Decorative picture/photo frame mat and method of making the same

Abstract

The present invention provides a decorative picture/photo frame mat that can be made at a low cost with an appealing appearance. In one preferred embodiment, the frame mat comprises one layer of polystyrene and at least one layer of paint/coating. The present invention also provides methods for manufacturing the frame mat. The manufacturing method includes the steps of forming a polystyrene foam sheet, casting patterns/shapes on the sheet, cutting/trimming the sheet to desirable size and dimension, and coating/painting the cut/trimmed sheet.

1 . A decorative picture/photo frame mat, comprising: 
 a plastic layer; and    at least one painted layer;    wherein the at least one painted layer is painted onto the plastic layer resulting a desirable appearance.    
   
   
       2 . The frame mat of  claim 1 , wherein the plastic layer is cast with patterns/shapes one the surface facing viewers.  
   
   
       3 . The frame mat of  claim 1 , further comprising one backing layer that is disposed onto the surface of the plastic layer opposite the painted layer.  
   
   
       4 . The frame mat of  claim 1 , wherein the plastic layer is made of polystyrene.  
   
   
       5 . The frame mat of  claim 1 , wherein the painted layer is composed of material selected from the group consisting of acrylic emulsion paint, vinyl ink and water base pigment.  
   
   
       6 . A decorative picture/photo frame mat comprising a plastic layer with at least one type of pigments, wherein the at least one type of pigments is dispersed within the plastic layer so that the frame mat has an appealing appearance.  
   
   
       7 . A method of making a decorative picture/photo frame mat having a plastic layer and a painted layer, the method comprising the following steps: 
 forming the plastic layer;    optionally casting patterns or shapes onto the plastic layer;    diecutting/trimming the plastic layer to desirable sizes and/or dimensions; and    painting the plastic layer to form the painted layer onto at least one surface of the plastic layer.    
   
   
       8 . A method of making a decorative picture/photo frame mat having a plastic layer and a painted layer, the method comprising the following steps: 
 coating the inner surface of a mold piece with a desirable paint/color layer;    injecting melt plastic resins into the mold piece; and    forming the frame mat;    wherein the coated paint/color layer is transferred onto the plastic layer during the molding process.    
   
   
       9 . A method of making a decorative picture/photo frame mat having a plastic layer with at least one type of pigments dispersed within the plastic layer, the method comprising the following steps: 
 mixing the at least one type of pigments with plastic resins; and    molding the mixed plastic resins to form the frame mat;    wherein the dispersed pigments within the plastic resins give the frame mat an appealing appearance.