Abstract:
A picture frame for supporting and displaying a photograph or other similar item includes a frame body having a plurality of individual frame members which are affixed together. The frame body is constructed of metal and is shaped to define a center opening in which the photograph is positioned. A transparent glass plate is mounted onto the frame body over the center opening to protect the photograph without impeding visibility. For decorative purposes, text is shaped from a soft metal and is soldered onto the frame body around the center opening. In addition, a plurality of colored glass panels are mounted onto the frame body around the center opening. Furthermore, a plurality of flowers are disposed between a pair of spaced apart glass panels which, in turn, are mounted onto the frame body around the center opening.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to frames and more particularly to frames which are adapted to retain a photograph. 
     Frames which are adapted to retain a photograph, also commonly referred to simply as picture frames, are well known in the art and are commonly used to support and display a photograph or other similar item. 
     Picture frames typically comprise a frame body, or border, which serves as a support for the picture frame. In addition, picture frames typically comprise a transparent glass plate which protects the photograph without impeding visibility of the photograph. Furthermore, picture frames typically comprise a backing for retaining the photograph within the picture frame. A stand for balancing the picture frame on a support surface is often pivotally mounted onto the backing about a hinge. 
     Picture frames are commonly used to retain a photograph in the following manner. Specifically, the front surface of the transparent glass plate is typically mounted onto the frame body in such a manner so that the glass plate covers a central opening defined by the frame body. The front surface of the photograph to be displayed is then disposed against the bottom surface of the transparent glass plate. As such, the photograph is positioned within the central opening in the frame body and is clearly visible through the transparent glass plate. With the glass plate and photograph mounted onto the frame body, the backing is disposed against the rear surface of the photograph and is retained in place by the frame body. Specifically, the frame body is typically provided with one or more devices, such as clips or brackets, for retaining the backing securely against the rear surface of the photograph. With the backing disposed against the rear surface of the photograph, the stand can be pivotally adjusted about the hinge so as to enable the picture frame to be balanced upon a support surface, such as a table, bookcase or mantle. 
     It should be noted that conventional picture frames are commonly presented in a broad variety of different styles in order to conform to the desired taste of the consumer, which is highly desirable. 
     As an example, the frame body of conventional picture frames is often presented in a wide variety of different colors. As a result, the consumer is able to purchase a picture frame which blends in with the decor of its immediate surroundings, which is highly desirable. 
     As another example, the frame body of conventional picture frames is often manufactured out of a variety of different materials. For instance, the frame body of conventional picture frames is commonly manufactured of wood, metal, glass or plastic to better accommodate the particular needs of the consumer, which is highly desirable. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved picture frame for supporting and displaying an item such as a photograph. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a picture frame as described above which is aesthetically pleasing. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a picture frame as described above which has a limited number of parts, which is easy to use and which is inexpensive to manufacture. 
     Accordingly, as one feature of the present invention, there is provided a picture frame for supporting and displaying an item, such as a photograph, the picture frame comprising a frame body adapted to support and display the item, and text mounted onto the frame body. 
     As another feature of the present invention, there is provided a picture frame for supporting and displaying an item, such as a photograph, said picture frame comprising a frame body adapted to support and display the item, text mounted onto said frame body, one or more colored glass panels mounted onto said frame body, a first glass panel mounted onto said frame body, a second glass panel mounted onto said frame body, and one or more flowers disposed between said first glass panel and said second glass panel. 
     Various other features and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, a specific embodiment for practicing the invention. This embodiment will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like parts: 
     FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a picture frame constructed according to the teachings of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a rear plan view of the picture frame shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the picture frame shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a right side view of the picture frame shown in FIG. 1; and 
     FIG. 5 is a section view of the picture frame shown in FIG. 1, taken along lines  5 — 5 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, there is shown a picture frame constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, the picture frame being identified generally by reference numeral  11 . It should be noted that picture frame  11  is adapted to hold and display a photograph or other similar item. 
