Patent Publication Number: US-7587847-B2

Title: Front loading picture frame

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/467,300 filed May 2, 2003 

   TECHNICAL FIELD 
   This invention relates to picture frames for mounting on walls and more particularly to a picture frame that has means to easily straighten and attach a base to a wall, prior to receiving a picture assembly on a front portion thereof. 
   BACKGROUND 
   A typical picture frame is designed to hang on a wall and usually has means to engage a hanger such as a nail or hook driven into the wall. The frame and a picture are usually assembled together from the back prior to mounting. Then, a hook, nail or other hanging device is attached to the wall at a desired location, usually chosen to be hidden behind the frame to maintain an aesthetic appearance. A wire for suspending the frame may be strung across the frame back to engage the hanging device. Otherwise, the frame may be fitted with one or more clips that slip fit onto one or more wall mounted hangers, as shown for example in U.S. Pat. No. 3,707,053. 
   The problems with these systems are that it is difficult to assure that a picture is at the correct height and level when placed on the wall and that it will remain level over time. With wire mounting, the frame may not remain flush with the wall and, through vibration, may slide on the wire. Also the degree of slack in the wire may cause the picture to hang too low or too high, requiring the hanging device to be pulled from the wall and repositioned. The difficulty with clips is that precise positioning is difficult, usually requiring several attempts at locating the wall mounted fasteners so these are both precisely level and at the correct location for engaging the frame mounted clips. These procedures take time and often results in multiple holes being placed in the wall. 
   In U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,172, a picture frame has means to mount pictures on opposite sides thereof, so that it can be free standing. Alternately, the frame can be wall mounted prior to receiving a picture and a face member. However, the problems with mounting and leveling the frame remain. 
   In U.S. Pat. No. 6,354,031, a device for displaying documents has a back panel attached to a wall, receiving a frame with a corresponding shaped recess thereover so that the frame can be mounted thereon and held in place by flexing elements. 
   In U.S. Pat. No. 5,353,536, a display assembly for signs or posters utilizes a similar rear member that is wall mounted, with a frame secured thereover that interlocks the frame and rear member together. A foam backing is used to compress a poster against a front surface of the frame. 
   None of these frame designs provide ease in mounting a picture frame to a wall with additional ease in precise frame leveling. The search thus continues for a picture frame assembly that is easy to level and mount to a wall, but also has the ability to change the picture, without removing the frame from the wall. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a picture frame having integral means for assuring level mounting. 
   It is further object to provide means for front loading pictures into a picture frame assembly, so that pictures and frame types may be readily changed without disturbing the placement on the wall. 
   It is a further object to provide a picture frame having means for easily locating, mounting and removing a picture frame from a wall. 
   These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by a picture frame assembly comprising a wall mounting base having means for receiving a cover assembly on a front portion thereof, and having raised spacer means extending upwardly from a surface of the base, at least one raised spacer means having a hole therethrough for receiving a fastener therein, the base having at least one set of vertical indicator means integral with the surface, plumb means connectable to the base in proximity to the vertical indicator means so that the base can be tilted to align the plumb means with the vertical indicator means prior to fixing the base to the wall. 
   A cover assembly is mounted within a recess in the base. The cover assembly comprises a border surrounding a transparent front surface, and having a downwardly extending side wall received within a recess within the base. A backing wall is removably attached to the border for sandwiching a picture between the backing wall and the transparent surface. 
   In a preferred embodiment, a decorative frame border is integral with either the cover assembly or with the base. If integral with the cover assembly, this would allow changing the displayed picture as well as the style of frame assembly, without disturbing the position of the base on the wall. Alternatively, if integral with the base, the displayed picture could be changed without altering the aesthetic appearance of the frame. 
   Preferably, the picture assembly is press fit into the recess in the base after the base has been mounted and leveled. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1   a  is an exploded view of a picture frame assembly in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 1   b  is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment thereof; 
       FIG. 1   c  is a cross sectional view of the assembled components, 
       FIG. 1   d  is a view of the picture frame mounted on a wall with the decorative border integral with the base. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the picture frame base portion. 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a view of the column fastener removal assembly. 
