Abstract:
A decorative frame assembly is provided. The frame assembly incorporates mechanically reproduced decorative components onto outwardly facing surfaces in order to provide an inexpensive mimic of a conventional frame. A method of assembly also is provided. A typical frame assembly includes a photographically reproduced decorative element.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Priority is claimed from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/747,230, filed May 15, 2006, and from PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US07/68753, filed May 11, 2007, hereby incorporated by reference hereinto. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention generally relates to decorative frame assemblies that are suitable for displaying and enhancing the appearance of items that are desired to be framed. Also included are methods of assembly. More particularly, this invention relates to frame assemblies and methods wherein the frame itself is decorated by including an ornamental substrate. 
     DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART 
     Framing devices that are of inexpensive materials are generally known in the art. Examples include Handler U.S. Pat. No. 5,783,005 which proposes an approach by which a decorative member such as a work of art is cut to provide a center section and a separate perimeter section, thereby breaking the image so that a respective portion of the broken image is displayed in the center section and in the separate perimeter section, while interposing an intermediate border therebetween. This provides a complete picture product rather than a decorative frame that is usable for a variety of different items to be displayed. 
     Schrotenboer U.S. Pat. No. 1,940,328 describes a box picture frame, while indicating that portions of the frame may be tightly wrapped with covering paper identified as a leatherette, gilt or other attractive covering paper. Lawrence U.S. Pat. No. 4,033,060 relates to picture frame construction having an outer frame element, an inner frame element and a picture retaining element so as to provide what is indicated as a lightweight frame construction. 
     Prior art such as this does not disclose, teach or suggest a new approach that has been introduced by and addressed by the present disclosure. This includes how to provide frame members that are not only inexpensive but also exhibit decorative patterns, for example, in a three-dimensional fashion, and that can be inexpensively prepared by being reproductions of frame patterns or other decorative components that may be considered worthy of reproduction. Also, it can be desirable to provide such decorative frame assemblies in the form of frames that have a three-dimensional and/or beveled character, such as those that project with respect to the item being framed in a manner that accentuates the decorative frame component. 
     Accordingly, a general embodiment, object or aspect of the present invention is to provide an improved inexpensive frame product and method of making same, which product provides an inexpensive but attractive representation of a desirable frame décor or other indicia. 
     Another embodiment, object or aspect of this invention is to provide a decorative frame assembly and method of making same that, while inexpensive and lightweight, is of sturdy construction and can be reusable or disposable as desired. 
     Other embodiments, aspects, objects and advantages of the present invention, including the various features used in various combinations, will be understood from the following description according to certain embodiments of the present invention taken in conjunction with the drawings in which certain specific features are shown. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, an inexpensive decorative frame assembly is provided that displays any one of a variety of images or indicia chosen according to décor and personal preferences from among a myriad of possible sources of images, indicia patterns, frame designs, outlines, and so forth. Such decorative component is located on a frame face that is part of a frame component, often a frame component that projects with respect to the work of art, photograph or other item for display within the frame device. 
     A backboard having a component or multiple components for facilitating display on a wall or horizontal surface typically is part of the frame assembly. In some embodiments with a separate front component and backboard component, a spacer component is positioned between the projecting frame and the backboard so as to facilitate positioning of the print-out, photo, hand-made work of art, award, or other item to be displayed within the frame assembly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the decorative frame assembly; 
         FIG. 2  is a front plan view of a frame assembly as illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a top elevational view of the illustrated frame assembly; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view along the line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear plan view of another frame assembly; 
         FIG. 6  is an elevational view of suspension members suitable for use with the frame assembly of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of a decorative frame assembly; 
         FIG. 8  is a transverse cross-sectional view along the length of the frame assembly of  FIG. 7 , after assembly with a display item shown therein; 
         FIG. 9  is a transverse cross-sectional view along the width of the frame assembly as in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a decorative frame assembly; 
         FIG. 10A  is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a front elevational view of the  FIG. 10  embodiment, modified into a further embodiment, prior to joining of the four corners thereof; 
         FIG. 12  is a rear elevational view, partially broken away, of the frame assembly as in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a front elevational view, partially broken away, of an additional embodiment of a decorative frame assembly; 
         FIG. 14  is a longitudinal side elevational view, partially broken away, of the  FIG. 13  embodiment; 
         FIG. 15  is a transverse side elevational view of the  FIG. 13  embodiment; 
         FIG. 16  is a plan view of an embodiment of a decorative frame assembly illustrating an example of a decoration motif in some detail; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an illustration of an alternative support member for frame assemblies according to illustrated embodiments; 
         FIG. 18  is a front elevational view of another embodiment of a frame assembly; and 
         FIG. 19  is a top plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 18 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriate manner. 
