JP2000308554A - Frame - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] (with correction) [Problem] To provide a frame body that can be assembled without using screws and that can securely store an exhibit. A plurality of outer frames having a U-shaped cross section and ribs formed integrally with the outer frames so as to be located in the middle of both side walls of the U-shape. Frame and
A connector for coupling the respective ends of the frame to each other, the coupler having a columnar insertion portion and a projecting portion projecting from the insertion portion; Has an inserted part into which the insertion part is inserted, and a groove-shaped part into which the convex part is inserted. [Effect] Exhibits can be stored on both sides of the frame,
Easy to assemble and disassemble without twisting. In addition, a plurality of frames can be connected by the connector 15, and can be used for various uses other than the exhibits.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a frame which can be used for displaying photographs, drawings, posters, etc., for accommodating a solar cell panel, and as a panel for a solar water heater.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Exhibits such as photographs, calligraphy, and posters are displayed in a frame.

[0003] As a conventional method of storing and displaying an exhibit in a frame, the exhibit is attached to a board or the like, a picture frame is attached, and the frame and the board to which the exhibit is attached are fixed with screws and assembled. Was. Alternatively, an L-shaped connecting fitting is inserted into a groove in the picture frame, and the connecting fitting and the picture frame are fixed to the fitting using screws, and the exhibits are stored therein.

In the above method, since screws are used to assemble the picture frame, tools and the like are required, and it takes much time and labor. In particular, the frame for storing large exhibits was extremely difficult to work, requiring several people to assemble it.

Further, there is a problem that the assembled picture frame is twisted. This problem is particularly noticeable in a large frame that accommodates a large exhibit.

Therefore, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-16138 proposes a method of using a connection fitting provided with an elastic body projecting in a direction opposite to the insertion direction.

However, even with this method, the problem that the picture frame is twisted and the display object is damaged has not been solved. Ordinary frames were used for paintings and posters, and were not used for other purposes.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and can be assembled without using screws.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a frame that can store exhibition items securely and can be used for purposes other than a frame.

[0009]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a frame according to the present invention is provided at an intermediate position between an outer frame portion having a U-shaped cross section and both side walls of the U-shape. A plurality of frames having a rib integrally formed with the outer frame portion, and a coupling tool for coupling each end of the frame, wherein the coupling tool has a columnar shape. The frame has an insertion portion, a projecting portion projecting from the insertion portion, and the frame has an inserted portion into which the insertion portion is inserted, and a groove-shaped portion into which the projection is inserted. It is characterized by the following.

Further, the outer frame portion has a rib holding plate which is disposed so as to be spaced apart from the U-shaped bottom surface, and the inserted portion is surrounded by the U-shaped bottom surface and the rib holding plate. The rib may be formed in a space, and the rib may be provided upright on the rib holding plate. The U-shape in this case includes not only a round shape but also a square shape. Further, the configuration may be such that both side walls have a step at the rib holding plate, or both side walls may extend to the rib holding plate.

Further, the end face of the connection surface between the frame and the adjacent frame may be shaped so as to accommodate the corner of the coupler.

Further, it is also possible to form an engaging portion on at least one frame, and to provide a hanging member of the frame at the at least one engaging portion of the frame.

Further, it is also possible to form a structure in which a locking portion is formed on at least one frame, and the locking portion of another adjacent frame is connected with a connecting tool to connect a plurality of frames. It is.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the entire frame of the present invention. As shown in the figure, a frame 10 of the present invention includes four frames 11 forming each side of a quadrangle, a coupling 12 fitted into each corner to join these frames 11, and a frame And a suspender 13 for suspending the device on a wall or the like.

FIG. 2 is a view of the frame 11, which is taken along the line AA of FIG.
It is the figure which expanded the cross section. As shown in the figure, the frame 11 has a U-shaped outer frame portion 11a and a U-shaped cross section.
Top ("bottom") of the two side walls 11a ', 11a "
), And a rib holding plate 11b formed so as to cross the U-shape at a position separated from the rib holding plate 11b.
and a rib 11c erected from b toward the inside of the frame. The rib 11c has a U-shaped outer frame 11 as shown in the figure.
a is located between the side walls 11a 'and 11a ".
Further, since the outer frame portion 11a, the rib holding plate 11b, and the rib 11c are integrally formed, the rigidity is increased and the twist is less likely to occur.

The exhibit 1 holds the periphery of the exhibit 1 so as to fit into a gap between the rib 11c and the outer frame portion 11a as shown by a virtual line in the figure, for example. Since the rib 11c is located between the side walls 11a 'and 11a ", the exhibit 1' can be attached to the back of the rib 11c.