       FIG. 5  is a sectioned view of the tube hammer for driving a fastener. 
       FIG. 6  is a view of the frame alignment system. 
       FIG. 7   a  is a view of an alignment tool for mounting multiple bases to a wall;  FIG. 7   b  a view of another tool for mounting multiple bases to a wall;  FIGS. 7   c  and  7   d  show the tools in use. 
       FIG. 8  is a view of an alternative embodiment of the picture frame base. 
       FIG. 9  is a rotated view of the picture frame base. 
       FIG. 10  is a view of the cover for the alternative embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 11  is an enlarged partial side view thereof. 
       FIG. 12  is a view of the base and cover during engagement. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring to  FIG. 1   a , a front-loading picture framing and mounting assembly  1  according to the present invention is shown. The assembly  1  has two parts, a base  2  and a cover sub-assembly  3 . 
   The cover assembly  3  has a border  4  surrounding a transparent plate  5 , beneath which a picture  6  or other display material is located. A backing wall  7 , held in place by clips  8 , holds the picture against the transparent plate, as in conventional picture frame assemblies, though other means for holding the display material with the plate may be used. However the cover sub assembly further has a downwardly projecting wall  9 , whose purpose will be discussed further below. 
   The assembly  1  may be used for the display of photographs, artwork, engravings, and other graphic or printed material, which may include but are not limited to posters, artwork, booklets and magazines. 
   The cover subassembly  3  is removably attached to the base  2  preferably by a friction fit, though several alternative attachment methods may be used. This allows the cover sub assembly to be easily removed from the base from time to time, so that the displayed material can be quickly replaced with other material, while the base remains fixed to the wall. The base  2  has means for ease in level mounting to a wall, perfectly straight and level, and also in perfect alignment if two or more frames are used in a group. This may be accomplished by a totally unskilled and inexperienced person, without assistance and without special tools. This avoids any guesswork as to where the frame will end up, as occurs with conventional frames when a picture hook is nailed up first. Once the base is fixed to the wall, the cover subassembly is inserted into the base to complete the assembly. Two-point mounting preferably is used to fix the base to the wall so there is no shifting or sliding and the frame remains perfectly level over time. The base is first fixed in place while held on the wall surface, at the selected height by driving in one fastener. An integral plumb line incorporated with the base guarantees that the frame can then be lined up perfectly vertical by reference to integral cross hairs before the second nail is driven in. 
   The picture frame assembly may be made in any shape, such as but not limited to, round, oval, square or rectangular, and may be used in any application where a conventional picture frame is used. The frame assembly may be made of plastic, wood, glass, metal or other materials, or a combination of some or all of these. Preferably, injection-molded plastic will be used to make all or a portion of the base and/or cover subassembly, or at least the structural portions thereof. The base or cover subassembly border may incorporate wood pieces to surround the perimeter for aesthetic purposes. The cover subassembly has a flat transparent plate, made of glass or plastic, located over the displayed material as found in most conventional frames. A border surround the plate and may support the plate and/or displayed material. Fillets of a gold or silver colored metal or other decorative elements may be applied to enhance the appearance of the assembled frame. Decorative strips of material may be added, either in the course of manufacture or, can be provided as part of an accessory kit to the purchaser, so that the purchaser can personalize the frame for example by adding metallic or color accents. 
   Referring again to  FIG. 1   a , the base  2  forms the back of the frame assembly. The base  2  is flush with a wall  10  when it is wall-mounted, though it may be adapted for table or desk use. The base has a bottom  11  which may be a solid flat sheet or may have open areas to lessen material use. An upright wall  12  forms a perimeter of the base, having an inner surface  13  which engages the downwardly projecting wall  9  of the cover subassembly. 
