Magnetic photo frame

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a magnetic photo frame (1) comprising:
- a magnetic element (M1,M2,M1');
- a supporting element (2, 2') for supporting at least partly a photograph (F), where said supporting element (2, 2') comprises at least a first seat (S1, S1') for housing said magnetic element (M1, M2, M1'), said first seat being formed in said supporting element, and
- a frame element (3, 3') coupable in a removable manner to said supporting element (2, 2') in such a way that, when said frame element (3, 3') is coupled with said supporting element (2, 2'), at least a peripheral portion of said photograph (F) is interposed between said supporting element (2, 2') and said frame element (3, 3').

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a magnetic photo frame.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to the structure of a frame of the above kind, which allows a user to insert a photograph into the photo frame and replace it quickly, if necessary, with an other photograph.

[0003] Currently, it is known that magnetic photo frames exist, in which photographs printed on a sheet of paper or cardboard are inserted.

[0004] Such magnetic photo frames are generally provided with a supporting element on which the photograph is placed and a frame to be coupled with said supporting element so as to block the photograph on said supporting element.

[0005] In particular, said supporting element is provided with one or more magnets to allow said photo frame to be easily applied on any metal surface.

[0006] Furthermore, said magnetic photo frames comprise a respective seat for each magnet and each magnet is held in place by means of glues or adhesives. The seat of each magnet is arranged in the magnetic frame so that the respective housed magnet is visible from the outside.

[0007] This causes the drawback that, after a certain period of time, the glue or the adhesive tends to dry, and accordingly a magnet riscks to be no longer held in place and to go out accidentally from the respective seat, causing the fall of the magnetic photo frame.

[0008] Therefore, the objective of the present invention is to overcome said drawback, by providing a magnetic photo frame, having a simple structure and at low cost, which avoids the use of glues and adhesives for the application of magnetic elements or magnets in the magnetic photo frame.

[0009] This has been achieved by providing a magnetic photo frame comprising a supporting element for supporting a photograph and a frame, coupable with said supporting element, to block the photograph on said supporting element, and one or more seats for housing a respective magnetic element to apply said magnetic photo frame on any metal surface. In particular, said magnetic photo frame is configured such that, when said frame is coupled with said supporting element, the photograph is held correctly in position, without the possibility for the magnetic elements and the photograph of accidentally come out from the magnetic photo frame.

[0010] It is therefore specific object of the present invention a photo frame comprising :

• a magnetic element;
• a supporting element for supporting at least partly a photograph, where said supporting element comprises at least a first seat for housing said magnetic element, said first seat being formed in said supporting element, and
• a frame element coupable in a removable manner to said supporting element in such a way that, when said frame element is coupled with said supporting element, at least a peripheral portion of said photograph is interposed between said supporting element and said frame element.

[0011] In particular, said supporting element can comprise a first raised portion, which extends along the perimeter of said first seat of said supporting element.

[0012] Furthermore, said supporting element can comprise at least a second seat for housing a magnetic element, where said at least a second seat is formed in said first raised portion.

[0013] Advantageously, said supporting element can comprise a plurality of second seats, arranged along a first median axis.

[0014] Furthermore, said supporting element can comprise a plurality of first seats for housing a respective magnetic element.

[0015] In particular, said first seats of said plurality of first seats can be arranged along a second median axis.

[0016] According to the invention, in order to couple said frame element with said supporting element, said supporting element can be provided with at least one hole and said frame element is provided with at least one relief or tooth; the number of said reliefs being identical to the number of said holes.

[0017] Said at least one hole is formed in a second raised portion of said supporting element, arranged on said first raised portion.

[0018] In a first alternative, said at least one hole is can be a blind hole.

[0019] In a second alternative, said at least one hole can be a through hole.

[0020] In particular, said at least one through hole has a base portion outwards tapered to allow, when a tooth is inserted in it, that an end portion of said tooth can be expanded so as to substantially contact said base portion of said through hole.

[0021] With regard to the frame element, said frame element can comprise a first part and a second part, overlapped at least partially on said first part, wherein said second part has a projecting portion which projects with respect to said first part. Said projecting portion has a contact surface intended to contact at least partially said peripheral portion of said photograph.

[0022] Advantageously, said contact surface can comprises a tooth for blocking said photograph on said supporting element.