     An embodiment of an ornamental frame assembly is generally designated  11  in  FIG. 1 . Frame assembly  11  includes a front component or perimeter frame member  12 , a backboard  13  and a spacer  14 . These are assembled together by appropriate means such as adhesives, glues, tapes, magnetic components, mechanical components such as clips, brads or staples, or any other suitable means or arrangement. Further details of this embodiment are found in  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4 . 
     In an aspect of this embodiment of the invention, the perimeter frame member  12  includes a frame face substrate  15 . This frame face substrate faces outwardly and forwardly. This provides decorative aspects to the frame assembly by incorporating images, indicia, designs, decorations, whether complete for display or outlined for optional completion, ornamentation or coloration by a user, or other desirable decorative appearances. Once appearance characteristics that are to be provided by the manufacturer are chosen, they typically are generated by reproduction approaches. 
     Typical reproduction approaches include photography, often digital photography, which is printed, developed or otherwise presented onto the outside surface of the frame face substrate. Printing technology also is available for this. Silk screen technology also is available for this. Photographic approaches have the advantage of directly reproducing existing or master frame motifs or designs without requiring motif or design creation specific for this purpose. This decorative component is generally illustrated at  16  in the approach of this embodiment. Backboard  13  helps to hold an item to be framed such as a print or photograph in place within the assembly. 
     It will be appreciated that this and other embodiments display an item to be displayed  18  such as the illustrated print in a pleasing manner. More particularly, the print or other suitable item to be displayed will be surrounded by the decorative aspects that are provided in decorative component  16  of the frame face substrate  15 . 
     With further reference to the embodiment that is illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the decorative component  16  takes the form of a digital photograph of a gilt gold frame. The digital photograph is printed upon suitable substrate material, such as photographic paper. This “picture of an ornamental frame” can be glued to a more rigid member such as paperboard, corrugated board, wood, compressed cellulosic and/or polymeric materials, foam core board or the like that has been cut to size. When a beveled frame appearance is desired as in the case of this embodiment, corner cuts are made and resulting flaps are assembled in miter board fashion in order to provide a full three-dimensional production of an ornamental frame design that was the subject of the digital photograph. 
     Alternatively, the decorative component can be produced, such as by printing a photographic image directly onto a relatively rigid member. This is illustrated by decorative component  16   a  of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 7 through 9 . 
     In embodiments that have beveled frame face features, such as  FIGS. 1-4 , in addition to the frame face substrate  15  which provides a projecting three-dimensional aspect of the device, an interior perimeter non-projecting frame component  25  can be provided. This combination of the projecting frame face substrate and the non-projecting perimeter frame component provides an added aesthetic appeal. It will be appreciated that, with this approach, the print or other item to be displayed  18  abuts the interior perimeter frame component  25 , and the projecting frame face such as substrate  15  presents a concave, three-dimensional projection or flap. This includes four joints  26  that mimic a traditional frame. The decorative component  16  can display varying metallic colors such as gilt, gold, silver and brass. These can have the appearance of painted metallic colors. Other decorative elements and/or indicia can be provided in virtually any color or shape. In especially effective embodiments, the overall impression will “fool the eye” with its aesthetic appeal. 
