EP0425609B1 - Multiple picture-holder - Google Patents

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/CH90/00111 Sec. 371 Date Feb. 22, 1991 Sec. 102(e) Date Feb. 22, 1991 PCT Filed Apr. 26, 1990 PCT Pub. No. WO90/13246 PCT Pub. Date Nov. 15, 1990.The multiple picture-holder described has square mounts (K1) of different sizes. Each mount comprises a transparent faceplate (1) and a backplate (2) fastened against it. The faceplate (1) has, printed on it, a mask (3) surrounding a rectangular window (1a). The rear side of the backplate (2) is divided into squares (2c), the outer of which are designed as click-in attachment fixtures (2c') for connecting clips (6). The connecting clips (6) have matching fixtures (6b) which engage in the attachment fixtures (2c') so that they are held in place. Both the distance between the centre-lines (M) of two adjacent attachment fixtures (2c') and the distance between the mount sides and the adjacent centrelines (M) have the same value (X). It has been found that suitable distances (X) are those which permit combinations of mounts (K1) designed for different standard photo sizes, such as 9x13, 10x15, 13x18 and 18x25 cm or 4x6, 5x8 and 8x 10 inches, although the latter sizes are not in the same proportions to each other.

Description

The invention relates to a combination image holder for photos, prints, etc., consisting of single-image cassettes, connecting straps for their mutual fastening and means for wall mounting, in which the single-image cassettes each have a transparent front plate and a back plate fastened against them to secure the position of an image to be placed behind the front plate , which rear plate in the rear areas of rectilinear circumferential sides is formed on a plurality of fastening latch seats for the connecting straps, which are concealed in a cassette top view and which in turn are provided with counter latch seats, the fastening latch seats on the one hand and the counter latch seats on the other hand opposite, rigid seat overlaps overlapping perpendicularly to the rear plate plane when the connecting bracket is placed, and rigid seat projections opposite, also overlapping in the mentioned direction and additionally transverse to the tab attachment direction due to material elasticity in the manner of V have or- and interlocking locking formations forming locking devices.

A combination image holder of this type has become known from US-A 4,706,397. In this case, single-image cassettes can be joined together in a straight line in two directions running perpendicular to one another to form combinations of different geometric shapes.

The impetus for the present invention was not to be satisfied with the combination security given by the system according to the named patent and the combination possibilities offered. This led to the object on which the invention is based, to further design the cassettes by means and measures which are as simple as possible in such a way that the fastening detent seats of the rear plate and the counter-detent seats of the connecting strap with slight manipulation while maintaining a flat design are not only equally suitable for frames of the smallest and largest photo formats, but also allow extraordinarily large and interesting frame combinations.

This object was achieved according to the present invention in that the latching devices each consist of a plurality of latching segments having latching formations, one of two latching formations which can be latched together being designed as latching cams and molded onto a self-resilient tongue-like or web-like latching element, and in that the back plate is parallel is provided on each of its circumferential sides and with the same distance measured from the center of the fastening snap-in seats to the respective circumferential side with a plurality of fastening snap-in seats each lying in series with the same mutual center distance X.

As the following analysis shows, the task is fully accomplished with these measures, which in no way make the cassette more expensive.

In the construction according to US Pat. No. 4,706,397, the latching elasticity of the latching devices consisting of the latching opening in the back plate and the push-button-like tab projection that cooperates with the latch plate is relatively low. This requires a well resilient material for the back plate and / or connecting strap, while a harder material would be more appropriate for the overall stability. The locking is not particularly precise and the locking security is not very high. Frequent locking and unlocking leads to rapid locking edge wear due to the low locking elasticity. Since a combination is created on a table or on the floor and during its subsequent transport to the wall by the on the If large forces acting on seat connections do not break apart, the combinable size already sets narrow limits. In addition, a larger combination tends to bulge based on the criteria mentioned. It is therefore no longer parallel to the entire surface of the wall and has an unaesthetic effect.

All of these deficiencies are eliminated by the design of the fastening latch seats according to the invention. The forces acting on the connections parallel to the back plates due to the weight of the combined cassettes are completely absorbed by rigid seat overlaps without stressing the locking devices. Elasticity and latching force can be optimally selected, in particular by dimensioning the tongue-like or web-like latching members, even when using a harder backplate and tab material. In spite of the completely concealed connecting means, with a very flat cassette design, a locking safety is achieved which, due to the majority of the newly designed fastening detent seats assigned to each cassette circumferential side, allows exceptionally large combinations that can be created, changed or removed again by means of playfully easy locking and unlocking manipulation.

