EP1046364A1

EP1046364A1 - Improved wall frame

Info

Publication number: EP1046364A1
Application number: EP19980930808
Authority: EP
Inventors: Antonio Oliver Munoz
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-07-04
Filing date: 1998-07-02
Publication date: 2000-10-25
Also published as: WO1999001056A8; WO1999001056A1; ES1037699U; ES1037699Y

Abstract

Based upon any conventional construction and moreover any line of design, the frame (1) is provided with a small, duly integrated level (2), which is preferably a spirit-level, with which fixing the frame (1) properly to a wall is extremely easy, in so far as levelling thereof is concerned. The level (2) may be fixed on the outside of the frame (1) or be preferably embedded within it, so as to influence its appearance as little as possible, and it may be located on either its cross members (3) or one of its uprights (4), without distinction.

Description

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a frame of the kind used as a decorative complement for pictures, mirrors and the like, which frame has been considerably improved for it to be easier to be fixed onto the wall, specifically in so far as levelling is concerned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hanging a frame on the wall mainly results in two situations, one in which the frame is small, in which case it is hung on the wall from the midpoint of its upper cross member, and another in which the size of the frame may result in a single attachment being insufficient, in which case two fixing points are established on its uprights, which are generally linked by means of an intermediate brace.
In either case, but particularly so in the latter case, great skill is required to level the frame and the task is moreover further complicated because when one is closest to the frame, as is required to manipulate the same, it is almost impossible to ascertain whether or not the frame is levelled, and it is thus necessary to move to and from the frame time and again in order to gradually adjust its position, always "at a rough guess".

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The frame disclosed herein has been devised and structured in order to fully solve the aforesaid drawbacks.
More specifically and in order to achieve the above, based upon the construction of any conventional frame, the main characteristics of the frame lie in the provision of a small level, preferably a spirit-level, which allows it to be quickly and perfectly levelled.
Said level will obviously be configured, sized and located so as to have the least negative effect on the general appearance of the frame, and it may therefore simulate an ornament or be camouflaged on one of its edges or with any other appropriate subterfuge.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to provide a fuller description and contribute to the complete understanding of the characteristics of this invention, a set of drawings is attached to the specification as an integral part thereof which, while purely illustrative and not fully comprehensive, shows the following:
Figure 1.- Is a schematic front elevation view of a frame made in accordance with the improvements subject of the present invention.
Figure 2.- Is an enlarged close-view of the preceding figure in the area thereof in which said improvements are located.
Figure 3.- Is finally a cross-sectional close-view of the frame along line A-B of figure 2.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

With reference to these figures, the frame disclosed herein can be seen to comprise a classic, rectangular frame (1) configuration, as shown in figure 1, or any other configuration and of course any type of section, and its main characteristics lie in the provision, at any suitable location on the frame, of a spirit-level (2) which provides an immediate and reliable assurance of whether or not the frame (1) is levelled when it is hung on a hook duly fixed to the wall.
Although the level (2) is shown in figure 1 centred on the bottom cross member (3) of the frame (1), it can naturally take up any other position along said cross member, the upper cross member and even the uprights (4), the only requirement being the use of a suitable type of level in each case, which level (2) may similarly be located either on the front of the frame or concealed on one of its edges.
In the preferred practical embodiment chosen, said level (2) is embedded within a recess or slotted hole (5) operatively provided on the bottom cross member (3) of the frame (1), but said embodiment is by no means determinant and the level (2) may quite simply be adapted to the outer surface of the frame, fixed thereto by means of an adhesive, screwing or any other conventional means whatsoever.
We feel that the description need not be extended any further for any expert in the art to have grasped the full scope of the invention and the advantages it offers.
The materials, shape, size and layout of the elements may be altered provided that this entails no modification of the essential features of the invention.
The terms used to describe the invention herein should be taken to have a broad rather than a restrictive meaning.

Claims

An improved wall frame, of the kind used as a decorative complement for pictures, mirrors and the like, essentially characterised in that, based upon the construction of any conventional frame, it is provided with a level duly fixed thereto, preferably a spirit-level, which allows the levelling of the frame to be quickly and simply ascertained after being hung on the wall.
An improved wall frame, in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that said level is fixed to the frame as such by means of an adhesive, screwing or any other conventional means whatsoever, on its outer surface or within a slotted hole operatively provided to such end and at any suitable location on the frame, both on its front and the edge of any of its horizontal cross members or uprights.