GB2508438A

GB2508438A - Modular picture or like object frame

Info

Publication number: GB2508438A
Application number: GB201221736A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen Alan Gent
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-12-03
Filing date: 2012-12-03
Publication date: 2014-06-04

Abstract

A modular box frame comprising a rear backing board forming a box section frame and at least one object-receiving box wherein the at least one object-receiving box is releasably mountable within the box section frame. The releasable mounting may be magnetic. In use, the modular frame accommodates a variety of either 2 dimensional photographs and/or pieces of artwork and/or a 3 dimensional object, or any combination thereof. The frame may have a releasable front so as to facilitate the rapid change of the displayed item or items

Description

Title: Modular Box Frame Abstract Title: Detachable, Modular Object Box' Frame

Background

The culTent box framing market is primanly served by creating a bespoke designed solution which comprises of a back box, whose sizc and shapc is typically dctcrmined by the object to be framed and constructed from a variety of sheet materials. This is then typically fixed to a traditionally assembled picture frame. This style of box frame is a permanently finished product and cannot easily be adapted for use with another object, photograph or piece of artwork. Additionally the visual appearance is generally inconsistent between the section size of the back box and the surface finish of the frame at the side, creating an aesthetically undesirable appearance. Furthermore any access to the inside of the box frame would necessitate the complete dismantling of the frame from the box resulting in a costly refurbishment.

The desirability of object framing is reasonably strong although the bespoke nature of current designs does nothing to improve the accessibility, awareness and ease of using this type of box frame. The present invention provides a solution to this polarised area of picture framing and shadow box framing, making the product available and attractive to the mass market through a modular object framing system which can be constantly adapted to be relevant throughout the lifespan of the owner.

Statement of Invention

The present invention provides a modular box system which can be utilised within a number of standard and bespoke framing styles and configurations to display objects and any associated photographs and artwork singularly or simultaneously within the same frame. The versatility of the object box is denved from a standardisation of its size, height, width and depth, (although this does not serve to prohibit bespoke sizes being produced). The object box then becomes compatible with a number of different predetermined styles and layouts of mount board and frames. The box is located accurately in a fixed position through a temporary dry insertion into a hollow mounting block which is secured to a backing board. The cavity at the rear of the box provides sufficient space to accommodate any fixing retainers used to secure the desired object which will ultimately be displayed in the box.

The object box is used in conjunction with a specific set of moulding configurations which comprises of frames assembled together, secured magnetically and structurally for lateral joining. The front frame accommodates the glazing, mount boards and artwork or photography, and has the ability to be easily removed whilst in a vertical hanging position, to allow the box and any incumbent object to be replaced at anytime. Furthermore a consistent rebate around the perimeter of the joining frames reinforces the connection location and the weight bearing strength therein.

To further aid the retention strength of the frames therein a structural connection between the frames is evidenced with a mechanical fixing thus providing a safety retaining mechanism between the frames in discreet locations.

Thc ability therefore exists for the owner to adapt and change the object and associated photography and artwork as often as desired.

Advantaqes of Invention The tObject Box' has easy accessibility from the front and can be detached and replaced whenever required.

The modular box system allows objects. photographs and artwork to be changed to display a different occasion as suited to the owner's current preference.

The dedicated moulding provides a magnetic front fix frame connection to the rear box frame sealing and preserving the objects, photographs and artwork.

The frames are securely fixed in place with a safety retaining mechanism.

The external back frame is surface finished to match the front frame and is the same width & height, ensuring a consistent visual appearance from all angles.

The object box is essentially prefabricated planar board which allows easy and convenient transportation and replacement of the box.

Introductions to Drawings

Certain preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, of which: Figure I shows a section through the internal construction of the box frame.

Figure 2 shows the enlarged section through both frames and the magnetic connection between the Front and back frames, including the safety retaining mechanism.

Figure 3a demonstrates the planar object box construction.

Figure 3b shows a plan view of the rear frame with the hollow mounting Hock fixed to the back board, the object box is located inside.

Figure 4 shows the mounting location plan view which accepts the object box in its 3D form.

Figure Sa & 5b show other alternative frame examp'es which can be applied to this invention.

Detailed Description of the Drawin2s

There will now be described by way of example only, the best mode contemplated by the inventor for producing the present invention, In the following description.

numerous specific details are set out in order to provide a complete understanding to the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art of framing that the present invention may be put into practice with variations of the specific.

Referring initially to Figure 1, there is shown a section through the frames 1 and 11 these should be assembled to the desired dimensions adopting corner mitre joining which are suitably glued and pinned. The external surface finish of the 2 frames should be identical providing a consistent appearance to the finished product. The design is not limited to the combination of two frames, but indeed could be a combination of numerous. The section sizes of the moulding should also be non-exhaustive.

