CA1168445A - Corner connector for a picture frame - Google Patents
Corner connector for a picture frameInfo
- Publication number
- CA1168445A CA1168445A CA000427646A CA427646A CA1168445A CA 1168445 A CA1168445 A CA 1168445A CA 000427646 A CA000427646 A CA 000427646A CA 427646 A CA427646 A CA 427646A CA 1168445 A CA1168445 A CA 1168445A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- channel
- arm
- frame
- frame member
- connector
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G1/00—Mirrors; Picture frames or the like, e.g. provided with heating, lighting or ventilating means
- A47G1/06—Picture frames
- A47G1/10—Corner clips or corner-connecting appliances for frames
- A47G1/101—Corner clips or corner-connecting appliances for frames for insertion within frame members
- A47G1/102—Corner clips or corner-connecting appliances for frames for insertion within frame members having an aperture to receive a fastener to connect to a frame member
Landscapes
- Mirrors, Picture Frames, Photograph Stands, And Related Fastening Devices (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A corner connector for a picture frame member that has a channel in its rear face. The connector has an arm that is insertable into the end of the channel and a rotatable member, e.g. with a slotted head to be engaged by a screwdriver, that when turned causes lateral portions connected on the arm to move laterally outwardly to engage on the sides of the channel of the frame member.
A corner connector for a picture frame member that has a channel in its rear face. The connector has an arm that is insertable into the end of the channel and a rotatable member, e.g. with a slotted head to be engaged by a screwdriver, that when turned causes lateral portions connected on the arm to move laterally outwardly to engage on the sides of the channel of the frame member.
Description
~6~14~
The present invention relates to a corner connector for a picture frame.
One widely employed form of picture frame is formed from side members that are each of similar cross-section. The side members can conveniently be manufactured on a large scale by extrusion. Each member defines a channel that in the completed frame extends along the rear of the frame. At the corners, the side members are connected together by a connector that has arms extending into the ends of the channels of the frame members adjacent to the corner. Known connectors have set screws or the like on the rear face of each arm. When the set screws are tightened up, the screw reacts with the bottom of the channel and urges the arm rearwardly so -that its rear edges engage on re-entrant lips provided on the rear edges of the channel sides of the frame member, so that the arm is secured firmly in the channel.
Thus, in the known connector, the connector arm is urged rearwardly relative to the frame to engage with a portion of the channel.
The present invention provides a corner connector for a picture frame formed from members each of similar cross-section that are connected together at corners of the frame and each defining a channel that in the completed frame extends along the rear side of the frame, comprising a connec-tor body having two arms extending in the same general plane at an angle to one another, each arm being provided with a rotatable tool-receiving member supported on a rear side of the arm that is exposed when the arm is inserted into the end ; 30 of the channel of a frame member to be connected together with another frame member at the corner, said member being adapted to be rotated by a hand tool to cause lateral side portions that are connected to the arm to be displaced from a normal position, in which the arm is freely insertable into the channel, .~
~61~5 laterally outwardly to a clamping position in which the lateral side portions grip firmly on the inner surfaces of portions of the channel sides of the frame member that are adjacent to said lateral side portions when the arm is inserted in the frame member channel~ whereby the arm can ~e secured firmly in the frame member channel.
With this arrangement, the securing of the arm in the channel is effected by portions that are urged laterally toward the channel sides, and the invention thus provides an arran~ement that is at least a useful alternative to or is auxiliary to the above-noted known arrangement.
Connectors embodying the present invention are illustrated, by way of example only, in the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Fig. 1 shows a perspective view from the rear of a frame corner and of one form of connector therefor:
Fig. 2 shows the connector of Fig. 1 in inverted position;
Fig. 3 shows a section through the arm of the connector when secured in the frame, taken on the line III - III in Fig. 1;
Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a second form of connector;
Fig. ~ shows a section of the connector installed in the frame taken on the line V - V in Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a further form of connector;
Fig. 7 shows a section through the connector of Fig. 6 when installed in a frame;
Fig. 8 shows a section taken on the line VIII - VIII in Fig.
7;
Fig. 9 shows a section through a further form of connector when installed in a frame; and Fig. 10 shows a section on the line X - X in Fig. 9.
Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate like parts, in Figs. 1 to 3 a connector 10 is shown employed for connecting together frame members 11 and 12. The members are of the same cross-section and can conveniently be extrusions sawn off to the desired lengths along mitred edges 13 and 14. In the preferred form, as shown, each member has an outer side wall 16 with an in-turned lip 17 at its front edge. The lip l7 defines in the completed frame a recess for receiving and locating the picture and other framing elements, such as the glass or other transparent cover, a mat or mats, and a backing sheet.
The extrusion includes a transverse wall 18 from which extends an inner rearwardly-directed wall 19. This defines with a rear portion 21 co-planar with the wall 16 a rearwardly-opening channel 22. This is bordered by re-entrant lips 23 and 24 on the wall 19 and on the portion 21.
The particular form of connector member 10 that is shown is, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, well adapted to be formed by stamping, lancing and bending operations conducted on a metal blank struck from sheet metal. It has an L-shaped body with mutually right angled arms 26 and 27 extending in the same general plane. These may be formed with an embossment 28 and with an indentation 29 for increased stiffness.
Each arm 26 and 27 is generally o~ channel section, with the main plate-like portion of each arm 26 and 27 forming a channel bottom, and having opposite channel sides 31 and 32.
The free edge of each channel side 31 and 32 is formed with a ., .
4~
notch 33. An end wall 34 extends transversely across the end of each arm 26 and 27. This is formed integrally with two tab portions 36 and 37 bent underneath and parallel to the ends of the arms 26 and 27. In the region of the tab portions 36 and 37 a circular opening 38 is formed through the main plate-like portion of the arms 26 and 270 On the side of the arm 26 or 27 adjacent the tab portions, the opening 38 is bordered by a circular boss 39 struck from and integral with the metal of the arms. A screw 41 with a slotted head is threaded into the opening 38. Preferably, this is a self-tapping screw so that in use it cuts its own thread on the inner surface of the boss 39.
The tab portions 36 and 37 are arranged one on each side of the axis of the screw 41 and are disposed so that their inner edges 42 coincide with the lower end of the screw when threaded into the opening 38. The upper edges of the tabs 36 and 37 that contact the screw 41 are bevelled, so that the tabs tend to be spread apart by contact with the lower end of the screw. In a normal position, the outer edges 43 o~ the tabs 36 and 37 are disposed in the notches 33 slightly inwardly of the outer surfaces of channel sides 31 and 32 or at least they do not protrude beyond these surfaces.
.
In use, the connectors 10 are employed for securing together the ends Qf frame members, such as the frame members 11 and 12, having mitred ends, in order to build up a rectangular frame. In the completed frame, the mitred ends are abutted together tightly to form a neat right-angled corner and are secured together by the connector 10. In the normal position of the tabs 36 and 37, the arms 26 and 27 of the connector 10 are freely insertable into the ends of the channels 22 in the frame members 11 and 12 as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 1.
Desirably, the frame ~embers 11 and 12 and the connector 10 are formed so that the arms 26 or 27 fit snugly in the channels 22, with only small clearances between the side surfaces of the connector 10 and the inner sides of the channel 22 and of the lips 23 and 24 permitting the arms to be freely insertable into the channels. The connector 10 is 6~34~S
inserted as shown in Fig. 1 so that its channel sides 31 and 32 extend forwardly relative to the frame to be formed. The sides of the arms 26 and 27 having the openings 38 therein face rearwardly, and these openings 38, usually having the screws 41 pre-inserted in them, are exposed between the lips 23 and 24. In the preferred form, the channel 22 in the frame member and the channel section of the arms of the connector each define a relatively shallow channel, which is relatively wide in comparison to its depth. Once the arm 26 or 27 of the connector is properly positioned in the channel 22, the screw 41 is tightened up using a screwdriver engaging the slotted head of the screw.
As the lower end of the screw 41 engages the inner edges of the tabs 36 and 37, these are urged laterally outwardly, as shown by the arrows in Fig. 3, toward the inner surfaces of the walls 19 and 21 to a clamping position in which the edges 43 of the tabs 36 and 37 grip firmly on and between these surfaces, so that the arm is held securely in the channel 22.
