Self-adhesive frame

A frame assembly for receiving a flat panel having a thickness (Tp), comprising:

• a frame including a groove, the groove having first and second side surfaces and a base surface therebetween, the groove configured to receive an edge of the flat panel;
• an adhesive disposed only on the first and second side surfaces within the groove but not the base surface, the adhesive selected from the group consisting of (i) an adhesive tape, (ii) a liquid adhesive, and (iii) a semi-liquid adhesive, the adhesive being in contact with the first and second side surfaces but not the base surface;
• and
• a cushion on the base surface, the cushion being formed from a material that differs from the adhesive.

A method of assembling a panel, comprising:

• receiving a shipping package suitable for transport, the shipping package including a plurality of frame assemblies, each frame assembly comprising:
• a frame including a groove configured to receive a panel, the groove having first and second side surfaces and a base surface therebetween;
• and
• an adhesive disposed within the groove, the adhesive selected from the group consisting of (i) an adhesive tape including a first adhesive surface and a compressible core, (ii) a liquid adhesive having a viscosity of at least about 25 Pa·s at a temperature of 40° C., and (iii) a semi-liquid adhesive having a viscosity of not greater than about 200 Pa·s at a temperature of 150° C.;
• removing a first frame assembly from the shipping package;
• and
• inserting a panel into the groove of the first frame assembly.

A method of preparing a frame assembly for shipping, comprising:

• providing a plurality of frames, each frame including a groove configured to receive a flat panel, the groove having first and second side surfaces and a base surface therebetween;
• applying an adhesive within the groove of each frame to form a plurality of frame assemblies, the adhesive selected from the group consisting of (i) an adhesive tape including a first adhesive surface and a compressible core, (ii) a liquid adhesive having a viscosity of at least about 25 Pa·s at a temperature of 40° C., and (iii) a semi-liquid adhesive having a viscosity of not greater than about 200 Pa·s at a temperature of 150° C.;
• and
• securing the frame assemblies within a shipping package suitable for transport.