Frame assembly mountable to an object

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/580,897 filed Sep. 11, 2006 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,421,810 which is a U.S. national stage of International Patent Application No. PCT/US04/42503 filed Dec. 17, 2004 claiming priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/531,336 filed Dec. 19, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

00021. Field of the Invention

0003The invention relates generally to a frame assembly. In particular, the invention relates to a picture frame assembly of the type that can be readily mounted onto an object.

00042. Description of the Related Art

0005Picture frame assemblies including a backing plate and a frame element for retaining a photograph or other planar picture element against the backing element are well known. Such frame assemblies include means for retaining the backing element in the frame, and can include a sheet of glass or other transparent material over the picture element. Because picture frames come in assorted shapes and sizes and are generally flat, picture frames can be hung flush with a flat surface.

0006Miniature picture frames are also well known, and are sometimes used as part of a memorabilia display and as elements of memorials. It is sometimes desired to fix the picture frame to an object, such as a tree, flower stem, a candle, a vase, a basket, a gift wrapping, a container, a column, and furniture. Picture frame assemblies which fit flush against a cylindrical object, in particular a picture frame assembly which can be readily adjusted to any desired radius of curvature, are not available.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0007It is an object of the invention to provide a picture frame assembly which can be readily mounted to an object, such as a tree, flower stem, a candle, a vase, a basket, a gift wrapping device, a container, a column, and furniture.

0008It is another object of the invention to provide a picture frame assembly having a fastening element configured to be mounted onto an object having either a flat or curved surface, to which the picture frame assembly is attached.

0009It is a further object of the invention to provide a picture frame assembly which can be configured to conform to a curved surface of an object, to which the picture frame assembly is mounted. For example, the picture frame assembly can have a deformable frame and/or backing plate, which can be plastically deformed to a desired radius of curvature.

0010As described in the various embodiments below, a picture frame assembly is provided and comprises a frame element and a backing plate for retaining a picture element therebetween. One or more fastening elements can be fixed to one of the frame element and the backing plate for mounting the picture frame assembly to an object, such as a tree, flower stem, a candle, a vase, a basket, a gift wrapping device, a container, a column, and furniture.

0011The fastening elements can be in any of various forms, such as mounting pins, mounting prongs, mounting ties (e.g., strings, wires, and ribbons, a magnetic element, hook-and-loop type fasteners, or adhesive tapes (e.g., double-sided adhesive tapes). The fastening elements can be formed separately and/or discretely and fixed to the backing plate of the picture frame assembly. For example, the fastening element can be soldered to the backing plate. In another example, the fastening element can be integrally formed with the backing plate of the picture frame assembly.

0012Additionally or alternatively, the backing plate and/or the frame element can be formed to conform to a surface of the object to which the frame assembly is mounted. In one embodiment, the frame element can be configured to assume a curved shape for mounting onto a curved surface of an object. In a preferred embodiment, frame elements are formed integrally with the backing plate by bending along grooves parallel to lateral edges. In another embodiment, a transparent curved frame plate has lateral edges formed with clips which receive the lateral edges of the backing plate.

0013The backing plate can have front and rear surfaces. In one embodiment, a plurality of parallel ribs and grooves are formed in one of the surfaces. The material and thickness of the backing plate are chosen so that the backing plate can be plastically deformed about a bending axis parallel to the grooves, while the ribs between the grooves are sufficiently stiff to resist bending about other axes. Such plastically deformed backing plate can conform to a curved surface of the object, to which the picture frame assembly is mounted. In another embodiment, the backing plate can have a pre-fixed curved shape.

0014According to one embodiment, a frame plate having an apertures formed as one piece with the backing plate and connected to the backing plate by a fold so that a planar picture element and a protective transparent sheet can be sandwiched between the front surface of the backing plate and the rear surface of the frame plate. The frame plate preferably has retaining tabs which can be folded against the rear surface of the backing plate to retain the picture element.