As the screw is tightened up, the tabs 36 and 37 tend to be deflected forwardly to react with the transverse wall 18 of the frame member thus urging the arm 26 or 27 rearwardly into engagement with the inner surfaces of the lips 23 and 24. The lateral securement or clamping effected between the tabs 36 and 37 and the channel 22 may therefore in this case be auxiliary to a clamping effected by rearward displacement of the arm 26 or 27 within the channel. If desired, pressure may be applied on the arm 26 or 27 to maintain a clearance between it and the lips 23 and 24 while the screw 41 is being tightened up. In such case it would be possible to employ a frame member having a channel 22 of completely open section, without the re-entrant lips 23 and 24. It is, however, normally more convenient to employ a frame member of the cross-section shown in the drawings, having the re-entrant lip 23 and 24, and extrusions of this cross-section are widely available. It is therefore preferred to use these frame members together with the connectors of the invention.
~L6~445 Figures 4 and 5 show a further embodiment employing a connector member 50 with arms 51 and 52 each bisected by a longitudinally-extending slot 53. At a point intermediate the ends of each slot, the arm is formed with a bore 54 extending from one face of the arm part way toward the opposite face.
In use, the arms of the connector 50 are freely insertable into the ends of channels 22 in frame members 11 and 12 similar to those described above, with the face having the openings of the bores 54 therein directed rearwards and with these openings exposed on the rear side of the member 11 or 12.
To secure the connector to the frame member, a screw 56, preferably a self-tapping screw with a slotted head to be engaged by a screwdriver, is threaded into each bore 54 and is tightened up. The connector 50 is formed of a material, e.g.
a steel, having a certain amount of resilience. The threaded shank of the screw 56 tends to deflect the portions of the arm 51 or 52 on each side of the slot 53 resiliently laterally outwardly, as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 5. At the point at which the lower end of the threaded shank of the screw reaches the end of the bore 54 it commences pressing more forcefully laterally outwardly on the inner sides of the slot 53. The lateral side surfaces of the arm portions on each side of the slot 53 are thus urged laterally outwardly to a clamping position gripping firmly between the inner surfaces of the channel walls 19 and 21. In the preferred form, when fully tightened up, the screw 56 maintains a clearance with and does not react with the transverse wall 18 forming the bottom of the channel.
In figures 6 and 7, a connector body 60 has channel section arms each having a channel bottom 61 and channel sides 62. On each arm, a shaft having a circular section upper part 62 passes rotatably through an aperture in the channel bottom 61. A lower part 64 of the shaft is of square section and is ~6~ 5 keyed within a corresponding opening in an elliptical cam 66.
The shaft part ~4 has a lower riveted end 67 and an intermediate integral collar portion 68 between which the cam 66 is retained~ The upper end of the shaft is formed with an integral slotted head 69. Normally, the cam 66 is positioned with its minor axis extending transversely between the channel walls. In this configuration, the arms 61 and 62 are freely insertable into the ends of the channels in the frame members 11 and 12 as shown in Fig. 7~ When the cam is turned by engaging the slotted head 69 with a screwdriver and rotating the shaft, the channel walls 62 are engaged by the cam 66 as the major axis of the cam 66 is turned toward a transverse orientation, as shown in Fig. 8. The material of the channel walls 62, e.g. sheet metal, is resiliently deflectable so that portions of the walls 62 engaged by the cam are spread outwardly and their laterally outer sides engage on the inner surfaces of the the walls 19 and 21 of the frame member 11.
Figs. 9 and 10 show a further embodiment having a cam 66 keyed on a shaft 64 having a slotted head 69, and a channel section connector body generally similar to that of Figs. 6 to 8, with a channel bottom 61 and sides 62. The end of each arm of the connector is formed integrally with a pair of tongues 71.
These are formed at their ends with integral tab portions 72 somewhat similar to the tab portions 36 and 37 shown in Figs.
1 to 3. The tongues 71 are bent rearwardly beneath and are parallel to the channel bottoms 61 constituting the upper sides of the connector arms. In the normal configuration, the cam 66 has its minor axis extending transversely between the tab portions 72, and the tab portions 72 are disposed in notches 73 in the lower edges of the channel sides 62. In the normal configuration, the tab portions 72 are disposed slightly inwardly of the outer surfaces of the channel sides 62 or at least do not protrude beyond these surfaces. In this configuration, each connector arm is freely insertable into an end of the channel in the frame member. Once the connector 49~5 arm is inserted into the channel, the slotted head 69 can be turned with a screwdriver to orient the cam 66 so that its major axis approaches a position extending transversely between the tabs 72, as shown in Fig. 10. The connector body, having the integral tongues 71 and tabs 72 is made of a resiliently deflectable material e.g. sheet metal. The tabs 72 are pressed outwardly by the cam 66 so that their outer sides engage on the adjacent portions of the inner surfaces of the channel walls 19 and 21, thus securing the connector arm within the frame member 11.
