US3774331A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Adjustable picture frame
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-07-31
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Granted: 1973-11-27
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Expires: 1992-07-31
Abstract
Abstract An adjustable picture frame is disclosed which includes a base support member and a tubular member whose interior surface substantially conforms to the exterior surface of the base support member. Frame base stands are provided each of which includes an aperture whose interior surface substantially conforms to the exterior surface of the tubular members. The base support member, the tubular members and the base stands are assembled such that each of the tubular members extends out of the aperture in a respective one of the base stands and surrounds a respective end of the base support member. Adjustable locking means are provided for securing the tubular member to the base support member at a selected one of a plurality of possible axial positions along the base support member.
Inventors
- 👤 D Coelho
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 17:35
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09F; G09F1/00; G09F1/10; G09F1/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
232 words
An adjustable frame for a picture or the like, comprising, in combination: a support member having a first end portion and a second end portion and having a groove along the top thereof to receive and support the bottom edge of a picture, first and second tubular members whose interior surfaces substantially conform to the exterior surface of said support member, first and second frame base stands each of which includes an aperture whose interior surface substantially conforms to the exterior surfaces of said tubular members, said support member, tubular members and base stands being assembled such that said first tubular member extends out of said aperture in said first base stand and surrounds said first end portion of said support member and said second tubular member extends out of said aperture in said second base stand and surrounds said second end portion of said support member, first adjustable locking means for securing said first tubular member to said first base stand and for securing said first tubular member to said support member at a first selected one of a plurality of possible axial positions along said support member, and second adjustable locking means for securing said second tubular members to said second base stand and for securing said second tubular member to said support member at a second selected one of a plurality of possible axial positions along said support member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
232 words
An adjustable frame for a picture or the like, comprising, in combination: a support member having a first end portion and a second end portion and having a groove along the top thereof to receive and support the bottom edge of a picture, first and second tubular members whose interior surfaces substantially conform to the exterior surface of said support member, first and second frame base stands each of which includes an aperture whose interior surface substantially conforms to the exterior surfaces of said tubular members, said support member, tubular members and base stands being assembled such that said first tubular member extends out of said aperture in said first base stand and surrounds said first end portion of said support member and said second tubular member extends out of said aperture in said second base stand and surrounds said second end portion of said support member, first adjustable locking means for securing said first tubular member to said first base stand and for securing said first tubular member to said support member at a first selected one of a plurality of possible axial positions along said support member, and second adjustable locking means for securing said second tubular members to said second base stand and for securing said second tubular member to said support member at a second selected one of a plurality of possible axial positions along said support member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The adjustable frame of claim 1 in which said apertures in said base stands extend entirely through said base stands.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
103 words
The adjustable frame of claim 2 in which each of said tubular members has a slot in the bottom thereof, and said support member has a plurality of spaced slots in the bottom thereof and each of said first and second locking means comprises a spring clip having a first and second end and having means to secure its first end in the aperture of its respective base stand and having an upwardly extending tab at its second end which passes through said slot in its respective tubular member and into a selected one of said plurality of slots in said support member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
63 words
The adjustable frame of claim 3 in which said means to secure the first end of said spring clip in the aperture of its respective base stand comprises first and second spaced downwardly extending tabs who are spaced by a distance equal to the length of said aperture, whereby said downwardly extending tabs can lock on each side of said respective base stand.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The adjustable frame of claim 4 in which said support member, said tubular members and the apertures in said base stands all have substantially circular cross-sections.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
59 words
The adjustable frame of claim 5 in which said tubular members each includes a passage along its top in the end thereof extending out of said aperture in its respective base stand, whereby the bottom edge of a picture in said stand can pass through said passages to be received and supported in said groove in said support member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
55 words
The adjustable frame of claim 6 which further comprises first and second side support members each having a groove along the side edge thereof to receive and support the side edge of a picture and means for securing each of said side support members to the top of a respective one of said base stands.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
98 words
An adjustable frame for a picture or the like, comprising, in combination: a support member having a first end portion, a tubular member whose interior surface substantially conforms to the exterior surface of said support member, a frame base stand, said support member, tubular member and base stand being assembled such that said tubular member is secured to base stand and surrounds said first end portion of said support member, and adjustable locking means for securing said tubular member to said support member at a selected one of a plurality of possible axial positions along said support member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
98 words
An adjustable frame for a picture or the like, comprising, in combination: a support member having a first end portion, a tubular member whose interior surface substantially conforms to the exterior surface of said support member, a frame base stand, said support member, tubular member and base stand being assembled such that said tubular member is secured to base stand and surrounds said first end portion of said support member, and adjustable locking means for securing said tubular member to said support member at a selected one of a plurality of possible axial positions along said support member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
49 words
The adjustable frame of claim 8 in which said adjustable locking means comprises a circumferential groove around said first end portion of said support member and a compressible locking member positioned in said groove which expands to provide secure frictional engagement with the interior surface of said tubular member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
59 words
The adjustable frame of claim 9 in which said tubular member has a longitudinal slot therein having a first and a second end and in which said locking member includes a tab which extends through said slot, thereby limiting axial movement of said locking member relative to said tubular member between said first and second ends of said slot.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
The adjustable frame of claim 10 in which said locking member comprises an annular member formed from an elastic material.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
35 words
The adjustable frame of claim 10 in which said locking member comprises at least one solid member positioned in said groove and a spring element which urges said solid member radially outward from said groove.
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) | 1976-11-26 | 1977-05-28 | 1977-11-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-11-26 | 1981-05-28 | 1981-11-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-11-26 | 1985-05-28 | 1985-11-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |