Picture frame

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a picture frame of the multi-piece picture within a picture type which has a readily removable and easily disassembled inner frame.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The desirability of providing a picture frame which is of the multi-piece picture within a picture type has long been recognized. Examples of patents pertaining to this type of frame are illustrated in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,692,999; to Siegel 3,665,629; Shore 3,745,680; Faust and 3,946,863.

The picture within a picture frame is desired for many displays because it provides a richness and aesthetic appearance that is not obtainable with conventional picture frames. The disadvantage of the picture within picture frames of the prior art are that it is difficult to disassemble the inner frame from the outer frame for replacement of the image carrying sheet without damage to the inner frame, the outer frame or both frames.

My prior U.S. Pat. No. 4,967,499 disclosed a picture within picture frame assembly which while satisfactory was somewhat awkward to use and did not entirely eliminate the likelihood of damage to the outer frame upon disassembly of a portion of the inner frame for replacement of the image carrying sheet. In my prior patent the side and bottom moldings of the inner frame were glued to an underlying panel and the top molding was removable for replacement of the image carrying sheet, which upon removal of the molding could cause damage to the underlying panel to which the inner frame assembly was attached.

The picture frame of the present invention provides for complete dissambly and replacement of all its parts, does not suffer from the problems of the prior art structures, and provides many positive advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The picture frame of the invention includes an outer frame which provides a background to which an inner frame with an image carrying sheet therein, is detachably mounted to the outer frame at its corners. The inner frame has corner brackets which are removably held in interlocking engagement with framing members of the inner frame, and upon removal provide for removal and replacement of the image carrying sheet of the inner frame.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a multi-piece picture frame of the picture within picture type that is easy to assemble and disassemble to replace an image carrying sheet.

A further object of the invention is to provide a picture frame that is simple and inexpensive to construct but sturdy and reliable in use.

A further object of the invention is to provide a picture frame that can mount a wide variety of image carrying sheets.

A further object of the invention is to provide a picture frame that requires a minimum of skill to assemble and disassemble.

A further object of the invention is to provide a picture frame that provides a highly attractive appearance.

A further object of the invention is to provide a picture frame that can be constructed of readily available components all of which can be replaced as required.

Other objects and advantageous features of the invention will be apparent from the description and claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and characteristic features of the invention will be more readily understood from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming part hereof in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a two piece picture frame constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the picture frame of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, vertical, sectional view, enlarged, taken approximately on the line 3--3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, exploded, perspective view showing details of mounting the inner frame to the outer frame, and

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, exploded, perspective view, enlarged, illustrating added details of the inner frame corner mounting structure.

It should, of course, be understood that the description and drawings herein are merely illustrative and that various modifications and changes can be made in the structure disclosed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now more particularly to the drawings and FIGS. 1-5 thereof the picture frame 10 is therein illustrated and includes an outer frame 11 and an inner frame 12.

The outer frame 11 is illustrated as being of rectangular configuration with outer moldings 14, 15, 16, and 17 which are mitered at their ends at 90° to each other and removably held at the corners by brackets 20.

The brackets 20, four of which are required, each include two L shaped plates 21 and 22, which are carried in groove 23 in molding 14 which is illustrative of the grooves (not shown) of moldings 15, 16, and 17.

The plates 21 have two set screws 25 threadably engaged therein, which in assembled condition bear against plates 22 and retain the brackets 20 in the groove 23 and in like groves (not shown) in moldings 15, 16, and 17 thereby retaining the moldings in assembled condition. The moldings 14, 15, 16, and 17 are of half round configuration in cross section, and carry a background sheet 30 which is retained therein by conventional well known means such as clips or adhesive (not shown).

The background sheet 30 can be of any suitable material such as acrylic plastic, and provided with whatever suitable decoration is required which can be permanent or can be a sheet of material (not shown) in contact with the sheet 30.

The inner frame 12 is also of rectangular configuration but of smaller area than frame 11. The inner frame 12 is constructed of moldings 35, 36, 37, and 38 which are similar to moldings 14-17 but as illustrated are of narrower profile.

The moldings 35, 36, 37, and 38 are each provided with an inner wall 39 and a pair of separated outer rails 40 and 41. Corner brackets 45 are provided at each corner and located between the walls 39 and the outer rails 40 and 41. The brackets 45 are of L shaped configuration and include two plates 46 and 47. The plates 46 each have a pair of set screws 25 threadably engaged therein which bear against plates 47 separating the plates and thereby retaining the brackets 45 in moldings 35, 36, 37, and 38.

The plates 46 each carry a stud 48 which can be permanently or detachably mounted therein and with clearance openings 49 in the plates 47 provided for the studs 48. The studs 48 extend through openings 50 in background sheet 30, and are retained therein by wing nuts 51 of well known type.

In use, the inner frame 12 is provided with an image bearing sheet (not shown) which can be carried inside of frame moldings 35, 36, 37, and 38, with a suitable backing (not shown) and a glass or other protective cover (not shown) as desired. The inner frame 12 is assembled by placing the moldings 35, 36, 37, and 38 about the image carrying sheet (not shown), its backing (not shown), and cover (not shown). Brackets 45 are then inserted in the moldings 35-38 between the walls 39 and the rails 40, 41. The set screws 25 are tightened thereby separating the plates 46 and 47 and retaining the brackets 45 in the moldings.

The studs 48 are inserted in the openings 50 in background sheet 30, wing nuts 51 engaged therewith and tightened.

If it is desired to change the image carrying sheet (not shown) the wing nuts 51 are removed, the inner frame 12 can then be disassembled by removing the brackets 45 and a new sheet (not shown) inserted and the frame 12 connected as described.

It is thus apparent that a picture frame has been provided with which the objects of the invention are achieved.