Although the accompanying drawings show connectors 10, 50 and 60 that have arms extending at right angles to one another, for forming rectangular or square frames, it will be appreciated that the arms may extend at an angle other than a right angle, for use in forming polygonal frames.
It is especially convenient to form the screws 41 and 56 or the rotatable shafts 64 with a slotted head to receive and be rotated by a conventional flat-bladed screwdriver. It will be appreciated that these members may, however, be adapted to receive other hand tool drivers e.g. hexagonal, cruciform or square head drivers.
;:
The present invention relates to a corner connector for a picture frame.
One widely employed form of picture frame is formed from side members that are each of similar cross-section. The side members can conveniently be manufactured on a large scale by extrusion. Each member defines a channel that in the completed frame extends along the rear of the frame. At the corners, the side members are connected together by a connector that has arms extending into the ends of the channels of the frame members adjacent to the corner. Known connectors have set screws or the like on the rear face of each arm. When the set screws are tightened up, the screw reacts with the bottom of the channel and urges the arm rearwardly so -that its rear edges engage on re-entrant lips provided on the rear edges of the channel sides of the frame member, so that the arm is secured firmly in the channel.
Thus, in the known connector, the connector arm is urged rearwardly relative to the frame to engage with a portion of the channel.
The present invention provides a corner connector for a picture frame formed from members each of similar cross-section that are connected together at corners of the frame and each defining a channel that in the completed frame extends along the rear side of the frame, comprising a connec-tor body having two arms extending in the same general plane at an angle to one another, each arm being provided with a rotatable tool-receiving member supported on a rear side of the arm that is exposed when the arm is inserted into the end ; 30 of the channel of a frame member to be connected together with another frame member at the corner, said member being adapted to be rotated by a hand tool to cause lateral side portions that are connected to the arm to be displaced from a normal position, in which the arm is freely insertable into the channel, .~
~61~5 laterally outwardly to a clamping position in which the lateral side portions grip firmly on the inner surfaces of portions of the channel sides of the frame member that are adjacent to said lateral side portions when the arm is inserted in the frame member channel~ whereby the arm can ~e secured firmly in the frame member channel.
With this arrangement, the securing of the arm in the channel is effected by portions that are urged laterally toward the channel sides, and the invention thus provides an arran~ement that is at least a useful alternative to or is auxiliary to the above-noted known arrangement.
Connectors embodying the present invention are illustrated, by way of example only, in the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Fig. 1 shows a perspective view from the rear of a frame corner and of one form of connector therefor:
Fig. 2 shows the connector of Fig. 1 in inverted position;
Fig. 3 shows a section through the arm of the connector when secured in the frame, taken on the line III - III in Fig. 1;
Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a second form of connector;
Fig. ~ shows a section of the connector installed in the frame taken on the line V - V in Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a further form of connector;
Fig. 7 shows a section through the connector of Fig. 6 when installed in a frame;
Fig. 8 shows a section taken on the line VIII - VIII in Fig.
7;
Fig. 9 shows a section through a further form of connector when installed in a frame; and Fig. 10 shows a section on the line X - X in Fig. 9.
Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate like parts, in Figs. 1 to 3 a connector 10 is shown employed for connecting together frame members 11 and 12. The members are of the same cross-section and can conveniently be extrusions sawn off to the desired lengths along mitred edges 13 and 14. In the preferred form, as shown, each member has an outer side wall 16 with an in-turned lip 17 at its front edge. The lip l7 defines in the completed frame a recess for receiving and locating the picture and other framing elements, such as the glass or other transparent cover, a mat or mats, and a backing sheet.
The extrusion includes a transverse wall 18 from which extends an inner rearwardly-directed wall 19. This defines with a rear portion 21 co-planar with the wall 16 a rearwardly-opening channel 22. This is bordered by re-entrant lips 23 and 24 on the wall 19 and on the portion 21.
