Structure of a picture frame

• US 5,253,440 A
• Filed: 09/14/1992
• Issued: 10/19/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 09/14/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Thomas Chang
• Original Assignee: Thomas Chang
• Inventors: Chang, Thomas
• Primary Examiner(s): Dorner, Kenneth J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Bonifanti, J.
• Application Number:
  US07/944,392
• Time in Patent Office: 400 Days
• Field of Search: 292/145, 292/DIG. 38, 40/152, 40/152.1, 40/156, 40/158.1, 40/611
• US Class Current: 40/748
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 1/06 Picture frames making from paper B31D
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 1/143 Pivotable legs
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 2001/0677 having means for fixing the picture or backing to the frame, e.g. clips, nails or the like

Abstract

A picture frame comprises a molded frame member having a generally planar rear surface, a rectangular rear backing plate, and an elongate support. A generally rectangular housing recess on the rear surface defines an inner land, the inner periphery of which circumscribes the window aperture of the picture frame. Opposing peripheral walls in the recess adjoining the land have respective elongate grooves formed therein for receiving a protruding fin on a first longitudinal edge of the backing plate. A slide aperture is formed centrally on the backing plate adjacent a second longitudinal edge including a recess on the front surface of the plate in communication therewith and extending to the proximate edge. A sliding catch positioned therein is engageable with a second groove of the housing recess to releasably secure the plate to the frame member. Two further apertures formed on a central portion of the backing plate are traversed by axis rods which protrude rearwards therefrom. A first end portion of the support has transversely disposed resilient sockets engaged with respective axis rods of the backing plate to hingedly attach the support therewith.

Claims

1. A picture frame, comprising:

an injection molded frame member having a generally planar rear surface with a rectangular recess of predetermined dimensions formed thereon for housing a transparent window cover and print, said rectangular recess defining an inner land and surrounding lateral and longitudinal peripheral walls, the land having an inner peripheral edge circumscribing a viewing aperture of said picture frame, and each longitudinal peripheral wall having a groove formed therein;

an injection molded rectangular backing plate of predetermined thickness and similar rectangular dimensions with said rectangular recess, said backing plate having a projecting fin on a first longitudinal edge thereof parallel with and spaced from a rear surface of said backing plate, a slide aperture proximate a second longitudinal edge of said backing plate including an elongated recess on a front side of said backing plate extending from the second longitudinal edge thereof to the slide aperture, and at least a rectangular aperture on a central portion of said backing plate having a transverse axis rod offset so as to protrude from the rear surface of said backing plate;

an injection molded elongate support having at least a lateral member extending from a first side of a first end portion thereof and being spaced from a terminal edge on the first end portion, each lateral member having a resilient socket of C-shaped section on the terminal end thereof snap engaged with said corresponding axis rod on said backing plate to hingedly attach said support therewith, wherein the terminal edge of said support abuts the rear surface of said backing plate to limit the maximum angle of separation therebetween; and

a resilient catch member slidingly disposed in said slide aperture having a slide plate riding on the rear surface of said backing plate, and a L-shaped bolt element which has a depending arm slidingly retained in said elongated recess of said slide aperture and a cross element adjoining said depending arm with said slide plate through said slide aperture, wherein said backing plate is releasably secured in said rectangular recess by inserting said fin thereon into one of said grooves in said rectangular recess and subsequently manipulating said slide plate of said catch member so as to engage said depending arm thereon with the other opposing groove in said rectangular recess.