0015According to another embodiment designed for an object having a known diameter, such as a candle, a frame element can be provided with a curved frame plate having an aperture therein and a surrounding wall having an edge with a radius of curvature which is smaller than that of the frame plate. The edge is provided with retaining tabs which are deformed to bear against the rear surface of the backing plate, which is received within the surrounding wall. The backing plate can be formed to have a curvature similar to or be deformable to conform to the curvature of the frame plate. Thereby the backing plate can assure that a picture element will be held flush against the rear surface of the frame plate, together with an optional transparent sheet, giving a neat appearance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0016Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. It should be further understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and that, unless otherwise indicated, they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein. In the drawings:

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref> is an exploded perspective view of a picture frame assembly formed according to a first embodiment;

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1B to 1D</figref> show alternative embodiments of the fastening element;

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref> is an exploded perspective view of a picture frame assembly formed according to a second embodiment;

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2B and 2C</figref> are top views of the <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref> picture frame assembly before and after assembling;

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2D</figref> is a side view of the <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref> picture frame assembly after being assembled;

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3A</figref> is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment having a curved frame plate and surrounding wall;

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3B</figref> is a top view of the third embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3A</figref>;

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3C</figref> is a side view of a modified picture frame assembly having a cover hinged to the frame element;

0025FIG. 3D is a photo of the third embodiment as depicted in FIG. 3C mounted on various cylindrical objects;

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4A</figref> is an exploded perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a picture frame assembly according to the invention;

0027<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4B</figref> is a top view of the fourth embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4A</figref>;

0028<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4C</figref> is a perspective view of a frame plate in a first position;

0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4D</figref> is a perspective view of the frame plate of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4C</figref> in a second position;

0030<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4E</figref> is a perspective view of a backing plate;

0031<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4F</figref> is a top view of the backing plate of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4E</figref> prior to bending;

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4G</figref> is a top view of the backing plate of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4E</figref> after bending;

0033<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4H</figref> is a top view of another backing plate, in which the grooves and ribs have the same width;

0034<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4I</figref> is a top view of a further backing plate having grooves and ribs formed in a corrugated pattern;

0035<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4J</figref> is a top view of a further backing plate including a back cover;

0036<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref> is an exploded perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a picture frame assembly according to the invention;

0037<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5B</figref> is a top view of the backing plate of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref> prior to bending;

0038<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5C</figref> is a perspective view of the retaining tab formed integrally with the frame element of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref>;

0039<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5D</figref> is a top view of an alternative frame assembly;

0040<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5E</figref> is an enlarged partial view of the lateral edge of the backing plate in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5D</figref>;

0041<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref> is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment wherein a frame plate is integrally formed with the backing plate;

0042<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6B</figref> is a perspective view of a modified form of the frame assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref>;

0043<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7A to 7D</figref> show a seventh embodiment of a frame assembly;

0044<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8A and 8B</figref> show an eighth embodiment of a frame assembly;

0045<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9A and 9B</figref> show a ninth embodiment of a frame assembly;

0046<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10A and 10B</figref> show a tenth embodiment of a frame assembly;

0047<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10C</figref> shows a modified embodiment of the frame element in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10A</figref>; and

0048<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11A to 11C</figref> show an eleventh embodiment of a frame assembly in which the frame plate is formed with cutouts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

0049<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref> shows a first embodiment of a picture frame assembly having a backing plate <b>10</b> and a frame element <b>30</b> to hold a picture P element therebetween. In the example shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref>, the backing plate <b>10</b> can be received inside a surrounding wall <b>30</b>a of the frame element <b>30</b> and retained therein by any of various conventional methods. For example, the backing plate <b>10</b> can be retained inside the surrounding wall <b>31</b> through friction engagement. The backing plate <b>10</b> and the frame element <b>30</b> can be configured in various forms. For example, the backing plate <b>10</b> can be either rigid or deformable. Additionally or alternatively, the frame element <b>30</b> can be a rigid or deformable member having a flat front surface <b>31</b>, as is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1D</figref>, or a curved front surface <b>31</b>′ as is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2D</figref>. The details of the backing plate <b>10</b> and the frame element <b>30</b> will be described in the following various embodiments.

