RAPID ASSEMBLY FRAME CONSTRUCTION
United States Patent 3802105
A rapid assembly frame construction to allow predetermined frame sizes to be assembled directly by the ultimate user. A moulding having a metal backing is mitered at predetermined locations, except for the backing. The backing is bent at the apex of the miter cuts to form a frame. The free ends are joined by a plastic or metal angle which fits into appropriate channels in the mouldings on the inner side of the moulding wall. Prepositioned holes in the angle and the mouldings are slightly out of alignment with the angle holes located somewhat nearer to the miter. Passage of a nail having a diameter substantially equal to that of the holes will tend to pull the angle away from the miter and towards the holes in the mouldings, but since the angle is rigid, in fact, the free ends of the frame are drawn closer together. This net force will cause the miter joint to completely close, forming a strong and tight joint.
US Patent References:
Sill-joint for cut-to-fit greenhouses
Callahan - March 1920 - 1335554
Glass framing construction
Krantz - April 1950 - 2505553
Picture frame securing means
Prew - September 1950 - 2521603
Dowel and method of inserting same
Oates - March 1961 - 2974992
Sill-joint for cut-to-fit greenhouses
Callahan - March 1920 - 1335554
Glass framing construction
Krantz - April 1950 - 2505553
Picture frame securing means
Prew - September 1950 - 2521603
Dowel and method of inserting same
Oates - March 1961 - 2974992
Application Number:
05/340441
Publication Date:
04/09/1974
Filing Date:
03/12/1973
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Assignee:
Bendix Mouldings, Inc. (Northvale, NJ)
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
52/658, 403/295
International Classes:
A47G1/06; G09F1/12
Field of Search:
40/152,152.1,155 287/189.36H,2.92D,2.92E,2.92F
Primary Examiner:
Michell, Robert W.
Assistant Examiner:
Contreras, Wenceslao J.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Wolder & Gross
Parent Case Data:
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This is a continuation-in-part application of Ser. No. 247,094 filed Apr. 24, 1972 and now abandoned.
Claims:
I claim
1. A rapid assembly frame construction which comprises;
2. The invention according to claim 1, the anchoring means being a plastic angle having substantially the same dimensions as the channels.
3. The invention according to claim 1, the angle cut being 45° on either side of the bisector of the cut.
4. The invention according to claim 1, the anchoring means being an iron angle having substantially the same dimensions as the channels.
5. The invention according to claim 1, the holes passing inwardly from the side wall of the moulding perpendicular to the side walls of the channels.
6. The invention according to claim 5, the holes in the angle under initial conditions being slightly closer to the formed corner than the holes in the moulding.
7. The invention according to claim 1, the holes passing inwardly from the rear wall of the moulding and perpendicular to the side walls of the channels.
8. The invention according to claim 7, the holes in the angle under initial conditions being slightly closer to the formed corner than the holes in the moulding.
1. A rapid assembly frame construction which comprises;
2. The invention according to claim 1, the anchoring means being a plastic angle having substantially the same dimensions as the channels.
3. The invention according to claim 1, the angle cut being 45° on either side of the bisector of the cut.
4. The invention according to claim 1, the anchoring means being an iron angle having substantially the same dimensions as the channels.
5. The invention according to claim 1, the holes passing inwardly from the side wall of the moulding perpendicular to the side walls of the channels.
6. The invention according to claim 5, the holes in the angle under initial conditions being slightly closer to the formed corner than the holes in the moulding.
7. The invention according to claim 1, the holes passing inwardly from the rear wall of the moulding and perpendicular to the side walls of the channels.
8. The invention according to claim 7, the holes in the angle under initial conditions being slightly closer to the formed corner than the holes in the moulding.
Description:
PRIOR ART
The present invention relates to frames, and more particularly to rapid assembly frame constructions such as may be used for pictures, photographs, prints, lithographs, etc.
When an ultimate user selects a frame, he or she usually goes to a store specializing in providing such services. The store has had a selection of various styles of frames and the user selects one. The store has a supply of long strips of the frames, which are cut into desired lengths and are glued or nailed together, wth the pciture, etc., placed within the frame, or with a matting as desired.
The method used in cutting and assembling a frame, requires an acquired skill, and consequently, the major costs of a frame are in labor expenses.
