Touch activated enhanced picture frame

• US 4,748,756 A
• Filed: 01/23/1987
• Issued: 06/07/1988
• Est. Priority Date: 01/23/1987
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Bruce Ross
• Original Assignee: Bruce Ross
• Inventors: Ross, Bruce
• Primary Examiner(s): Peshock, Robert
• Assistant Examiner(s): WEHNER, CARY ELLEN
• Application Number:
  US07/006,176
• Time in Patent Office: 501 Days
• Field of Search: 40/152.2, 40/442, 40/541, 40/553, 40/564, 40/455, 362/800, 362/135, 362/136, 362/253, 362/140, 323/904
• US Class Current: 40/715
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 1/0616 Ornamental frames, e.g. with illumination, speakers or decorative features
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 1/0622 with illumination

Abstract

A picture frame enhanced with a light or sound generating device which is activated by a user touching a touch sensitive contact area that is incorporated as a part of the picture frame structure. Contact with the touch sensitve contact area is sensed by control circuitry which responds by activating and controlling the functioning of the light or sound enhancement.

Claims

1. A touch activated enhanced picture frame comprising:

a picture frame structure comprising a front panel, rear panel, stand support and means for holding and displaying a picture between said front panel and said rear panel,

a light enhancement means incorporated in said picture frame structure for providing additional visual appeal,

a touch sensitive switch means incorporated in said picture frame structure having a touch sensitive contact area for sensing a user'"'"'s touch,

a control circuitry means incorporated in said picture frame structure and interconnected to said touch sensitive switch means and said light enhancement means for activating and controlling said light enhancement in response to a user'"'"'s touch.

2. The picture frame of claim 1 wherein said touch sensitive contact area is comprised of electrical contacts.

3. The picture frame of claim 1 wherein said light enhancement means is a plurality of light generating devices spread about the perimeter of said front panel whereby said light generting devices produce a pleasing marquee effect when activated by said control circuitry.

4. A touch activated enhanced picture frame comprising:

a picture frame structure comprising a front panel, rear panel, stand support and means for holding and displaying a picture between said front panel and said rear panel,

a sound enhancement means incorporated in said picture frame structure for providing audible appeal,

a touch sensitive switch means incorporated in said picture frame structure having a touch sensitive contact area for sensing a user'"'"'s touch,

a control circuitry means incorporated in said picture frame structure and interconnected to said touch sensitive switch means and said sound enhancement means for activating and controlling said sound enhancement in response to a user'"'"'s touch.

5. The picture frame of claim 4 wherein said touch sensitive contact area is comprised of electrical contacts.