System for retaining an image within a frame

#The idea of entrapping a flat item between two sheets of transparent material is likely nearly as old as the invention of sheet glass. The present invention describes novel structures that allow a printed image, in particular, to be readily located and held between two transparent sheets that are, in turn, held within a frame.

#In a conventional construction, the pressure between two sheets of glass pinches the image in position, and the paired sheets of glass are then fixed within, for example, a rabbet in the back of a wooden picture frame. The image then appears to float ahead against any ambient background, often with the open glass surrounding area serving cosmetically in place of an opaque picture mat.

#This configuration produces a pleasing appearance, but poses a number of challenges. First, glass sheet dangerous to handle, and is subject to impact or breakage from impact or from a fall. Second, an image with a transparent surround allows the inside of the frame to be seen, which places constraints on how the frames can be attractively assembled and finished. Third, it is difficult to secure the paired sheets reliably to one another, given seasonal fluctuations in common dimensional materials such as wood moldings.

#The present invention may be appreciated by reference to the following descriptions and drawings, in which:

#FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the major elements of the print frame,

#FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the frame profile,

#FIG. 1 is an exploded view of complete print frame assembly 800. Print frame assembly 800 is safely and usefully provided with the mitered rails already joined into a frame, and the glass already installed in the assembled frame. FIG. 1 shows preassembled mitered frame 600. Preassembled mitered frame 600 is made using four mitered sections of frame stock 100 having the profile illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. The rail sections are represented in the illustrated exemplary rectangular frame by short mitered rails 100A and long mitered rails 100B.

#Mitered corners are joined here using V-nails. V-nails are right-angled connectors typically made of fine-gauge, hardened steel, and are used in the framing trade to securely join frame parts, ideally without splitting the frame stock.

#However, it may be appreciated that the typical location of a V-nail, upon the flat back face of the frame, is not available in the wood molding design shown. Instead, in the invention, V-nail 2 is installed into expressly and conscientiously devised land 110, as may be more fully appreciated by reference to FIG. 14.