GB2369051A

GB2369051A - A display frame assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2369051A
Application number: GB0127558A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Preston
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-11-16
Filing date: 2001-11-16
Publication date: 2002-05-22
Anticipated expiration: 2021-11-16
Also published as: GB0028007D0; GB2369051B; GB0127558D0

Abstract

A display frame assembly 10 comprises a frame 12 defining at least one slot 22 substantially in the plane of the frame and a strip 26 one end of which is received in the slot 22 to retain a picture in the frame. Preferably four frame members 14, 16 make up the frame 12 which has a rebate edge at the rear 20 and defines a central aperture 18 for displaying the chosen 2-dimensional or contoured material. The strip 26 may be made of a transparent plastics material which spans the back of the frame 12. In use, a glass sheet 28 is placed in the rebate followed by the display article such as a card 32 and then a backing sheet 30 all held in place by the strip 26. Advantageously display items such as cards or prints are easily replaced.

Description

A DISPLAY FRAME ASSEMBLY

The invention relates to a display frame assembly.

The term"display"as used herein means a picture, a photograph, greeting card, art print, award certificate, sale notice, a flyer or any similar material, which is generally two-dimensional, although it may alternatively be contoured. For simplicity, however, "display"will hereinafter be referred to as a"picture".

Pictures are commonly mounted in rectangular wooden frames. The frame defines a rearwardly facing rebate and a front sheet of glass is placed into the rebate followed, optionally, by one or more cut mounts, a picture and a backing sheet or board.

This sandwich of items is then fixed in place by a variety of methods (some of which are described below) which, although different, have in common the use of multiple items of hardware which can be affixed to the rear of the frame or the backing board or both.

The sandwich of items may be fixed in place by multiple brads or triangular or diamond shaped points fired into the rebate by a specialised hand held gun similar to a powerful stapling machine.

It is usual to cover the brads or points with adhesive tape bridging between the backing board and the rear surface of the frame to form a cosmetic finish and seal out dust.

If the picture is to be changed, the removal of the adhesive tape and the points or brads is difficult and fiddly and may damage the backing board or sheet. The specialised hand held'guns are not normally available to the end user or general retailer so that the same retaining method cannot be used and changing prints after initial framing is really impracticable.

An alternative method involves the backing board being secured into the frame by firing multiple metal"flexipoints"into the frame rebate moulding, taking the backing board as a datum, usin a specialised hand held gun or complex automated machinery.

These flexipoints can be manually bent to release the content of the frame but tend to distort, fall out or fracture along the bend line after very few cycles.

Alternatively, current photographic frames often feature multiple turnbuckles affixed to the rear of the frame which rotate axially to retain a a creased folding cover against the rear of the frame. Alternatively, the turnbuckles may rotate axially to retain an inset backing board and strut in the rebate cavity, or may rotate axially to engage a continuous slot in the frame moulding.

All the aforementioned methods of fixing the sandwich in place are labour intensive, require specialist equipment to fit or replace, and are prone to failure through being too tight or too loose, and in the case of flexipoints, particularly prone to falling out of the rebate or fracturing after multiple cycles.

Furthermore, all the aforementioned methods are awkward and fiddly in operation, are not user friendly and do not facilitate easy or frequent change of the framed material at the point of sale, or in the home.

None of the methods provides a clear unobstructed rear aspect to the frame when assembled.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a display frame assembly comprising a frame, the frame defining at least one slot substantially in the plane of the frame, the display frame assembly further comprising a strip, one end of the strip being received in the or one slot to retain a picture in the frame.

Preferably, the display frame further comprises a backing member, wherein the distal end of the or each strip is fixed to the backing member. This ensures that the strips retains the frame assembly together.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a display frame assembly of generally rectangular or any other geometrical shape, wherein a frame of the assembly has opposed slots formed therein to receive a strip which extends, at least partially, across the frame.

According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a display frame assembly comprising a frame including two opposed frame members, each frame member defining a slot generally in the plane of the frame, the slots facing one another, and the display frame assembly further comprising a strip, the ends of which are received in the slots so that the strip spans the frame members to retain a picture in the frame.

This is a simple and effective way of retaining a picture, photograph, pre-assembled sub-frame, such as the ubiquitous clip frame, or a Framaprint Springseal (trade mark) framed greeting card in a frame. The forces to which the strip is subjected are perpendicular to the plane of the strip in the direction to shear the strip between the picture and one side of the slot. As the forces are localised along a slim shear site, the strip is not required to be of great strength.

Although generally rectangular, the frame may be of any geometrical shape wherein the frame has opposed slots formed therein to receive a strip which extends, at least partially, across the frame.

The strip may be made of any suitable material and in one preferred embodiment is made of transparent material. In this way, the strip is unobtrusive and if there is information on the rear of the frame contents, it can be viewed. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the frame includes a transparent sleeve to receive a picture and the strip retains the sleeve. Greetings card or postcards often have information on the rear concerning, for example, the artist responsible for the picture viewable at the front of the frame and that information can be viewed through the transparent sleeve and, if

the strip is transparent too, then the strip will not obscure any such information. The sleeve thus protects the picture but leaves it viewable from both sides. The strip may be made from any suitable material and may be made from plastics material such as polystyrene or polypropylene.