The particular form of connector member 10 that is shown is, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, well adapted to be formed by stamping, lancing and bending operations conducted on a metal blank struck from sheet metal. It has an L-shaped body with mutually right angled arms 26 and 27 extending in the same general plane. These may be formed with an embossment 28 and with an indentation 29 for increased stiffness.
Each arm 26 and 27 is generally o~ channel section, with the main plate-like portion of each arm 26 and 27 forming a channel bottom, and having opposite channel sides 31 and 32.
The free edge of each channel side 31 and 32 is formed with a ., .
4~
notch 33. An end wall 34 extends transversely across the end of each arm 26 and 27. This is formed integrally with two tab portions 36 and 37 bent underneath and parallel to the ends of the arms 26 and 27. In the region of the tab portions 36 and 37 a circular opening 38 is formed through the main plate-like portion of the arms 26 and 270 On the side of the arm 26 or 27 adjacent the tab portions, the opening 38 is bordered by a circular boss 39 struck from and integral with the metal of the arms. A screw 41 with a slotted head is threaded into the opening 38. Preferably, this is a self-tapping screw so that in use it cuts its own thread on the inner surface of the boss 39.
The tab portions 36 and 37 are arranged one on each side of the axis of the screw 41 and are disposed so that their inner edges 42 coincide with the lower end of the screw when threaded into the opening 38. The upper edges of the tabs 36 and 37 that contact the screw 41 are bevelled, so that the tabs tend to be spread apart by contact with the lower end of the screw. In a normal position, the outer edges 43 o~ the tabs 36 and 37 are disposed in the notches 33 slightly inwardly of the outer surfaces of channel sides 31 and 32 or at least they do not protrude beyond these surfaces.
.
In use, the connectors 10 are employed for securing together the ends Qf frame members, such as the frame members 11 and 12, having mitred ends, in order to build up a rectangular frame. In the completed frame, the mitred ends are abutted together tightly to form a neat right-angled corner and are secured together by the connector 10. In the normal position of the tabs 36 and 37, the arms 26 and 27 of the connector 10 are freely insertable into the ends of the channels 22 in the frame members 11 and 12 as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 1.
Desirably, the frame ~embers 11 and 12 and the connector 10 are formed so that the arms 26 or 27 fit snugly in the channels 22, with only small clearances between the side surfaces of the connector 10 and the inner sides of the channel 22 and of the lips 23 and 24 permitting the arms to be freely insertable into the channels. The connector 10 is 6~34~S
inserted as shown in Fig. 1 so that its channel sides 31 and 32 extend forwardly relative to the frame to be formed. The sides of the arms 26 and 27 having the openings 38 therein face rearwardly, and these openings 38, usually having the screws 41 pre-inserted in them, are exposed between the lips 23 and 24. In the preferred form, the channel 22 in the frame member and the channel section of the arms of the connector each define a relatively shallow channel, which is relatively wide in comparison to its depth. Once the arm 26 or 27 of the connector is properly positioned in the channel 22, the screw 41 is tightened up using a screwdriver engaging the slotted head of the screw.
As the lower end of the screw 41 engages the inner edges of the tabs 36 and 37, these are urged laterally outwardly, as shown by the arrows in Fig. 3, toward the inner surfaces of the walls 19 and 21 to a clamping position in which the edges 43 of the tabs 36 and 37 grip firmly on and between these surfaces, so that the arm is held securely in the channel 22.
As the screw is tightened up, the tabs 36 and 37 tend to be deflected forwardly to react with the transverse wall 18 of the frame member thus urging the arm 26 or 27 rearwardly into engagement with the inner surfaces of the lips 23 and 24. The lateral securement or clamping effected between the tabs 36 and 37 and the channel 22 may therefore in this case be auxiliary to a clamping effected by rearward displacement of the arm 26 or 27 within the channel. If desired, pressure may be applied on the arm 26 or 27 to maintain a clearance between it and the lips 23 and 24 while the screw 41 is being tightened up. In such case it would be possible to employ a frame member having a channel 22 of completely open section, without the re-entrant lips 23 and 24. It is, however, normally more convenient to employ a frame member of the cross-section shown in the drawings, having the re-entrant lip 23 and 24, and extrusions of this cross-section are widely available. It is therefore preferred to use these frame members together with the connectors of the invention.
