs  165  each include a notch  175  that allows the frame to be hung easily from a wall.  
         [0031]      FIG. 2A  is an exploded illustration in isometric view of another embodiment of the invention. An injection-molded embodiment of the combination picture frame and media package  200  is illustrated exploded to show many of its constituent parts. These parts include a backing member  205  that serves as the base for the combination picture frame and media package  200 . The backing member  205  is manufactured to include a compact disc holder  210  that allows storage of a compact disc  240  within the frame, two finger tabs  215  that allow one to easily remove a compact disc  240  that is placed in the backing member, a discharge tab  220  that securely holds the compact disc  240  once placed in the frame, and a platform  225  that is flat and designed to support a picture  250 . An indented border  230  lines the edges of the backing member  205  in order to give the decorative appearance of a conventional picture frame molding. The backing member  205  includes two hanging holes  233  that allow the combination picture frame and media package  200  to be easily hung on a wall; oriented either in landscape or portrait form, depending on the hanging hole  233  that is used. A compact disc  240  is shown above the backing member  205  and is inserted into the compact disc holder  210  when the frame is assembled. When inserted, the hole  245  in the compact disc  240  will mate with the discharge tab  220  in the backing member  205  to securely hold the compact disc  240 . A picture  250  is shown above the compact disc and can be placed on the platform  225  when the frame is assembled. A cover member  255  is shown above the picture  250  and serves to enclose the entire combination picture frame and media package  200 . The cover member  255  includes an integrated center plate  260  that is transparent and allows one to view the picture  250 . Outer detents  265  are included on the cover member  255  to engage with the inner detents  275  on the backing member  205  to securely close all of the constituent parts when the combination picture frame and media package  200  is assembled.  
         [0032]      FIG. 2B  is a cross sectional illustration of the backing member for this embodiment of the invention. A backing member  205  is shown with its inner detents  275  on either edge. An indented border  230  is shown along the outside edge of the backing member  205 . The platform  225  surrounds the compact disc holder  215 . The discharge tab  220  is shown elevated from the compact disc holder  215 . Finally, a hanging hole  233  is shown that allows the assembly to be easily hung from a wall.  
         [0033]      FIG. 3  is an exploded illustration in isometric view of another embodiment of the invention. A vacuum-formed embodiment of the combination picture frame and media package  300  is illustrated exploded to show many of its constituent parts. These parts include a backing member  305  that serves as the base for the combination picture frame and media package  300 . The backing member  305  is manufactured to include a compact disc holder  310  that allows storage of a compact disc  340  within the frame, two finger tabs  315  that allow one to easily remove a compact disc  340  that is placed in the backing member, a discharge tab  320  that securely holds the compact disc  340  once placed in the frame, and a platform  325  that is flat and designed to support a picture. An indented border  330  lines the edges of the backing member  305  in order to give the decorative appearance of a conventional picture frame molding. The backing member  305  includes two hanging holes  333  that allows the combination picture frame and media package  300  to be easily hung on a wall, oriented either in landscape or portrait form, depending on the hanging hole  333  that is used. A compact disc  340  is shown above the backing member  305  and is inserted into the compact disc holder  310  when the frame is assembled. When inserted, the hole  345  in the compact disc  340  will mate with the discharge tab  320  of the backing member  305  in order to securely hold the compact disc  340  in pace. A picture  350  is shown above the compact disc and can be placed on the platform  325  when the frame is assembled. A toy  385  is shown above the picture  350  and can also be included inside the combination picture frame and media package  300 . A cover member  355  is shown above the picture  350  and serves to enclose the entire combination picture frame and media package  300  when assembled. The cover member  355  includes an integrated center plate  360  that is transparent and allows one to view the picture  350 . The center plate  360  is indented  390  in order to secure and display the toy  385  that is included with the combination picture frame and media package  300 . The edges  363  of the cover member  355  are elevated to fit snuggly over the indented borders  330  of the backing member  305  once the combination picture frame and media package  300  is assembled. Additionally, the cover member  355  includes an elevated or indented logo  380  that can be a graphic or text used to adorn the combination picture frame and media package. This elevated or indented logo  380  on the cover member  355  matches a similar such logo  395  on the backing member  305 , that will fit snuggly within one another upon assembly of the combination picture frame and media package  300 . Several tabs  365  are included on the cover member  355  and can be lowered around the grooves  370  on the backing member  305  when the combination picture frame and media package  300  is assembled in order to secure the various parts. The tabs  365  can be raised in order to open the frame, remove the compact disc  340 , or remove the picture  350 . The tabs  365  each include a notch  375  that allows the frame to be hung easily from a wall.  
         [0034]      FIG. 4  is an illustration in perspective view of another embodiment of the invention. A vacuum-formed embodiment of the combination picture frame and media package  400  is shown in an opened position. In this embodiment of the invention, the backing member  405  is integrated with the cover member  410  via a hinge  415  running along a common seam of the backing member  405  and cover member  410 . The backing member  305  is manufactured to include a compact disc holder  440  that allows storage of a compact disc within the frame, a discharge tab  420  that securely holds the compact disc once placed in the frame, and a platform  425  that is flat and designed to support a picture. An indented border molding  430  lines the edges of the backing member  405  in order to give the appearance of a conventional picture frame molding. A cover member  410  serves to enclose the entire combination picture frame and media package  400 . The cover member  410  includes an integrated center plate  460  that is transparent and allows one to view a picture placed in the frame. The edges  455  of the cover member  410  are elevated to fit snuggly over the indented borders  430  of the backing member  405  once the combination picture frame and media package  400  is closed. Several tabs  465  are included on the cover member  410  and can be lowered around the grooves  470  on the backing member  405  when the combination picture frame and media package  400  is closed in order to secure the various parts. The tabs  465  can be raised in order to open the frame, remove a compact disc, or remove a picture. The tabs  465  each include a notch  475  that allows the frame to be hung easily from a wall.  
         [0035]      FIG. 5A  is an exploded illustration in isometric view of another embodiment of the invention. An injection-molded embodiment of the combination picture frame and media package  500  is illustrated exploded to show many of its constituent parts. These parts include a backing member  505  that serves as the base for the combination picture frame and media package  500 . The backing member  505  is manufactured to include a compact disc envelope holder  510  that allows storage of a compact disc envelope  540  within the frame, two finger tabs  515  that allow one to easily remove a compact disc envelope  540  that is placed in the compact disc envelope holder  510 , and a platform  525  that is flat and designed to support a picture  550 . An indented border molding  530  lines the edges of the backing member  505  in order to give the decorative appearance of a conventional picture frame molding. The backing member  505  includes two hanging holes  533  that allows the combination picture frame and media package  500  to be easily hung on a wall, oriented either in landscape or portrait form, depending on the hanging hole  533  that is used. A compact disc envelope  540  is shown above the backing member  505  and is inserted into the compact disc holder  510  when the frame is assembled. The compact disc envelope  540  is shown with a compact disc  545  inside. A picture  550  is shown above the compact disc holder  540  and can be placed on the platform  525  when the frame is assembled. A cover member  555  is shown above the picture  550  and serves to enclose the entire combination picture frame and media package  500 . The cover member  555  includes an integrated center plate  560  that is transparent and allows one to view the picture  550 . Outer detents  565  are included on the cover member  555  to engage with the inner detents  575  on the backing member  505  when the combination picture frame and media  500  is assembled.  
         [0036]      FIG. 5B  is a cross sectional illustration of the backing member for this embodiment of the invention. A backing member  505  is shown with its inner detents  575  on either edge. An indented border  530  is shown along the outside edge of the backing member  505 . The platform  525  surrounds the compact disc envelope holder  510 . Finally, a hanging hole  533  is shown that allows the assembly to be easily hung from a wall.  