   While in  FIG. 1   a , the upright wall  12  is hidden beneath the border  4 , the upright wall may be formed in such a way as to support a decorative edge of the fame itself as shown in  FIG. 1   d , preferably with molded contours  13   a  such as may suggest four joined mitered pieces similar to conventional frames or other decorative shapes. Alternatively, materials such as actual joined wooded pieces may be attached by gluing of other means to the upright wall  12  to decorate the visible border that surrounds the delayed picture. 
   The upright wall  12  has a top surface  14  which is substantially flat all around, forming a plateau that may be about 8 to 13 mm wide before dropping down to an inside bottom of the base. The top surface receives thereon a bottom surface  15  of the cover subassembly. A slight depression  16  best seen in  FIG. 2  is optionally provided either in the top surface  14  or the bottom surface  15  to permit a tool or fingernail to wedge beneath for removal of the cover subassembly. 
   The inner surface  13  optionally has a plurality of openings or indentations  17  for receiving projections  18  which extend from the downwardly projecting wall  9  to permit positive engagement of the cover assembly to the base. Of course, the indents and projections could be included on the downward wall and upright wall, respectively, as well, so long as they are in relative alignment for engagement, preferably being evenly spaced around the perimeter. Of course, other engagement means may also be used. These could include matable magnets or Velcro™ patches, which engage each other when the cover subassembly is mated to the base, but which allow for removal of the cover subassembly from the base without disturbing the placement of the base on the wall, so that the cover assembly would be removably fixed in place in a secure mounting. 
   From one to twelve such mating engagement means may be located around the perimeter of the base-cover assembly. This arrangement may be made either in addition to, or in lieu of, any other engagement method. Similar projections  8   a  could also be used in place of the clips  8  in the cover to hold the edges of the display material. 
   Another mounting system is shown in  FIG. 3 . A slot  19  is provided in the top surface  14  preferably on each of two opposite sides of the base  2 . The slots are parallel and aligned with corresponding slots  20  located in the border  13 , so that when the cover subassembly is placed on the base, a connector  21  shaped like an “h” or a “w”-passes through the mated slots to fasten the base and cover together. A small leg  22  of the connector is placed in the mated slots, and by sliding the longer leg  23  of the connector downward or sideways, the small leg of the connector lodges itself on the inside area beneath the top surface  14  of the base. 
   The slots and the small leg of the connector are configured to permit the outside, visible portion of the connector, i.e. the longer leg  23 , to completely fill and cover the slot  20  on the cover to avoid distracting from the aesthetic appearance of the frame, coordinating with the cover and any decoration on it. 
   In an alternative embodiment, shown in  FIG. 1   b , a flat-topped ridge  24  rises straight up from the bottom  11  of the base  2  that extends parallel with the upright wall  12 . A space between the wall and ridge forms a groove  25  around the base. The downward projecting wall  9  is received in the groove  25  when the cover and base are joined together. The groove need not be continuous, but should be of sufficient length to form a friction fit with the cover subassembly, if that is the method of releasable engagement chosen for use with the frame assembly. 
   The ridge  24  forms a support for the displayed material in the frame. Preferably, the ridge has a flat top  26  that may be approximately 10-20 mm wide. 
   The interior of the base contains a plurality of upright columns  27  having the same height as the ridge to similarly support the displayed material. In one embodiment of the invention, two or more columns  27   a , have a pair of opposed flat side surfaces  28  and  29  and a central bore  30  that extends through the column and base, leading to the wall surface on which the base will be mounted. The columns  27   a  rise out of the bottom up to a height of about 2 mm lower that the ridge height and are used for wall mounting by receiving fasteners  31  for attaching the base to a wall. Each bore  30  optionally may have a rigid sleeve to hold and keep straight the fastener received therein. 
   Preferably, the fastener is placed in the bore  30  after a round washer  32  is added, the washer received on a top of the column extending beyond the flat surfaces  28  and  29 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , this permits quick removal of the fastener by a slotted lever  33  having curved prongs  34  that fit in proximity to the flat sides. The prongs are located beneath the washer  32 , and rise up along the flat surfaces  28  and  29 , to engage the washer for lifting the fastener for disengagement from the wall. 