~L6~445 Figures 4 and 5 show a further embodiment employing a connector member 50 with arms 51 and 52 each bisected by a longitudinally-extending slot 53. At a point intermediate the ends of each slot, the arm is formed with a bore 54 extending from one face of the arm part way toward the opposite face.
In use, the arms of the connector 50 are freely insertable into the ends of channels 22 in frame members 11 and 12 similar to those described above, with the face having the openings of the bores 54 therein directed rearwards and with these openings exposed on the rear side of the member 11 or 12.
To secure the connector to the frame member, a screw 56, preferably a self-tapping screw with a slotted head to be engaged by a screwdriver, is threaded into each bore 54 and is tightened up. The connector 50 is formed of a material, e.g.
a steel, having a certain amount of resilience. The threaded shank of the screw 56 tends to deflect the portions of the arm 51 or 52 on each side of the slot 53 resiliently laterally outwardly, as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 5. At the point at which the lower end of the threaded shank of the screw reaches the end of the bore 54 it commences pressing more forcefully laterally outwardly on the inner sides of the slot 53. The lateral side surfaces of the arm portions on each side of the slot 53 are thus urged laterally outwardly to a clamping position gripping firmly between the inner surfaces of the channel walls 19 and 21. In the preferred form, when fully tightened up, the screw 56 maintains a clearance with and does not react with the transverse wall 18 forming the bottom of the channel.
In figures 6 and 7, a connector body 60 has channel section arms each having a channel bottom 61 and channel sides 62. On each arm, a shaft having a circular section upper part 62 passes rotatably through an aperture in the channel bottom 61. A lower part 64 of the shaft is of square section and is ~6~ 5 keyed within a corresponding opening in an elliptical cam 66.
The shaft part ~4 has a lower riveted end 67 and an intermediate integral collar portion 68 between which the cam 66 is retained~ The upper end of the shaft is formed with an integral slotted head 69. Normally, the cam 66 is positioned with its minor axis extending transversely between the channel walls. In this configuration, the arms 61 and 62 are freely insertable into the ends of the channels in the frame members 11 and 12 as shown in Fig. 7~ When the cam is turned by engaging the slotted head 69 with a screwdriver and rotating the shaft, the channel walls 62 are engaged by the cam 66 as the major axis of the cam 66 is turned toward a transverse orientation, as shown in Fig. 8. The material of the channel walls 62, e.g. sheet metal, is resiliently deflectable so that portions of the walls 62 engaged by the cam are spread outwardly and their laterally outer sides engage on the inner surfaces of the the walls 19 and 21 of the frame member 11.
Figs. 9 and 10 show a further embodiment having a cam 66 keyed on a shaft 64 having a slotted head 69, and a channel section connector body generally similar to that of Figs. 6 to 8, with a channel bottom 61 and sides 62. The end of each arm of the connector is formed integrally with a pair of tongues 71.
These are formed at their ends with integral tab portions 72 somewhat similar to the tab portions 36 and 37 shown in Figs.
1 to 3. The tongues 71 are bent rearwardly beneath and are parallel to the channel bottoms 61 constituting the upper sides of the connector arms. In the normal configuration, the cam 66 has its minor axis extending transversely between the tab portions 72, and the tab portions 72 are disposed in notches 73 in the lower edges of the channel sides 62. In the normal configuration, the tab portions 72 are disposed slightly inwardly of the outer surfaces of the channel sides 62 or at least do not protrude beyond these surfaces. In this configuration, each connector arm is freely insertable into an end of the channel in the frame member. Once the connector 49~5 arm is inserted into the channel, the slotted head 69 can be turned with a screwdriver to orient the cam 66 so that its major axis approaches a position extending transversely between the tabs 72, as shown in Fig. 10. The connector body, having the integral tongues 71 and tabs 72 is made of a resiliently deflectable material e.g. sheet metal. The tabs 72 are pressed outwardly by the cam 66 so that their outer sides engage on the adjacent portions of the inner surfaces of the channel walls 19 and 21, thus securing the connector arm within the frame member 11.
Although the accompanying drawings show connectors 10, 50 and 60 that have arms extending at right angles to one another, for forming rectangular or square frames, it will be appreciated that the arms may extend at an angle other than a right angle, for use in forming polygonal frames.
