Reclosable picture frame device with transparent overlay and non-skid backing for displaying a plurality of photographs

Abstract

A reclosable picture frame device for displaying and protecting a plurality of photographs in resistively secured and non-skid fashion. A frame includes a plurality of first, second, third and fourth elongate and interconnecting peripheral members, each of the peripheral members including, in cross section, a top surface, an outer edge surface, and an inner edge surface terminating in a foot portion. A planar and rigid backing possesses a selected thickness and dimension corresponding to that of the assembled and interconnecting peripheral members. The backing also includes a rearwardly facing surface and a forwardly facing and adhering surface. A plurality of angled corner braces interengage between the rigid backing and the peripheral members to maintain the integrity of the frame device. A flexible and planar shaped transparent overlay is arrayed over the adhering surface of the rigid backing and between the peripheral and interconnecting members. A spring biasing engagement is employed between selected peripheral members and in order to pivotally open and reclose each of the selected peripheral members. In this manner, the plurality of photographs are placed in a desired collage arrangement upon the adhering surface and upon pivotally opening the peripheral members and flexibly peeling away said transparent overlay. The overlay is then being replaceably fitted over the assembled collage and the interconnecting members are pivotally reclosed to secure the collage arrangement within the device.

1 . A reclosable picture frame device for displaying and protecting a plurality of photographs in resistively secured and non-skid fashion, said device comprising: 
 a polygonal frame including a plurality of elongate and interconnecting peripheral members;    a planar and rigid backing having a selected thickness and dimension corresponding to that of said interconnecting peripheral members, said backing including a rearwardly facing surface and forwardly facing and adhering surface;    a plurality of angled corner braces interengaging between said rigid backing and said peripheral members;    a flexible and planar shaped transparent overlay; and    means for pivotally opening and reclosing each of a selected subplurality of said interconnecting members;    the plurality of photographs being placed in a desired collage arrangement upon said adhering surface, and upon pivotally opening said subplurality of interconnecting members and flexibly peeling away said transparent overlay, said overlay being replaceably fitted over said assembled collage and said subplurality of interconnecting members pivotally reclosing to secure said collage arrangement within said device.    
     
     
         2 . The reclosable picture frame device according to  claim 1 , said frame further comprising a substantially rectangular shape with first, second, third and fourth interconnected peripheral members.  
     
     
         3 . The reclosable picture frame device according to  claim 2 , said selected subplurality of interconnecting members further comprising a pair of opposing and parallel extending peripheral members selected from said first, second, third and fourth members.  
     
     
         4 . The reclosable picture frame device according to  claim 1 , each of said peripheral members further comprising, in cross section, a top surface, an outer edge surface, and an inner edge surface terminating in a foot portion abutting against said overlay in an engaged position.  
     
     
         5 . The reclosable picture frame device according to  claim 4 , said means for pivotally opening and reclosing each of said subplurality of interconnected peripheral members further comprising: 
 a cylindrical hinge projecting from said planar and rigid backing;    an elongated sleeve with a substantially semi-cylindrical interior, said sleeve extending inwardly from said outer edge surface of said selected peripheral member, said semi-cylindrical interior seatingly engaging over said cylindrical hinge so that said peripheral member is pivotally secured thereto over a selected range of rotation; and    an elongate and substantially flattened leaf spring, a first axially extending edge of said leaf spring biasingly engaging against an inwardly facing surface of said foot portion of said peripheral member, a second axially extending edge biasingly engaging against an abutment of said rigid backing, said abutment including a channel within which is seated said second axially extending edge;    said spring biasing said peripheral member in said engaged position and, upon achieving a preselected degree of rotation of said peripheral member in a reverse direction, said spring biasing said peripheral member in a disengaged and opened position.    
     
     
         6 . The reclosable picture frame device according to  claim 1 , each of said angled corner braces further comprising a first extending leg and a second interconnected and orthogonal extending leg.  
     
     
         7 . The reclosable picture frame device according to  claim 6 , further comprising at least one screw engaging through each of said angled corner braces, a peripheral locating tab extending upwardly from said rigid backing and, in combination with said screw, providing additional locating support to said overlay.  
     
     
         8 . The reclosable picture frame device according to  claim 1 , said transparent overlay comprising a substantially rectangular shape and being constructed of a clear polycarbonate material.  
     
     
         9 . The reclosable picture frame device according to  claim 1 , said frame comprising a substantially rectangular shape with first, second, third and fourth interconnected peripheral members, each of said peripheral members further being constructed of an anodized aluminum poster type frame.  
     
     
         10 . The reclosable picture frame device according to  claim 1 , said planar and rigid backing further comprising a foam impregnated material which, upon application, provides said adhering surface with a suitable coefficient of friction.  
     
     
         11 . A reclosable picture frame device for displaying and protecting a plurality of photographs in resistively secured and non-skid fashion, said device comprising: 
 a frame including a plurality of first, second, third and fourth elongate and interconnecting peripheral members, each of said peripheral members further comprising, in cross section, a top surface, an outer edge surface, and an inner edge surface terminating in a foot portion;    a planar and rigid backing having a selected thickness and dimension corresponding to that of said interconnecting peripheral members, said backing including a rearwardly facing surface and forwardly facing and adhering surface;    a plurality of angled corner braces interengaging between said rigid backing and said peripheral members;    a flexible and planar shaped transparent overlay; and    means for pivotally opening and reclosing, in a spring-biasing fashion, each of a selected subplurality of said interconnecting and peripheral members and so that said foot portion abuts against said overlay in said reclosed position;    the plurality of photographs being placed in a desired collage arrangement upon said adhering surface, and upon pivotally opening said subplurality of interconnecting members and flexibly peeling away said transparent overlay, said overlay being replaceably fitted over said assembled collage and said subplurality of interconnecting members pivotally reclosing to secure said collage arrangement within said device.