   In a preferred embodiment of the invention, with reference to  FIG. 5 , the columns  27  are sized to accept a tube hammer  35  thereover. The tube hammer has a hollow cylindrical body  36  having a bore sized to slip over a column. A spring  37  is disposed within the body  36  resting against a plug  38 , the spring biasing a driver  39  which is slidable within the body. The driver has wings  40  that extend through and ride within a pair of slots  41 . The slots preferably extend toward the bottom of the tube just far enough to allow the driver to drive the nail to the top of the cylindrical column but no farther. 
   In operation, a fastener is located within the bore as described previously, and the tube hammer slipped over the column and fastener. Then grasping the wings of the driver, the user slides the driver back against the spring thereby compressing the spring. The wings are released so that the driver speeds down the tube and strikes the fastener. Typically, the fastener is fully driven with one or more strikes. This assures proper driving of the nail into the wall. 
   Referring to  FIG. 6 , the base contains at least one pillar  42 , preferably having a square shape, with each side parallel to an edge of the base, if a square or rectangular base, or in parallel to a designated top and bottom if a round, oval or other shape frame. In other words, the square shape corresponds to a level condition when the sides thereof are perfectly vertical and horizontal, The pillar has cross-cuts  43  and  44  therein for a freely hanging plumb line  45 . This is preferably separately included, so that it may be easily placed within either of the cross cuts by the user. Markings  46  and  47  are located on the base surface spaced away from but in coaxial alignment with the cross cuts. 
   In operation, the base is placed at the selected height and a first fastener driven substantially into the wall such as through column  48 . After the first nail is placed, the end of a plumb line  45  is inserted into the cross cut  43  which is disposed along a vertical axis of the base. The base is adjusted, pivoting around the first fastener, until the plumb line is coaxial with the marking  47 . At that point, the base is perfectly level, and the second fastener is driven such as through column  49  so that the frame is fixed perfectly straight on the wall. The plumb line should remain within the base, in case it is needed in the future, should the user wish to relocate the frame assembly. Optionally, the plumb line may have an arrow or other visual means for enhancing the visual alignment with the markings. 
   After the first frame is properly wall mounted, multiple frames may be aligned and spaced with precision using one of several provided alignment tools designed specifically for the inventive system. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b , a first alignment tool  50  is in the shape of a cross, and a second alignment tool  51  is in the shape of an inverted T. Each tool has right angle crossed members  52 ,  53  having uniform widths, generally being about two to four inches. Each member has a plurality of centered holes  54  through which light pencil markings may be made, and at the end of each member is located a connector  55  for receiving an end of a plumb line  56 . Each member has markings  57  to identify a selected spacing and centering of frames of various sizes relative to each other. These markings may be length indications in inches or centimeters so that precise measured spacings can be achieved between the frames. 
