Patent Publication Number: US-6212811-B1

Title: Picture frame

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates generally to picture frames. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Picture frames have existed for many years. Today&#39;s picture frames typically include a generally low profile, rectangular frame mounted about a rectangular sheet of glass. While the frame may be constructed of a variety of material with hundreds of potential colors, the basic design can be quite mundane. 
     Recently, picture frames have been designed having unique shapes, as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. Des. 339,239 and Des. 261,463. These picture frames are designed to resemble baseballs. The three dimensional aspect of these frames provide for a unique appearance. These frames however still remain static, as they are intended to be merely viewed and are not intended to be interacted with by a viewer of the framed photograph. 
     It thus is seen that a need remains for a picture frame which is more dynamic. It is to the provision of such that the present invention is primarily directed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In a preferred form of the invention, a picture frame comprises a front shell and a mating rear shell. The front shell has a viewing window therein and means for supporting a picture viewable through the viewing window. The front shell is configured to include a substantially flat bottom surface and a center of gravity aligned within the bottom surface with the front shell oriented substantially upright upon its bottom surface. The rear shell is configured to include a substantially flat bottom surface and a center of gravity aligned within the bottom surface with the rear shell oriented substantially upright upon its bottom surface. The picture frame also has coupling means for coupling the front and rear shell. With this construction the front and rear shells are independently self standing in both an independent position and a coupled position. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a picture frame of the present invention shown in a preferred form. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the picture frame of FIG. 1 shown with the two shells separated. 
     FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the picture frame of FIG.  1 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference next to the drawing, there is shown a picture frame  10  in a preferred form of the invention. The picture frame  10  is comprised of two portions, namely a front shell  11  and a rear shell  12  adapted to mate with the front shell  11 . The exterior surfaces  14  and  15  of the front and rear shells, respectively, are configured to resemble a baseball. 
     The front shell  11  has a viewing window  17  therethrough extending to a picture cavity  18  having a moveable back panel  19 . The front shell  11  also has a generally flat bottom surface  21 , a peripheral step  22 , and a center of gravity CG which falls within the bounds of the bottom surface  21 . With this construction, the front shell is independently self standing upon the bottom surface when oriented generally upright. 
     The rear shell  12  has a peripheral rim  24  adapted to engage the front shell step  22  and an interior surface  25  contoured and imprinted to resemble the interior of a baseball stadium. The interior surface has a relief type contouring which provides for the representation of stadium stands, lights, signage and players. Hence, the exterior configuration of the shells directly relates to the interior subject matter represented by the interior surface  25 . The rear shell  12  also has a generally flat bottom surface  26  an a center of gravity CG which falls within the bounds of the bottom surface  26  so that the rear shell also is independently self standing upon the bottom surface when oriented generally upright. 
     The picture frame  10  of FIGS. 1-3 is shown with a tongue  28  extending from and having a bottom surface which is generally coplanar with the bottom surface  21  of the front shell  11 . Tongue  28  is sized and shaped to be received within a groove  29  extending into the rear shell  12 . It should be understood that the tongue  28  may be considered part of the bottom surface, as it may aid in supporting the front shell. However, the tongue is not mandatory to the present invention as the front shell may be configured with a center of gravity falling within the bottom surface absent the tongue, rendering the tongue unnecessary or at least minimizing its effectiveness. 
     It should be understood that the exterior surfaces  14  and  15  of the picture frame may be configured to resemble any selected item while the interior surface  25  of the rear shell is adapted to depict a scene corresponding to the selected item. As such, the picture frame may be configured to resemble any type of sports equipment or item while the interior surface is configured to depict the sports setting such as an arena, stadium, or playing field related to that item. Similarly, the picture frame may be configured to resemble any item associated with a particular event, location or the like depicted upon the interior surface. For example, the exterior may be shaped like an orange or sun with the interior surface having means for simulating a beach scene. It should also be understood that the front and rear shells may be coupled to each other by corresponding threads, a press fit configuration of the peripheral edges, tongue and groove members or other types of conventional latches. However, it is critical that each shell portion be self standing so that the picture may be properly displayed while the interior surface is likewise displayed for viewing. 
     From the foregoing, it is seen that a picture frame is now provided which provides a dynamic relation between the photograph held within the frame, the exterior configuration of the frame and a related scene within the frame. It should however be understood that the just described embodiment merely illustrates principles of the invention in its preferred forms. Many modifications, additions and deletions, in addition to those expressly recited, may of course, be made thereto without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.