It is known per se to equip combinable single-image cassettes with a plurality of fastening means per peripheral side. In this regard, reference is made to the publications EP-A-0 087 624 and US-A 4 017 989. The constructions disclosed therein are very different in concept from the frame type of the present invention specified in the preamble of claim 1.

For example, EP-A-0 087 624 shows instead of a plurality of optionally usable individual latch seats which are concealed along the edges of the cassette and can be seen from the outside protruding teeth that can be plugged together directly (without connecting lugs). They require an extraordinarily expensive manufacturing precision for articles of this type, are difficult to solve due to the required precision and are unlikely to meet the aesthetic requirements of consumers.

The construction according to US-A 4 017 989 has so-called tab connections, in which relatively long pins of short tabs engage in holes of relatively solid frame members in a self-clamping manner. Even with these means, secure flat connections - if at all - can only be achieved with precision that is difficult to achieve. On the other hand, the user can hardly be expected to disconnect such a connection. It should be noted that the special flap design of this image holder does not take into account essential stability requirements.

Both solutions are therefore based on very different problem concepts which do not affect the path taken in the construction according to the present invention.

Fig. 1

die Vorderansicht einer für ein Photo des Standardformats 9 x 13 cm bemessenen Einbildkassette im Masstab 1:2,

Fig. 2

die Rückplatten-Vorderansicht der Kassette nach Fig. 1 im Masstab 1:1,

Fig. 3

einen Teilbereich der Rückseite der Kassette nach Fig. 1 im Masstab 1:1,

Fig. 4

eine Seitenansicht (Photoeinschubseite) der Kassette nach Fig. 1 im Masstab 1:1,

Fig. 5

die Rastsitzseite einer Verbindungslasche im Masstab 1:1,

Fig. 6

eine Längsseitenansicht der Verbindungslasche nach Fig. 5 mit Teilschnitt A-A,

Fig. 7

den Schnitt B-B nach Fig. 3 im Masstab 2:1,

Fig. 8

eine Zapfenschnur in Draufsicht im Masstab 1:1,

Fig. 9

eine Seitenansicht nach Fig. 8,

Fig. 10

die Rückansicht einer für Photos des Standardformats 10 x 15 cm, resp. 4 x 6" bemessenen Kassette im Masstab 1:2,

Fig. 11

die Vorderansicht der Kassette nach Fig. 10,

Fig. 12

die Rückansicht einer für Photos des Standardformats 13 x 18 cm, resp. 5 x 7" bemessenen Kassette im Masstab 1:2,

Fig. 13

die Vorderansicht der Kassette nach Fig. 12,

Fig. 14

die Rückansicht einer für Photos des Standardformats 18 x 25 cm, resp. 8 x 10" bemessenen Kassette im Masstab 1:2,

Fig. 15

einen Teilbereich der Kassette nach Fig. 14 in Vorderansicht,

Fig. 16

die Vorderansicht einer aus vier verschiedenen Kassettengrössen bestehenden Bildhalterkombination im Masstab 1:5,

Fig. 17

einen durch einen mit alternativen Rasteinrichtungen versehenen Befestigungsrastsitz geführten Schnitt eines Kassettenbereichs mit geschnittener alternativer Verbindungslasche und

Fig. 18

eine Teillänge der Verbindungslasche nach Fig. 10 in Unteransicht.

In the drawing, further embodiments having inventive features are shown. Show it:

Fig. 1

the front view of a single-image cassette sized 1: 2 for a photo of the standard format 9 x 13 cm,

Fig. 2

1 on a scale of 1: 1,

Fig. 3

1 on the scale of 1: 1,

Fig. 4

2 shows a side view (photo insertion side) of the cassette according to FIG. 1 on a scale of 1: 1,

Fig. 5

the click seat side of a connecting bracket on a scale of 1: 1,

Fig. 6

5 with a partial section AA,

Fig. 7

3 the section BB according to FIG. 3 on a scale of 2: 1,

Fig. 8

a cone cord in plan view on a scale of 1: 1,

Fig. 9

8 shows a side view according to FIG. 8,

Fig. 10

the rear view of a for photos of the standard format 10 x 15 cm, resp. 4 x 6 "sized cassette in 1: 2 scale,

Fig. 11

10 shows the front view of the cassette according to FIG. 10,

Fig. 12

the rear view of a for photos of the standard format 13 x 18 cm, resp. 5 x 7 "sized cassette on a 1: 2 scale,

Fig. 13

the front view of the cassette of FIG. 12,

Fig. 14

the rear view of a for photos of the standard format 18 x 25 cm, resp. 8x10 "sized cassette on a 1: 2 scale,

Fig. 15

14 shows a partial area of the cassette according to FIG. 14 in front view,

Fig. 16

the front view of a picture holder combination consisting of four different cassette sizes on a scale of 1: 5,

Fig. 17

a cut of a cassette area with a cut alternative connecting flap and provided with an alternative locking device provided with a snap-in fastening means and

Fig. 18

a partial length of the connecting tab of FIG. 10 in bottom view.