[0023] The present invention will be now described, for illustrative, but not limitative purposes, according to its embodiment, making particular reference to the enclosed figures, wherein:

figure 1 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of the magnetic photo frame, object of the invention;

figure 2 shows the magnetic photo frame of figure 1 when the frame element has been coupled with the supporting element and magnetic elements have been inserted in the supporting element;

figure 3 shows the magnetic photo frame with a photograph inside, where a portion has been removed to show the magnetic elements;

figure 4 is a section of the magnetic frame of figure 3;

figure 5 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the magnetic photo frame, object of the invention;

figure 6 shows the magnetic frame of figure 5 when the frame element has been coupled with the supporting element and magnetic elements have been inserted in the supporting element;

figure 7 shows the magnetic photo frame of figure 6 with a photograph inside, where a portion has been removed to show the magnetic elements;

figure 8 is a section of the magnetic photo frame of figure 7;

figure 9 is a cross section of a second embodiment of the frame element;

figure 10 is a cross section of a through hole of a supporting element, where said through hole has a base portion tapered towards the outside;

figure 11A shows the tooth inserted in the through hole of Figure 10, where the tooth is heated by a metallic punch;

figure 11B shows the tooth of Figure 11A in which an end portion of said tooth has been heated by the metallic punch and is expanded so as to substantially contact the base portion of the through hole.

[0024] With reference to figures 1-4, a first embodiment of the magnetic photo frame 1, object of the invention, is shown.

[0025] Said magnetic photo frame 1 comprises a supporting element 2 for supporting at least partly a photograph F and a frame element 3, couplable with said supporting element 2, so as to block said photograph on said supporting element 2.

[0026] The supporting element 2 comprises at least a first seat S1 for housing a first magnetic element M1, preferably made of Plasto Ferrite.

[0027] Said first seat S1 is formed in said supporting element 2 and has a rectangular section.

[0028] A first raised portion 21 is arranged along the perimeter of said first seat S1. Said first raised portion 21 has a predetermined height H₁ and a predetermined width L₁. A first step 11 is formed between said first seat S1 and said first raised portion 21.

[0029] Said first seat S1 is dimensioned to receive the magnetic element to be inserted in it.

[0030] Furthermore, said first seat S1 and said first raised portion 21 are dimensioned to allow a photograph F to be supported at least partially by said first raised portion 21.

[0031] In particular, said first seat S1 and the width L₁ of said first raised portion 21 are dimensioned so that, when a photograph F is supported on said support element 2, a peripheral portion of said photograph F is supported by said first raised portion 21, i.e. it is in contact with said first raised portion 21.

[0032] A second raised portion 22 is arranged on said first raised portion 21. Said second raised portion 22 has a predetermined height H₂ and a predetermined width L₂. A second step 12 is formed between said first raised portion 21 and said second raised portion 22.

[0033] Furthermore, said supporting element 2 comprises at least a second seat S2 for housing a respective second magnetic element M2, formed in said first raised portion 21.

[0034] In particular, in the first embodiment being described, there are two second seats S2 formed in said first raised portion 21.

[0035] More in particular, said two second seats S2 are arranged in such a way that they are aligned along a longitudinal median axis A.

[0036] The magnetic elements to be inserted in each of said second seats S2 are preferably rare earths magnet elements.

[0037] The rare earths magnetic elements are so called for the presence in their composition of materials of various nature, having in common their rarity. They are divided into several main categories. The two major categories are:

• magnetic elements in neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeb),
• magnetic elements in samarium-cobalt (Sm-Co).

[0038] In particular, it is preferable that the magnetic element to be inserted in at least a second seat S2 is in neodymium-iron-boron.

[0039] Although not shown in the figures, the supporting element 2 may comprise any number of seats for housing respective magnetic elements, whether they are made of Plasto Ferrite, or other magnetic materials, without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the supporting element could comprise even a single seat for housing of a magnetic element.

[0040] Advantageously, on the one hand, when a photograph is inserted in the magnetic photo frame 1 (i.e. when the frame element 3 is coupled with said supporting element 2), the magnetic element arranged in the first seat S1 is blocked in position between said supporting element 2 and the photograph itself, without the use of glues or adhesives. On the other hand, the photograph is blocked in position by the coupling of the frame element 3 with the supporting element 2 itself.

[0041] In other words, the coupling of the frame element 3 with the supporting element 2 prevents the magnetic elements M1, M2 from accidentally exiting from their seats, and prevents the photograph from accidentally exiting from the magnetic photo frame.

[0042] In order to couple said frame element 3 with said supporting element 2, the latter is provided with a plurality of holes 22A to allow the insertion of a respective relief or tooth 3A, arranged on the frame 3.

[0043] Each hole 22A is arranged along the second raised portion 22A of the supporting element 2.

[0044] In particular, each of said holes 22A may be a blind hole or a through hole.

[0045] Said frame element 3 is provided with a number of relieves 3A equal to the number of holes and arranged in such a way that, when said frame element 3 is coupled with said supporting element 2, each relief 3A is inserted in a respective hole 22A of the supporting element.

