GB2589069A

GB2589069A - A backing for a picture frame, and a picture frame

Info

Publication number: GB2589069A
Application number: GB1915874.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Morrish John; Morrish Mark
Original assignee: Millbrook Mouldings Ltd
Current assignee: Millbrook Mouldings Ltd
Priority date: 2019-10-31
Filing date: 2019-10-31
Publication date: 2021-05-26
Also published as: GB201915874D0

Abstract

A collapsible backing for a picture frame allows quick insertion and removal of the backing in the frame. The backing comprises an inner surface 3b and 4b and an outer surface 3a and 4a, and a gripping means 5 arranged such when pulled in a direction away from the outer surface, portions of the inner surface of the backing move towards each other. The backing may comprise two pivotally connected panels arranged such that when the gripping means is pulled perpendicular to the plane of the backing, the two panels may be rotated towards each other about the pivot 2. The gripping means 5 may be proximal to the pivot 2 which may be formed by a hinge. The two panels may be integrally formed. The backing portion may be arranged to be retained by a plurality of retaining means 7a.

Description

A backing for a picture frame, and a picture frame

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a backing for a picture frame, a picture frame comprising the backing, and methods of extracting the backing from the picture frame

Background to the Invention

Backings are used with picture frames to provide rigidity to a picture mounted in the picture frame and to hold the picture in place typically via a number of folding metal clips which fold onto an outwardly facing (outer) surface of the backing.

To insert a picture in the frame, with such known backings, the backing is removed by unfolding each metal clip so that the clips no longer obstruct removal of the backing from the rear of the picture frame, and then lifting the backing out of the frame However, this can be time consuming, especially when filling a number of frames with pictures, for example where framed pictures are provided as corporate gifts.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved backing for a picture frame, in particular one which allows for far quicker and easier insertion of a picture into the frame.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a backing for a picture frame, the backing being collapsible and comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, the backing further comprising a gripping means arranged such that when the gripping means is pulled in a direction away from the outer surface, portions of the inner surface of the backing move towards each other.

The backing may be formed of a highly flexible material. The highly flexible material may be a plastic material.

Preferably, edge portions of the inner surface of the backing move toward each other when the gripping means is pulled in a direction away from the outer surface of the backing Preferably, the backing comprises at least two panels. The at least two panels may be a first panel connected to a second panel, each panel comprising a part of the inner surface and a part of the outer surface of the backing.

Beneficially, the backing comprises a first panel pivotally connected to a second panel, each panel comprising a part of the inner surface and a part of the outer surface of the backing, the gripping means being arranged such that when it is pulled in a direction away from the outer surface of the two panels, the inner surface of the first panel and the inner surface of the second panel are rotated toward each other about the pivot.

The pivot provides an axis of rotation about which the first panel and the second panel rotate upon the gripping means being pulled in a direction away from the outer surface of the backing. The rotation of the first panel and the rotation of the second panel about the axis of rotation bring the inner surface of the first panel and the inner surface of the second panel into increasing parallel proximity as the gripping means is pulled away from the outer surface of the backing. The rotation of each panel about the pivot causes the panels to move inwardly, away from the edges of the frame parallel to the axis of rotation. Such movement lifts the backing out of the frame and thus removal of the backing is achieved, with the edges sliding inwardly, avoiding the need to unclip clips arranged at the edges.

Preferably, the inner surface of the first panel and the inner surface of the second panel are rotated toward each other about the pivot in response to the gripping means being pulled in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the backing in normal use The pivot may be attached to the inner surface of the first panel and to the inner surface of the second panel. The pivot could alternatively be attached to the outer surface of the first panel and to the outer surface of the second panel. In a further alternative, the pivot could be attached to the inner surface of the first panel and to the outer surface of the second panel, or to the outer surface of the first panel and to the inner surface of the second panel When viewed in plan view, the pivot may be arranged centrally relative to the width of the backing. Alternatively, the pivot may be arranged off-centre relative to the width of the backing.

The pivot may be arranged to restrict the outer surface of the first panel and the outer surface of the second panel from rotating toward each other.

The pivot may be arranged to allow the inner surface of the first panel and the inner surface of the second panel to rotate towards each other by at least 100, at least 200, at least 30°, at least 40°, at least 50°, at least 60°, at least 70°, at least 80°, at least 90°, atleast 100°, at least 120°, atleast 140°, at least 160°, or at least 180°. The greater the amount of rotation allowed, the easier it can be to remove the backing.

