Floating Picture Frame

Abstract

A floating picture frame is provided. The floating picture frame includes a frame body having an outer frame and an inner mounting plate, wherein a channel is formed between the outer frame and the inner mounting plate to create the visual impression of a suspended picture element. The channel encloses the inner mounting plate and is accessible from the front side of the frame body. A retention mechanism on the mounting plate secures a picture element and may include an interchangeable holding magnet, double-sided mounting tape, or a clip or clasp. A support member on the rear side of the frame body supports the frame in an upright position on a tabletop, while a wall mounting feature allows for alternative display configurations. In some embodiments, the frame body is constructed as a single monolithic structure.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A floating picture frame, comprising:
 a frame body having an outer frame and an inner mounting plate, wherein a channel is formed between the outer frame and the inner mounting plate;   wherein the channel encircles the inner mounting plate and is accessible from a front side of the frame body;   wherein the mounting plate comprises a front side with a retention mechanism adapted to receive a picture element thereon.   
     
     
         2 . The floating picture frame of  claim 1 , wherein the frame body comprises a single monolithic structure. 
     
     
         3 . The floating picture frame of  claim 2 , wherein the frame body comprises a rectangular shape. 
     
     
         4 . The floating picture frame of  claim 1 , wherein a rear side, opposite the front side of the frame body, comprises a support member configured to display the front side of the frame body in an upright position, wherein the upright position ranges from a perpendicular position and an angled position atop a horizontal surface. 
     
     
         5 . The floating picture frame of  claim 4 , wherein the upright position comprises a portrait configuration. 
     
     
         6 . The floating picture frame of  claim 4 , wherein the upright position comprises a landscape configuration. 
     
     
         7 . The floating picture frame of  claim 4 , wherein a support member comprises one or more pins that extend through one or more corresponding apertures of the frame body. 
     
     
         8 . The floating picture frame of  claim 7 , wherein the support member comprises a hook for securing to a picture frame mounting bracket. 
     
     
         9 . The floating picture frame of  claim 1 , wherein the picture element is positioned within the frame body wherein the channel has a uniform width therearound. 
     
     
         10 . The floating picture frame of  claim 1 , wherein the retention mechanism comprises double sided mounting tape. 
     
     
         11 . The floating picture frame of  claim 1 , wherein the picture element comprises a metal dye sublimated photo. 
     
     
         12 . The floating picture frame of  claim 1 , wherein the retention mechanism comprises an interchangeable holding magnet. 
     
     
         13 . The floating picture frame of  claim 12 , The floating picture frame of  claim 12 , wherein picture element includes a second magnet, the second magnet configured to engage the interchangeable holding magnet. 
     
     
         14 . The floating picture frame of  claim 13 , wherein the first and second magnet are each positioned within a recessed area wherein the picture element is flush with the front face of the mounting plate when coupled therewith. 
     
     
         15 . The floating picture frame of  claim 1 , wherein the retention mechanism comprises a clip or clasp. 
     
     
         16 . The floating picture frame of  claim 1 , further comprising a wall mounting member including a double-sided wall mounting adhesive located on a rear side of the frame body. 
     
     
         17 . The floating picture frame of  claim 1 , wherein the frame body is made of a sustainable and eco-friendly material.