[0046] Figure 2 shows the magnetic photo frame 1, when the frame element 3 has been coupled with the supporting element 2 and the magnetic elements have been inserted in the respective seats. In other words, each relief is inserted in a respective hole and the photo frame is only devoid of photograph.

[0047] It is sufficient for a user to exert a manual pressure on the frame element 3 so that this is snap coupled with said supporting element 2, so as to stably block in position the photograph.

[0048] Figure 3 shows the magnetic photo frame with a photograph F inside.

[0049] A portion of the magnetic photo frame 1 has been removed to show the first magnetic element M1 arranged in the first seat S1 and a second magnetic element M2 arranged in one of the second seats S2.

[0050] Figure 4 shows the section of the magnetic photo frame.

[0051] From this figure it is clear that a peripheral portion of the photograph F is interposed between the first raised portion 21 of the supporting element 2 and the frame element 3, so as to be blocked between said supporting element and said frame element.

[0052] As it can be seen from figure 4, said frame element 3 comprises a first part 31 and a second part 32, at least partially overlapped with said first part 31. Said second part 32 has a projecting portion with respect to said first part 31, and said projecting portion has a contact surface 33 intended to contact at least partially said peripheral portion of said photograph F.

[0053] In particular, in the embodiment that is described, from the section of the frame element it can be seen that said first part 31 is rectangular, and said second part 32 is defined by an open curve having a first end and a second end and a segment connecting said two ends.

[0054] Figures 5-8 show a second embodiment of the magnetic photo frame, object of the invention.

[0055] In the second embodiment the supporting element 2' is different from that described above for the first embodiment. Instead, the frame element is identical to that described above.

[0056] The supporting element 2' comprises a plurality of first seats S1' for housing respective magnetic elements M1', formed in a central portion 2A' of the supporting element itself, instead of a first seat. Furthermore, said supporting element 2' does not comprise second seats formed in the first raised portion 21'.

[0057] In particular, said first seats S1' of said plurality of first seats are arranged in such a way that they are aligned along a longitudinal axis A'.

[0058] A first step 11' is formed between said central portion 2A' and the first raised portion 21' to allow the application of a sheet P setting forth the instructions of the photo frame.

[0059] A second step 12' is formed between said second raised portion 22' and said first raised portion 21'.

[0060] The second raised portion 22' is provided with a plurality of holes 22A' to allow the insertion of a respective relief 3A of the frame element 3.

[0061] As for the first embodiment, each of said holes 22A' can be a blind hole or a through hole.

[0062] Figure 6 shows the magnetic photo frame when the frame element 3 has been coupled with the supporting element 2' and the magnetic elements have been inserted in the respective seats. In other words, each relief is inserted in a respective hole and the frame element is only devoid of photograph.

[0063] Figure 7 shows the magnetic photo frame with a photograph inside.

[0064] A portion of the magnetic photo frame has been removed to show two magnetic elements M1' of a plurality of magnetic elements M1' underlying the instructions sheet P, which is in turn underlying the photograph F.

[0065] The section shown in figure 8 shows how a peripheral portion of the photograph is interposed between said supporting element 2' and said frame element 3, so as to be blocked between said supporting element 2' and said frame element 3. This section also shows the instructions sheet P, below the photograph F and arranged on the central portion 2A' of the supporting element 2'.

[0066] Figure 9 shows the cross section of a second embodiment of the frame element indicated by the reference 3'.

[0067] Differently from the contact surface 33 of the frame element 3 described above, the contact surface 33' of said frame element 3' comprises a tooth 33' for blocking said photograph F on said supporting element 1, so as to prevent the photograph itself from any movement between the supporting element and the frame element 3'. In particular, said tooth 33" forms a step with said contact surface 33', where said step has a first end, arranged on a first plane P₁, at a predetermined first height h₁ with respect to the base 30' of said frame element 3', and a second free end, arranged on a second plane P₂, parallel to said first plane, at a predetermined second height h₂ with respect to the same base 30', where said predetermined second height h₂ is smaller than said predetermined first height h₁.

[0068] Figure 10 shows the cross section of a through hole that can be both the through hole indicated with 22A, with reference to the first embodiment of the magnetic photo frame, and the through hole indicated with 22A', with reference to the second embodiment of the magnetic photo frame.

[0069] As it can be seen from figure 10, said through-hole 22A, 22A' has a base portion 221 A, 221 A' outwards tapered.

