Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
An improved picture frame assembly, said assembly comprising, in combination: (a) a frame defining a viewing window, (b) a backboard having a frame-supporting outer perimeter area disposed within and secured to said frame, said backboard lying within a plane located between the front and back surface planes of said frame, and an openable generally central portion bearing a hinge, said central portion permitting insertion of pictures therethrough without removing said backboard from within said frame, said central portion abutting said perimeter in a line; and, (c) a mask having a picture opening and a masking perimeter, said mask being between said backboard and said window, said masking perimeter masking said backboard abutting line and said hinge wherein said assembly includes support inserts affixed to the back of said frame at each corner which releasably retain the corners of said central portion of said backboard in a closed position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
148 words
An improved picture frame assembly, said assembly comprising, in combination: (a) a frame defining a viewing window, (b) a backboard having a frame-supporting outer perimeter area disposed within and secured to said frame, said backboard lying within a plane located between the front and back surface planes of said frame, and an openable generally central portion bearing a hinge, said central portion permitting insertion of pictures therethrough without removing said backboard from within said frame, said central portion abutting said perimeter in a line; and, (c) a mask having a picture opening and a masking perimeter, said mask being between said backboard and said window, said masking perimeter masking said backboard abutting line and said hinge wherein said assembly includes support inserts affixed to the back of said frame at each corner which releasably retain the corners of said central portion of said backboard in a closed position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The improved assembly of claim 1 wherein said frame consisting of ar least one of injection molded plastic, a laminate of injection molded plastic and polyester film, and aluminum.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The improved assembly of claim 2 wherein said assembly includes a transparent self-supporting sheet covering said window in said frame.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
The improved assembly of claim 3 wherein said central portion of said backboard includes a finger hole for opening said central portion, wherein said backboard is foldable material, and wherein said hinge comprises a fold line in said backboard at the bottom of said central portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The improved assembly of claim 5 wherein said transparent sheet is one of glass and plastic and said backboard consists of one of cardboard, paperboard, and stiff cloth.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The improved assembly of claim 3 wherein said mask is silk screened on the inner face of said transparent sheet.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The improved assembly of claim 6 wherein said mask has a plurality of spaced picture-viewing openings separated by opaque masked areas.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The improved assembly of claim 3 wherein said mask comprises a separate sheet disposed behind said transparent sheet and in front of said backboard.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The improved assembly of claim 1 wherein said backboard hinge is separately connected to and not part of said backboard.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
The improved assembly of claim 1 wherein said central portion and said support inserts are dimensioned and aligned such that at least some of said support inserts releasably hold said central portion in a closed position.