EP0338632A1

EP0338632A1 - Picture-holder closure panel

Info

Publication number: EP0338632A1
Application number: EP89200965A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Angelo Fumagalli
Original assignee: Fedre' Cornici Di Fumagalli Angelo & C SNC
Current assignee: Fedre' Cornici Di Fumagalli Angelo & C SNC
Priority date: 1988-04-22
Filing date: 1989-04-14
Publication date: 1989-10-25
Also published as: IT8820304A0; IT1216620B

Abstract

A back closure panel for picture-holders is disclosed, avoiding to see any joint or step of the elements and making the back face of the picture-holder totally flat, as it is embedded by snap action in the perimetral band of the frame by means of a board with corresponding shape and size, provided with springs or like devices for the snap joint of the parts.

Description

The present invention relates to a closure panel for picture-holder having the feature of being adapted to be joined to the front frame with partial embedding and holding springs and comprising an outer board leaning on the frame and adapted to match and fit with the outer contour of the picture-holder.
It is known that all picture-holders generally comprise a more or less shaped frame, adapted to be used as ornamental element in order to enhance and make more valuable the picture placed inside it.
Obviously said picture-holders have a back closure panel which may be connected in several ways, such as by fixed joint, sliding on suitable peripheral grooves or externally fixed by means of tacks, screws or any other suitable fastener.
Each of these closures, however, is compatible only with some frame shapes so as to compel manufacturers to make a number of back elements, with consequent increase of production and storage costs, while at the same time on the back face of the picture-holder, the joint between frame and closure panel is clearly visible.
The closure panel of the present invention solves these problems as it may be fitted to any shape of picture-holder matching practically with the peripheral contour of the frame, while an embedded part matches with the internal contour of said frame, also using always the same holding springs for keeping the panel joined, so that the back face of the picture-holder is totally flat and the closure cannot be seen from outside.
These and other features will become still more apparent from the following detailed description, given as a non limiting example only, with the aid of the various figures of the accompanying illustrative drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective general view of a picture-holder, seen from the back side, showing the closure panel according to the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a plan view of the back side of a rectangular frame to which a closure panel according to the present invention is joined;
Fig. 3 is a view of the inner side of a closure panel according to the present invention, showing the embedded part provided with the holding springs;
Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the frame and the closure panel, showing the joining operation; and
Fig. 5 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 4, but with frame and closure panel joined together.

With reference now to Figures 1, 2 and 3, the closure panel 1 according to the present invention consists practically of a flat outer element or board 2 having the same shape of the outer peripheral contour 3 of the frame 4, coupled with an inner element 5 adapted to be embedded in the inner peripheral contour 6 of said frame 4. Although a rectangular frame is shown in the drawings as illustrative example, the invention is obviously application to frames of any shape.
The inner element is provided with two springs 7 of suitable shape, arranged only on one side opposite to the position of the support leg 8, said springs 7 being adapted to keep tensioned the panel 1 when it is joined to the frame 4, so as to obtain closure without requiring any threaded member of other fastening device.
With reference now to Figures 4 and 5, in order to join the panel to the frame, after having positioned the glass 9 and the picture 10, which could be a photograph, a painting or else, firstly the side 11 provided with the holding springs 7 is placed again and embedded in the frame, then the panel 1 is moved axially until the force of said springs 7 is overcome, so as to close the joint between panel and frame with a snap action.
It is clear that the present invention constitutes the correct solution for making back closure panels for frames, taking into account that in addition to practicality of use, a valuable ornamental effect is also obtained as there is an almost uninterrupted fit between frame and back panel.
The holding springs may obviously be of any shape and could be replaced by an elastic device allowing a snap joint between frame and back closure panel.
Finally it is to be pointed out that the described embodiment does not limit the invention, but on the contrary it is to be understood that many modifications, additions, variations and/or substitutions of elements may be resorted to the present invention without altering hovever its spirit and objects and without departing from its scope of protection, as it is defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Closure panel for picture-holders, characterized in that it comprises an inner embedded element and an outer shaped board matching the outer contour of the holder frame with which is fixedly joined, so as to obtain a totally flat back face of the holder, and to conceal any joint therebetween.

2. Closure panel according to Claim 1, characterized in that the inner element is so shaped as to be embedded in the area defined by the inner back contour of the frame.

3. Closure panel according to Claim 2, characterized in that it comprises two or more springs or like snap-action devices for holding and keeping the panel joined with the frame.

4. Closure panel according to Claim 1, characterized in that the outer peripheral shape of the panel matches without interruptions the outer contour of the frame, so as to obtain a valuable ornamental effect.

5. Closure panel for picture-holders, substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in the figures of the annexed sheets of drawings, for the above mentioned objects.