In a preferred embodiment the strip is made of resilient material. In this way, the strip can flex which may assist location of the strip in the slots as well as allowing some degree of resilient movement in response to the shear forces to which the strip will be subjected.

In one embodiment, the strip carries a resilient member to lie between the strip and the picture. The resilient member acts to urge the picture into the frame to prevent rattling and also to prevent the possibility of the picture lifting out of the frame at a location spaced from the slots and possibly sliding out of the frame. The resilient member may conveniently be substantially central on the strip. The resilient member may be of any desired shape and may for example be hemispherical.

The slots may be of any suitable shape and in one embodiment the inner edges of the slots are arcuate in the plane of the frame. The slots may thus be made by a router slotting cutter.

A plurality of slots may be provided along any one frame member, or alternatively there could be formed one continuous slot along the length of the frame member.

A plurality of strips may be provided which are received by respective slots or slot in the frame assembly.

The assembly may comprise a backing member for the display, held in place by the strip or strips. The backing member may carry a hinged support strut.

In a preferred embodiment, a substantially central portion of the strip is fixed to the backing member. This is desirable in wider frames that have a large span between the slots.

At least one strip may be modified to provide means for retaining a part of the frame assembly, for example a support member.

Five embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view from the rear of a picture frame assembly in a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is an end elevation in cross section at A-A in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view from the rear of a picture frame assembly in a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is an end elevation in cross section at B-B in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a perspective view from the rear of a picture frame assembly in a third embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 is a perspective view from the rear of a picture frame assembly in a fourth embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 is an end elevation in cross section at C-C of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a perspective view from the rear of a picture frame assembly in a fifth embodiment of the invention; and Figure 9 is a view of plan view of a modified strip arranged to retain a support spigot.

The picture frame assembly 10 of the first embodiment includes a rectangular framework 12 consisting of four frame members 14, 16 making up the four sides of the rectangular framework 12. The rectangular framework 12 defines a central through aperture 18 and a rearwardly facing rebate 20. Midway along the length of each long frame member 14 of the rectangular framework 12 is provided an inwardly facing slot 22. The slot 22 is part circular in the plane of the frame 10, the inner edge 24 being arcuate.

The picture frame assembly 10 further includes a generally rectangular strip 26 having rounded comers, the ends 27 of the strip 26 being arranged to be received in the slots 22 so that the strip 26 spans the back of the frame 12. The strip 26 is made out of transparent plastics material, such as polypropylene. The strip 26 includes four apertures 29 two adjacent each end.

The picture frame assembly 10 further consists of a glass front sheet 28, and a back sheet 30 of card, each to fit in the rebate 20.

In use, the glass front sheet 28 is placed in the rebate 20 followed the print 32 to be framed, and the back sheet 30. The strip 26 is then flexed as shown in phantom lines in Figure 2 so that the ends 27 can enter the rebate 20 to be received in the slots 22 whereupon the strip 26 lies flat on top of the back sheet 30. As the strip 26 is transparent, it does not break up or interfere with the appearance of the back sheet 30.

If the picture frame assembly 10 is inverted, the strip 26 will be subjected to a shear force between the back sheet 30 and one side of the recess 22, which the material naturally resists, holding the back 30, print 32 and glass 28 in place.

The picture frame assembly of the second, third and fourth embodiments is similar to that of the first embodiment and the same reference numerals will be used for equivalent features. Only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

In the second embodiment, the front glass sheet 28 and card back sheet 30 are replaced by a sleeve 34 in the form of a sheet of transparent acrylic material such as PERSPEX (trade mark) folded at one edge to form a sleeve to receive a print 32.

A hemispherical member 36 of resilient elastomeric material is affixed to one side of the strip 26. The member may be a"BUMPON" (trade mark) protective moulding made by 3M. The member 36 is arranged centrally of the strip 26, with its flat side affixed to the strip 26.

In use, the print 32 is slid between the leaves 36 of the sleeve 34, which is then placed in the rebate 20. With the resilient member 36 facing towards the envelope 34, the strip 26 is flexed as before so that the ends 27 can be received in the slots 22. In this case however the strip 26 cannot lie flat on the back of the sleeve 34 but instead is held in a flexed position by the resilient member 36. This ensures that the sleeve 34 is pressed into the rebate 20 so that it does not rattle. It also ensures that the strip 26 is held in tension and cannot accidentally slide out of the rebate 22. The strip 26 must be resilient in this case, rather than being merely flexible and may be made in a greater thickness as a result.

It is seen that, in either of the embodiments, a picture can be mounted with greater ease than other known systems which require for example turning of turnbuckles or insertion of brads. The strip 26 is simply flexed into place and mounting is complete. Creation of the slots 22 is readily achieved by means of a circular saw or router slotting cutter and the strips 26 can be produced inexpensively so that not only is the frame of the embodiments of the invention easy to use, it is also easy and inexpensive to make.

Furthermore, it has an unobtrusive appearance.