         [0037]      FIG. 6A  is an exploded illustration in isometric view of another embodiment of the invention. An injection-molded embodiment of the combination picture frame and media package  600  is illustrated exploded to show many of its constituent parts. These parts include a backing member  605  that serves as the base for the combination picture frame and media package  600 . The backing member  605  is manufactured to include a compact disc envelope holder  610  that allows storage of a compact disc envelope  640  within the frame, two finger tabs  615  that allow one to easily remove a compact disc envelope  640  that is placed in the compact disc envelope holder  610 , and a platform  625  that is flat and designed to support a picture. An indented border  630  lines the edges of the backing member  605  in order to give the decorative appearance of a conventional picture frame molding. The backing member  605  includes two hanging holes  633  that allows the combination picture frame and media package  600  to be easily hung on a wall, oriented either in landscape or portrait form, depending on the hanging hole  633  that is used. This embodiment of the invention uses injection molded plastic in order to form the backing member  605  and cover member  655 . The cover member  605  and cover member  655  are attached in this embodiment via a hinge mechanism  670 . The hinge mechanism  670  consists of round tabs  675  at the edge of the backing member  605  that mate with the round holes  685  of the cover member  655  when the combination picture frame and media package  600  is assembled. A compact disc envelope  640  is shown above the backing member  605  and is inserted into the compact disc holder  610  when the frame is assembled. The compact disc envelope  640  is shown with a compact disc  645  inside. A picture  650  is shown above the compact disc holder  640  and can be placed on the platform  625  when the frame is assembled. A cover member  655  is shown above the picture  650  and serves to enclose the entire combination picture frame and media package  600 . The cover member  655  includes an integrated center plate  660  that is transparent and allows one to view the picture  650 . Outer detents  665  are included on the cover member  655  to mate with the inner detents  690  on the backing member  605  when the combination picture frame and media  600  is assembled.  
         [0038]      FIG. 6B  is an enlarged illustration of the hinge mechanism of one embodiment of the invention. The backing member  605  and cover member  655  are attached in this embodiment via a hinge mechanism  670 . The hinge mechanism  670  consists of round pegs  675  at the edge of the backing member  605  that mate with the round holes  685  of the cover member  655  when the combination picture frame and media package  600  is assembled. These allow the cover member  655  to articulate along the hinge mechanism  670  and open and close the combination picture frame and media package  600 .  
         [0039]      FIG. 7  is an exploded illustration in isometric view of another embodiment of the invention. A vacuum-formed embodiment of the combination picture frame and media package  700  is illustrated exploded to show many of its constituent parts. These parts include a backing member  705  that serves as the base for the combination picture frame and media package  700 . The backing member  705  is manufactured to include a toy holder  710  that allows storage of a toy  740  within the frame and a platform  725  that is flat and designed to support a picture. An indented border  730  lines the edges of the backing member  705  in order to give the decorative appearance of a conventional picture frame molding. The backing member  705  includes two hanging holes  733  that allows the combination picture frame and media package  700  to be easily hung on a wall, oriented either in landscape or portrait form, depending on the hanging hole  333  that is used. A toy  740  is shown above the backing member  705  and is inserted into the toy holder  710  when the frame is assembled. A picture  750  is shown above the toy  740  and can be placed on the platform  725  when the frame is assembled. A decorative edge graphic  785  is shown above the picture  750  and can be place on the indented border  730  that may display graphic or written adornments for the combination picture frame and media package  700 . The cover member  755  is shown above the decorative edge graphic  785  and includes an integrated center plate  760  that is transparent and allows one to view the picture  750 . The edges  763  of the cover member  755  are transparent and elevated to fit snuggly over the indented borders  730  of the backing member  705  once the combination picture frame and media package  700  is assembled. Additionally, the cover member  755  includes an elevated or indented logo  780  that can be a graphic or text used to adorn the combination picture frame and media package. When assembled, the decorative edge graphic  785  is visible beneath the edges  763  of the cover member  755 . Several tabs  765  are included on the cover member  755  and can be lowered around the grooves  770  on the backing member  705  when the combination picture frame and media package  700  is assembled in order to secure the various parts. The tabs  765  can be raised in order to open the frame, remove the toy  740 , or remove the picture  750 . The tabs  765  each include a notch  775  that allows the frame to be hung easily from a wall.  
