Snap-fit framing system
AssigneeTracer Imaging LLC
InventorsSteven M. Spiro, Ryan Kelly
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A frame system according to one embodiment includes a hollow outer frame element that includes a plurality of recesses formed along inner faces of walls of the outer frame element. The outer frame element further includes a plurality of ribs formed along the inner face and an inner landing that protrudes inwardly into a center opening of the outer frame element. The frame system also includes a back plate configured for insertion into the center opening. The back plate includes a plurality of locking ribs for reception within the plurality of recesses to generate a snap-fit attachment of the back plate to the hollow outer frame element.
Claims20
A frame system for holding an image substrate comprising:
- a hollow outer frame element that includes a plurality of recesses formed along inner faces of walls of the outer frame element, the outer frame element further including a plurality of ribs formed along the inner face and an inner landing that protrudes inwardly into a center opening of the outer frame element;
- and
- a back plate configured for insertion into the center opening, the back plate including a plurality of locking ribs for reception within the plurality of recesses to generate a snap-fit attachment of the back plate to the hollow outer frame element.
A framed article comprising
- an image substrate having a front face and an opposite rear face;
- and
- a frame system for holding the image substrate, the frame system comprising:
- a hollow outer frame element that includes a plurality of recesses formed along inner faces of walls of the outer frame element, the outer frame element further including a plurality of ribs formed along the inner face and an inner landing that protrudes inwardly into a center opening of the outer frame element, wherein the outer frame element includes an inwardly directed lip that has a first contact surface;
- and
- a back plate configured for insertion into the center opening, the back plate including a plurality of locking ribs for reception within the plurality of recesses to generate a snap-fit attachment of the back plate to the hollow outer frame element, wherein the black plate has a plurality of corner platforms that define second contact surfaces;
- wherein the front face of the image substrate seats against the first contact surface and the rear face of the image substrate seats against the second contact surfaces.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.