[0070] Thanks to the shape of said base portion 221 A, 221 A', once the relief or tooth 3A of the frame 3 is inserted in said through hole 22A, 22A', it is possible to heat the base portion 221 A, 221 A' in such a way that an end portion 31 A of the tooth 3A inside the hole 22A,22A' is deformed and contacts substantially said base portion 221 A, 221 A', so that the frame 3 is coupled in a stable manner with the supporting element 2, 2'. Such a stable coupling makes difficult the manual operation of decoupling the supporting element from the frame element.

[0071] In figure 11A, there is shown a tooth 3A of the frame 3 inserted into the through hole 22A, 22A', whose end portion 31 A is heated by a punch P metallic.

[0072] Such a metal punch P has been heated so as to reach a predetermined temperature and is placed substantially in contact with the end portion 31 A of said tooth 3, so as to cause the expansion of said end portion 31 A toward the inner surface of said portion base 221 A, 221 A'.

[0073] Figure 11B shows the tooth 3, the end portion 31 A of which has been expanded by the heat of the metal punch P and is in contact with the inner surface of said base portion 221 A, 221 A'.

[0074] Although in figures 11A and 11 B the end portion 31 A of the tooth 31 is expanded by means of a heated metal punch P, it is possible to provide that such an end portion 31 A is expanded by the use of another instrument or device or by the use of any other technique capable of expanding such an end portion 31 A.

[0075] Advantageously, the structure of the magnetic photo frame, object of the invention, allows a user to couple and uncouple said frame element with/from said supporting element so as to facilitate both the insertion of a photograph and the replacement of a photograph already inserted with an other photograph. In fact, with simple manual operations, the user can, if necessary, couple and uncouple the frame element with the supporting element.

[0076] Another advantage is that each magnetic element for applying said photo frame on any metal surface is held in position, without the need for glues or adhesives.

[0077] The present invention has been described for illustrative, but not limitative purposes, according to preferred embodiments thereof, but it is to be understood that variations and/or modifications can be carried out by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope thereof, as defined according to enclosed claims.

Claims

1. Photo frame (1) comprising:

- a magnetic element (M1, M2, M1');

- a supporting element (2, 2') for supporting at least partly a photograph (F), where said supporting element (2, 2') comprises at least a first seat (S1, S1') for housing said magnetic element (M1, M2, M1'), said first seat being formed in said supporting element, and

- a frame element (3, 3') coupable in a removable manner to said supporting element (2, 2') in such a way that, when said frame element (3, 3') is coupled with said supporting element (2, 2'), at least a peripheral portion of said photograph (F) is interposed between said supporting element (2, 2') and said frame element (3, 3').

2. Photo frame (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said supporting element (2, 2') comprises a first raised portion (21, 21'), said first raised portion (21, 21') extending along the perimeter of said first seat (S1, S2, S1') of said supporting element (2, 2').

3. Photo frame (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said supporting element comprises at least a second seat (S2) for housing a magnetic element, said at least a second seat (S2) being formed in said first raised portion (21).

4. Photo frame (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said supporting element comprises a plurality of second seats (S2), arranged along a first median axis (A).

5. Photo frame (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said supporting element (2') comprises a plurality of first seats (S1') for housing a respective magnetic element.

6. Photo frame (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said first seats (S') of said plurality of first seats (S1') are arranged along a second median axis (A').

7. Photo frame (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in order to couple said frame element (3, 3') with said supporting element (2, 2'), said supporting element (2, 2') is provided with at least one hole (22A, 22A') and said frame element (3, 3') is provided with at least one relief or tooth (3A, 3A'); the number of said reliefs (3A, 3A') being identical to the number of said holes (22A, 22A').

8. Photo frame (1) according to the claim 2 and 7, characterized in that said at least one hole (22A, 22A') is formed in a second raised portion (22, 22') of said supporting element (2, 2'), arranged on said first raised portion (21, 21').

9. Photo frame (1) according to any one of claims 7-8, characterized in that said at least one hole (22A, 22A') is a blind hole.

10. Photo frame (1) according to any one of claims 7-8, characterized in that said at least one hole (22A, 22A') is a through hole.

11. Photo frame (1) according to the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one through hole (22A,22A') has a base portion (221 A,221 A') outwards tapered to allow, when a tooth (3) is inserted in it, that an end portion (31 A) of said tooth (3) can be expanded so as to substantially contact said base portion (221 A,221 A') of said through hole (22A,22A').

12. Photo frame (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said frame element (3, 3') comprises a first part (31, 31') and a second part (32, 32'), overlapped at least partially on said first part (31, 31'), wherein said second part (32, 32') has a projecting portion which projects with respect to said first part (31, 31'); said projecting portion having a contact surface (33, 33') intended to contact at least partially said peripheral portion of said photograph (F).

13. Photo frame (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said contact surface (33') comprises a tooth (33") for blocking said photograph (F) on said supporting element (1).

Drawing