Furthermore, most framing stores are very busy and it may take a considerable period of time until a frame even for a relatively unimportant work, is available. As a result, there is a great need for an inexpensive frame to be made available to the ultimate user for use with minor works, or for protection purposes of a temporary nature, without the resulting high costs of the average frame.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
Accordingly, it is among the principal objects of the present invention to provide a rapid assembly frame construction which can be expeditiously assembled by the ultimate user, with all miter joints being completely closed, especially the miter formed from the free ends of the frame.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a construction of the character described, in which the angle joining the free ended miter corner and the associated mouldings have openings which are slightly unaligned initially, buat which are forceably aligned by means of passing narrow fastener members therethrough.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a construction of the character described, available in predetermined frame sizes, which may be shiped as standard moulding in vertical lengths.
Still yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a frame of the described construction which may be assembled without the use of framing services or middle men, thus resulting in vastly decreased framing costs.
Still yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a rapid assembly frame which will be simple and inexpensive to manufacture, easy to assemble and yet be durable to a high degree in use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention contemplates a rapid assembly frame construction for use in mounting pictures and the like. The frame generally consists of a decorative moulding surrounded by a metal backing, particularly along the backing edge of the moulding. At predetermined distances along the frame, a miter cut is made through the moulding, but not through the metal backing. For convenience in forming a rectangular frame, the miter cuts are 45° on each side of the bisecting axis. The backing is made of a pliant metal or plastic. The free ends of the backing have channels bored on the sides of the moulding. Holes are drilled through the moulding, the central axes of which pass perpendicular to and through the channels.
In addition, there is provided an angle, whose arms have holes drilled therethrough, the major axes of which are substantially aligned, but slightly out of full alignment with the major axes of the holes in the mouldings, the angle holes being closer to the miter than the moulding holes.
To assemble the frame, the backing is simply bent at the apex of the miter cuts, and the free ends are joined by a plastic or metal rectangular angle or corner which is received within the channels on the sides of the mouldings at the free ends. Male fastener members such as nails are passed through the openings in the mouldings, and the conically-shaped head portion is received within the hole in the angle. Since the angle hole is slightly out of alignment with the miter hole, continued passage of the male member into the angle hole creates a force tending to draw the angle away from the miter. In reality this has the effect of drawing the mouldings more tightly to the miter, completely closing the joint.
The above description and objects of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the following description taken with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a plan view of the frame embodying the invention, with the moulding in shipping condition, and the channels for the angle or corner shown by dotted lines;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged rear view of the frame of FIG. 1 in assembled condition showing the channels in mating condition, ready to receive the angle;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line of 3--3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged, partly cut away, fragmentary view of the free ends of the frame, with the corner and fasteners in position within the channels;
FIG. 5 is a side elevational view taken along the line 5--5 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the angle;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view, partly cut away, similar to FIG. 4, of another embodiment of the invention showing a somewhat different style of moulding and particularly showing the initial positioning of the angle within the channels, illustrating the non-alignment of the respective holes of the mouldings and the angle with the miter joint being slightly open;
FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7, with the male fastener members being positioned in the holes in the mouldings and angle, and the miter joint being completely closed;
FIG. 9 is a view taken along the line 9--9 of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the miter of FIG. 7; and
FIG. 11 is a view taken along the line 11-11 of FIG. 10 with the male fastener member about to pass into the non-aligned opening of the angle.
Referring in detail to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 6, there is shown a rapid assembly frame construction comprising a metal covered wood moulding frame 10 joined by a corner 12.
The frame 10 generally consists of any type of a decorative piece of moulding and may have any one of a number of different types of styles. The frame 10 consists of a moulding portion (FIG. 5) 12 which may be of any number of styles, and in the particular style shown consists of a body portion 14 and an arm portion 16. A material which is pliant, and can be easily bent, surrounds the moulding. The pliant member 18 may be a metal, such as soft iron, stainless steel, aluminum, etc. It is most imperative that this material be located along the backing edge of the body portion.
In order to more easily define the present invention, the body portion 14 of the moulding 13 is defined by a side surface (FIG. 3) 20, a forward surface 22 and an inside surface 24. The arm portion 16 depending therefrom is defined by rear surface 26 and inner side surface 28 and a backing surface 30. A frame is placed within the receptacle formed by surfaces 24, 28 facing toward surface 22 in the well-known manner.
The backing element 18 is defined by a rear lip 32, a backing wall 34, a front wall 36, an inner side wall 38, and an inwardly directed shoulder lip 40.
Turning once again to FIG. 1, at predetermined locations 42, 44 and 46, miter cuts have been made into the wood moulding, and through the metal, where necessary, but not through the backing edge 34. The miter cut is such that a right angle cut is formed, or the cut is 45° on each side of the axial bisector of the cut. Cut 42 is then determined by perpendicular sides 48, 15 meeting at apex 52; cut 44 is determined by perpendicular sides 52, 54 meeting at apex 56; and cut 46 is determined by perpendicular sides 58, 60 meeting at apex 62.