0050The picture frame assembly includes one or more fastening elements <b>20</b> fixed to one of the backing plate <b>10</b> and the frame element <b>30</b>. The fastening elements <b>20</b> allow the picture frame assembly to be readily mounted onto an object, such as a tree, flower stem, a candle, a vase, a basket, a gift wrapping device, a container, a column, and furniture.

0051The fastening elements <b>20</b> can be in various forms. In the example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref>, the fastening elements <b>20</b> are formed as mounting pins <b>20</b>a, <b>20</b>a′. The mounting pins <b>20</b>a can have sufficient rigidity to allow the mounting pins <b>20</b>a, <b>20</b>a′ to penetrate into the object to which the picture frame assembly is to be mounted. For example, the mounting pins <b>20</b>a, <b>20</b>a′ can be made of a metal or plastic material. The mounting pins <b>20</b>a, <b>20</b>a′ can also have pointed tips <b>21</b> to facilitate in piercing into the object. The mounting pins <b>20</b>a, <b>20</b>a′ can be formed to extend normally of the rear surface <b>13</b> of the backing plate <b>10</b>. As <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref> shows, the mounting pins <b>20</b>a, <b>20</b>a′ are preferably of different lengths, the longer element <b>20</b>a assuring good retention, the shorter element <b>20</b>a′ serving primarily as an orientation feature. The mounting pins <b>20</b>a, <b>20</b>a′ can be either separately formed and attached to the backing plate <b>10</b>, such as by soldering, or integrally formed with the backing plate <b>10</b>, such as by molding.

0052<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1B to 1D</figref> show alternative embodiments of the fastening elements <b>20</b>. In the example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1B</figref>, the fastening element <b>20</b> has a U-shape bracket <b>20</b>b with two mounting prongs <b>22</b>b. The U-shaped bracket <b>20</b>b can be fixed onto the backing plate <b>10</b> by any of conventional means, such as screws or adhesion. In one example, the mounting prongs <b>22</b>b can have sufficient rigidity to allow penetration into the object to which the picture frame assembly is to be mounted. In another example, the mounting prongs <b>22</b>b can be formed of a material that is plastically deformable. In such a case, the mounting prongs <b>22</b>b can be bent toward the rear surface <b>13</b> of the backing plate <b>10</b>, as is shown in phantom in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1B</figref>.

0053<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1C</figref> shows that the fastening elements <b>20</b> can be formed as flexible ties <b>20</b>c, such as strings, wires, ribbons, and etc. In one example, the fastening tires <b>20</b>c can go around the object, such as a tree branch and a gift wrapping device, and be tied to each other so as to retain the picture frame assembly to the object.

0054<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1D</figref> shows that the fastening element <b>20</b> is a thin fastening sheet <b>20</b>d fixed to the rear surface <b>13</b> of the backing plate <b>10</b>. For example, the fastening sheet <b>20</b>d can be an adhesive tape (e.g., a double-sided tape), a hook-and-loop type fastener, a magnetic sheet material, and etc. In one example, the fastening sheet <b>20</b>d can cover the entire rear surface <b>13</b> of the backing plate <b>10</b>.

0055<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2A to 2D</figref> illustrate a picture frame assembly formed according to a second embodiment. In this embodiment, the surrounding wall <b>30</b>a of the frame element <b>30</b> is profiled to conform to a curved surface of the object, to which the picture frame assembly is to be mounted. For example, the height of the surrounding wall <b>30</b>a reduces from the two opposite sides toward the top and bottom portions of the frame element <b>30</b>. When the top and bottom portions of the frame element <b>30</b> are placed against an axial direction of a cylindrical surface, the surrounding wall <b>30</b>a hugs the cylindrical surface in a circumferential direction, resulting in a smooth fitting between the frame assembly and the cylindrical object.

0056In the example shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2B and 2C</figref>, the front surface <b>31</b> of the frame element <b>30</b> can be substantially flat. When the frame element <b>30</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2B and 2C</figref> is made of rigid material and thus not subject to bending, the backing plate can be also be rigid. In the example shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2D</figref>, the front surface <b>31</b>′ is curved.

