Picture Frame with Quick Release Back

Abstract

A picture frame assembly is provided that includes a picture frame, a window disposed in the picture frame, and a backing member for retaining a sheet form graphic piece against the window. The backing member is adapted to be quickly released from the frame to provide access to the graphic piece and reassembled to the frame for displaying the graphic piece. The backing member is assembled to the frame and disassembled from the frame by compressing a compressible section to move a tongue into a release position to clear a back rib as the backing member is moved toward the window and away from the window. The tongue is returned to a normal position in which the tongue is disposed between the front rib and the back rib to retain the graphic object within the frame.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 909,999 filed Apr. 4, 2007.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to a picture frame that has a quick release back that is simple to remove and replace and lends itself to obtaining autographs on the framed graphics material.[0004]2. Background Art[0005]Picture frames are normally made with a frame that sandwiches a photograph, or other graphic artwork, between a pane of glass and a backing member. Simple picture frames may include a plurality of clips that are used to secure the individual parts of the picture frame and framed matter together.[0006]Relatively complicated spring clips and other inter-engaging parts may be used to force the backing member against the photograph or graphic piece and into engagement with the glass pane. Spring clips and other complex retaining mechanisms are difficult to remo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]The backing member may have a transverse wall that extends across the body portion of the backing member to reinforce the backing member against deflection in the direction that the tongue moves as the tongue is moved from the normal position to the

Problems solved by technology

Spring clips and other complex retaining mechanisms are difficult to remove and reinstall.

If no table or other working surface is provided, many prior art picture frames are relatively difficult to work with.

If, for example, a person wishes to obtain an autograph on a framed picture while standing in a line or attending a special event, the limited time for obtaining the autograph may be insufficient to allow for disassembly of the framed picture in time to obtain the autograph.

While some prior art picture frames provide receptacles for hanging the pictures, such receptacles may be limited to hanging the picture in one or two orientations and may be inconvenient to use.

Adding picture hanging clips to the back of a frame adds cost and adds to the number of parts that must be provided in the frame assembly.

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