Floating Picture Frame

Abstract

A floating picture frame is provided. The floating picture frame includes a frame body having an outer frame and an inner mounting plate, wherein a channel is formed between the outer frame and the inner mounting plate to create the visual impression of a suspended picture element. The channel encloses the inner mounting plate and is accessible from the front side of the frame body. A retention mechanism on the mounting plate secures a picture element and may include an interchangeable holding magnet, double-sided mounting tape, or a clip or clasp. A support member on the rear side of the frame body supports the frame in an upright position on a tabletop, while a wall mounting feature allows for alternative display configurations. In some embodiments, the frame body is constructed as a single monolithic structure.

Claims

1. A floating picture frame, comprising: a frame body having an outer frame and an inner mounting plate, wherein a channel is formed between the outer frame and the inner mounting plate; wherein the channel encircles the inner mounting plate and is accessible from a front side of the frame body; wherein the mounting plate comprises a front side with a retention mechanism adapted to receive a picture element thereon.

2. The floating picture frame of claim 1, wherein the frame body comprises a single monolithic structure.

3. The floating picture frame of claim 2, wherein the frame body comprises a rectangular shape.

4. The floating picture frame of claim 1, wherein a rear side, opposite the front side of the frame body, comprises a support member configured to display the front side of the frame body in an upright position, wherein the upright position ranges from a perpendicular position and an angled position atop a horizontal surface.

5. The floating picture frame of claim 4, wherein the upright position comprises a portrait configuration.

6. The floating picture frame of claim 4, wherein the upright position comprises a landscape configuration.

7. The floating picture frame of claim 4, wherein a support member comprises one or more pins that extend through one or more corresponding apertures of the frame body.

8. The floating picture frame of claim 7, wherein the support member comprises a hook for securing to a picture frame mounting bracket.

9. The floating picture frame of claim 1, wherein the picture element is positioned within the frame body wherein the channel has a uniform width therearound.

10. The floating picture frame of claim 1, wherein the retention mechanism comprises double sided mounting tape.

11. The floating picture frame of claim 1, wherein the picture element comprises a metal dye sublimated photo.

12. The floating picture frame of claim 1, wherein the retention mechanism comprises an interchangeable holding magnet.

13. The floating picture frame of claim 12, The floating picture frame of claim 12, wherein picture element includes a second magnet, the second magnet configured to engage the interchangeable holding magnet.

14. The floating picture frame of claim 13, wherein the first and second magnet are each positioned within a recessed area wherein the picture element is flush with the front face of the mounting plate when coupled therewith.

15. The floating picture frame of claim 1, wherein the retention mechanism comprises a clip or clasp.

16. The floating picture frame of claim 1, further comprising a wall mounting member including a double-sided wall mounting adhesive located on a rear side of the frame body.

17. The floating picture frame of claim 1, wherein the frame body is made of a sustainable and eco-friendly material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0020] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the floating picture frame.

[0021] FIG. 2 shows a cut away view of an embodiment of the floating picture frame.

[0022] FIG. 3 shows a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the floating picture frame.

[0023] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the second embodiment of the floating picture frame.

[0024] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the floating picture frame in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for suspending a picture element within the floating picture frame that is set upon a tabletop surface. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

[0026] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiment(s) of the invention. References to one embodiment, at least one embodiment, an embodiment, one example, an example, for example, and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase in an embodiment does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown an exploded view and a cut away view of an embodiment of the floating picture frame, respectively. The floating picture frame 1000 comprises a frame body 1100 that houses a picture element 1200 while creating the visual effect of suspension. In the illustrated embodiment, the picture element 1200 is positioned on an inner mounting plate 1300 without being compressed between a transparent cover such as glass or plexiglass. A channel 1400 is defined around the perimeter 1210 of the picture element 1200 when mounted to the frame body 1100, producing the appearance of a floating display.