There is a space surrounded by the bottom of the U-shape 11a and the rib holding plate 11b, and this is the inserted portion 11d into which the coupler 12 is inserted. The U-shaped bottom of the inserted portion 11d has a groove 11e.

As the material of the frame, metal, resin, wood, or the like can be used as appropriate. In the present invention, metal such as aluminum or iron is used because the torsion of the frame can be further reduced. preferable. Although the ribs are integral with the outer frame, it is preferable that the ribs are formed integrally by extrusion molding or casting in the case of metal, or by injection molding in the case of resin. However, the outer frame portion 11c, the rib holding plate 11b, and the rib 11c may be separately formed, and combined by a method such as welding or bonding to be integrated.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a corner of the frame. As shown in the drawing, the connection end face 11h where the frames 11 are connected to each other has an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the frame 11, and when the two frames 11, 11 are arranged at a right angle, both connection end faces 11h. It is preferable that the contact is made without any gap. Further, in this case, it is preferable that the distal end surface 11i of the connection surface has a shape such that the corner of the coupler 12 is just fitted. Further, even when the connection end face 11h is not at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction, for example, at 90 degrees, it is preferable that the tip end face 11i of the connection face has a shape that just fits the corner of the coupler 12.

FIG. 4 is a view of the coupler. The fastener 12 is
For example, as shown in FIG.
“a” is rounded to match the U-shape of the outer frame, and has a shape like a quarter of a sphere cut out. The structure of the joint, the end surface of the connection surface, and the U-shape of the outer frame portion make the entire frame an outer circle, thereby preventing damage to walls and other exhibits, and safety. Also improve.

On both sides of the corner 12a of the coupler 12, insertion portions 12b of the same size and length are formed in a direction orthogonal to each other. The insertion portion 12b has a semicircular cross section, and has a convex portion 12c at the top of the semicircle. Further, the insertion portion 12b
Has two flexible pieces 12d in the direction of extending The semicircular insertion part 12b fits into the insertion part 11d of the frame 11, and the convex part 12c fits into the groove part 11e. The two flexible pieces 12c extend so as to slightly expand outward so as to be wider than the width of the inserted portion 11d, and each of the distal ends has an inclined surface 12e that gradually becomes thin. It is easy to enter the insertion portion 11d.

In order to insert the coupler 12, first, the two flexible pieces 12d, 12d are inserted into the inserted portion 11d.
Since the tip of the flexible piece 12d has an inclined surface 12e,
The leading end enters the inserted portion 11d, and enters the inserted portion 11d while bending the flexible pieces 12d, 12d inward. Flexible piece 12
d, the insertion portion 12b subsequently enters the insertion target portion 11d, and at the same time, the convex portion 12c is
Enter 1e. When the corner 12a reaches the end face of the frame 11, the fitting is completed. At this time, the flexible piece 12
d spreads by its elastic force and presses against the inner wall of the inserted portion 11d, thereby acting as a stopper.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a cross section taken along line CC of FIG. 4 in a state in which the coupling members 12 couple the frames 11 to each other. The columnar insertion portion 12b enters the inserted portion 11d of the frame 11, and the projection 12c enters the groove 11e.

In FIG. 5, gaps are shown between the insertion portion 12b and the inserted portion 11d, and between the convex portion 12c and the groove portion 11e. In actuality, if the insertion is performed so that the gap is eliminated or almost eliminated, the coupling tool 12 does not easily come off the frame 11. In order to more reliably prevent removal, the insertion portion 12b
It is advisable to insert the adhesive after applying it.

When the frame is joined by the joint 12, even when a torsional force is applied to the frame, the convex portion 12 c and the groove portion 11 e are fitted, so that the rigidity against twisting is improved and the deformation is reduced. Can be. In addition, this frame does not require drilling or screwing for assembly, and can be assembled without tools.

As the material of the coupler 12, a resin, a metal or the like can be appropriately selected and used. In the present invention, it is preferable to form and use a resin such as ABS by injection molding or the like from the viewpoint of easiness of processing for making the shape hard to come off and safety. Even if the material of the frame is different from that of the fasteners, the frame of the present invention does not use screws etc., so it is easy to disassemble and separate, and it is also applicable to dismantling when used and discarded, recycling resources it can.

[0027] In order to provide a suspender for suspending the frame, it is preferable to provide an engaging portion for the suspender on the frame. FIG. 6 shows B in FIG.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a section B, and is a sectional view near the center of the frame 11. The groove portion 11e described with reference to FIG. 2 is penetrated over the entire length of the outer frame portion 11a to form a locking portion 11f formed of a long groove. With this configuration, the hanging tool can move using the locking portion as a rail.