The two independent frames 1 and 11 should be built individually. Figure 1 indicates the build up of frame 1. This is achieved by cutting to size the various components to fit into the rebate of frame 1, starting with the required glazing 2. The double mount board combination 3 and 4 should be cut to determine the correct standardised option, as depicted in figure 4. The photographs and, or artwork 5. should then be positioned in the rebate of frame 1. Finally the backing mount 6 is fabricated to accommodate the object box opening and then secured within the rebate of frame I and fixed into place around the perimeter of the rebate using flexible points or equivalent. Figure 1 shows the two frames separated. The invention intends for the alignment of the inside edge of backing mount 6 and the inside edge of the object box 7, when the frames are joined. The object box 7, then naturally provides sufficient compression on the backing mount, 6 and consequently all other components housed within the rebate.

Referring to Figure 2 which shows an enlarged section through the frames, the linear double polarity magnet 14, should now be fitted to the underside of frame 1 and duly mitred at each corner. The orientation of frame 11 with frame 1 now needs determining to ensure the installation of the linear magnet 13 has the correct polarity with the opposite magnet 14. Again the linear magnet 13 should be installed as shown in Figure 2, inside the rebate of frame 11.

As indicated in Figure 4 the two frames can now be temporarily joined to initially check the effectiveness of the magnet and then to install the mechanical safety connection 15, 17 as shown in Figure 3b, The socket setscrew 15 location should be centrally aligned and drilled to accommodate a threaded insert into frame II, as shown in Figure 2. While the frames are joined together the location for the insert into frame 1 should be marked in 2 discreet locations top and bottom, (as indicated in Figure 2, 16). Once the inserts have been fabricated the retention system of the frames is complete.

Referring back to Figure 1. specifically frame lithe backing board 10, can now be secured to the frame ensuring the frame maintains its compatible shape relative with frame 1. The next stage of construction is shown in Figure 3b which depicts a plan view of frame ii. The hollow mounting block 8, should be positioned in place, then frame 1 should be joined to frame ii. The mounting block should then be perfectly aligned and consequently glued to the backing board 10, in the correct location, One corner of the fabricated mounting block 8 is cut to provide some tolerance subject to the exact size of the object box when in its formed position, shown as 18 in Figure 3b.

Figure 3a shows a plan view of the flat object box with the appropriate v groove cuts applied 7. The cuts as indicated allow all joints within the box to be loose mitred. The flat box 7 only develops its shape when inserted into the hollow mounting block 8, as shown in Figure 3b. Consequently the depth of the box and the cavity behind provide the compression support for all the mounts contained within frame 1.

Referring back to Figure 1 the cavity 9, which is behind the back face of the object box is intended to be utilised to house any retaining clips for mounting specific objects as displayed in the finished product.

Figure 5a and Sb show variation mouldings which can also achieve the same principle concept of the present invention using a stepped appearance rather than the flush design depicted in the example.

Claims

Claims 1. A modular box frame for the singular or simultaneous display of objects, associated photography, artwork or any combination of the aforementioned.comprising of individually assembled frames which are connected together, incorporating a number of mount boards, a flat designed removable object box, with a fixed location mounting block secured to a backing board, wherein the outer mounting block is permanent and the inner object box is removable.
2. The modular object box according to claim 1, has easy accessibility from the front of the frame by removing the safety retention screws and then detaching Frame 1, providing access to the inside of Frame 11 and thus allowing the removal of the object box from the mounting block.
3. The above as described in claim 2 can be executed while Frame 11 remains fixed to a vertical surface, or in a horizontal position.
4. A modular box frame according to claim i and 2 wherein Frame 1 and Frame II are located together within a continuous rebate, enclosing a partial section of the external faces of the assembled Frame 1 located inside the rebate of the assembled Frame 11.
5. A modular box frame system according to any one of claims 1-4 which allows objects to be changed to display different items as desired, achieved by either adjusting the mounting points in the existing box, or by replacing with a new box.
6. A modular box frame according to any one of claims 1-5, incorporating dedicated mouldings which create Frame 1 and Frame 11 and are joined by a magnetic contact between each.
7. A modular box frame according to any one of claims 1-6 wherein the external suitaces of both Frame I and Frame 11 when joined together are identically finished.
8. A modular box frame according to any one of claims 1-7 wherein the external surface connection between Frame 1 and Frame 11 is either flush or stepped.
9. A modular box frame according to any one of claims 1-8 wherein Frame 1 is securely fixed in place to Frame II with a safety retaining mechanism which reinforces the magnetic connection against the effects of gravity when hanging in a vertical position.
10. A modular box frame according to any one of claims 1-9 wherein the product accommodates either a 2 dimensional photograph, certificate or piece of artwork or a 3 dimensional object, or any combination of each.
11. A modular box frame according to any one of the claims i-iD wherein the product can be produced using multiple frames and any combination of different sized moulding sections.
12. A modular box frame according to any one of the claims i-il wherein the product can be produced using any surface finished matedal.
13. A modular box frame according to all claims wherein the moulding can be produced using any different type of core raw material.
14. A modular box frame according to all claims wherein the grade of component materials used to manufacture the product should not differentiate from this patent and therefore can either be assembled with Standard, Conservation or Museum grade products or any combination of each.