[0028] The frame body 1100 includes an outer frame 1120 and the inner mounting plate 1300, wherein the outer frame 1120 extends around and encloses the inner mounting plate 1300, forming the channel 1400 between the two components. In the illustrated embodiment, the channel 1400 encloses the edges of the inner mounting plate 1130 while remaining accessible from the front side 1140 of the frame body 1100, allowing for seamless insertion and removal of a picture element 1200. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting plate 1300 is rectangular in shape and dimensioned to fit entirely within the outer frame 1120. In the shown embodiment the mounting plate 1300 and outer frame 1120 comprise a same shape, wherein the mounting plate 1300 is concentric with the outer frame 11120, providing a uniform channel width around its perimeter to maintain a consistent floating effect. In some embodiments, the inner mounting plate and the outer frame 1120 comprise a different shape from one another, however, still maintaining a channel formed therebetween.

[0029] The front side 1140 of the mounting plate 1300 comprises a retention mechanism 1320 adapted to receive and retain the picture element 1200 to the frame body 1100. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention mechanism comprises a double sided mounting member having a first side configured to adhere to the inner mounting plate surface and a second side adapted to adhere to the back side of the picture element 1200. The mounting member comprises a similar shape to the inner mounting plate and is adapted to cover over 50 percent of the front surface area. However, in the shown embodiment, the mounting member does not extend beyond the perimeter edge of the inner mounting plate.

[0030] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the edges 1340 of the inner mounting plate 1300 extend within the channel 1400. However, in alternate embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 1, the edges 1340 of the inner mounting plate 1300 form a 90 degree angle with the channel. In this way, alternate embodiments are adapted to provide varying sized channel widths, wherein the width of the channel is measured as the distance between the outer frame and the inner mounting plate.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a rear perspective view of the floating picture frame. In some embodiments, the rear side 1150 of the frame body 1100, opposite the front side, comprises a support member 1500 configured to support the frame 1100 in an upright position when placed on a tabletop or shelf. In the shown embodiment, the frame body 1100 includes one or more pins 1510 on the rear side 1150 of the frame body 1100, which can be inserted into corresponding holes (as seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, 1520) to position the frame body 1100 in an upright position. In some embodiments, the holes extend from the rear side to the front side of the inner mounting plate, whereas in other embodiments, the holes form a recess within the rear side of the inner mounting plate. This allows the frame 1000 to be displayed in both portrait and landscape orientations, depending on the orientation of the pin holes 1520. The pin holes 1520 are spaced evenly on the rear side 1150 of the frame body 1100, allowing for flexible positioning and stability of the frame 1000 when in an upright position. In some embodiments, the pins 1510 may be removable, allowing for easy storage and transport of the frame. Alternative shapes for the pin holes and pins may also be used in different embodiments of the floating picture frame. For example, instead of circular pin holes, the frame body may include square or triangular holes, which would allow the pins to be positioned at different angles and orientations. Additionally, the pins themselves may be shaped differently, such as being elongated or curved, to provide greater stability and a more unique aesthetic appearance.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the frame body is constructed from a sustainable and eco-friendly material, such as carbonized 3-ply bamboo, which provides durability, structural integrity, and a refined aesthetic appearance. However, in alternate embodiments, the frame body may be fabricated from a variety of materials suited for frame construction, including acrylic, injection-molded plastic, softwood, hardwood, metal alloys, or composite materials. The selection of materials may vary depending on manufacturing requirements, aesthetic preferences, and structural performance. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame body comprises a thickness ranging from 0.25 inches to 2 inches, wherein the thickness is measured as the distance between the front side and the rear side of the frame body. In alternate embodiments, the frame body thickness may be modified to accommodate different picture element sizes or design variations while maintaining structural stability and the floating effect.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is a shown perspective view of a second embodiment of the floating picture frame. In the shown embodiment, the inner mounting plate 1300 extends centrally from the outer frame 1120 and includes a recessed area 1330 extending from a first end 1335 to a second end 1345. The retention mechanism 1320 in this second embodiment is one or more magnets that are otherwise secured to the picture element 1200 and the mounting plate 1300, respectively. The one or more magnets 1600 comprise a first and second magnet 1610, 1620, wherein the first magnet 1610 is fastened to the mounting plate 1300 via adhesive and the second magnet 1620 is fastened to the picture element 1200 via adhesive. The first and second magnets 1610, 1620 are sized to be positioned with the recessed area 1330. In the shown embodiment, the recessed area 1330 has a depth equal to the thicknesses of both the first and second magnets. In this way, the picture element 1200 is adapted to rest flush with the front face.