The left hand free end 64 of the frame is formed at a 45° angle from the perpendicular bisector, and the cut extends through the backing edge. The right hand free end 65 is also formed 45° from the bisector, and the cut is made through the backing edge to form the right free edge.
A channel 66 is formed inwardly form the left hand cut 64 surfacing on the rear edge 26 of the moulding and is defined by side walls 68, 70 (FIG. 4) and bottom wall 72 (FIG. 5) holes. In a like manner a channel 74 is formed going inwardly of the right hand edge 65 and is defined by side walls 76, 78 (FIG. 4) and a bottom wall 80 (FIG. 1) hole. The channels are so aligned as to meet when the frame is assembled, as will be described below.
As best seen in FIG. 5, there are holes 81 passing through the arm 16 inwardly from the wall 28 towards the wall 30, but not the whole length therethrough. The hole does pass through the open area of the channel 72. In a like manner similar holes pierce the other free end passing through the channel 70.
The angle or corner has substantially the same dimensions of the channels, and consists of a left arm 82 and a right arm 84 designed to be received within the channels 66, 74 with a squeeze fit. The corner may be made of a slightly resilient plastic, metal, or any other similar material. The corner also has therethrough holes 85 which pass through the angle and are almost in alignment with the holes 81. However, the holes are slightly out of alignment. During initial assembly the holes in the angle are closer to the miter than the holes in the moulding.
In order to better explain the invention, reference is had to FIGS. 7-11 which show a slightly modified version of the frame, with positioning of the channels extending inwardly from the side surface 28 rather than from the rear surface 26, but is otherwise substantially identical to the frame construction set forth in FIGS. 1-6.
As shown in FIG. 11, the channel 74' extends inwardly from the surface 28 towards the backing surface 30. Holes 81' are drilled through the arm 16' extending from the surface 26 towards the front surface 22' and passing through the channel.
The angle or corner 12' is slipped inwardly of the side channels and has a hole 85' which is the same diameter as the hole 81' and in its normal condition its major axis is slightly out of alignment with that of the hole 81'.
Thus, in the initial joinder as shown in FIG. 7 and 11, the miter joint is slightly spread. Furthermore, the holes are out of alignment with the angle holes being closer to the joint than the moulding holes. In addition, there is a slight amount of space 100 between the channel and the angle.
A male fastener member such as a nail 102 passes into the hole 81' and meets no obstruction until its leading conically-shaped portion 104 meets the hole 85'. The portion 104 contacts a side wall of the hole 85' and creates a force that tends to draw the angle iron away from the miter joint. In reality, since the angle is solid and the miter joint will move, a rotation is created equal to the number of degrees of the angle 106 formed by the open miter joint. As the free arms rotate, the holes draw into alignment with each other, and accordingly the channels rotate slightly closing the open space 100 between the bottom wall of the channel and the angle. This creates a very tight secure fit between the miter of the free ends of the frame. There may also be some lateral movement of the free ends of the frame.
To assemble the frame, the ultimate user goes into a frame store, and selects from stock a desired style moulding, having miter cuts at predetermined locations to receive the desired picture, either by itself or with an accompanying mat. The user then bends the backing edge 34 at the apexes 52, 56, 62, of the cuts 42, 44, 46 forming corners 86, 88, 90 with the frame assuming the position shown in FIG. 2.
The assembly of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-11 has already been described, and the assembly of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6 will now be described. At this point the angle 12 may be positioned within the channels and the male fastener members pass through the openings 81 and 85, thus drawing the free end miter joint tightly together in a similar manner as described above.
Thus the desired objects of the invention are achieved, since a frame of a desired moulding, and of a desired predetermined size, may be rapidly assembled for a permanent or a semi-permanent joinder, depending upon the desires of the user with the resulting frame construction being at a fraction of the costs of the normal frame.
While there has been described and illustrated a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is apparent that numerous alterations, omissions and additions may be made without departing from the spirit thereof.
The present invention relates to frames, and more particularly to rapid assembly frame constructions such as may be used for pictures, photographs, prints, lithographs, etc.
When an ultimate user selects a frame, he or she usually goes to a store specializing in providing such services. The store has had a selection of various styles of frames and the user selects one. The store has a supply of long strips of the frames, which are cut into desired lengths and are glued or nailed together, wth the pciture, etc., placed within the frame, or with a matting as desired.