     Picture frame  11  comprises a frame body  13  which is serves as a structural support for picture frame  11 . Frame body  13  is constructed preferably of lead. However, it is to be understood that the frame body  13  is not limited to being constructed of lead. Rather, frame body  13  could be constructed of alternative types of materials, such as different forms of metals, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     Frame body  13  comprises a plurality of individual frame members  15  which are affixed together. Preferably, frame members  15  are affixed together using solder  17 . However, it is to be understood that interconnected frame members  15  are not limited to being affixed together using solder  17 . Rather, interconnected frame members  15  could be affixed together using an alternative material, such as any conventional adhesive, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     It should be noted that frame body  13  is not limited to the particular number and arrangement of interconnected frame members  15  shown in FIG.  1 . Rather, it is to be understood that frame body  13  could comprise an alternative number and configuration of frame members  15  without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     Frame body  13  comprises a first inner vertical frame member  19  having a first end  21  and a second end  23 . Similarly, frame body  13  comprises a second inner vertical frame member  25  having a first end  27  and a second end  29 . 
     Frame body  13  also comprises a first inner horizontal frame member  31  having a first end  33  affixed to first inner vertical frame member  19  by solder  17  and a second end  35  affixed to second inner vertical frame member  25  by solder  17 . Similarly, frame body  13  comprises a second inner horizontal frame member  37  having a first end  39  affixed to first inner vertical frame member  19  by solder  17  and a second end  41  affixed to second inner vertical frame member  25  by solder  17 . 
     It should be noted that first inner vertical frame member  19 , second inner vertical frame member  25 , first inner horizontal frame member  31 , and second inner horizontal frame member  37  together define a rectangular center opening  42 . As can be appreciated, the photograph supported by picture frame  11  is positioned within rectangular center opening  42  for viewing, as will be described further in detail below. 
     Frame body  13  further comprises a first outer horizontal frame member  43  having a first end  45  affixed to first end  21  of first inner vertical frame member  19  by solder  17  and a second end  47  affixed to first end  27  of second vertical frame member  25  by solder  17 . Similarly, frame body  13  comprises a second outer horizontal frame member  49  having a first end  51  affixed to second end  23  of first inner vertical frame member  19  by solder  17  and a second end  53  affixed to second end  29  of second inner vertical frame member  25  by solder  17 . 
     Frame body  13  additionally comprises a first three-sided outer frame member  55  having a first end  57  affixed to first end  21  of first inner vertical frame member  19  by solder  17  and a second end  59  affixed to second end  23  of first inner vertical frame member  19  by solder  17 . Similarly, frame body  13  comprises a second three-sided outer frame member  61  having a first end  63  affixed to first end  27  of second vertical frame member  25  by solder  17  and a second end  65  affixed to second end  29  of second vertical frame member  25  by solder  17 . 
     A rectangular transparent glass plate  67  is mounted onto frame body  13 . Specifically, a portion of each of first and second inner vertical frame members  19  and  25  is shaped to include an elongated slot which is sized and shaped to receive the left and right side, respectively, vertical edges of glass plate  67 . Furthermore, each of first and second inner horizontal frame members  31  and  37  is shaped to include an elongated slot along its length which is sized and shaped to receive the top and bottom, respectively, horizontal edges of glass plate  67 . In this manner, glass plate  67  is securely mounted onto frame body  13  so as to enclose center opening  42 . Accordingly, with a photograph mounted onto picture frame  11 , glass plate  67  protects the photograph without impeding visibility. 
     A rectangular transparent, or clear, glass plate  69  and a rectangular opaque, or white contoured, glass plate  71  are supported by frame body  13 . Specifically, first inner vertical frame member  19  is shaped to include an elongated slot which is sized and shaped to receive the right side vertical edge of transparent glass plate  69  and white glass plate  71 . Similarly, first three-sided outer frame member  55  is shaped to include an elongated slot along its length which is sized and shaped to receive the left side vertical edge, top horizontal edge and bottom horizontal edge of transparent glass plate  69  and white glass plate  71 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 5, transparent glass plate  69  lies directly above, and in parallel relation with, white glass plate  71 . Furthermore, one or more pressed, or dried, flowers  73  are disposed between transparent glass plate  69  and white glass plate  71 . Accordingly, with flowers  73  disposed between glass plates  69  and  71 , flowers  73  are disposed around center opening  42  and are readily visible. As such, flowers  73  border around the left edge of the photograph retained by picture frame  11  for decorative purposes. 