[0034] In the shown embodiment, the picture element 1200 extends over the outer edge 1340 of the mounting plate 1300 thereby allowing a user to position the picture element 1200 within the outer frame 1120. In this way, the user may adjust the size of the revealed channel. Additionally, this provides for accommodation of various size picture elements. In the illustrated embodiment, the picture element 1200 comprises a metal dye sublimated photo. However, in alternate embodiments, the picture element comprises any suitable material that can be printed on or receive or display an image, such as acrylic, wood, glass, a digital screen, and the like. In other embodiments, the picture element comprises a plurality of separate picture elements that can be secured to the frame body.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the floating picture frame in use. In one embodiment, the frame body 1100 of the floating picture frame 1000 comprises a rectangular shape having rounded corners, wherein the outer frame and inner mounting plate define a channel with a uniform width around the perimeter of the picture element 1200. The rectangular configuration provides a structured and symmetrical appearance suitable for standard photographic and artwork dimensions. In another embodiment, the frame body is configured with a circular cross-sectional shape, wherein the outer frame 1120 and inner mounting plate form a continuous annular channel 1400 that extends around the entire circumference of the frame body perimeter. This circular configuration allows for the uniform suspension of round picture elements while maintaining structural integrity. In yet another embodiment, the frame body comprises an oval shape, wherein the channel structure formed between the outer frame and inner mounting plate follows an elliptical contour. This embodiment is particularly suitable for portrait-style or vintage artwork, maintaining a balanced floating effect across the elongated axis of the frame. Additional variations of the frame body geometry include, but are not limited to, square, triangular, hexagonal, octagonal, and irregular-shaped configurations, wherein the channel structure is proportionally adapted to maintain uniform spacing around the picture element.

[0036] The various embodiments of the floating picture frame 1000 may be produced in different dimensions to accommodate a range of picture sizes while preserving the floating effect. For example, a smaller frame body may be dimensioned to receive a 46 inch picture element, while a larger frame body may be configured for an 810 inch picture element. In some embodiments, the floating picture frame may be offered as part of a modular frame system, wherein multiple frames of varying sizes, shapes, or colors are arranged in a coordinated display. This allows for the creation of customizable arrangements, such as collage-style layouts or gallery-style groupings, wherein the floating effect is maintained across multiple framed images.

[0037] In alternative embodiments, the retention mechanism is configured to securely affix the picture element to the inner mounting plate through various mechanical securing methods. For example, in some embodiments, the retention mechanism comprises a series of clips or clamps integrated into the inner mounting plate, wherein the clips are designed to hold the picture element in place while remaining concealed from the front-facing view of the frame. In other embodiments, a spring-loaded fastening system is implemented within the inner mounting plate, wherein the tension of the mechanism ensures firm retention while allowing for easy removal and replacement of the picture element. Additionally, in some configurations, the support member is designed with an adjustable articulation mechanism, such as a hinged support leg, which enables the frame to be positioned at a range of angles. This configuration provides flexibility in tabletop or shelf display, allowing users to optimize the viewing orientation of the picture element.

[0038] In alternate embodiments, the frame body includes a wall mounting system that allows for secure vertical placement on a wall surface. In one embodiment, the wall mount comprises an aperture positioned on the rear side of the frame body, wherein the aperture is dimensioned to receive a fastener or mounting hook protruding from a wall surface. In another embodiment, the wall mount system consists of a precision-cut mounting bracket integrated into the rear side of the frame body, wherein the bracket interfaces with a locking hook or wall-mounted track system to maintain stability. Additional wall mounting configurations include, but are not limited to, adhesive-based fasteners, secondary hanger mounts affixed via pressure-sensitive adhesive, leveling picture hangers, magnetic wall mounts, and modular frame rails, allowing for flexible and secure wall installations.

[0039] It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly, and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0040] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.