Patent Publication Number: US-5253440-A

Title: Structure of a picture frame

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to picture frames for use with photos and the like, and more particularly to a picture frame of simplified assembly and manufacture. 
     Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, a conventional structure picture frame comprises a rectangular outer frame member 1, a rectangular rear retaining frame 2 adhesively adjoined therewith, a rectangular backing plate 3 with a support plate 4 hingedly attached to the rear thereof. Both the outer frame and retaining frame are provided with rectangular inner peripheries that define apertures 1a, 2a that house respectively a window cover and portrait or photo print. Once the latter are in place, the backing plate 3 which has equivalent dimensions can be positioned flush with aperture 2a of the retaining frame. Swivel plates 5 around the inner periphery of frame 2 can then be rotated so as to be in contact with the rear of plate 3 to secure the backing thereon. The support plate 4 is hingedly attached to plate 3 via cooperating hinge elements 6 provided on the respective members. 
     As is apparent, several different members that are separately manufactured from differing materials must be assembled during the production of the picture frame, wherein retaining frame 2 and backing plate 3 are usually formed from die-cut sheet material, the swivel plates and hinge elements are of pressed metal attached with rivets, and the outer frame of a molded plastic. Whereas, the picture frame of the present invention provides a structure whose members are manufactured from injection molding processes and which can be quickly assembled without need of further fasteners or adhesives, so as to facilitate production and reduce costs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     A picture frame in accordance with the present invention comprises an injection molded frame member having a generally planar rear surface, a similarly formed rectangular backing plate, and a support hingedly attached to the rear of the backing plate. A rectangular recess of substantially the same dimensions as the backing plate is formed on the rear surface for housing a window cover and print, wherein the recess defines an inner land circumscribing a central viewing aperture. A fin protruding from a first longitudinal edge of the backing engages a corresponding groove in a peripheral wall of the recess when the backing is positioned therein. The backing is releasably secured over the rear of the recess by a sliding catch adjacent the second longitudinal edge of the backing which is engageable with a similar groove on an opposing peripheral wall of the recess. A pair of axis rods traversing respective apertures on a central portion of the backing are offset so as to protrude from the rear surface thereof. The support has a pair of lateral members extending from an end portion thereof that carry resilient sockets which snap engage with respective axis rods on the backing plate to hingedly attach the support to the rear of the picture frame. 
     It is a main object of the present invention to provide a picture frame of improved characteristic which facilitates rapid manufacture and assembly of its component members. 
     For a more thorough understanding of the present invention reference should be made to a detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, provided below along with accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a picture frame structure of the prior art. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the picture frame of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a slide catch on a backing plate of the picture frame. 
     FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a hinged connection between the backing plate and a support plate. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to FIG. 2 of the drawings a preferred embodiment of the picture frame comprises an injection molded frame member 10, a similarly formed rectangular backing plate 20, and an elongate plate like support 30. 
     A generally rectangular recess 11 on the planar rear surface 101 of the frame member defines an inner step or land 14 surrounded by adjacent longitudinal peripheral walls 12 and lateral peripheral walls. A rectangular inner periphery of land 14 circumscribes a central opening 14a which defines the viewing aperture of the picture frame. Each longitudinal peripheral wall in recess 11 has a respective elongate groove 12a, 13a formed centrally therein. 
     Backing plate 20 has rectangular dimensions nearly equal with those of recess 11 and a predetermined thickness which is less than the depth thereof. An elongate fin 22 extending centrally along a first longitudinal edge of the backing plate is parallel with and spaced from the plane of rear surface 211 thereon. A rectangular slide aperture 25 is formed centrally between the lateral sides of the backing plate in proximity to a second longitudinal edge. An elongate recess 25a, as shown in FIG. 4, on the front side of plate 20 extends from aperture 25 to the proximate edge thereon. A resilient sliding catch 40 is disposed within aperture 25, wherein a depending arm 411 of a generally L-shaped bolt member 41 of the catch is slidingly retained within recess 25a. A short cross element of member 412 extends through the aperture and adjoins the upper end of the depending arm 411 with a slide plate 42 riding on the front surface of the backing plate. 
     A pair of aligned rectangular apertures 23 are further provided on a central portion of the locking plate, with each aperture 23 being traversed by a cylindrical rod 24 crossing a central portion thereof. Each rod 24 is offset so as to protrude from rear surface 211 of the backing plate. As shown in FIG. 4, an upper end portion 31 of support 30 has a pair of lateral members 32 that protrude perpendicularly from a first side thereof. Each lateral member has a resilient socket 321 of roughly C-shaped section on the terminal end thereof which snap fits over a respective rod 24 to hingedly connect the support to the backing plate. Lateral members 32 are spaced from the beveled terminal edge of 31 which abuts the rear surface of plate 20 to limit the maximum angular separation of the support therewith. 
     A transparent window and photo print (not shown) are positioned within recess 11 prior to securement of backing cover 20 therein. Wherein, fin 22 is first inserted into a selected groove 12a or 13a and subsequently catch 40 is slid towards the proximate edge of the backing cover, so as to insert the depending arm of bolt 41 into the opposing groove in the frame member. 
     All members of the picture frame are produced largely automatically by injection molding machines and can be rapidly hand assembled without need of extraneous tools or fastening means. Further, the frame member can be made in a variety of art designs by retooling only a single mold member, as the mating mold member which defines the flat rear surface and housing recess is a set component adapted for receiving a standard size of photographic print. Tooling costs for manufacturing a variety of art designs would thus also be commensurately reduced. 
     The foregoing description should not be construed in a limitative sense but rather as being exemplary of the concepts embodied by the present invention, with the actual spirit and scope thereof being determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.