     In a similar manner, a rectangular transparent, or clear, glass plate  75  and a rectangular opaque, or white, glass plate  77  are supported by frame body  13 . Specifically, second inner vertical frame member  25  is shaped to include an elongated slot which is sized and shaped to receive the left side vertical edge of transparent glass plate  75  and white glass plate  77 . Similarly, second three-sided outer frame member  61  is shaped to include an elongated slot along its length which is sized and shaped to receive the right side vertical edge, top horizontal edge and bottom horizontal edge of transparent glass plate  75  and white glass plate  77 . 
     Transparent glass plate  75  lies directly above, and in parallel relation with, white glass plate  77 . Furthermore, one or more pressed, or dried, flowers  79  are disposed between transparent glass plate  75  and white glass plate  77 . Accordingly, with flowers  79  disposed between glass plates  75  and  77 , flowers  79  are disposed around center opening  42  and are readily visible. As such, flowers  79  border around the right edge of the photograph retained by picture frame  11  for decorative purposes. 
     It should be noted that picture frame  11  is not limited to the particular arrangement of flowers  73  and  79 . Rather, it is to be understood that the number, configuration and location of flowers  73  and  79  could be modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     A first rectangular colored, or stained, glass plate  81  is supported by frame body  13 . Specifically, first inner horizontal frame member  31  is shaped to include an elongated slot which is sized and shaped to receive the bottom horizontal edge of stained glass plate  81 . Also, first outer horizontal frame member  43  is shaped to include an elongated slot which is sized and shaped to receive the top horizontal edge of stained glass plate  81 . In addition, a portion of first inner vertical frame member  19  is shaped to include an elongated slot which is sized and shaped to receive the left side edge of stained glass plate  81 . Furthermore, a portion of second inner vertical frame member  25  is shaped to include an elongated slot which is sized and shaped to receive the right side edge of stained glass plate  81 . Accordingly, stained glass plate  81  is securely retained within first inner horizontal frame member  31 , first outer horizontal frame member  43  and first and second inner vertical horizontal frame members  19  and  25 . As such, stained glass plate  81  is disposed above center opening  42  and borders the top edge of the photograph retained by picture frame  11  for decorative purposes. 
     A second rectangular colored, or stained, glass plate  83  is supported by frame body  13 . Specifically, second inner horizontal frame member  37  is shaped to include an elongated slot which is sized and shaped to receive the top horizontal edge of stained glass plate  83 . Also, second outer horizontal frame member  49  is shaped to include an elongated slot which is sized and shaped to receive the bottom horizontal edge of stained glass plate  83 . In addition, a portion of first inner vertical frame member  19  is shaped to include an elongated slot which is sized and shaped to receive the left side edge of stained glass plate  83 . Furthermore, a portion of second inner vertical frame member  25  is shaped to include an elongated slot which is sized and shaped to receive the right side edge of stained glass plate  83 . Accordingly, stained glass plate  83  is securely retained within second inner horizontal frame member  37 , second outer horizontal frame member  49  and first and second inner vertical horizontal frame members  19  and  25 . As such, stained glass plate  83  is disposed beneath center opening  42  and borders the bottom edge of the photograph retained by picture frame  11  for decorative purposes. 
     It should be noted that picture frame  11  is not limited to the particular arrangement of stained glass plates  81  and  83 . Rather, it is to be understood that the color, number, configuration and location of stained glass plates  81  and  83  could be modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, it is to be understood that a plurality of different colored stained glass plates could supported by frame body  13  to create a colorful rainbow-like border around the photograph retained by picture frame  11  without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     Text  85  is mounted onto frame body  13 . It should be noted that the implementation of text  85  onto picture frame  11  and the manner in which text  85  is mounted onto frame body  13  serve as two principle features of the present invention. 