The cassette K1 of FIGS. 1 to 9 has a square outline U1, which is reduced to a cross shape due to the recessed corner areas U1 '. It consists of the transparent front plate 1 and the rear plate 2, which are thus designed in a cross shape.

The front plate 1 is covered by the printed mask 3, which encloses the image window 1a. Behind the picture window 1a, i.e. between front panel 1 and rear panel 2 is the image storage bed 4, which is formed on the rear panel 2 by means of an image insertion channel having the insertion openings 4a. As a result of the rear plate recesses 2a, an inserted photo can be easily reached with a fingertip for the purpose of changing it. Front plate 1 and rear plate 2 are fastened to one another on lines 5 by means of ultrasonic welding. The cassette is used to take a photo of the standard format 9 x 13 cm, i.e. the image storage bed 4 and the image window 1a are dimensioned accordingly.

The rear plate 2 is divided on the back by molded webs 2b into squares 2c of the same size, the outer ones of which serve as fastening latching seats 2c 'for connecting straps 6. These each have two opposing, also formed by webs 6a, i.e. when the tab connection (FIGS. 3 and 7) has been created, counter-locking seats engaging in the fastening locking seats 2c '.

The fastening detent seats 2c 'on the one hand and the counter detent seats 6b on the other hand thus have, in the form of the webs 2b and 6a, opposite, rigid seat projections which overlap perpendicularly to the backplate plane when the connecting strap 6 is in place. As a result, a placed connecting link 6 is initially connected to the corresponding backing plates 2 in all directions parallel to the backplate level.

Provided in the fastening detent seats 2c 'are the integrally formed hollow pins 2d closed on the upper side, the side walls 2e of which below the end walls 2f have the diametrically opposed detent projections designed as detent recesses 2g. In accordance with these, the tabs 6 are equipped within their counter-locking seats 6b with a plurality of hollow-pin-shaped locking members 6c designed as self-resilient tongues, which in turn have projecting locking projections in the form of locking cams 6d.

The latching devices thus have a plurality of latching segments R (FIGS. 3 and 7), the latching projections of which, designed as latching cams 6d and latching recess 2g, also overlap perpendicularly to the backplate plane when the connecting tab 6 is in place. In addition, due to the self-resilient locking tongues 6c, the locking cams 6d engage transversely to the tab attachment direction below the hollow pin end walls 2f in the locking recesses 2g.

The fact that the cassettes combined by the dead weight are coplanar to the rear plates 2 and the forces acting on the connections are absorbed by the overlapping rigid seat projections 2b, 6a. the locking segments R of the tab connections created practically relieved, which is of great importance for the use of inexpensive thermoplastic material. The latching tongues 6c are briefly stressed by the latching force only during the latching process.

Due to a correspondingly low dimensioning of the hollow pins 2d, the latching tongues 6c could be made so long that they allow a smooth latching and unlatching with an excellent latching effect. Unlatching takes place effortlessly and without tools thanks to the one-piece molded, graspable extension 6f. On a second tab extension was omitted because it is not necessary per se and could also interfere with the creation of certain combinations.

The connecting tabs 6 are provided with stabilizing longitudinal ribs 6e between their counter-locking seats 6b. In addition, the connecting tabs have the suspension bores 6g ', 6g''and6g''' centrally within their counter-locking seats 6b, centrally between them and in the extension 6f. Since there is a few millimeters of clearance 9 between the hollow pin 2d and the tab level when the tab is created, each of these holes can be used for suspension if necessary, ie can be engaged by a nail head or thin wall hooks. If none of the suspension bores 6g 'to 6g''' of the link connections of a combination with the center of gravity coincide, a further connection link 6 can be placed specifically to take over the suspension function (without serving to connect cassettes in this case).