0057In a preferred embodiment, the backing plate <b>10</b> can be similarly configured to be adapted to the profiled surrounding wall <b>30</b>a of the frame element <b>30</b>. For example, the thickness of the backing plate <b>10</b> can reduce from the two opposite sides toward the top and bottom portions of the backing plate <b>10</b>, as is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2B</figref>. In the example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2B</figref>, the backing plate <b>10</b> is formed to have a curved rear surface <b>13</b> to confirm to a similarly curved surface of the object, to which the frame assembly is mounted. Such a profiled backing plate <b>10</b> can coextend with the surrounding wall <b>31</b> to result in a smooth finish and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the picture frame assembly, as is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2C and 2D</figref>.

0058<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3A and 3B</figref> show a third embodiment of a frame assembly, in which the frame element <b>50</b> includes a curved frame plate <b>52</b> having a front surface <b>53</b> and a rear surface <b>54</b> which receives a planar picture element visible through aperture <b>55</b>, possibly with a protective transparent sheet. A surrounding wall <b>56</b> extends rearward from the periphery of the frame plate <b>52</b> to an edge <b>57</b> lying in a cylindrical plane having a radius of curvature which is smaller than that of the frame plate <b>52</b>.

0059The backing plate <b>10</b> is received within the surrounding wall <b>56</b> and held against the frame plate <b>52</b> by plastically deformable retaining tabs <b>58</b> extending from the edge <b>57</b>. As is discussed below, the retaining tabs <b>58</b> can also be separately formed and attached to the frame plate <b>52</b> by conventional fasteners such as nail elements. Additionally or alternatively, the retaining tabs <b>58</b> can be formed in various shapes such as a loop shape.

0060In one example, the frame element <b>50</b> is not intended to be deformed by a user, the radius of curvature of the rear edge <b>57</b> is preferably chosen to correspond to the diameter of a particular object to be decorated, in particular a candle. This makes it possible to create a stylish memorial utilizing a photograph of a loved one. In another example as best shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3B</figref>, the surrounding wall <b>56</b> has its lowest height along a line formed by the two mounting pins <b>24</b>, <b>26</b>.

0061The backing plate <b>10</b> is shown with mounting pins <b>24</b>, <b>26</b>, which can be soldered or brazed to the rear surface <b>13</b> of the backing plate <b>10</b>. Other fastening elements <b>20</b>, such as those shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A to 1D</figref> and described above, can also be used.

0062<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3C</figref> shows a modification of the picture frame assemblies of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2A to 2D</figref>, <b>3</b>A, and <b>3</b>B, wherein a cover <b>59</b> is hinged to the frame element <b>50</b> to form a locket. A gasket can also be provided to protect the aperture from exposure to the elements. Gaskets or adhesive seals can also be provided in any embodiment wherever it is desired to prevent influx of moisture.

0063<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4A to 4G</figref> show a fourth embodiment of a picture frame assembly. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4A and 4B</figref> show a frame assembly before and after assembling. The frame assembly includes the backing plate <b>10</b> and a frame element <b>30</b>, which will be described in greater details below in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4C to 4J</figref>. As <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4B</figref> shows, a planar picture element P such as a photograph can be received substantially flushly against the backing plate <b>10</b> between the backing plate <b>10</b> and the frame element <b>30</b>. The frame assembly includes one or more fastening elements <b>20</b>, such as any of those described above.

0064<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4C and 4D</figref> show a frame element <b>30</b> in the form of the frame plate before being assembled with a backing plate <b>10</b>. An aperture <b>35</b> is formed in the frame plate <b>30</b> allowing a picture element P to be shown. The frame plate <b>30</b> can be configured to have a curved shape. For example, the frame plate <b>30</b> can assume a radius of curvature that is conformable to a curved surface of an object, such as a tree, flower stem, a candle, a vase, a basket, a gift wrapping device, a container, a column, and furniture, to which the frame assembly is to be mounted. In the example shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4C</figref>, the frame plate <b>30</b> is formed to have a curved shape to conform to a curved surface of an object that the frame assembly is to be mounted onto. Such curved frame plate <b>30</b> can be adjusted, as is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4D</figref>, to accommodate to variations of the curved objects.