     For purposes of discussion, the decorative component  16 ,  16   a  is referred to at times herein as being the decorative component that provides a gold frame. It will of course be appreciated that the decorative component can be in any ornamental design, color or the like. The illustrated gold frame is classical in appearance, attractive, inexpensive, and reusable. Other decorative components may include graphics that can have an element of incompleteness so that the user can add further decoration elements such as coloration, completion, and/or additive members such as stickers. It may be used to adorn children&#39;s art, photos, poster prints, flat board canvas, and stretched canvas (stretched canvas with an adaptor kit); it can be used as a temporary frame until a permanent frame is purchased. 
     In an important advantage of this invention, the frame assembly can be provided on a mass-market scale at a relatively low cost. Illustrated embodiments are intended to accommodate the most popular poster and print sizes found in the marketplace, for example: 8 inches×10 inches, 10 inches×11 inches, 20 inches×24 inches, etc. A fold-out-foot  17  of the backboard is illustrated as a mechanism for supporting the frame assembly on a horizontal surface. A typical foot  17  in this regard can range from about 3 inches to about 6 inches or greater for aesthetic impact and function. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate hanging approaches including magnetic ones. This frame assembly  21  has a magnetic strip  22  (which can be shaped as desired and varied as noted herein). Correspondingly, one or more disks  23  ( FIG. 6 ) are positioned on a surface, typically a vertical surface  23   a . Alternatively, one or more grommets  24  can be secured to the backboard or the like to facilitate support or hanging, such as be threading a hanger wire therethrough. 
     With reference to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , the backboard  13  helps to hold the print (shown in phantom at  18  in  FIG. 1 ) in place. In addition to or instead of a component such as the fold-out foot  17 , the backboard can include a feature to allow for wall hanging, such as a recess or a hanging member such as an eyelet. 
     A typical spacer  14  is of a U-shaped configuration as illustrated in  FIG. 1  and has a thickness adequate to accommodate a typical print or other item to be displayed  18 . A typical thickness for the spacer  14  is one-eighth inch. This allows the print or the like item to be displayed to readily slide in and out through the space that is provided between the opposing legs of the spacer  14 . 
     Referring generally to the method of assembly of an embodiment such as shown in  FIG. 1 , and in keeping with the reference to a gold frame, the process typically can include taking a digital picture of an ornate gold or frame made of wood, metal, polymer, plaster or other rigid material. A properly sized print then can be prepared therefrom. This then is glued or otherwise secured to foam core board or other substrate more rigid than a typical photo print paper. The board is cut specifically to accommodate the item to be displayed such as the print, picture or the like. The item to be displayed can be of a known dimensional size, although custom manufacture also is contemplated when needed. 
     During the cutting of the relatively rigid substrate, the outer edge is cut to conform to the sizing of the decorative component  16  or “picture of the frame” in an illustrated embodiment. In this type of style, the corners are mitered. Depending upon the frame style, the mitering typically will be between about 25° and 35° at miter location  27 . Typically, the center will be cut to the desired sizing, often commensurate with the most popular sizes needed for mass marketing. The miter location can include interacting members on opposing miter corner edges, illustrated in other embodiments herein. 
     Continuing with the method of assembly, on the reverse side of the decorative component of the frame, lines are scored, such as at score line  19  ( FIG. 4 ). Four lines are scored on the reverse side to create lines of weakness for easy folding of the flaps toward the front side of the perimeter face member in this embodiment. The four line sizes are commensurate to the size of the frame. The four lines are scored between about 2 inches and about 6 inches from the above center cut to maintain the ornamental two-dimensional section of the “picture of the frame” having a three-dimensional appearance in this type of embodiment. This also is where the item  18  to be displayed abuts the frame. 
     Next, the flaps are folded from the scored lines and the corners joined. Mitered corners are joined at the seams using strong adhesive, gold decorative stickers, tape including clear tape, tabs, dove-tailing, or other suitable means. In this example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the projecting perimeter face member  12  and the non-projecting interior perimeter member  25  are adorned with the decorative component. 