It is especially convenient to form the screws 41 and 56 or the rotatable shafts 64 with a slotted head to receive and be rotated by a conventional flat-bladed screwdriver. It will be appreciated that these members may, however, be adapted to receive other hand tool drivers e.g. hexagonal, cruciform or square head drivers.
;:
Claims (20)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A corner connector for a picture frame formed from members each of similar cross-section that are connected together at corners of the frame and each defining a channel that in the completed frame extends along the rear side of the frame, comprising a connector body having two arms extending in the same general plane at an angle to one another, each arm being provided with a rotatable tool-receiving member supported on a rear side of the arm that is exposed when the arm is inserted into the end of the channel of a frame member to be connected together with another frame member at the corner, said member being adapted to be rotated by a hand tool to cause lateral side portions that are connected to the arm to be displaced from a normal position, in which the arm is freely insertable into the channel, laterally outwardly to a clamping position in which the lateral side portions grip firmly on inner surfaces of portions of the channel sides of the frame member that are adjacent to said lateral side portions when the arm is inserted in the frame member channel, whereby the arm can be secured firmly in the frame member channel.
2. A connector as claimed in claim 1 in which the arms extend at right angles to one another.
3. A connector as claimed in claim 1 in which the tool-receiving member has a slotted head adapted to be turned by a screwdriver.
4. A connector as claimed in claim 1 in which each arm is of channel section, with the tool-receiving member supported on the outer side of the bottom of the channel of the arm.
5. A connector as claimed in claim 4 in which the channel section of the arm is relatively wide in comparison to its depth.
6. A kit for forming a picture frame comprising a plurality of corner connectors as claimed in claim 1 in combination with frame members to be connected together, the frame members having channels on their rear sides, and the arms of the connectors in the normal position being snugly receivable in the frame member channels.
7. A corner connector for a picture frame formed from members each of similar cross-section that are connected together at their ends at corners of the frame and each defining a channel that, in the completed frame, extends along the rear side of the frame, comprising a connector body having two arms extending in the same general plane at right angles to one another, each arm being of channel section and being provided on the outer side of the bottom of its channel with a rotatable screwdriver receiving member with a slotted upper side and which is exposed when the arm is inserted into the end of a frame member channel, and is rotatable by a screwdriver to cause lateral side portions that are connected on the arm to be displaced from a normal position in which the arm is freely insertable into the frame member channel, laterally outwardly to a clamping position in which the lateral side portions grip firmly on the inner surfaces of portions of the channel sides of the frame member that are adjacent the lateral side portions when the arm is inserted in the frame member channel, whereby the arm can be secured firmly in the frame member channel.
8. A kit for forming a picture frame comprising a plurality of corner connectors as claimed in claim 7 in combination with frame members to be connected together, the frame members having channels on their rear sides and the arms of the connectors in the normal position being snugly receivable in the frame member channels.
9. A kit as claimed in claim 6 or 8 in which each channel side wall of each frame member has a re-entrant lip at its rear edge.
10. A kit as claimed in claim 6 or 8 in which each frame member comprises a wall portion extending forwardly from and co-planar with the outer side wall of the channel, and with an inwardly extending lip at its front edge.
11. A kit as claimed in claim 6 or 8 in which each channel side wall of each frame member has a re-entrant lip at its rear edge and each frame member comprises a wall portion extending forwardly from and co-planar with the outer side wall of the channel, and with an inwardly extending lip at its front edge.
12. A corner connector as claimed in claim 1 or 7 wherein the tool-receiving member is a screw that is threaded in an aperture in the rear face of the arm and the lateral side portions comprise tab members arranged one on each side of the axis of the screw and having edges adapted to be engaged by the tip of the screw and to be spread laterally apart when the screw is tightened into the arm, thereby urging portions formed integrally with the tab members laterally outwardly into engagement with the adjacent portions of the frame member channel sides.
13. A connector as claimed in claim 1 in which each arm is of generally rectangular cross-section, with the tool-receiving member supported on a generally planar portion of the rear side of the arm.
14. A connector as claimed in claim 13 in which the cross-section of the arm is relatively wide in comparison to its depth.
15. A kit for forming a picture frame comprising a plurality of corner connectors as claimed in claim 13 in combination with frame members to be connected together, the frame members having channels on their rear sides, and the arms of the connectors in the normal position being snugly receivable in the frame member channels.