Beneficially, the gripping means is arranged proximal to the pivot. The gripping means may be arranged in contact with the pivot. It may be attached to the backing via the pivot. The gripping means may be a nylon ribbon or tab. The gripping means may alternatively be in the form of a prop or stand for supporting the picture frame in use.

The gripping means may be attached to the backing on the inner surface and/or the outer surface of the first panel and/or second panel.

Preferably, the pivot is a means for attachment of the gripping means to the backing.

Beneficially, the pivot is formed by a hinge. It is particularly advantageous for the hinge to be formed by an adhesive tape. Beneficially, the adhesive tape is adhered to the inner surface of the first panel and to the inner surface of the second panel. Advantageously, the gripping means may be attached to the backing with the adhesive tape. The hinge may be formed as a die-cut in the backing. The hinge may be formed as a score line in the backing. The first panel and the second panel may be integrally formed as a single backing. Where the first panel and the second panel are integrally formed as a single backing, and the hinge is formed as a die-cut or as a score line, the gripping means may be in the form of a tab projecting from either the first panel or the second panel.

The hinge may be a surface laminated card.

Preferably, where the pivot is arranged on the inner surface of the first panel and/or second panel, the pivot is provided as a substantially flat hinge. Beneficially, this means that the picture, which is typically arranged to abut the inner surface of the backing, does not become damaged or marked by a hinge which is not substantially flat or which is not flush with the inner surface of the backing.

Preferably, the hinge is attached to the inner surface of the first panel and the inner surface of the second panel. Preferably, the backing is formed of two distinct panels. The backing may comprise more than two panels. The backing may be symmetrical or asymmetrical about an axis of rotation with respect to the dimensions of the panels.

Preferably, the gripping means extends away from the outer surface.

Preferably, the backing is made of board, for example, chipboard, MDF or cardboard.

The backing, gripping means and/or pivot may comprise a means for hanging the picture frame on a wall or other surface According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a picture frame comprising a backing according to the first aspect of the invention and may, therefore, optionally include any of the above-mentioned optional features of the first aspect of the invention.

Beneficially, the picture frame comprises a rebate forming a shoulder portion for seating a picture, in normal use the backing being arranged such that the inner surface of the backing faces toward to the shoulder portion, and the outer surface of the backing faces away from the shoulder portion Preferably, a clear panel is arranged between the shoulder portion and the backing, such that the plane of the clear panel is parallel to the plane of the backing.

Preferably, the clear panel is made of glass or a transparent plastic, e.g. transparent thermoplastic When in normal use with the backing being of the type comprising a first panel pivotally connected to a second panel, and the backing mounted in the picture frame, an edge of the first panel may abut an edge of the second panel. When in normal use with the backing mounted in the picture frame, the first panel may not be in contact with the second panel other than via the pivot.

Preferably, the backing is retained in the picture frame by a plurality of retaining means attached to the picture frame. Beneficially, each retaining means comprise two configurations interchangeable by rotation between a retaining position and a release position. In in the retaining position the retaining means may be arranged substantially parallel to the plane of the backing in normal use and, therefore, abut the outer surface of the backing. In the release position the retaining means may be arranged substantially perpendicular to the plane of the backing. In the retaining position, the retaining means may be in contact with the outer surface of the backing. In an alternative, the retaining means may rotate between a retaining position against the outer surface of the backing and a release position against the picture frame.

Preferably, the retaining means are circumferentially arranged at a plurality of locations on the inner perimeter of the frame. Thus, retaining means may be attached to the sides of the frame which are parallel to the axis of rotation provided by the pivot and to the sides of the frame which are transverse to the axis of rotation provided by the pivot. Beneficially, the retaining means attached to the sides of the frame which are parallel to the axis of rotation of the pivot may be permanently fixed in the retaining position. This is because when the gripping means is pulled in a direction away from the outer surface of the backing, the rotation and lateral movement of the first panel and the second panel causes the two panels to move across the surface of the picture away from a first set of retaining means. Thus, no perpendicular motion relative to the plane of the backing is required by the peripheral portions of the two panels which abut the first set of retaining means in order to remove the backing from its retained position.