0065In another example as will be explained below, the frame plate <b>30</b> can be formed to have a flat shape but bent to a desired radius of curvature prior to use. For example, the frame plate <b>30</b> can be made of a flexible material and deformed to assume a curved shape conforming to a curved surface of an object that the frame assembly is to be mounted onto. In one example, the frame plate <b>30</b> can be plastically deformed to maintain a curved shape during the normal use of the picture frame assembly.

0066The frame plate <b>30</b> can be formed in various ways. In one example, the frame plate <b>30</b> can be made of metal (e.g., aluminum or brass) or other rigid or deformable materials. In another example, the frame plate <b>30</b> can be formed of a flexible or elastic material (e.g., rubber, plastic, or paper) allowing the frame plate <b>30</b> to conform to various curved surfaces. In a further example, the frame plate <b>30</b> can be formed of a transparent material, such as a transparent plastic material (e.g., PMMA) and serves as a protective cover for the photograph held in the frame assembly. In the following embodiments, the frame plate <b>30</b> can be formed with parallel grooves (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6B</figref>) or cutouts (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11A</figref>) to facilitate bending. One skilled in the art will appreciate that various other methods and materials can also be used to form the frame plate <b>30</b>.

0067The frame plate <b>30</b> can be formed to have various connecting structures to facilitate the assembling with the backing plate <b>10</b>. For example, the frame plate <b>30</b> can have a pair of lateral edges <b>32</b> formed with U-shaped clips <b>33</b> for receiving the lateral edges <b>16</b> of the backing plate <b>10</b>. In another example, the frame plate <b>30</b> can be attached to connecting clips that are separately formed from the frame plate <b>30</b>. Additional connecting structures are provided in the various embodiments and examples described below.

0068<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4E to 4G</figref> show an embodiment of the backing plate <b>10</b>. The backing plate <b>10</b> has a front surface <b>12</b>, a rear surface <b>13</b>, and a plurality of parallel grooves <b>14</b> formed in the front surface <b>12</b> with ribs <b>15</b> therebetween. The backing plate <b>10</b> has a pair of lateral edges <b>16</b> parallel to the grooves <b>14</b>. While the grooves <b>14</b> are shown in the front surface <b>12</b>, they can alternatively be provided in the rear surface <b>13</b>.

0069The grooves <b>14</b> and ribs <b>15</b> can be formed to have various patterns. Although the example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4E</figref> shows that the width of the grooves <b>14</b> is less than that of the ribs <b>15</b>, the grooves <b>14</b> can have a larger width than the ribs <b>15</b>. In the example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4H</figref>, the grooves <b>14</b> and the ribs <b>15</b> can have the same width. In another example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4I</figref>, the backing plate <b>10</b> is shown to be corrugated.

0070The material chosen for the backing plate <b>10</b>, as well as its thickness and the depth of the grooves <b>14</b>, are chosen to facilitate plastic deformation from the flat configuration of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4F</figref> to the curved configuration of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4G</figref>. At the same time, the ribs <b>15</b> between the grooves <b>14</b> are sufficiently stiff to resist bending about axes which are not parallel to the grooves. The material is preferably metal, such as sheet aluminum or brass, but can also be plastic. The grooves <b>14</b> can be formed by stamping (metal material), cutting, and molding. Both fastening elements <b>20</b> are preferably formed along a common bending axis parallel to the grooves.

0071In a preferred embodiment, the backing plate <b>10</b> can be provided with a back cover <b>11</b> covering the rear surface <b>13</b> of the backing plate <b>10</b>, as is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4J</figref>. The back cover <b>11</b> can afford additional support to the backing plate <b>10</b> and/or the picture element P. For example, the back cover <b>11</b> can be formed of any flexible material, such as sheet metal, plastic, or paper material. In one example, the back cover <b>11</b> and the backing plate <b>10</b> are joined to each other to support the picture element P against the frame element <b>30</b>. If desired, the back cover <b>11</b> can bear any of various designs to enhance aesthetic appeals of the picture frame assembly.