The method used in cutting and assembling a frame, requires an acquired skill, and consequently, the major costs of a frame are in labor expenses.
Furthermore, most framing stores are very busy and it may take a considerable period of time until a frame even for a relatively unimportant work, is available. As a result, there is a great need for an inexpensive frame to be made available to the ultimate user for use with minor works, or for protection purposes of a temporary nature, without the resulting high costs of the average frame.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
Accordingly, it is among the principal objects of the present invention to provide a rapid assembly frame construction which can be expeditiously assembled by the ultimate user, with all miter joints being completely closed, especially the miter formed from the free ends of the frame.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a construction of the character described, in which the angle joining the free ended miter corner and the associated mouldings have openings which are slightly unaligned initially, buat which are forceably aligned by means of passing narrow fastener members therethrough.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a construction of the character described, available in predetermined frame sizes, which may be shiped as standard moulding in vertical lengths.
Still yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a frame of the described construction which may be assembled without the use of framing services or middle men, thus resulting in vastly decreased framing costs.
Still yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a rapid assembly frame which will be simple and inexpensive to manufacture, easy to assemble and yet be durable to a high degree in use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention contemplates a rapid assembly frame construction for use in mounting pictures and the like. The frame generally consists of a decorative moulding surrounded by a metal backing, particularly along the backing edge of the moulding. At predetermined distances along the frame, a miter cut is made through the moulding, but not through the metal backing. For convenience in forming a rectangular frame, the miter cuts are 45° on each side of the bisecting axis. The backing is made of a pliant metal or plastic. The free ends of the backing have channels bored on the sides of the moulding. Holes are drilled through the moulding, the central axes of which pass perpendicular to and through the channels.
In addition, there is provided an angle, whose arms have holes drilled therethrough, the major axes of which are substantially aligned, but slightly out of full alignment with the major axes of the holes in the mouldings, the angle holes being closer to the miter than the moulding holes.
To assemble the frame, the backing is simply bent at the apex of the miter cuts, and the free ends are joined by a plastic or metal rectangular angle or corner which is received within the channels on the sides of the mouldings at the free ends. Male fastener members such as nails are passed through the openings in the mouldings, and the conically-shaped head portion is received within the hole in the angle. Since the angle hole is slightly out of alignment with the miter hole, continued passage of the male member into the angle hole creates a force tending to draw the angle away from the miter. In reality this has the effect of drawing the mouldings more tightly to the miter, completely closing the joint.
The above description and objects of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the following description taken with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a plan view of the frame embodying the invention, with the moulding in shipping condition, and the channels for the angle or corner shown by dotted lines;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged rear view of the frame of FIG. 1 in assembled condition showing the channels in mating condition, ready to receive the angle;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line of 3--3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged, partly cut away, fragmentary view of the free ends of the frame, with the corner and fasteners in position within the channels;
FIG. 5 is a side elevational view taken along the line 5--5 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the angle;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view, partly cut away, similar to FIG. 4, of another embodiment of the invention showing a somewhat different style of moulding and particularly showing the initial positioning of the angle within the channels, illustrating the non-alignment of the respective holes of the mouldings and the angle with the miter joint being slightly open;
FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7, with the male fastener members being positioned in the holes in the mouldings and angle, and the miter joint being completely closed;
FIG. 9 is a view taken along the line 9--9 of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the miter of FIG. 7; and
FIG. 11 is a view taken along the line 11-11 of FIG. 10 with the male fastener member about to pass into the non-aligned opening of the angle.
Referring in detail to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 6, there is shown a rapid assembly frame construction comprising a metal covered wood moulding frame 10 joined by a corner 12.
The frame 10 generally consists of any type of a decorative piece of moulding and may have any one of a number of different types of styles. The frame 10 consists of a moulding portion (FIG. 5) 12 which may be of any number of styles, and in the particular style shown consists of a body portion 14 and an arm portion 16. A material which is pliant, and can be easily bent, surrounds the moulding. The pliant member 18 may be a metal, such as soft iron, stainless steel, aluminum, etc. It is most imperative that this material be located along the backing edge of the body portion.
In order to more easily define the present invention, the body portion 14 of the moulding 13 is defined by a side surface (FIG. 3) 20, a forward surface 22 and an inside surface 24. The arm portion 16 depending therefrom is defined by rear surface 26 and inner side surface 28 and a backing surface 30. A frame is placed within the receptacle formed by surfaces 24, 28 facing toward surface 22 in the well-known manner.