As such, the first set of retaining means can be permanently fixed in the retaining position. Beneficially, this means that there are fewer retaining means that the user must unclip/unfold in order to remove the backing from the picture frame. Thus, it is far quicker and less inconvenient for a user to remove the backing from a picture frame.

Preferably, the retaining means are folding pins.

Alternatively, the retaining means may be an under-cut in the picture frame. The picture frame may comprise an under-cut in the sides of the picture frame which are parallel to the axis of rotation provided by the pivot. Where an under-cut in the sides of the picture frame which are parallel to the axis of rotation provided by the pivot is present, the under-cut may accommodate the corresponding peripheral edges of the backing, therefore retaining the backing in a mounted position.

The picture frame may comprise an under-cut in the sides of the picture frame which are parallel to the axis of rotation provided by the pivot, in conjunction with one or more retaining means, preferably in the form of folding pins, attached to the sides of the frame which are transverse to the axis of rotation provided by the pivot.

Beneficially, the depth of the backing is such that when the retaining means are in the retaining position, the outer surface of the backing abuts a lower surface of the retaining means, either across the whole of the lower surface of the retaining means or a portion of the lower surface of the retaining means IS The size of the picture and the backing is relative to the rebate forming the shoulder portion of the frame. The picture and clear panel should have a width greater than the distance between the shoulder portions on each longitudinal edge of the frame but narrower than the distance between the rebate on each longitudinal edge of the frame. The picture and clear panel should have a length greater than the distance between the shoulder portions on each transverse edge of the frame but narrower than the distance between the rebate on each transverse edge of the frame. The clear panel is seated upon the shoulder portion in the frame. Preferably, the backing is substantially the same length and width as the picture, such that from the rear, the backing substantially conceals the picture.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provide a method of extracting a backing, according to the first aspect of the invention, from a picture frame, according to a second aspect of the invention. Optionally, the backing may include thereof any of the above-mentioned optional features of the first aspect of the invention, and the picture frame may include thereof any of the above-mentioned optional features of the second aspect of the invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of extracting a backing, according to the first aspect of the invention, from a picture frame, according to the second aspect of the invention, placing a picture in the picture frame, and replacing the backing in the frame. Optionally, the backing may include thereof any of the above-mentioned optional features of the first aspect of the invention, and the picture frame may include thereof any of the above-mentioned optional features of the second aspect of the invention.

The method may comprise moving at least one retaining means to a release position before extracting the backing from the picture frame. The at least one retaining means may be attached to the picture frame on a side of the frame which is transverse to an axis of rotation provided by a pivot formed between two panels of the backing.

The movement of the at least one retaining means to between a retaining position and a release position may include rotating the at least one retaining means.

The method may comprise moving the at least one retaining means to a retaining position after replacing the backing in the frame According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided use of a backing according to the first aspect of the invention in a picture frame according to the second aspect of the invention. Optionally, the backing may include thereof any of the above-mentioned optional features of the first aspect of the invention, and the picture frame may include thereof any of the above-mentioned optional features of the second aspect of the invention.

The inventive concept of the present invention is not limited to frames comprising a rectangular circumferential surface. For example, where a frame comprises a circular circumferential surface, a corresponding circular backing may be used.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood an embodiment thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which.

Figure 1 is an exploded view of the picture frame with a picture and component parts including the frame, clear panel and backing, Figure 2 is a plan view of the outer surface of the backing; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the backing showing the rotation of each panel; Figure 4 is a plan view of the rear of a picture frame comprising the backing; Figure 5 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the picture frame showing rotation of the backing; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the picture frame shown in Figure 5 with the retaining means in a release position; Figure 7 is a plan view of the inner surface of the backing; and Figure 8 is an enlarged view of a corner section of the picture frame in normal use in a retaining position.

With reference to the figures 1-8 there is shown a picture frame for a picture 13 comprising a backing 1, a clear panel 8 and a frame 6. The frame 6 comprises a rectangular circumferential surface which includes an opening 14 through which the picture 13 is viewed. Figure 1 shows the preferred assembly configuration of the backing 1, picture 13, clear panel 8 and frame 6 when in use.

The backing 1 comprises a first panel 3 having an outer surface 3a and an inner surface 3b, and a second panel 4 having an outer surface 4a and an inner surface 4b.

