Picture frame system

Abstract

The invention relates to a picture frame system for displaying a picture. The system comprises a substantially planar mat that comprises an engravable material. The planar mat defines an opening therein and a substantially transparent pane overlying the planar mat and opening. The frame system also comprises a picture frame adapted to mount the planar mat and the transparent pane therein.

1 . A picture frame system for displaying a picture, comprising: 
 a substantially planar mat, comprising an engravable material and having a circumferential edge, wherein the planar mat defines an opening therein;    a substantially transparent pane overlying the planar mat and opening;    a picture frame engaging and substantially surrounding the circumferential edge of the planar mat and the transparent pane, maintaining the transparent pane in intimate contact with the planar mat;    an engraving member having a tip portion, wherein the tip portion comprises a marking surface to score the engravable material of the planar mat by exerting pressure thereon the engravable material.    
   
   
       2 . The picture frame system of  claim 1 , wherein the engravable material comprises Aluminum.  
   
   
       3 . The picture frame system of  claim 1 , wherein the engravable material comprises Pewter.  
   
   
       4 . The picture frame system of  claim 1 , wherein the engravable material comprises Silver.  
   
   
       5 . The picture frame system of  claim 1 , wherein the opening is sized to reveal a standard sized photograph substantially underlying the planar mat.  
   
   
       6 . The picture frame system of  claim 1 , wherein the marking surface of the tip portion comprises a substantially conical shape.  
   
   
       7 . The picture frame system of  claim 6 , wherein the marking surface further comprises a tip angle and a tip radius.  
   
   
       8 . The picture frame system of  claim 7 , wherein the tip angle is from about 60 degrees to about 120 degrees.  
   
   
       9 . The picture frame system of  claim 7 , wherein the tip angle is about 90 degrees.  
   
   
       10 . The picture frame system of  claim 7 , wherein the tip radius is from about 0.001 in to about 0.01 in.  
   
   
       11 . The picture frame system of  claim 7 , wherein the tip radius is from about 0.003 in to about 0.005 in.  
   
   
       12 . The picture frame system of  claim 1 , wherein the planar mat defines an opening with a length of about 7 in and a width of about 5 in.  
   
   
       13 . The picture frame system of  claim 1 , wherein the planar mat defines an opening with a length of about 8 in and a width of about 10 in.  
   
   
       14 . The picture frame system of  claim 1 , wherein the planar mat defines an opening with a length of about 11 in and a width of about 14 in.  
   
   
       15 . The picture frame system of  claim 1 , wherein the planar mat defines an opening with a length of about 16 in and a width of about 20 in.