As an alternative to this type of suspension, the hollow pins 2d of the back plate 2 are provided with the central insertion holes 2h, in which the pin cord 8 can be attached as desired by means of its elastic insertion pins 8a (also as a bridge between adjacent single-image cassettes of a combination). Thanks to the tab bores 6g ', 6g' ', the pin cord 8 can also be inserted into the insertion bores 2h of such fastening detent seats 2c' which are occupied by a connecting tab 6. As a result of the thickening of the pin areas 8b, a pin cord 8 is placed above the tab level.

From FIGS. 3 and 4 it can also be seen that the rib regions 2k which run out in the corner regions of the rear plate 2 are raised when the cassette is suspended as spacer feet lying against the wall.

As can also be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3, the four plate springs 2n, which act against the front plate 1 in order to secure the position of the photo, are also formed on the rear plate 2 in the corner regions of the insertion channel 4. They are covered by the mask cross bars 3a. As a result, no printing spots can be seen from the front of the inserted photo, nor can frequent photo changes in the areas of the printing spots lead to visible scratch marks created by the photographic layer on the thermoplastic front panel.

As a result of this rear plate formation, single-image cassettes K 1 (of the same size) can be joined together on all sides and connected by the tabs 6. In this case, adjacent single image cassettes K 1 can optionally be arranged offset or offset from one another. As a result, different symmetrical or asymmetrical screen combinations can be realized depending on the number of cassettes K 1 joined together.

It has now been found that, despite the substantially different size ratios of the lengths and widths of the various rectangular photo standard formats with an acceptable correction of the proportionality of the masks or the image windows, it is possible for the cassette sizes, the respective number of fastening snap-fit seats 2c ', the mean distance from fastening detent seat 2c 'to fastening detent seat 2c' and to coordinate the distances between the fastening detent seats 2c 'and the peripheral edges of the cassettes such that cassette sizes for different rectangular photo standard formats can be combined with one another as desired.

The solution is based on a common division dimension X, which determines all of the aforementioned parameters of the different cassette sizes.

The following possible X values were determined, the size and number of the fastening snap-fit seats each being different: approximately 33.75 mm - approximately 27 mm - approximately 22.5 mm and approximately 16.875 mm.

For the further explanations based on the partially described and the following drawing figures, the division dimension 33.75 mm is selected. This is particularly favorable because, with a sufficient number of fastening latch seats 2c ', it leads to relatively wide and long connecting straps 6, as a result of which great connection stability can be achieved.

aufweisen. Sie bieten die Möglichkeit der Anordnung der genannten, einem Bildwechsel dienenden Rückplattenausnehmungen 2a und der von der Maske 3 verdeckten Federn 2n. Grösse und Ausbildung der Maske 3 lassen sich in Bezug auf die Abmessungen des Photos 7 von 9 x 13 cm harmonisch gestalten. In seiner Längsrichtung reicht das Photo 7 bis auf

--- an die entsprechenden Kassettenränder heran. Theoretisch brauchen daher die beiden Maskenquerbalken 3a nur etwa vier Millimeter breit gestaltet zu werden, um eine genügende Photorandabdeckung 3a' zu erreichen. Die tatsächlich gewählte grössere Balkenbreite ist daher bereits ein erster akzeptebler Kompromiss, um die universelle Kombinationsmöglichkeit für die verschiedenen Kassettengrössen mit dem Teilungsmass von 33,75 mm durch Ausgleichen der Balkenbreiten der verschiedenen Kassettengrössen zu realisieren.The square side length S of the outline square U 1 of the cassette K 1 designed for 9 x 13 cm photos according to FIGS. 1 and 4 is 4X = 4 x 33.75 = 135 mm. Both the distance between the center lines M of adjacent fastening latches 2c 'and the distance between the sides of the cassette and those parallel to them Center lines M of the corresponding fastening detent seats 2c 'have the value X of 33.75 mm. It follows from this that each circumferential side with the present arrangement max. three fastening seats 2c 'can be assigned. The four edge strips 2m, which have a width of 2m, remain around the square surface which is overall claimed by the fastening latching seats 2c ' $\frac{\text{X}}{\text{2nd}}$

exhibit. They offer the possibility of arranging the above-mentioned rear plate recesses 2a, which serve to change the image, and the springs 2n hidden by the mask 3. The size and design of the mask 3 can be harmoniously designed in relation to the dimensions of the photo 7 of 9 x 13 cm. In its longitudinal direction, Photo 7 extends up to

--- Approach the corresponding cassette edges. In theory, therefore, the two mask crossbars 3a need to be designed only about four millimeters wide in order to achieve sufficient photo edge coverage 3a '. The actually selected larger bar width is therefore already a first acceptable compromise in order to realize the universal combination possibility for the different cassette sizes with the division dimension of 33.75 mm by equalizing the bar widths of the different cassette sizes.

