Magnetic framing system

Abstract

A repositionable frame system includes a repositionable wall mount configured for being repositionably secured to a support surface. The repositionable wall mount includes a first magnetic element. The system further includes a frame having a rear face that includes a second magnetic element that is magnetically attracted to the first magnetic element resulting in a magnetic coupling between the frame and the repositionable wall mount.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A repositionable frame system comprising:
 a repositionable wall mount configured for being repositionably secured to a support surface, the repositionable wall mount including a first magnetic element; and   a frame having a rear face that includes a second magnetic element that is magnetically attracted to the first magnetic element resulting in a magnetic coupling between the frame and the repositionable wall mount.   
     
     
         2 . The frame system of  claim 1 , wherein the repositionable wall mount includes a carrier layer having a first face and an opposite second face, the first face being coated with a repositionable adhesive for contacting the support surface, the second face being coated with a permanent adhesive that is permanently bonded to the first magnetic element. 
     
     
         3 . The frame system of  claim 2 , wherein the first magnetic element comprises a layer of foam that is permanently bonded to the permanent adhesive of the second face and a magnetically receptive rubber layer that is permanently bonded to the layer of foam. 
     
     
         4 . The frame system of  claim 3 , wherein the magnetically receptive rubber layer comprises a mixture of rubber with ferrous material. 
     
     
         5 . The frame system of  claim 4 , wherein the ferrous material is extruded into the rubber. 
     
     
         6 . The frame system of  claim 1 , wherein the frame includes a perimeter molding portion that protrudes rearward relative to the rear face of the frame and is for placement against the support surface, while the rear face and the second magnetic element is offset from the support surface. 
     
     
         7 . The frame system of  claim 6 , wherein an exposed surface of the perimeter molding portion includes a surface texture for gripping the support surface. 
     
     
         8 . The frame system of  claim 1 , wherein the second magnetic element comprises a flexible magnet. 
     
     
         9 . The frame system of  claim 8 , wherein the flexible magnet is produced by a ferrite magnet material mixed with a flexible rubber binder which is then extruded or calendared to form the flexible magnet. 
     
     
         10 . The frame system of  claim 8 , wherein the flexible magnet is attached to the rear face with a permanent adhesive. 
     
     
         11 . The frame system of  claim 8 , wherein the rear face has a recessed portion in which the flexible magnet is placed. 
     
     
         12 . The frame system of  claim 6 , wherein a thickness of the perimeter molding portion is greater than a thickness of the first magnetic element. 
     
     
         13 . The frame system of  claim 6 , wherein a thickness of the perimeter molding portion is about equal to a thickness of the first magnetic element. 
     
     
         14 . The frame system of  claim 1 , wherein the first magnetic element comprises a permanent magnet and the second magnetic element comprises ferrous material. 
     
     
         15 . The frame system of  claim 1 , wherein the frame includes a rear backing plate that is formed of plastic and includes a molded recessed portion in which the first magnetic element sits. 
     
     
         16 . The frame system of  claim 1 , wherein the frame includes a rear backing plate that is formed of paper to which the first magnetic element is permanently bonded. 
     
     
         17 . A kit for mounting two or more frame systems to a support surface comprising:
 a plus-shaped tool that includes four legs that define four quadrants, the tool including a bubble level for orienting the tool in a level position relative to the support surface; and   wherein each of the two or more frames comprises:
 a repositionable wall mount configured for being repositionably secured to a support surface, the repositionable wall mount including a first magnetic element; and 
 a frame having a rear face that includes a second magnetic element that is magnetically attracted to the first magnetic element resulting in a magnetic coupling between the frame and the repositionable wall mount. 
   
     
     
         18 . The kit of  claim 17 , wherein the tool is formed of foam and includes a repositionably adhesive layer on a rear face thereof for being placed in contact with the support surface. 
     
     
         19 . The kit of  claim 17 , wherein lengths of the legs are less than each of a width and length of the frame. 
     
     
         20 . The kit of  claim 17 , wherein the legs are formed 90 degrees apart from one another. 
     
     
         21 . A repositionable frame system comprising:
 a first part that is configured for being repositionably secured to a support surface, the first part being flexible and including a first magnetic element defining a first face of the first part and a repositionable adhesive that is temporarily covered by a release layer that defines a second face of the first part prior to mounting to the support surface; and   a second part that includes a frame having a rear face that includes a second magnetic element that is magnetically attracted to the first magnetic element resulting in a magnetic coupling between the frame and the repositionable first part.   
     
     
         22 . The frame system of  claim 21 , wherein the first part includes a carrier on which the repositionable adhesive is layered along a first surface, with a second surface thereof being permanently bonded to a layer of foam to which the first magnetic element is permanently bonded. 
     
     
         23 . The frame system of  claim 21 , wherein the first magnetic element comprises a rubber layer with a ferrous material incorporated therein. 
     
     
         24 . The frame system of  claim 23 , wherein the second magnetic element comprises a flexible magnet. 
     
     
         25 . The frame system of  claim 22 , wherein the carrier comprises a flexible plastic film.