The insertion portion 11d also extends over the entire length of the frame 11, and can be connected to the space 11g near the center. Then, the locking portion 1 is provided on the upper frame of the frame body.
The hanging tool 13 is attached to 1f. The hanging member 13 is formed by connecting a C-shaped hook 13a and a ball 13b at an intermediate portion 13c, and the ball 13b is housed in a space 11g. Such a hanging member 13 is formed by inserting a ball 13b from an end of the frame 11 into an inserted portion 11d and inserting an intermediate portion 13c through a groove portion 11e before forming the frame body 10. 1 and moved to the vicinity of the center of the frame 11, the state shown in FIG.
Therefore, the hanger 13 can be moved to any position in the longitudinal direction of the frame.

In addition to the structure in which the groove is formed in the frame as described above, the locking portion separate from the frame is screwed to the outside of the U-shaped bottom of the frame, bonded, welded, or the like. It can also be attached with. Also, the groove can be formed in various forms, such as a dovetail groove.

When the locking portions 11f are formed on all the frames, the hanging members 13 can be attached to any one side. Further, the hanging members 13 are attached to two or more sides to connect a plurality of frame members vertically and horizontally. It is also possible to decorate with multi-connection.

FIG. 7 is a view showing another embodiment of the convex portion. The convex portion 12c 'of this embodiment is formed in a wavy shape. With such a configuration, even if the fitting between the convex portion 12c 'and the groove portion 11e is rigid, the contact area is reduced, so that the rotation of the frame is prevented and the fitting is easily inserted. be able to. In addition, it is preferable that the insertion portion 12b be processed to prevent it from falling off as necessary. Specifically, it is possible to adopt a structure or the like in which a round or square convex portion is provided on the surface of the insertion portion so as to be in close contact with the inserted portion 11d of the frame and to be difficult to come off.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment in which a triangular reinforcing plate 14 is attached to the corner of the frame. The reinforcing plate 14 is provided at each of the four corners of the frame, and may be fixed to the rib 11c by bonding or the like. However, the rib 11c and the U-shaped outer frame 11
a so that it fits tightly with no gap between
Further, by pushing the two sides into close contact with the rib holding plate 11b, it is possible to reinforce it without taking any trouble such as bonding.

FIG. 9 is a view showing another embodiment of the shape of the frame. The outer frame of the present invention has a U-shaped cross section. In addition to the U-shaped one shown in FIG. 2, the outer frame of FIG. ) Are naturally included. (A) is an example in which the U-shape is rectangular, (b) is an example in which both side walls have a step at the rib holding plate 11b, and (c) is an example in which both side walls have the rib holding plate 1.
This is an example in which there is no more than 1b. In the case of the frame as shown in (c), the exhibit 1 can be fixed to the rib 11c by a method such as bonding.

FIG. 10 is a view showing a state in which a large number of frames according to the present invention are connected in a chain by a connecting member 15, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view thereof. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE of FIG. The connecting member 15 is made of a soft synthetic resin, and has circular enlarged portions 15b formed at both ends of a sheet-shaped main body 15a. Frame 10 with fastener 12
Before the formation, the connector 15 is previously inserted into the locking portion 11f of the frame 11. At this time, although not shown, a spacer made of a round bar or the like is inserted between the coupling tools 15 and 15 so that both ends are in contact with the tips of the flexible pieces 12 d of the coupling tool 12. If this is the case, the connectors 15, 15 can be fixed.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show an example in which the frame bodies 10 are connected horizontally. However, the frame bodies 10 can be connected vertically, or both vertically and horizontally. Further, the size of the frame body 10 can be mixed and mixed, and the connecting member 15 can be of various lengths. Further, in the groove-shaped locking portion 11f of the above embodiment, the connecting tool 15 must be inserted when assembling the frame body 10. However, by changing the shape of the locking portion 11f and the connecting tool 15, A configuration is also possible in which the connector 15 can be attached after the body 10 is assembled.

The above-mentioned connecting member 15 has the same function as a hinge because of the presence of the sheet-like portion 15a. Therefore, a plurality of connected frames can be stacked as shown in FIG. For this reason, the frame 10 can be connected and stored in this way, and can be expanded and arranged at the time of use. In addition, since it can be folded as shown in FIG. 10 (b), it does not become bulky when moving, requires less storage space, and is easy to handle.