The frame 6 comprises a rebate 16 forming a shoulder portion 12 extending around its inner perimeter. The edges of the picture 13, clear panel 8 and backing 1 abut the rebate 16. The clear panel 8 is mounted upon the shoulder portion 12 with the picture 13 adjacent to the clear panel 8 such that the image or content provided by the picture 13 can be seen by a user through the opening 14 when viewed from the front, through the clear panel 8. The backing 1 is mounted such that the inner surfaces 3b and 4b are adjacent to the picture 13. The outer surfaces 3a, 4a are therefore visible as the rear of the picture frame when in normal use.

Adjacent edges of the first panel 3 and the second panel 4 are pivotally connected at a pivot 2. The first panel 3 and the second panel 4 are formed as two distinct panels. With reference to figure 7, the first panel 3 is pivotally connected to the second panel 4 by the pivot 2 in the form of a hinge made of adhesive tape 15 attached to the inner surface 3b of the first panel 3 and to the inner surface 4b of the second panel 4 (see figure 7). The outer surface 3a, 4a of the backing 1 when the backing 1 is mounted in the frame 6 is substantially flat.

The width of the first panel 3 (defined from its free longitudinal edge to the pivot 2) is greater than the width of the second panel 4 The backing 1 is therefore asymmetrical about the axis of rotation A gripping means 5, in the form of a nylon ribbon, is arranged to extend from the outer surface and be accessible to a user from the rear of the picture frame 6 when in normal use. The nylon ribbon 5 is adhered to the inner surface 3b of the first panel 3 by adhesive tape which, in the present embodiment, also forms the pivot 2. The nylon ribbon 5 is threaded between the two panels 3, 4 so as to project above the plane of the outer surfaces 3a, 4a of the backing 1 and thus be accessible to a user from the rear of the picture frame.

The gripping means 5 is arranged such that when the gripping means 5 is pulled in a direction 9 (i.e. perpendicular to the plane of the backing 1), as shown in figure 5, the inner surface 3b of the first panel 3 and the inner surface 4b of the second panel 4 rotate toward each other about an axis of rotation provided by the pivot 2.

With reference to figure 5, when the gripping means 5 is pulled in direction 9 the inner surface 3b of the first panel 3 rotates in direction 10 and the inner surface 4b of the second panel 4 rotates in direction 11. Rotations 10, 11 bring the inner surfaces 3b, 4b into increasing parallel proximity as the gripping means 5 is pulled in direction 9 to remove the backing 1 from the picture frame 6. The first panel 3 and second panel 4 can rotate about 180° so that their inner surfaces 3b, 4b face toward each other. The backing 1 can, therefore, be removed from the frame 6 without the need to upend the frame and/or use additional tools to lever the backing 1 from its mounted position in the frame 6.

In normal use, the backing 1 is mounted in the picture frame 6 as shown in figure 4. Retaining means 7, in the form of folding pins, are attached to the picture frame 6.

The retaining means 7 are arranged to be rotatable about the point of attachment with the frame 6 between a retaining position and a release position. The retaining position, as shown in figure 4, being where the retaining means 7 are rotated to abut a peripheral portion of outer surface 3a or 4a of the backing 1. The release position, as shown in figure 6, being where the retaining means 7 are arranged perpendicular to the plane of the backing 1 when in normal use.

A first set of retaining means 7a are arranged to abut the periphery of the outer surface 3a, 4a parallel to the axis of rotation provided by the pivot 2. A second set of retaining means 7b are arranged to abut the periphery of the outer surfaces 3a, 4a transverse to the axis of rotation. As shown in figure 4, the first set of retaining means comprises three folding pins 7a arranged at each longitudinal edge (parallel to the axis of rotation) of the frame 6. Each of the folding pins 7a arranged on one longitudinal edge of the frame 6 are positioned substantially opposite a corresponding folding pin 7a arranged on the opposing inner longitudinal edge of the frame 6. A folding pin 7a is positioned approximately half way along each inner longitudinal edge of the frame 6. The second set of retaining means comprises two folding pins 7b arranged at each transverse edge of the frame 6. Each of the folding pins 7b arranged on one transverse edge of the frame 6 are positioned substantially opposite a corresponding folding pin 7b arranged on the opposing transverse edge of the frame 6. A folding pin 7b is 20 positioned approximately a quarter way along each inner transverse edge of the frame 6.