an die Kassettenränder heran. Um eine minimale Randabdeckung 13a' des Photos 17 zu erreichen, müssen die Querbalken 13a des das Bildfenster 11a umschliessenden Rahmens der Maske 13 mindestens 10 mm breit sein.The cassette K² according to FIGS. 10 and 11 is designed to take photos of the format 10 x 15 cm. The outline square U² has a side length of 5X = 5 x 33.75 = 168.75 mm. Four fastening latch seats 12c 'are assigned to the rear plate 12 on each circumferential side. In its longitudinal direction, Photo 17 extends up to

to the edges of the cassette. In order to achieve a minimal edge coverage 13a ′ of the photo 17, the crossbeams 13a of the frame of the mask 13 surrounding the image window 11a must be at least 10 mm wide.

The width of the crossbeams 3a of the 9 x 13 cm cassette K¹ was therefore increased in order to reduce the theoretical difference compared to the cassette K². Since the conditions for the longitudinal mask bars 3b, 13b behave similarly, their correction should not be discussed here.

an die Kassettenränder heran. Das entspricht bei minimaler Randabdeckung 23a' etwa einer erforderlichen Breite des Querbalkens 23a der Maske 23 von 12 mm. Es lässt sich somit ohne weiteres eine Balkenbreite bestimmen, die mit den Masken der Kassetten K¹ und K² harmoniert.The cassette K³ according to FIGS. 12, 13 is used to take photos of the format 13 x 18 cm. The side length of the outline square U³ is 6X = 6 x 33.75 = 202.5 mm. On each circumferential side of the rear plate 22, the maximum possible of five fastening snap seats 22c 'is formed. In its longitudinal direction, Photo 27 extends up to

to the edges of the cassette. With minimum edge coverage 23a ', this corresponds approximately to a required width of the crossbar 23a of the mask 23 of 12 mm. It is thus easy to determine a bar width that harmonizes with the masks of the cassettes K¹ and K².

an die Kassettenränder heran. Auch hier lässt sich daher die Breite des Querbalkens 33a der Maske 33 in Bezug auf die Masken der Kassetten K¹ bis K³ bei genügender Photorandabdeckung 33a' harmonisch angleichen, derart, dass die Kassette K⁴ ebenfalls das standardisierte metrische Photo 38 von 18 x 24 aufnehmen kann.14 and 15 provide evidence that a cassette K⁴ for photos of the format 18 x 24/25 cm also fits into the combination system according to the invention. The outline square U⁴ has a side length of 8X = 8 x 33.75 = 270 mm. Since this corresponds to exactly twice the side length of K¹, special combination figures can be realized. The circumferential sides are each assigned the maximum possible of seven fastening detent seats 32c '. In its longitudinal direction, a photo 37 of 18 x 25 format extends up to

to the edges of the cassette. Here too, the width of the crossbeam 33a of the mask 33 can be harmonized with respect to the masks of the cassettes K¹ to K³ with sufficient photo edge cover 33a ', such that the cassette K⁴ is also the standardized metric Photo 38 of 18 x 24 can take.

Dieses ergibt für: Seitenlänge max. Befestigungsrastsitze/Seite K¹ (9x13 cm): 5 x 27 = 135 mm 4 K² (10x15 cm): 6 x 27 = 162 mm 5 K³ (13x18 cm): 7 x 27 = 189 mm 6 K⁴ (18x25 cm): 10 x 27 = 270 mm 9 Below is a short version of the proof that the other graduation dimensions X can also be used and what advantages and disadvantages they have in relation to the treated graduation dimension X = 33.75 mm. $$\underset{¯}{\text{Pitch X of about 27 mm}}\text{= 33.75 x}\frac{\text{8th}}{\text{10th}}$$

This results in: Side length Max. Fixing seats / side K¹ (9x13 cm): 5 x 27 = 135 mm 4th K² (10x15 cm): 6 x 27 = 162 mm 5 K³ (13x18 cm): 7 x 27 = 189 mm 6 K⁴ (18x25 cm): 10 x 27 = 270 mm 9

Bei K¹ und K⁴ sind die Randabstände daher gleich wie beim Teilungsmass 33,75 mm. Bei K² ist der Randabstand mit 6 mm gegenüber 9 mm günstiger und bei K³ mit 4,5 mm gegenüber 11 mm ungünstiger. Vor- und Nachteile bezüglich der Maskenkorrekturen halten sich also in etwa die Waage. Durch die grössere Anzahl von Befestigungsrastsitzen sind die Rückplattenwerkzeuge teurer. Befestigungsrastsitze und Verbindungslaschen sind kleiner, was die Kombinationsstabilität entsprechend verringert. $$\underset{¯}{\text{Teilungsmass X von etwa 22,5 mm}}\text{= 33,75 x}\frac{\text{2}}{\text{3}}$$