0072Optionally, the backing plate <b>10</b> can be provided with elliptic lines <b>17</b>, as are shown in phantom in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4E</figref>, to serve as a guide for cutting the backing plate <b>10</b> to any desired shape, in particular symmetric shapes such as an ellipse.

0073<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5A to 5C</figref> shows a fifth embodiment of a frame assembly including a backing plate <b>10</b>, similarly formed to that of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4E to 4J</figref>. In this embodiment, the lateral edges <b>16</b> of the backing plate <b>10</b> are each folded forward along the two grooves <b>14</b> adjacent to the edge <b>16</b> to form lateral frame elements <b>18</b> for retaining a picture element P, such as a photograph <b>29</b> or other display, and a transparent sheet <b>28</b> against the front surface <b>12</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5B</figref>, the frame elements <b>18</b> are formed prior to bending the backing plate <b>10</b> to its curved configuration.

0074In the embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref>, the transparent sheet <b>28</b> is preferably acetate or like material which does not have sufficient elasticity to reverse the plastic deformation of the backing plate <b>10</b>.

0075As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5C</figref>, each frame element <b>18</b> has at least one end formed with a retaining tab <b>19</b> which serves as a stop to prevent a picture element <b>29</b> from sliding parallel to the grooves <b>14</b>. The triangular shape of the tab <b>19</b> prevents frame element <b>18</b> from being folded too far, which could overstress the thin material in the bottom of the second groove <b>14</b>.

0076<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5D and 5E</figref> shows a modified frame assembly, in which the frame elements <b>18</b> are separately formed from the backing plate <b>10</b>. The lateral edges <b>16</b> of the backing plate <b>10</b> including the back cover <b>11</b> are retained inside the respective frame elements <b>18</b> by any of various conventional methods, such as molding, riveting, and screwing.

0077<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref> shows a sixth embodiment of a picture frame assembly, wherein the frame plate <b>40</b> is formed integrally with the backing plate <b>10</b> and connected thereto by a fold <b>41</b>. The frame plate <b>40</b> has an aperture <b>42</b>, a front surface provided with grooves <b>43</b>, and an opposed rear surface <b>44</b> which faces the front surface <b>12</b> of the backing plate <b>10</b>. The top edge <b>46</b> and the bottom edge <b>48</b> are provided with retaining tabs <b>48</b> which are bent against the rear surface <b>13</b> of the backing plate <b>10</b> to secure a picture element such as a photograph between the plates <b>10</b>, <b>40</b>. Optionally, a transparent sheet such as sheet <b>28</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref> can be also provided.

0078<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6B</figref> shows an alternative configuration wherein lateral retaining tabs <b>49</b> are provided. These tabs can also be provided in addition to the tabs <b>48</b>. An alternative shape of aperture <b>42</b> is also shown.

0079<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7A to 7D</figref> show a seventh embodiment of a frame assembly, in which the frame element <b>60</b> is curved or deformable to assume a curved shape, as is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7B</figref>. For example, the frame element <b>60</b> can be in the form of a curved frame plate with a concave rear surface <b>13</b>, which can conform to a cylindrical object, such as a candle. In one example, the frame element <b>60</b> is pre-curved and capable of retaining the pre-curved shape. In another example, the frame element <b>60</b> can be plastically deformed into one or more curved shapes.

0080As <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7C</figref> shows, a plurality of retaining tabs <b>62</b> are provided to hold the backing plate <b>10</b> against a front rim <b>64</b> of the frame element <b>60</b>. Various other retaining devices, such as those described herein, can also be used to retain the backing plate <b>10</b> and the frame element <b>30</b> together.

