Parallel plane picture frame array

• US 6,338,215 B1
• Filed: 04/07/2000
• Issued: 01/15/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/07/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Umbra Incorporated (Umbra)
• Original Assignee: Umbra Incorporated (Umbra)
• Inventors: Vincent, Thomas
• Primary Examiner(s): GREEN, BRIAN
• Application Number:
  US09/545,380
• Time in Patent Office: 648 Days
• Field of Search: 401/52, 406/05, 407/29, 407/30, 407/31, 407/33, D 6/301, D 6/302
• US Class Current: 40/730
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 1/065 Interconnected frames; Frame assemblies; Frames for two or more pictures

Abstract

A 3-dimensional array of picture frames is arranged in a plurality of parallel planes. The picture frames are interconnected by perpendicularly extending pegs frictionally received in blind bores in the front of the rearward frame and in the back of the forward frame. Replaceable decorative sleeves surround the pegs.

Claims

1. An array of picture frames, comprising:

a plurality of picture frames, including a first set of picture frames located in a first plane and a second set of picture frames located in a second plane that is parallel to and spaced from said first plane a first distance, each of said picture frames including four frame members interconnected in a rectangular configuration, each of said frame members having a substantially planar front surface and a substantially planar rear surface, said front and rear surfaces being substantially parallel to but spaced from each other; and

a first set of substantially cylindrical connectors that are affixed to and extend between said front surfaces of said first set of picture frames and said rear surfaces of said second set of picture frames, each of said first set of connectors being perpendicular to said first and second planes and substantially exposed to view as part of the visual design of said array of picture frames.

2. The array of picture frames according to claim 1, wherein each of said first set of connectors are of substantially the same length, which generally defines the distance between said first and second planes.

3. The array of picture frames according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of picture frames further comprises a third set of picture frames located in a third plane that is parallel to and spaced from both said first and second planes.

4. The array of picture frames according to claim 3, further comprising a second set of substantially cylindrical connectors that are perpendicular to said third plane and are affixed to and extend between said front or rear surfaces of said third set of picture frames and said rear or front surfaces, respectively, of either said first or second set of picture frames.

5. The array of picture frames according to claim 4, wherein said second set of connectors are a different length than said first set of connectors.

6. The array of picture frames according to claim 1, wherein said first distance is greater than the thickness of any one of said picture frames as measured from said front surface to said rear surface thereof.

7. The array of picture frames according to claim 1, wherein each of said connectors of said first set of substantially cylindrical connectors is surrounded by a tubular sheath.

8. The array of picture frames according to claim 7, wherein said sheath is formed of plastic.