Dieses ergibt für: Seitenlänge max. Befestigungsrastsitze / Seite K¹ (9x13 cm): 6 x 22,5 = 135 mm 5 K² (10x15 cm): 7 x 22,5 = 157.5 mm 6 K³ (13x18 cm): 9 x 22,5 = 202,5 mm 8 K⁴ (18x25 cm): 12 x 22,5 = 270 mm 11 A photo that is centered thus has the following marginal distances in the longitudinal direction: $$\text{K¹ = 2.5 mm, K² = 6 mm, K³ = 4.5 mm, K⁴ = 10 mm}$$

With K¹ and K⁴ the edge distances are therefore the same as with the pitch of 33.75 mm. With K² the edge distance is 6 mm compared to 9 mm and with K³ with 4.5 mm compared to 11 mm less. Advantages and disadvantages with regard to mask corrections are roughly balanced. Due to the larger number of snap-fit seats, the backplate tools are more expensive. Fastening click seats and connecting straps are smaller, which reduces the combination stability accordingly. $$\underset{¯}{\text{Pitch X of approximately 22.5 mm}}\text{= 33.75 x}\frac{\text{2nd}}{\text{3rd}}$$

This results in: Side length Max. Fixing seats / side K¹ (9x13 cm): 6 x 22.5 = 135 mm 5 K² (10x15 cm): 7 x 22.5 = 157.5 mm 6 K³ (13x18 cm): 9 x 22.5 = 202.5 mm 8th K⁴ (18x25 cm): 12 x 22.5 = 270 mm 11

Diese Randabstände sind für die Maskenbemessungen gegenüber dem Teilungsmass von 33,75 insbesondere in Bezug auf K² günstiger: 3,75 mm anstelle von 9 mm. Kostenungünstiger ist dagegen die viel grössere Anzahl von Befestigungsrastsitzen. Zudem werden die Verbindungslaschen sehr schmal, wodurch zur Erreichung der erforderlichen Kombinationsstabilität eine grössere Anzahl von Laschen zu positionieren ist.

Dieses ergibt für: Seitenlänge max. Befestigungsrastsitze / Seite K¹ (9x13 cm): 8 x 16,875 = 135 mm 7 K² (10x15 cm): 10 x 16,875 = 168,75 mm 9 K³ (13x18 cm): 12 x 16,875 = 202,5 mm 11 K⁴ (18x25 cm): 16 x 16,875 = 270 mm 15 A photo that is centered thus has the following marginal distances in the longitudinal direction: $$\text{K¹ = 2.5 mm, K² = 3.75 mm, K³ = 11.25 mm, K⁴ = 10 mm}$$

These edge distances are more favorable for the mask measurements compared to the pitch of 33.75, especially in relation to K²: 3.75 mm instead of 9 mm. In contrast, the much larger number of snap-fit seats is less expensive. In addition, the connecting straps become very narrow, which means that a larger number of straps must be positioned to achieve the required combination stability.

This results in: Side length Max. Fixing seats / side K¹ (9x13 cm): 8 x 16.875 = 135 mm 7 K² (10x15 cm): 10 x 16.875 = 168.75 mm 9 K³ (13x18 cm): 12 x 16.875 = 202.5 mm 11 K⁴ (18x25 cm): 16 x 16.875 = 270 mm 15

A photo that has been centered has the same edge spacing in all cassette sizes as in the 33.75 mm division. The same preconditions therefore exist with regard to the mask dimensions. Fastening click seats and connecting straps are, however, exceptionally small, so that either more tabs have to be set or the tabs have to be designed as double tabs, which engage in two fastening click seats with each end. All this makes the use of this division dimension very expensive in terms of tools.

Another great advantage of the combination system according to the invention with its four graduation measures is that it also includes the photo standard formats 4x6 ", 5x7" and 8x10 "measured in inches. These formats have the dimensions metrically:
10.16 x 15.24 cm
12.7 x 17.8 cm and
20.3 x 25.4 cm
The lengths 15.24 cm, 17.8 cm and 25.4 cm therefore only vary slightly from the lengths 15.0 cm, 18.0 cm and 25.0 cm of the metric formats 10x13, 13x18 and 18x25, so that all means the various divisional dimensions of the side lengths of the cassettes K², K³ and K⁴ meet the above three inch formats.