The backing element 18 is defined by a rear lip 32, a backing wall 34, a front wall 36, an inner side wall 38, and an inwardly directed shoulder lip 40.
Turning once again to FIG. 1, at predetermined locations 42, 44 and 46, miter cuts have been made into the wood moulding, and through the metal, where necessary, but not through the backing edge 34. The miter cut is such that a right angle cut is formed, or the cut is 45° on each side of the axial bisector of the cut. Cut 42 is then determined by perpendicular sides 48, 15 meeting at apex 52; cut 44 is determined by perpendicular sides 52, 54 meeting at apex 56; and cut 46 is determined by perpendicular sides 58, 60 meeting at apex 62.
The left hand free end 64 of the frame is formed at a 45° angle from the perpendicular bisector, and the cut extends through the backing edge. The right hand free end 65 is also formed 45° from the bisector, and the cut is made through the backing edge to form the right free edge.
A channel 66 is formed inwardly form the left hand cut 64 surfacing on the rear edge 26 of the moulding and is defined by side walls 68, 70 (FIG. 4) and bottom wall 72 (FIG. 5) holes. In a like manner a channel 74 is formed going inwardly of the right hand edge 65 and is defined by side walls 76, 78 (FIG. 4) and a bottom wall 80 (FIG. 1) hole. The channels are so aligned as to meet when the frame is assembled, as will be described below.
As best seen in FIG. 5, there are holes 81 passing through the arm 16 inwardly from the wall 28 towards the wall 30, but not the whole length therethrough. The hole does pass through the open area of the channel 72. In a like manner similar holes pierce the other free end passing through the channel 70.
The angle or corner has substantially the same dimensions of the channels, and consists of a left arm 82 and a right arm 84 designed to be received within the channels 66, 74 with a squeeze fit. The corner may be made of a slightly resilient plastic, metal, or any other similar material. The corner also has therethrough holes 85 which pass through the angle and are almost in alignment with the holes 81. However, the holes are slightly out of alignment. During initial assembly the holes in the angle are closer to the miter than the holes in the moulding.
In order to better explain the invention, reference is had to FIGS. 7-11 which show a slightly modified version of the frame, with positioning of the channels extending inwardly from the side surface 28 rather than from the rear surface 26, but is otherwise substantially identical to the frame construction set forth in FIGS. 1-6.
As shown in FIG. 11, the channel 74' extends inwardly from the surface 28 towards the backing surface 30. Holes 81' are drilled through the arm 16' extending from the surface 26 towards the front surface 22' and passing through the channel.
The angle or corner 12' is slipped inwardly of the side channels and has a hole 85' which is the same diameter as the hole 81' and in its normal condition its major axis is slightly out of alignment with that of the hole 81'.
Thus, in the initial joinder as shown in FIG. 7 and 11, the miter joint is slightly spread. Furthermore, the holes are out of alignment with the angle holes being closer to the joint than the moulding holes. In addition, there is a slight amount of space 100 between the channel and the angle.
A male fastener member such as a nail 102 passes into the hole 81' and meets no obstruction until its leading conically-shaped portion 104 meets the hole 85'. The portion 104 contacts a side wall of the hole 85' and creates a force that tends to draw the angle iron away from the miter joint. In reality, since the angle is solid and the miter joint will move, a rotation is created equal to the number of degrees of the angle 106 formed by the open miter joint. As the free arms rotate, the holes draw into alignment with each other, and accordingly the channels rotate slightly closing the open space 100 between the bottom wall of the channel and the angle. This creates a very tight secure fit between the miter of the free ends of the frame. There may also be some lateral movement of the free ends of the frame.
To assemble the frame, the ultimate user goes into a frame store, and selects from stock a desired style moulding, having miter cuts at predetermined locations to receive the desired picture, either by itself or with an accompanying mat. The user then bends the backing edge 34 at the apexes 52, 56, 62, of the cuts 42, 44, 46 forming corners 86, 88, 90 with the frame assuming the position shown in FIG. 2.
The assembly of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-11 has already been described, and the assembly of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6 will now be described. At this point the angle 12 may be positioned within the channels and the male fastener members pass through the openings 81 and 85, thus drawing the free end miter joint tightly together in a similar manner as described above.
Thus the desired objects of the invention are achieved, since a frame of a desired moulding, and of a desired predetermined size, may be rapidly assembled for a permanent or a semi-permanent joinder, depending upon the desires of the user with the resulting frame construction being at a fraction of the costs of the normal frame.
While there has been described and illustrated a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is apparent that numerous alterations, omissions and additions may be made without departing from the spirit thereof.