     Thereafter, the backboard is fitted over the back side of the frame, but not the flaps of the perimeter frame member  12 . The spacer  14  of this embodiment is secured to the backboard and to the frame by suitable means, such as glue. A typical spacer has a width of about one-eighth inch to about one-half inch, typically being made of the same type of substantially rigid material as the rest of the unit, such as foam core board or corrugated board for example. 
     With further reference to materials of construction, foam core board has been found to be an excellent assembly material. Of course, other materials can be used, provided they impart adequate strength and minimal weight to the frame assembly. Materials of a paperboard type can be used, as can other cellulosic materials, including light woods or composites. Polymer materials besides those included in foam core board also can be used. Combinations of materials also can be suitable, including combinations of natural and synthetic materials. An important consideration is cost, with less expensive materials being preferred. 
     A typical backboard  13  will be made of paperboard materials that often are customarily employed in picture frames. Other materials such as those noted above also could be used. Once again, cost considerations will be important in selecting materials and design details for the backboard of the frame assembly. 
     Another embodiment of a frame arrangement is a frame assembly  31  that incorporates a door-like assembly for facilitating placement of the item to be displayed  18 . Generally, by this approach, illustrated in  FIGS. 7 ,  8  and  9 , the backboard, generally shown at  33 , is secured to the perimeter frame member  32  by any of a variety of approaches such as the illustrated tape strips  30 . The backboard has a hinged door  34  that opens to insert or remove the item  18  and closes to secure the item in place. Flaps or perimeter frame members  32  are shown in the front component of this embodiment, in  FIG. 7 , in a fashion by which they mate at joints  36 . Folds and/or score lines  39  ( FIG. 8 ) typically will facilitate bending to form the perimeter frame. Matting  37  can be included to lay against and accent the item to be displayed  18 . A window opening  38  is present and can generally coincide with the perimeter of the matting  37 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates the backboard  33  having hinged door  34  and a frame  41  joined by a hinge  42 . Hinge  42  can be secured by suitable means, or it can be formed as scored flute board with no through cut away line. To facilitate opening of the door  34 , a cut-out  43  can be included to provide a finger pull feature. The rear face  44  of the backboard can have a keyhole on each of two sides to allow for simple hanging action in one of two orientations. 
     In  FIGS. 8 and 9 , cross-sectional views normal to each other show the front component and backboard assembled together. The door  34  is shown open, revealing a lip  45 . It will be understood that the item to be displayed  18  can be positioned over the lip  45  (indicia side of the item  18  being to the front or into the plane of  FIG. 7  as thus displayed). After the door  34  is closed, the perimeter of item  18  is sandwiched between the perimeter of the door  34  and the lip  45 . The inside perimeter  46  of the lip  45  is less than the opening perimeter  47  of the door  34  to create the lip. Decorative components  16   a  and  16   b  surround item  18 . 
       FIGS. 10 ,  10 A,  11  and  12  illustrate “façade” types of arrangements for a frame assembly. With frame assembly  51  and  51   a  decorative component  53  is provided, and same can cover perimeter frame member  52 . Decorative component  53   a  can be included on the illustrated front surface of flat frame member  52   a , whether a continuation of frame member  52  and decorative component  53  or as separate features. Typically, rear face  52   b  of the perimeter frame member  52  is unadorned, but same can be adorned if desired. Joint  54  and miter location  55  are illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12  with tabs or detents  56 ,  56   a  and generally complementary slots or indents  57 ,  57   a . Each can have a similar overall outline shape or can be different such as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . In the arrangement illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 10   a , an adhesive member  50 , which can be for example double-sided tape, is positioned on the non-decorative portions of the frame assembly  51 . In the illustrated arrangement, a plurality of adhesive members  50  are positioned on the back surface  53   b  of the of the flat frame member  52   a . The user then adheres the frame assembly  51  onto the face of an existing traditional frame. In this way, what might be a drab or unattractive frame is transformed into a frame exhibiting the decorative component present on this façade-type of frame assembly. 
