US3676944A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Picture frame
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-01-04
•
Granted: 1972-07-18
•
Expires: 1991-01-04
Abstract
Abstract A picture frame comprising four pairs of bracket members, one pair associated with each corner of a picture assembly. Each bracket engages one of the edges of the picture assembly near a corner thereof and has a post member contacting the back of the picture frame assembly. There is also provided a connection between each associated pair of brackets at a medial location, the brackets being arranged to extend perpendicular from an edge of the picture assembly and to cross each other at said medial location. There is also provided a cord which interconnects all the bracket connections and which is spring biased to be maintained in tension to urge the four associated bracket pairs inwardly toward the center of the picture so that a truss-like action is provided with the post member of each bracket being urged toward the back of the picture assembly.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph P Eubank Jr
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 11:14
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47G; A47G1/00; A47G1/06; A47G1/0644
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
182 words
A picture frame comprising a bracket means associated with each corner of a picture assembly, each bracket means including a pair of bracket members, and means securing said bracket memberS together at a medial portion located on the back side of the picture assembly, each bracket member having one end formed to receive an edge of the picture assembly and the other end formed to extend at an angle to the medial portion thereof to thereby space said medial portion away from the back side of the picture assembly, cord means extending between each of said bracket means and engaging the same at a location on said medial portions spaced from the back side picture assembly, and means maintaining said cord means in a biased tension condition to urge said bracket means together and toward a central location of the picture assembly, to urge said other end of each bracket member toward contact with the back side of said picture assembly and to urge said one end of each bracket member into securing engagement with an associated edge of the picture assembly.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
182 words
A picture frame comprising a bracket means associated with each corner of a picture assembly, each bracket means including a pair of bracket members, and means securing said bracket memberS together at a medial portion located on the back side of the picture assembly, each bracket member having one end formed to receive an edge of the picture assembly and the other end formed to extend at an angle to the medial portion thereof to thereby space said medial portion away from the back side of the picture assembly, cord means extending between each of said bracket means and engaging the same at a location on said medial portions spaced from the back side picture assembly, and means maintaining said cord means in a biased tension condition to urge said bracket means together and toward a central location of the picture assembly, to urge said other end of each bracket member toward contact with the back side of said picture assembly and to urge said one end of each bracket member into securing engagement with an associated edge of the picture assembly.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
A picture frame according to claim 1 wherein said bracket means are arranged in crossed relation with part of said medial portions of each of said pairs of bracket members in overlapping relationship, said securing means engaging said overlapping portions.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
51 words
A picture frame according to claim 2 wherein said securing means includes a mounting screw associated with each bracket means having a head portion extending outwardly from the uppermost of said overlapped bracket portions, said cord means being looped around said head portions and having ends interconnected by a tension spring.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
54 words
A picture frame according to claim 3 wherein each bracket member has a portion immediately adjacent said picture assembly engaging end which extends along the back side of the picture assembly and is joined to said medial portion associated therewith by a leg portion extending transversely to the back side of said picture assembly.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
A picture frame according to claim 4 wherein each bracket member has a resilient strip adhered to the side of said last-mentioned portion facing the back side of the picture assembly.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
A picture frame according to claim 3 wherein said medial portions of each bracket are provided with at least one hole adapted to receive said mounting screw.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
A picture frame according to claim 6 wherein each said mounting screw extends through said holes and each said head portion has a conical wall cooperating with said holes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
A picture frame according to claim 7 wherein each of said bracket members has a plurality of holes of various sizes located in said medial portions thereof.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
A picture frame according to claim 8 wherein said mounting screws are provided with a rubber washer on the end of said head portion thereof, each said washer serving as a wall bumper.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-07-18 | 1976-01-17 | 1976-07-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-07-18 | 1980-01-17 | 1980-07-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-07-18 | 1984-01-17 | 1984-07-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |