US 4,364,192 AGranted

Minimal parts, quick picture frame

OwnerRoland W. Lloydinventor

Life of this patent

Estimating the term…

Loading patent…

Abstract

A minimal parts, quick picture frame, for framing paintings, pictures, photographs, graphics, weavings, etc., for viewing, centers on the use of at least four framing pieces, i.e. two sets of opposite pairs, all made by cutting them from a continuous type plastic extrusion, formed to frictionally and resiliently grip the other components of the picture mounting composite. No additional hardware or fasteners are used to hold the pieces of the frame together, nor are tools needed, following the cutting of the extrusion. Selected lengths of these generally mitered cornered framing pieces all grip the edges of a picture mounting composite, comprising the overall assembly of a picture, painting, etc. and other related mounting material, such as backing boards, glass or clear plastic covering, etc., with a continuous resilient spring like gripping action, thereby providing a snug, moisture resistant seal, while automatically adjusting to varying thickness of the picture mounting composite, and while self-aligning the framing members.

Claims1

Dependent claims

A frame adapted to frame an object which is at least generally planar, wherein said frame comprises a plurality of frame pieces, each frame piece being an elongated extrusion made from plastic which includes:

a. a side wall;
b. a relatively rigid flange having a base integrally formed with said side wall, wherein said relatively rigid flange extends outwardly at generally right angles with respect to said side wall and terminates in a free end which includes a pair of elongated parallel ribs;
and
c. a flexible, resilient, gripping flange having a base integrally formed with said side wall, wherein the bases of said relatively rigid flange and said resilient gripping flange extends outwardly from said side wall for a substantial distance, and then reverses direction and extends back towards said side wall and terminates in a free end which is located generally opposite from the free end of said relatively rigid flange;
and
wherein each said frame piece is adapted to be secured to a respective edge of said object by gripping its said respective edge between the free ends of its said relatively rigid flange and resilient gripping flange;
and
wherein the pair of elongated parallel ribs of the relatively rigid flange and the free end of said resilient flange are arranged, sized and positioned such that when each said frame piece is secured to its respective edge portion of said object, the area of contact of the free end of said resilient flange with said object lies opposite from and between said ribs on said relatively rigid flange, to enable each said frame piece to better grip its respective edge portion of said object.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.