In the above embodiment, an example in which the frame of the present invention is used as a frame is shown. However, the frame can be used as a panel for a solar cell or a pipe for a solar water heater. It can also be used as a frame for drying a futon or a clothesline, and can be used as a multipurpose frame.

[0038]

As described above, the frame of the present invention is
A plurality of frames each having a U-shaped outer frame portion and a rib formed integrally with the outer frame portion and located between the two side walls of the U-shape; A coupling tool for coupling each end portion, the coupling tool having a columnar insertion portion, and a convex portion projecting outside the insertion portion, Since the structure has the inserted portion into which the insertion portion is inserted and the groove portion into which the convex portion is inserted, it can be assembled without using screws, and can be easily assembled without tools. . Also,
Because it can be easily disassembled and disassembled, it is useful for separating and recycling garbage.

Since the ribs are formed integrally with the outer frame portion, it is possible to prevent the frame body from being twisted when the assembly is completed. Further, if a rib holding plate is formed and the rib is erected on the rib holding plate, it is possible to further increase the resistance to twisting. Further, since the display object is held by the outer frame portion and the rib, one side or both sides can be selectively used. Furthermore, since the shape of the frame is U-shaped and the outside of the frame is a round shape, it is possible to prevent the frames of the present invention from being damaged, not to mention the frames.

If the corners of the frame body to which the frame is connected are shaped so that the corners of the fastener fit, and the shape is rounded,
Safety can be ensured. Furthermore, by making the connection tool made of resin, even when the frame is made of metal, it is possible to make the structure such that the resin is exposed at the corners of the frame,
Further, safety can be ensured.

When only one side of the frame is used,
By attaching a triangular reinforcing plate to the back corner, the frame can be further reinforced and the frame can be prevented from being twisted. This is particularly effective for large frames.

No processing such as drilling and screw tightening for setting the hanging tool is required. In addition, since the position of the hanger is movable, the position interval of the hook, such as the wall surface of the decoration, can be selected. Further, if the frames are connected to each other by using a connecting tool instead of the hanging tool, the frames can be vertically and horizontally connected or multi-connected, and can be used for various purposes.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing the entire frame of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of an AA cross section of FIG.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a corner of the frame of FIG. 1;

4 (a) is a front view, and FIG. 4 (b) is a sectional view taken along line DD of FIG. 4 (a).

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a cross section taken along line CC of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a BB section of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a main part of another embodiment of the convex portion.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an embodiment in which a triangular reinforcing plate is provided at a corner of a frame.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of the sectional shape of the frame.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are views showing a state in which a plurality of frames of the present invention are connected, wherein FIG. 10A is a front view and FIG. 10B is a bottom view showing an overlapped state.

11 is a perspective view showing a state where the frames of FIG. 10 are connected.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line EE of FIG. 10;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Exhibit 10 Frame body 11 Frame 11a Outer frame part 11b Rib holding plate 11c Rib 11d Inserted part 11f Locking part 11g Space 11h Connection end face 11i Front end face of connection surface 12 Joint 12a Corner 12b Insertion part 12c Convex Shape 13 Hanging tool 15 Connecting tool

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Michiko Yamamoto 2-31-11 Nihonbashi-Ningyocho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Nisshinbo Industries Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kinichiro Yamaguchi 3-15-9 Matsunoki, Suginami-ku, Tokyo Art Panel Co., Ltd.・ In the consultant

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of outer frames each having a U-shaped cross section, and ribs formed integrally with the outer frames so as to be positioned between both side walls of the U-shape. Frame and
A connector for coupling the respective ends of the frame to each other, the coupler having a columnar insertion portion and a projecting portion projecting from the insertion portion; A frame having a plug-in portion into which the plug-in portion is inserted, and a groove-like portion into which the convex portion is inserted. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the outer frame portion has a rib holding plate disposed transversely apart from the U-shaped bottom surface, and the inserted portion is surrounded by the U-shaped bottom surface and the rib holding plate. The frame according to claim 1, wherein the rib is formed in a space, and the rib is erected on the rib holding plate. 3. The frame according to claim 1, wherein a front end surface of a connection surface of the frame with an adjacent frame is shaped so as to accommodate a corner of the coupler. 4. The frame according to claim 1, wherein a locking portion is formed on at least one frame, and a hanging member of a frame is provided on the locking portion of the at least one frame. Frame. 5. A method according to claim 1, wherein a locking portion is formed on at least one frame, and a plurality of frames are connected to each other with a connecting tool between the locking portions of another adjacent frame. Item 4. The frame according to any one of Items 1 to 3.