     In the arrangement illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the item to be displayed  18  is secured directly to the frame assembly  51  by adhesive strips  58  such as double-sided tape. Score line  59  can be provided to facilitate bending. A recessed keyhole  60  is shown for supporting the product at one of two orientations. If desired, the adhesive member or members  50  also can be included in this particular embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
     It will be seen from the embodiment of  FIGS. 13 ,  14  and  15  that a frame assembly  61  can have a perimeter frame member  62  that projects generally rearwardly if desired by bending the parts of the frame member in this direction to give a different effect from bending generally forwardly. This can be referred to as a “shadow box” effect. Score lines  60  can be provided. Decorative component is found on one or both of the beveled or flat faces, at  63  and  63   a  respectively. Backboard with door and grommets as in other embodiments also are shown. Joint  64  can include a tab or detent  66  and a corresponding slot or indent  67  at each miter corner. 
       FIG. 16  shows a frame component  71  that illustrates the type of ornamental detail that can be provided by the present approach. Here perimeter frame member  72  has a portion  73  to form an angled surface and a portion  73   a  to provide a flat surface in close proximity to an item for display that will be visible through window or enclosed area  70 . Joints are formed by moving beveled edge  74  into contact or close proximity with beveled edge  75  at each corner. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates an alternative approach for supporting a frame assembly, shown in phantom and generally illustrated at  11 . An easel member, generally designated  81 , is provided. Same includes a bend location  82 , back support portions  83  and  84 , extending portions  85  and  86 , and projecting ends  87  and  88  for supporting the frame assembly. 
       FIGS. 18 and 19  depict a frame assembly  91  that comprises a perimeter frame portion  92  with an opening  93  for surrounding an item to be displayed  18 . In this embodiment a decorative component sheet  96  is secured to the perimeter frame portion by suitable means including approaches discussed herein. Mounting the item to be displayed  18  can be carried out as desired. Examples in this regard include adhesive strips on the rear face of the perimeter frame portion, providing a backboard as noted herein, or other approaches. 
     The backboard  13  illustrated in  FIG. 1  includes a fold-out foot  17  that functions to hold the device in an upright or display mode. When desired, such a foot  17  is arranged so that the frame can be oriented in either an “upright” or portrait position or an “on-the-side” or landscape position. The same is possible for other mounting approaches. 
     Of the possible mounting approaches,  FIGS. 5 and 6  show a frame assembly, generally designated at  21 , that includes a magnetic-type arrangement for suspending the frame assembly from a vertical wall. Included is a strip  22  which preferably is a ferromagnetic metal or other material that will be responsive to and thus provide magnetic engagement with a magnetized component, that is a component that provides a magnetic field. In this illustrated embodiment, a pair of disks  23  are provided. Each disk is secured to a wall or other vertical surface, such as by a pin, nail, brad, tape or adhesive. Once the disks are secured onto the desired vertical surface, the frame assembly  21  is positioned against the vertical surface so that one or more strip  22 , disk  23  or plate of the vertical surface engage the opposing member of the frame thereby hanging the frame assembly “magnetically”. In some embodiments having a magnetic approach, each of one or more magnetic strip  22  or magnetic disc  23 , magnetic plate or the like that provide a magnetic field is secured to the backboard by suitable assembly means such as those mentioned herein. Then, mount receptor surfaces are used that are responsive to the magnetic field of the strip  22 , disc  23 , plate or the like so as to be attracted thereto and held thereby. 
     In other embodiments having a magnetic approach for hanging, the member providing the magnetic field is located on the wall or other mounting surface. Same can be nailed, pinned, screwed, glued or otherwise secured to the wall or the like. Correspondingly, the member responsive to the magnetic field, in the form of a strip, disc, plate or the like, is positioned on a rear portion of the frame device. Whichever approach is used when magnetic mounting is practiced, the sizing and magnetic field strength are chosen to be adequate so that the frame and its item to be displayed are maintained to be supported or “hung” from the wall or other surface to be ornamented. 
     It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention which have been described are illustrative of some of the applications of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Various features which are described herein can be used in any combination and are not limited to procure combinations that are specifically outlined herein.