When the gripping means 5 is pulled in the direction 9, the rotation 10, 11 and lateral movement of the first panel 3 and the second panel 4 causes the two panels 3, 4 to move across the surface of the picture 13 away from the first set of retaining means 7a. Thus, no perpendicular motion in direction 9, relative to the plane of the backing 1, is required by the peripheral portions of the two panels 3, 4 which abut retaining means 7a in order to remove the backing 1 from its retained position. As such, the first set of retaining means 7a can be permanently fixed in the retaining position. Due to the rotation 10, 11 and movement of the panels 3,4, the second set of retaining means 7b must first be arranged towards the release position in order to allow for removal of the backing 1 upon pulling the grabbing means 5 in the direction 9. Thus, when a user Ii intends for the backing 1 to be mounted in the frame 6, both sets of retaining means 7a and 7b can be in the retaining position. When a user intends to remove the backing 1 from the frame 6, the first set of retaining means 7a can be in the retaining position or in the release position, but the second set of retaining means 7b must be in the release position. Of course, a user only needs to move the second set of retaining means 7b to the release position, therefore, substantially speeding up the removal of the backing 1 from the frame 6.

The above embodiment is described by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSI. A backing for a picture frame, the backing being collapsible and comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, the backing further comprising a gripping means arranged such that when the gripping means is pulled in a direction away from the outer surface, portions of the inner surface of the backing move towards each other.
2 A backing according to claim 1, wherein edge portions of the inner surface move toward each other when the gripping means is pulled in a direction away from the outer surface.
3. A backing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the backing comprises a first panel pivotally connected to a second panel, each panel comprising a part of the inner surface and a part of the outer surface of the backing, the gripping means being arranged such that when it is pulled in a direction away from the outer surface of the two panels, the inner surface of the first panel and the inner surface of the second panel are rotated toward each other about the pivot.
4. A backing according to claim 3, wherein the inner surface of the first panel and the inner surface of the second panel are rotated toward each other about the pivot in response to the gripping means being pulled in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the backing in normal use.
5. A backing according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the gripping means is arranged proximal to the pivot.
6. A backing according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the pivot is a means for attachment of the gripping means to the backing.
7. A backing according to any of claims 3 to 6, wherein the pivot is formed by a hinge.
8. A backing according to claim 7, wherein the hinge is formed by adhesive tape.
9. A backing according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the hinge is attached to the inner surface of the first and second panels.
A backing according to any of claims 3 to 9, wherein the first panel and the second panel are integrally formed as a single backing.
11 A backing according to any preceding claim, wherein the gripping means is a prop for supporting a picture frame.
12. A backing according to any preceding claim, wherein the gripping means extends away from the outer surface of the backing 13 A backing according to any preceding claim, wherein the backing is made of board 14 A picture frame comprising a backing according to any preceding claim A picture frame according to claim 14, wherein the picture frame comprises a shoulder portion for seating a picture, in normal use the backing being arranged such that the inner surface of the backing faces toward to the shoulder portion, and the outer surface of the backing faces away from the shoulder portion 16 A picture frame according to claim 15, wherein a clear panel is arranged between the shoulder portion and the backing, such that the plane of the clear panel is parallel to the plane of the backing.17 A picture frame according to claim 16, wherein the clear panel is made of glass or a transparent plastic.18 A picture frame according to any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the backing is retained in the picture frame by a plurality of retaining means attached to the picture frame 19 A picture frame according to claim 18, wherein each retaining means comprise two configurations interchangeable by rotation between a retaining position and a release position; wherein in the retaining position the retaining means are arranged to abut the outer surface of the backing; and in the release position the retaining means are arranged substantially perpendicular to the plane of the backing.A picture frame according to claim 19 and comprising a backing according to claim 3, wherein the retaining means attached to a side of the frame parallel to the axis of rotation of the pivot are fixed in a retaining position arranged to abut the outer surface of the backing.21. A picture frame according to any of claims 18 to 20 wherein the retaining means are folding pins.22. Use of a backing according to any of claims Ito 13 in a picture frame according to any of claims 14 to 21 23. A method of extracting a backing according to any of claims 1 to 13 from a picture frame according to any of claims 14 to 21.24. A method of extracting a backing according to any of claims 1 to 13 from a picture frame according to any of claims 14 to 21, placing a picture in the frame, and replacing the backing in the frame