         [0040]      FIG. 8  is an exploded illustration in isometric view of another embodiment of the invention. An injection-molded embodiment of the combination picture frame and media package  800  is illustrated exploded to show many of its constituent parts. These parts include a backing member  805  that serves as the base for the combination picture frame and media package  800 . The backing member  805  is manufactured to include a compact disc envelope holder  810  that allows storage of a compact disc envelope  840  on the rear of the frame and a platform  825  that is flat and designed to support a picture  850 . This allows the compact disc envelope  840  to be removed from the combination picture frame and media package  800  without removing the cover member  855  or the picture  850 . An indented border  830  lines the edges of the backing member  805  in order to give the decorative appearance of a conventional picture frame molding. The backing member  805  includes two hanging holes  833  that allows the combination picture frame and media package  800  to be easily hung on a wall, oriented either in landscape or portrait form, depending on the hanging hole  833  that is used. A compact disc envelope  840  is shown below the backing member  805  and is inserted and removed from the compact disc holder  810  at the rear of the frame. The compact disc envelope  840  is shown with a compact disc  845  inside. A picture  850  is shown above the backing member  805  and can be placed on the platform  825  when the frame is assembled. A cover member  855  is shown above the picture  850  and serves to enclose the entire combination picture frame and media package  800 . The cover member  855  includes an integrated center plate  860  that is transparent and allows one to view the picture  850 . Outer detents  865  are included on the cover member  855  to engage with the inner detents  875  on the backing member  805  when the combination picture frame and media  800  is assembled.  
         [0041]      FIG. 9  is an exploded illustration in isometric view of another embodiment of the invention. A vacuum-formed embodiment of the combination picture frame and media package  900  is illustrated exploded to show many of its constituent parts. These parts include a backing member  905  that serves as the base for the combination picture frame and media package  900 . The backing member  905  is manufactured to include a compact disc holder  910  that allows storage of a compact disc  940  on the rear side of the frame, two finger tabs on the rear side of the frame  915  that allow one to easily remove a compact disc  940  that is placed on the rear of the backing member, a discharge tab  920  that securely holds the compact disc  940  once placed in the frame, and a platform  925  that is flat and designed to support a picture  950 . An indented border  930  lines the edges of the backing member  905  in order to give the decorative appearance of a conventional picture frame molding. The backing member  905  includes two hanging holes  933  that allow the combination picture frame and media package  900  to be easily hung on a wall; oriented either in landscape or portrait form, depending on the hanging hole  933  that is used. A compact disc  940  is shown below the backing member  905  and is inserted into the compact disc holder  910  when the frame is assembled. When inserted, the hole  945  in the compact disc  940  will mate with the discharge tab  920  in the backing member  905  to securely hold the compact disc  940 . A picture  950  is shown above the compact disc and can be placed on the platform  925  when the frame is assembled. A cover member  955  is shown above the picture  950  and serves to enclose the entire combination picture frame and media package  900 . The cover member  955  includes an integrated center plate  960  that is transparent and allows one to view the picture  950 . The cover member  955  also includes a border  963  along its edges that, upon assembly, will lie flush with the indented border  930  of the backing member  905  to give the decorative appearance of a conventional picture frame molding. Several tabs  965  are included on the cover member  955  and can be lowered around the grooves  970  on the backing member  905  when the combination picture frame and media package  900  is assembled, in order to secure the various parts. The tabs  965  can be raised in order to open the frame, remove the compact disc  940 , or remove the picture  950 . The tabs  965  each include a notch  975  that allows the frame to be hung easily from a wall.