In the third embodiment, three inwardly facing slots 22 are provided, in the middle and at each end of the rectangular framework 12. This allows the strip 26 to be located at the end of the cavity as well as in the middle.

While the embodiments hereinbefore described relate to a single strip 26 being used as to hold the back 30, print 32 and glass 28 in place, it is clearly evident that, in the case of larger frames, two or more strips can be incorporated to be received in respective slots 22. The use of two strips 26 is particularly useful with frames that have a single sheet or have double acrylic glazing which, being slightly flexible, can be pushed away from the frame comers when only a single strip is used Alternatively, the rectangular framework 12 may have a continuous slot formed along its full moulding length to allow variable location of the strip 26 (or strips) within the slot. Means, such as the"BUMPON"as hereinbefore described in relation to the second embodiment, would preferably be affixed to the strip 26 to provide a coefficient of friction great enough to prevent the strip from rotating or dropping down out of the continuous slot.

In the fourth embodiment, shown in Figures 6 and 7, the centre point of the strip 26 is fixed to the back of the frame thus creating two flexible"wings"which in all other respects behave as the simple one piece strip. This embodiment is more suited to wider frames, having larger spans between the rebates 20. It has been found that adhesive transfer tape, such as 3M 969 provides a sufficiently secure bond between the centre point of the strip 26 and the back of the frame.

In the fifth embodiment, a conventional hinged strut back is incorporated into the frame. The hinged strut back comprises a back member, usually made of hardboard or the like, with a supporting strut member hingedly attached thereto. The strip 26 extends across the frame so to hold the back member in place. The hinged strut member protrudes from the back member over and across the strip 26.

It is clearly envisaged that the strip need not span across the entire maximum width of the frame. The strip or strips may, for example, span between two adjacent frame members, provided that the effect of the strip or strips is to hold the parts of the frame in place. If, for example, the frame were circular in shape, the strip or strips would not

need to span across the diameter of the frame to achieve the desired effect, but could be offset from the centre of the frame.

The frame made in accordance with any of the embodiments described above may be provided with an aperture in which to receive a device, or support member which can act as stand for the frame. Such device may be, for example, a spigot. The strip 26 may be modified to retain the device. Figure 9 illustrates such a modified strip having a two parallel cuts formed in the strip to receive a spigot 40. Alternatively a protrusion defining an area within which to receive the spigot may be vacuum-formed on the strip.

Claims

1. A display frame assembly comprising a frame, the frame defining at least one slot substantially in the plane of the frame, the display frame assembly further comprising a strip, one end of the strip being received in the or one slot to retain a picture in the frame.

2. A display frame assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a backing member, wherein a portion of the or each strip is fixed to the backing member.

3. A display frame assembly comprising a frame including two opposed frame members, each frame member defining a slot generally in the plane of the frame, the slots facing one another, and the display frame assembly further comprising a strip, the ends of which are received in the slots so that the strip spans the frame members to retain a picture in the frame.

4. A display frame assembly according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein a plurality of slots are provided in any one frame member.

5. A display frame assembly according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein one continuous slot is provided along the length of the frame member.

6. A display frame assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the strip is made of resilient material.

7. A display frame assembly according to claim 6, wherein the strip is made from plastics material.

8. A display frame assembly according to claim 6, wherein the strip is made from polystyrene or polypropylene.

9. A display frame assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame includes a transparent sleeve to receive a picture and the strip retains the sleeve.

10. A display frame assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the strip is made of transparent material.

11. A display frame assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the strip carries a resilient member to lie between the strip and the picture.

12. A display frame assembly according to claim 11, wherein the resilient member is located substantially centrally on the strip.

13. A display frame assembly according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the resilient member is hemispherical.

14. A display frame assembly according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the frame assembly includes a backing member, held in place by the strip.

15. A display frame assembly according to claim 14, wherein a portion of the strip is fixed to the backing member.

16. A display frame assembly according to claim 15, wherein a substantially central portion of the strip is fixed to the backing member.

17. A display frame assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein a plurality of strips is provided which are received by a respective slot or slots in the frame.

18. A display frame assembly according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the backing member carries a hinged support strut.

19. A display frame assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one strip is modified to provide means for retaining a part for use with the frame assembly.

20. A display frame assembly according to claim 19 wherein the frame assembly part is a support member.

21. A display frame assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner edges of the slots are arcuate in the plane of the frame.

22. A display frame assembly of generally rectangular or any other geometrical shape, wherein a frame of the assembly has opposed slots formed therein to receive a strip which extends, at least partially, across the frame.

23. A display frame assembly as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Figures.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows

1. A display frame assembly comprising a frame, the frame defining at least one slot formed within a side wall of the frame and substantially in the plane of the frame, the display frame assembly further comprising a strip, one end of the strip being received in the or one slot to retain a picture in the frame and the longitundinal length of the strip extending away from the side wall of the frame.

20. A display frame assembly according to claim 19 wherein the frame assembly part is a support member. 21. A display frame assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner edges of the slots are arcuate in the plane of the frame.