Picture Frame Adaptor

Abstract

An adaptor member that converts a standard picture frame into a shadowbox, the adaptor member being a four-sided rectangular member with an outwardly disposed, four-sided forward rabbet and an inwardly disposed, four-sided rear rabbet.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A picture frame adaptor converting a standard rectangular picture frame into a shadowbox, the picture frame comprising a large rectangular central opening and an inwardly-disposed frame rear rabbet receiving and retaining one or more of a transparent panel, a mat member and a backing panel, the picture frame adaptor comprising:
 a four-sided rectangular member comprising four elongated body members connected in end-to-end manner and having a large rectangular central opening;   an outwardly disposed, four-sided forward rabbet coextensive with the body members and defining a forwardly-extending tongue positioned on the front of the four-sided rectangular member; and   an inwardly disposed four-sided rear rabbet coextensive with the body members and positioned on the rear of the four-sided member;   wherein the forward rabbet is sized to mate with the picture frame rear rabbet of the picture frame and the rear rabbet is sized to receive the backing panel of the picture frame.   
     
     
         2 . The picture frame adaptor of  claim 1 , wherein the outer width of the forwardly-extending tongue is slightly less than the inner width across the frame rear rabbet, and wherein the inner width across the rear rabbet of the adaptor is equal to or substantially the same as the inner width across the frame rear rabbet. 
     
     
         3 . A picture frame adaptor adapted to convert a standard rectangular picture frame into a shadowbox, the picture frame comprising a large rectangular central opening and an inwardly-disposed frame rear rabbet receiving and retaining one or more of a transparent panel, a mat member and a backing panel, the picture frame adaptor comprising:
 a four-sided rectangular member comprising four elongated body members connected in end-to-end manner and having a large rectangular central opening;   an outwardly disposed, four-sided forward rabbet coextensive with the body members and defining a forwardly-extending tongue positioned on the front of the four-sided rectangular member; and   an inwardly disposed four-sided rear rabbet coextensive with the body members and positioned on the rear of the four-sided member;   wherein the forward rabbet is sized to mate with the picture frame rear rabbet of the picture frame and the rear rabbet is sized to receive the backing panel of the picture frame.   
     
     
         4 . The picture frame adaptor of  claim 3 , wherein the outer width of the forwardly-extending tongue is slightly less than the inner width across the frame rear rabbet, and wherein the inner width across the rear rabbet of the adaptor is equal to or substantially the same as the inner width across the frame rear rabbet. 
     
     
         5 . A picture frame adaptor in combination with a standard rectangular picture frame, the picture frame comprising a large rectangular central opening and an inwardly-disposed frame rear rabbet receiving and retaining one or more of a transparent panel, a mat member and a backing panel, the picture frame adaptor comprising:
 a four-sided rectangular member comprising four elongated body members connected in end-to-end manner and having a large rectangular central opening;   an outwardly disposed, four-sided forward rabbet coextensive with the body members and defining a forwardly-extending tongue positioned on the front of the four-sided rectangular member; and   an inwardly disposed four-sided rear rabbet coextensive with the body members and positioned on the rear of the four-sided member;   wherein the forward rabbet is sized to mate with the picture frame rear rabbet of the picture frame and the rear rabbet is sized to receive the backing panel of the picture frame.   
     
     
         6 . The picture frame adaptor of  claim 5 , wherein the outer width of the forwardly-extending tongue is slightly less than the inner width across the frame rear rabbet, and wherein the inner width across the rear rabbet of the adaptor is equal to or substantially the same as the inner width across the frame rear rabbet.