     Text  85  is preferably constructed of a soft metal, such as lead, which is shaped by hand into the particular phrase “TWO SOULS ONE HEART,” as shown in FIG.  1 . 
     It should be noted that text  85  is not limited to being constructed of a soft metal, such as lead. Rather, it is to be understood that text  85  could be constructed out of alternative types of similar materials, such as different types of metals, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     Text  85  is mounted onto frame body  13  using solder  17 , thereby permanently securing text  85  onto frame body  13 . Specifically, the words “TWO SOULS” are affixed onto first inner horizontal frame member  31  and first outer horizontal frame member  43  so as to border the top horizontal edge of center opening  42 . In addition, the words “ONE HEART” are affixed onto second inner horizontal frame member  37  and second outer horizontal frame member  49  so as to border the bottom horizontal edge of center opening  42 . 
     It should be noted that picture frame  11  is not limited to the use of solder  17  to mount text  53  onto frame body  13 . Rather, it is to be understood that text  53  could be secured onto frame body  13  by alternative means, such as using any conventional form of an adhesive, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     It should also be noted that text  53  is not limited to the phrase “TWO SOULS ONE HEART.” Rather, text  53  represents any form of lettering. Specifically, text  53  represents any sentence, phrase or initialing which is well known in the art. Accordingly, it is to be understood that text  53  could be replaced with alternative form of lettering without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, it is to be understood that text  53  could be replaced with conventional designs or symbols without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     Referring now to FIG. 2, a flange  87  is mounted onto the back side of frame body  13 , flange  87  being generally L-shaped in lateral cross-section; As will be described further in detail below, flange  87  assists in retaining the photograph against transparent glass plate  67 . 
     Flange  87  comprises a first member  89  which is affixed to first inner horizontal frame member  31  by solder  17 , a second member  91  which is affixed to first inner vertical frame member  19  by solder  17 , and third member  93  which is affixed to second inner vertical frame member  25  by solder  17 . 
     It should be noted that picture frame  11  is not limited to the use of flange  87  to retain a photograph therewithin. Rather, it is to be understood that flange  87  could be replaced with alternative forms of photograph retention devices, such as clips or fasteners, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     A generally rectangular backing  95  is removably mounted onto frame body  13 . Backing  95  is preferably constructed of a paper material, such as cardboard, and serves to retain the photograph within flange  87 . Specifically, backing  95  is sized and shaped to be fittingly retained between flange  87  and glass plate  67 . As such, backing  95  can be slid vertically up and under flange  87 , the snug fit of backing  95  between flange  87  and glass plate  67  serving to secure the photograph in position against glass plate  67 , which is highly desirable. 
     A stand  97  is pivotally mounted onto backing  95  about a hinge  99 . As such, stand  97  may be pivotally adjusted so as to enable picture frame  11  to be disposed in a balanced position upon a mounting surface. 
     In use, picture frame  11  can be used in the following manner. Specifically, with backing  95  removed from frame body  13 , the front surface of the desired photograph is disposed against the back surface of transparent glass plate  67 . As such, the photograph is positioned within central opening  42  in frame body  13  and is clearly visible through transparent glass plate  67 . Furthermore, flowers  73  and  79 , stained glass plates  81  and  83 , and text  85  border the photograph for decorative purposes. 
     With the photograph disposed against glass plate  67 , backing  95  is slid under flange  87 . The snug fit of backing  95  between flange  87  and glass plate  67  serves to retain the photograph against glass plate  67 . Having slidably mounted backing  95  onto frame body  13 , stand  97  is pivotally adjusted about hinge  99  so as to enable picture frame  11  to be properly balanced upon a support surface, such as a table, bookcase or mantle. 
     The embodiment shown in the present invention is intended to be merely exemplary and those skilled in the art shall be able to make numerous variations and modifications to it without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.