Frame assembly for attachment to a commercially available picture frame

Abstract

The present invention provides frame assembly devices for attachment to a commercially available picture frame that allows for the quick and easy insertion or removal of an item of display in the picture frame. The present invention also provides a method for adapting an assembled commercially available picture frame to allow display materials to be quickly and easily inserted and removed from the picture frame.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention generally relates to a frame assembly for attachment to a commercially available picture frame that allows for easy replacement of an item of display and methods for assembling a picture frame utilizing a frame assembly. [0003] 2. Background Information [0004] Most commercially available picture frames do not allow for the easy removal and insertion of display materials. These frames typically have a back cover that protects the display material from dust and dirt. The back cover is typically affixed to the picture frame by nailing, stapling or gluing, thus making it difficult and time consuming to change the material displayed in the frame. [0005] Certain picture frames allow quick and easy access to change the display material, however these picture frames suffer from various shortcomings. Picture frame or display devices that allow for the easy interchange of the material being displayed typ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a frame assembly that can be attached to a picture frame to allow for easy removal and insertion of display materials. The frame assembly consists of top, bottom, and side members that are connected at their ends. A back cover is hingeably connected to one of the frame members. The frame assembly fits into a recess in the back surface of the picture frame and is affixed to it. The hinged connection makes it easy to open and close the rear cover for easy insertion or removal of display materials."

Problems solved by technology

Most commercially available picture frames do not allow for the easy removal and insertion of display materials.

The back cover is typically affixed to the picture frame by nailing, stapling or gluing, thus making it difficult and time consuming to change the material displayed in the frame.

Some require that the hinge mechanism be built into the frame during manufacture while others physically require that the hinge mechanism be attached to a picture frame in a complex or difficult and time consuming process.

Picture frames that have a hinge mechanism built into picture frame members, while providing easy access to insert or remove display materials, limit a consumer's ability to choose a picture frame of their choice.

A consumer is limited to only those types and styles of frames manufactured with the hinge mechanism formed as an integral part of the frame.

This significantly restricts a consumers choice of frame style, color, etc.

Furthermore, such devices do not allow a consumer to quickly and easily adopt a commercially available picture frame to one allowing quick and easy access to insert or remove display materials.

This restricts a consumer in selecting the commercially available picture frame of their choice.

Furthermore, to the extent a hinged back cover is attached to a picture frame it requires the measuring and assembly of the components which is a difficult and time consuming process for most consumers or frame assemblers.

The prior art devices limits consumer selection of commercially available or custom picture frame of their choice with the feature of quick and easy access to insert and remove display materials.

The prior art devices do not allow a consumer to quickly and easily modify a commercially available picture frame to provide for simple and easy insertion and removal of display materials.

The picture frame in the '477 patent has superposed frame members, which are individual components that have to be aligned and installed onto the frame which is a time consuming and difficult process.

This restricts a consumer's ability to select a frame of their choice.

Furthermore, the picture frame described in the '607 does not allow a commercially available picture frame to be easily adapted so that display materials can be easily removed and inserted into the picture frame.

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