The above-mentioned divisional masses X of approximately 33.75 mm, 27 mm, 22.5 mm and 16,875 mm represent particularly favorable values, in particular for a compensating mask dimension. One would not leave the scope of this invention if one accepted the risk of proportionally larger deviations in the dimensioning of the widths of the mask bars or the overlap widths of the image edges the division mass varies up to about ± 3.5%. At - 3.5%, the square side length of one or the other cassette size is reduced roughly to the photo length.

umgeben. Unter Verzicht auf die Fingeraussparungen und die nur bei der Kassette K¹ eingezeichneten Federn 2n wäre es natürlich möglich, die Befestigungsrastsitze 2c' bis aussen an die Umfangsränder zu rücken. Dadurch könnten jeder Umfangsseite z.B. von K¹ anstelle von drei vier Befestigungsrastsitze zugeordnet werden. Dabei wäre aus Teilungsgründen entweder auf die mit den Aussenkanten zusammenfallenden Stege 2b zu verzichten oder es wäre ihre Dicke zu halbieren. Die freien Streifen sind somit äusserst vorteilhaft.For all cassette sizes K¹ to K⁴ the arrangement of the fastening seats 2c 'is all around by a circumferential strip (designated 2m in the cassette K¹) by $\frac{\text{X}}{\text{2nd}}$

surround. Without the finger recesses and the springs 2n shown only in the cassette K¹, it would of course be possible to move the fastening catch seats 2c 'to the outside at the peripheral edges. This could be assigned to each circumferential side, for example of K¹, instead of three four fastening click seats. For reasons of division, the webs 2b coinciding with the outer edges would either be dispensed with or their thickness would be halved. The free strips are therefore extremely advantageous.

Likewise, it is conceivable to increase the width of the edge strips 2m to the division dimension X, as a result of which one fastening snap fit 2c 'would be omitted per circumferential side. However, this would mean a considerable restriction of the possible combinations with the cassette K¹ and the division dimension of 33.75 mm.

Through the corner recesses U ^{1 '} to U ^4'. , ie the cross-shaped design of the square cassettes K¹ to K⁴ is taken away from their gravity in relation to their rectangular picture window. The mask 3 thus appears optically like two intersecting rectangles, of which the rectangle with the image window interrupts the other. Of course, these corner recesses are not mandatory and in particular can be dispensed with if loosening design effects are realized by means of a corresponding mask design.

In the combination example according to FIG. 16, the cruciform design has been dispensed with in the upper cassettes K 1 to K 3.

Various other advantages clearly emerge from the description of the figures. The fastening latch seats 2c 'are functional in two directions. This means that the corner areas can be used for both horizontal and vertical installation. Unused tabs 6 can be placed behind or behind the back plate 2 in the longitudinal or transverse direction.

17 and 18 it is also shown that the locking segments R can alternatively also be provided directly on the webs 42b forming the fastening locking seats 42c 'of the rear plate 42 and on the webs 46a forming the counter-locking seats 46b of the tabs 46. The backplate webs 42b have the locking recesses 42b ', into which the locking cams 46c of the tab webs 46a engage. The front panel is designated 41 and the image bed 44. However, this type of latching is more difficult to manipulate unless the webs 46a are slit next to the cams 46c, which would result in self-resilient tongues.

As an alternative to ultrasound welding, the front and back plates could also be fastened to one another by clamps which overlap their edges. Then the outline squares would be determined by the outer edges of the clamps. Likewise, the front and rear panels could overlap with edge areas.

Claims (15)