   With reference to  FIGS. 7   c  and  7   d , a group arrangements of three and four frames respectively is shown. After choosing the group plan, the user measures and marks a focus spot  58  which is used to center the selected grouping. The alignment tool  50  has a center opening  59  that is aligned with the focus spot, placed over the spot  58  so that the spot remains visible through the centering hole. The user then connects the plumb line to the appropriate end connector  55  so that is hangs downward. The tool is then adjusted to assure that it is perfectly level, using guide markings on the tool, or by alignment with an opposite end connector. Holding the alignment tool in place, the user places a frame  60  in a corner opening formed by the crossed members of the alignment tool. The location of at least two of the sides of the first frame may then be marked with pieces of removable tape or with a light pencil line and then installed, or the base as discussed above may be simply held in place by the user, or another person, while it is installed. The next frame  61  is mounted by placing the alignment tool against the side or sides of the first installed frame or again using the centering hole and plumb line, and then placing the second frame against the opposite or adjacent side of the alignment tool. The second frame is thereby aligned and spaced correctly relative to the first frame and to each of the frames which will follow in the selected scheme. The process is repeated until all frames in the scheme have been installed. The tool  51  works in substantially the same way. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown which has a modified base-to-cover attachment arrangement. A base  62  has a bottom  63  surrounded by a side wall  64 . On one side wall portion,  64   a , one or more openings or depressions are provided. In this case two rectangular openings  65  are included. On a pair of opposed side wall portions  64   b  and  64   c , adjacent the side wall portion  64   a , the walls have an angled recess,  66  providing a ramped surface  67  sloping downward towards the side wall portion  64   a  and at the upper end having a socket  68 . The recesses form receiving channels of a depth and size corresponding to mating structures on a cover, as will discussed below. The purposes of these structures will be described with reference to a cover  69 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the cove  69  has a pair of tabs  70  located for mating to the openings  65 . The cover has a pair of opposed side walls,  72   a  and  72   b  each of which has a ramped projection  73   a  and  73   b  leading to a locking lip  74 , located for alignment and engagement with the sockets  68 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 12 , the cover  69  has the guide tabs  70  first inserted into the corresponding openings  65  guiding the cover into proper alignment with the base at an angle. The cover is then gently pressed at its upper edges into the base. The ramped surfaces on the sides of the cover allow the lower portion of the cover to angle downwards into the interior of the base. As the top end of the cover is moved towards the top end of the base, the cover bottom rotates outward, the locking lips acting as a fulcrum when received in the corresponding sockets, which preferably, are slotted at a very slight angle in the downward direction so that the cover moves very slightly upwards when the lip engages the socket, and then downloads as the lip moves to the bottom of the socket. This angle also allows the cover to reside within the base, with the lips preventing the cover from falling out while the cover is being firmly pressed into place or when removed. 
   Continued slight pressure applied to the top edge of the cover moves the cover toward the top edge of the base, thereby causing the projections  71  to engage corresponding openings or depressions  75  on the base, as described relative to the previous embodiments. These projections are preferably located on the top and bottom of the cover, the top projections extend from the cover top, the bottom projections extending out slightly from an edge of the cover. These projections preferably have a beaded edge profile for providing a slight interference fit when received in the openings or depressions in the base to hold the cover when mated to the base. Preferably this allows the cover to “snap shut”, the cover then having its top surface even with and level with the top surface of the base. 
   In this embodiment, the cover is held in place by the projections  71 , locking lips  74  and the tabs  70 , so as to provide a secure engagement. 
   Once closed, the cover may be “snapped open” and disengaged by slight pressure applied to the bottom edge of the cover, to cause the bottom of the cover to move inwards, releasing the top edge of the cover by this fulcrum effect, to ease removal. Thus, a relatively quick tilt engagement/disengagement is provided. 
   The cover has an inner ridge on three sides thereof for retaining an item to be displayed. The ridges extend along the top or bottom edge of the cover and partially down the adjacent sides, preferably extending for about three quarters of the length of the side wall, and are used to retain the displayed item within the cover. There may also be included other structures to hold the displayed item in the cover, as discussed relative to the previous embodiments, such as providing additional retaining tabs  76  along the bottom, sides or top of the cover. This embodiment, though described relative to what may appear as a “horizontal” mounting, can of course function as well for vertical mounting when turned 90 degrees. 
   If the frame assembly is to be used on a desktop or table top, a stand is added. Preferably, this is accomplished by fixing the stand to the back of the base. The stand is a plastic or cardboard-based pane of almost equal size to the back of the frame base, having a hinged and tethered pentagonal support and having two reinforced holes for insertion of fasteners, such as cotter pins, to fasten the stand to the base. Magnetic disks may also be attached to the back of the frame to allow magnetic mounting to a metal surface. The base back may optionally have one or more slightly sunken areas to receive magnets so as to rest flush with the metal surface. These sunken areas could also be used as seats for adhesive or Velcro disks as an alternative mounting method. 
   While a preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be made without varying from the scope of the invention.