0081<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8A and 8B</figref> show an eighth embodiment of a frame assembly, in which the frame element <b>70</b> is formed to be deformable to assume a curved shape, as is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref>. The frame element <b>70</b> is formed as an endless channel <b>72</b>. In one embodiment, the channel <b>72</b> encloses one or more deformable materials <b>74</b>, which can provide additional support to the channel <b>72</b>. Examples of the deformable materials include, but are not limited to, foam, soft metal, plastic material, rubber, latex, fabric, silicon, gel, and sand. The deformable channel <b>72</b> cooperates with the deformable material <b>74</b> and/or a deformable backing plate <b>10</b>, such as any of those described above, to form and maintain a curved shape conforming to a curved surface of the object that the frame assembly is to be mounted onto.

0082In the example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8B</figref>, a plurality of retaining tabs <b>76</b> are shown to retain the backing plate <b>10</b> together with the frame element <b>70</b>. The retaining tabs <b>76</b> can be integrally formed with the endless channel <b>72</b>.

0083<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9A and 9B</figref> show a ninth embodiment of a frame assembly, in which the frame element <b>80</b> is formed to be deformable. In this embodiment, a plurality of projections <b>82</b> are provided on the rear surface <b>84</b> of the frame element <b>80</b> in a circumferential direction. The projections <b>82</b> can act to prevent the backing plate <b>10</b> and/or a picture element from shifting on the rear surface <b>84</b> of the frame element <b>80</b>. In another example, one or more of the projections <b>82</b> are configured as anchors <b>82</b>′ for the retaining hooks <b>86</b>, which retain the backing plate <b>10</b> in position against the frame element <b>80</b>.

0084Additionally or alternatively, the projections <b>82</b> can add to the rigidity of the frame element <b>80</b> and allow the same to bend at the same time. In one example, the projections <b>82</b> are evenly spaced from each other. When the frame element <b>80</b> is formed to have circular shape, the frame element <b>80</b> can assume a curved profile along any radial direction of the frame element <b>80</b>. Accordingly, the circular frame element <b>80</b> need not be aligned with either the picture element P or the backing plate <b>10</b> when assembling the frame assembly.

0085<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10A and 10B</figref> show a tenth embodiment of a frame assembly, in which the frame element <b>90</b> is deformable. In this embodiment, a deformable bezel <b>92</b> is provided and fixed to the frame element <b>90</b>. The deformable bezel <b>92</b> is formed with a plurality of cutouts <b>94</b> resulting in a plurality of spaced projections <b>96</b> along the circumferential direction of the deformable bezel <b>92</b>. The cutouts <b>94</b> can facilitate in the bending of the deformable bezel <b>92</b>. At least some of the projections <b>96</b> have a sufficient height to retain the picture element P and the backing plate <b>10</b> in position after the picture frame assembly is assembled.

0086The deformable bezel <b>92</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10A and 10B</figref> has a substantially circular or oval configuration, corresponding to a circular or oval shaped opening <b>98</b> through which a picture element P can be revealed. In a modified embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10C</figref>, the bezel <b>92</b>′ has a rectangular or square shaped opening <b>98</b>′, corresponding to a rectangular or square shaped opening <b>98</b>′ through which a picture element P can be revealed.

0087If desired, the frame elements <b>90</b>, <b>90</b>′ can include various design elements <b>99</b>, <b>99</b>′ to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the frame assembly.

0088<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11A to 11C</figref> shows an eleventh embodiment of a frame assembly, in which the frame element <b>100</b> is formed with various cutouts <b>102</b> to facilitate in bending the frame element <b>100</b>. The frame element <b>100</b> can be bent together with the backing plate <b>10</b> to a desired curved shape.

0089If desired, the various cutouts <b>102</b> can be patterned to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the frame element <b>100</b>. The frame element <b>100</b> can also include additional design elements <b>104</b> to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the frame assembly.

0090The invention is not limited by the embodiments described above which are presented as examples only but can be modified in various ways within the scope of protection defined by the appended patent claims. In addition, the picture frame assembly can be used for various purposes including indoor or outdoor decoration or memorial. For example, the various picture frame assemblies can be readily fixed to any of various objects, such as a tree, flower stem, a candle, a vase, a basket, a gift wrapping device, a container, a column, and furniture, having either a flat or curved surface.

0091Thus, while there have shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices illustrated, and in their operation, can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention can be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.