1. A combination picture holder for photos, prints, etc., consisting of single-frame mounts (K1 to K4), connecting tabs (6) for fixing them to one another and also wall-mounting means (2h, 8), the single-frame mounts (K1 to K4) each comprising a transparent face relate (1) and, attached to this latter, a back plate (2) for positional securing of a picture which is to be placed behind the face plate (1), a plurality of click-in attachment fixtures (2c') which are concealed when the mount is viewed in plan, and which are intended to receive the connecting tabs (6) and are integrally mounted on rear portions of rectilinear peripheral sides of the said back plate (2), said connecting tabs (6) being in turn provided with matching click-in fixtures (6b), the click-in attachment fixtures (2c') on the one hand and the matching click-in fixtures (6b) on the other having matching rigid moulding seatings (2b, 6a) which, when the connecting tab (6) is in place, engage over one another at right-angles to the plane of the back plate and also matching click-in mouldings (2g, 6d) which constitute click-in means which likewise engage over one another in the said direction and in addition form click-in fixtures which inter-engage crosswise to the direction in which the tabs are applied, by the elasticity of the material and in the manner of projection and return, characterised in that the click-in fixing means each consist of a plurality of click-in segments (R) comprising moulded click-in fixing means (2g, 6d), whereby in each case one of two interlockable moulded click-in means (2g, 6d) are constructed as click-in catches (6d) and are integrally moulded on an inherently resilient tongue or web-like catch means (6c) and in that the back plate (2) is provided, parallel with each of its peripheral sides and at the same distance measured from the centre of the click-in fixtures (2c') to the respective peripheral side, with a plurality of click-in fixtures (2c) disposed in a row, the centres being separated by the same reciprocal spacing X.
2. A combination picture holder according to Claim 1, characterised in that the click-in fixtures (2c') are set back in relation to the outer contours (U¹) of the mounts, leaving strip-like spacing strips (2m).
3. A combination picture holder according to claim 2, characterised in that the spacing dimension between the centres of the click-in fixtures (2c') and the outer contours (U) of the mounts (K¹) are of a dimension which is divisible by $\frac{\text{X}}{\text{2}}$

   

   to produce a whole number quotient.
4. A combination picture holder according to claim 1, characterised in that the dimension X of separation is between 32.5 and 34.9 mm and is advantageously approx. 33.75 mm.
5. A combination picture holder according to Claim 1, characterised in that the dimension X of separation is between 26 and 28 mm and is advantageously approx. 27 mm.
6. A combination picture holder according to Claim 1, characterised in that the dimension X of separation is between 21.7 and 23.3 mm and is advantageously approx. 22.5 mm.
7. A combination picture holder according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the click-in fixtures (2c') are functionally symmetrical in relation to both dimensions determined by the lateral edges of the mounts so that the connecting tabs (6) which are provided with matching click-in seats (6b) can be connected to the click-in fixtures (2c') in both the said directions.
8. A combination picture holder according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterised in that a grid-like web arrangement (2b) is integrally moulded onto the back plate (2) and forms fixtures (2c) and in that at least a part of the fixtures (2c) is constructed as click-in attachment fixtures (2c') provided with moulded click-in means into which the corresponding matching click-in seatings (6b) of the connecting tabs (6) engage.
9. A combination picture holder according to Claim 8, characterised in that the click-in attachment fixtures (2c') - measured from their outer webs (2b) - are at a distance from the outer contours (U1) of the mounts, the value of which can be divided by $\frac{\text{X}}{\text{2}}$

   

   to produce a whole number quotient.
10. A combination picture holder according to Claim 8, characterised in that the webs (42b) which engage around the click-in attachment fixtures (42c') of the back plate (42) on the one hand and the webs (46a) of the matching click-in seatings (46b) of the connecting tabs (46) which engage the said click-in attachment fixtures on the other are provided with matching moulded click-in means (42b', 46c).
11. A combination picture holder according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the click-in attachment fixtures (2c') of the back plate (2) on the one hand and the matching click-in seatings (6b) of the connecting tabs (6) on the other are provided with centrally disposed mutually overlapping hollow journals (2d, 6d) having all round moulded click-in catch means (2g, 6d) which are constructed as projections and returns and which at least partially consist of inherently resilient tongue or web-like catch means (6c).
12. A combination picture holder according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the click-in attachment fixtures (2c') on the back plate (2) are each provided with at least one centrally disposed insert hole (2h) for separable attachment of a cord-like suspension means (8) comprising an insert pin (8a).
13. A combination picture holder according to Claim 12, characterised in that the connecting tabs (6) comprise within their matching click-in seatings (6b) substantially centrally disposed apertures (6g') for passage of the insert pins (8a) of positioned cord-like suspension means (8) and in that the insert pins (8) are set in stages so that a positioned suspension means (8) is disposed behind the plane of positioned connecting tabs (6).
14. A combination picture holder according to Claim 12, characterised in that the insert pins (8a) are moulded on the end portions of cord-like suspension means (8) and in a transverse direction and are provided with extending tongues (8c) to facilitate dismantling.
15. A combination picture holder according to one of Claims 1 to 14, enclosed between front and back plates (1, 2), a picture bed (4) constructed as a push-in channel and open on at least one peripheral side of the mount, characterised in that front and back plates (1, 2) are connected on both sides in their plane of mutual contact and along the sides of the picture bed (4) by ultrasonic welding.

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