16. A corner connector for a picture frame formed from members each of similar cross-section that are connected together at their ends at corners of the frame and each defining a channel that, in the completed frame, extends along the rear side of the frame, comprising a connector body having two arms extending in the same general plane at right angles to one another, each arm being of generally rectangular section and being provided on a generally planar outer side portion with a rotable screwdriver receiving member with a slotted upper side and which is exposed when the arm is inserted into the end of a frame member channel, and is rotatable by a screwdriver to cause lateral side portions that are connected on the arm to be displaced from a normal position in which the arm is freely insertable into the frame member channel, laterally outwardly to a clamping position in which the lateral side portions grip firmly on the inner surfaces of portions of the channel sides of the frame member that are adjacent the lateral side portions when the arm is inserted in the frame member channel, whereby the arm can be secured firmly in the frame member channel.
17. A kit for forming a picture frame comprising a plurality of corner connectors as claimed in claim 16 in combination with frame members to be connected together, the frame members having channels on their rear sides and the arms of the connectors in the normal position being snugly receivable in the frame member channels.
18. A kit as claimed in claim 15 or 17 in which each channel side wall of each frame member has a re-entrant lip at its rear edge.
19. A kit as claimed in claim 15 or 17 in which each frame member comprises a wall portion extending forwardly from and co-planar with the outer side wall of the channel, and with an inwardly extending lip at its front edge.
20. A kit as claimed in claim 15 or 17 in which each channel side wall of each frame member has a re-entrant lip at its rear edge and each frame member comprises a wall portion extending forwardly from and co-planar with the outer side wall of the channel, and with an inwardly extending lip at its front edge.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000427646A CA1168445A (en) | 1983-05-06 | 1983-05-06 | Corner connector for a picture frame |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000427646A CA1168445A (en) | 1983-05-06 | 1983-05-06 | Corner connector for a picture frame |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1168445A true CA1168445A (en) | 1984-06-05 |
Family
ID=4125192
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000427646A Expired CA1168445A (en) | 1983-05-06 | 1983-05-06 | Corner connector for a picture frame |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1168445A (en) |
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1987006754A1 (en) * | 1986-04-21 | 1987-11-05 | Johansson Gert A | Display rack |
| US4922638A (en) * | 1988-03-11 | 1990-05-08 | Joel Litvak | Decorative modular picture frame |
| US5384978A (en) * | 1993-03-22 | 1995-01-31 | The Fletcher-Terry Company | Corner clamp assembly |
| US5423626A (en) * | 1993-03-22 | 1995-06-13 | The Fletcher-Terry Company | Clamping assembly |
| US5799430A (en) * | 1994-09-02 | 1998-09-01 | Fremstad; Greg | Unified apparatus for forming a frame corner |
| EP1808106A3 (en) * | 2006-01-17 | 2007-12-12 | Art Materials Service Inc. | Improvements in or relating to framing |
| WO2008072980A1 (en) * | 2006-12-13 | 2008-06-19 | Robindo Limited | Improvements in and relating to picture frames |
-
1983
- 1983-05-06 CA CA000427646A patent/CA1168445A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1987006754A1 (en) * | 1986-04-21 | 1987-11-05 | Johansson Gert A | Display rack |
| US4922638A (en) * | 1988-03-11 | 1990-05-08 | Joel Litvak | Decorative modular picture frame |
| US5384978A (en) * | 1993-03-22 | 1995-01-31 | The Fletcher-Terry Company | Corner clamp assembly |
| US5423626A (en) * | 1993-03-22 | 1995-06-13 | The Fletcher-Terry Company | Clamping assembly |
| US5799430A (en) * | 1994-09-02 | 1998-09-01 | Fremstad; Greg | Unified apparatus for forming a frame corner |
| EP1808106A3 (en) * | 2006-01-17 | 2007-12-12 | Art Materials Service Inc. | Improvements in or relating to framing |
| WO2008072980A1 (en) * | 2006-12-13 | 2008-06-19 | Robindo Limited | Improvements in and relating to picture frames |
| GB2457641A (en) * | 2006-12-13 | 2009-08-26 | Robindo Ltd | Improvements in and relating to picture frames |
| GB2457641B (en) * | 2006-12-13 | 2011-03-30 | Robindo Ltd | Improvements in and relating to picture frames |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |