EP4097324A1

EP4097324A1 - A shutter frame for securing a panel and a method for assembling the same

Info

Publication number: EP4097324A1
Application number: EP21747257.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Prasath Perumal
Original assignee: Saint Gobain Glass France SAS; Compagnie de Saint Gobain SA
Current assignee: Saint Gobain Glass France SAS; Compagnie de Saint Gobain SA
Priority date: 2020-02-01
Filing date: 2021-01-22
Publication date: 2022-12-07
Also published as: WO2021152615A1; EP4097324A4

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a shutter frame (100) with a flawless-seamless appearance which is capable of securing at least one or more, same or different panels (108). The application also provides a method for assembling such a shutter frame (100), and support bars capable of holding various accessories for interior purposes, specifically in kitchen environment. The shutter frame (100) is assembled by employing hinge extrusions (102), corner connectors (104), partition extrusion (114), support bar extrusion (116), support bar connectors (118), and fastening means (106).

Description

A SHUTTER FRAME FOR SECURING A PANEL AND A METHOD FOR

ASSEMBLING THE SAME

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a shutter frame for securing panels. More particularly, the present invention relates to a shutter frame for securing glass panels such that the fastening means are not visible and a method for assembling the same, for use in interior/exterior constructions purposes.

BACKGROUND

Shutter frames comprising various sheet materials or glass panels are employed in numerous situations, especially in the field of construction and more specifically for interior applications to give aesthetically pleasing appearance to spaces. For example, shutter frames are used in the fabrication of windows, interior/exterior wall cladding, curtain walling and partition walls, and doors, and more recently in kitchen cabinets.

Conventional frames which can accommodate the reception of single or double sheets of glass panel are widely known in the art.

Generally, glass shutter aluminium frame assembly comprises corner connectors for connecting frame, where the connection is performed using screws from behind the frame which are visible on the back side of frame assembly. Such assembling of frames destroys the aesthetics of the glass and the application at large. Screwing from behind the frames also leads to uneven surface finishes in such a way that two different materials are distinctly visible, thereby spoiling the aesthetics of the interior spaces.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,783,945 describes a furniture front element like a cabinet door, of which the frame leg members are joined in mitre cut and without any screwed connection. The lengths of the leg members are infinitely adjustable and the frame filling pieces are designed as a storage means in order to be able to change the front surface of the element to the desired extent. This patent however does not have a seamless finish, and the eccentric -joint fittings are visible from behind the frame. U.S. Pat. No. 4,987,713 describes a frame and strip assembly for mounting an edge portion of a panel The frame assembly process in this invention is done through welding or brazing and therefore welding/brazing marks are visible. Further the removable top frame portion is assembled using fasteners from sides, thereby making the screws visible on the sides of the frame.

U.S. Publication No. 20080042531 A1 provides cabinet structures and processes. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,248,022 discloses a shutter assembly including a frame to hold the interior panel formed of an expanded metal sheet. The frame assembly in these references are done from behind the frame members using fasteners which are visible behind the frame.

Elimination of uneven surface matching is a critical activity during production, Le., visibility of two or more different materials and uneven surface finish of the product leads to rejection by the customers due to aesthetic damage. Seamless product finish, maintaining smooth and good finish during frame production is very critical for interior applications where aesthetic of the final product is of utmost significance. Thus there is a need for providing flawless-seamless shutter frames for holding glass panels, without compromising on the structural strength and thickness of the frame and aesthetics to the frame/interiors. The present invention addresses the drawbacks associated in the production of conventional shutter frames.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide a shutter frame for holding one or more panels, and also a method for assembling the same.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a shutter frame, such that the fastening means are not visible on any side of the frame, thereby providing good aesthetics to interiors of homes.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a support bar to assemble various kinds of accessories in the shutter frame, and also aid in providing structural strength to the shutter frame to take heavy load.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In an aspect, the present invention provides a shutter frame for securely holding a panel, comprising corner connectors, support bar connectors and fastening means. The design of the shutter frame assembly enables at least one same or different panel to be secured within the shutter frame.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for assembling the shutter frame which can securely hold at least one or more, same or different panels.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides support bars to assemble various kinds of accessories in the shutter frame.

The other features of the present invention will be described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the specific embodiments, but not limit the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention can be better understood, and its numerous features and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a shutter frame assembly design along with the extrusions, connectors, and screws, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 A depicts hinge extrusion, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B depicts handle extrusion, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2C depicts corner connector, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2D depicts hinge extrusion capable of accommodating handle extrusion, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A depicts the front view of a shutter frame assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B depicts the back view of a shutter frame assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 depicts glass partition extrusion, support bar extrusion and support bar connector, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A depicts front view of a shutter frame assembly with at least one support bar extrusion, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B depicts back view of a shutter frame assembly with at least one support bar extrusion, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method for assembling the shutter frame assembly, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method for assembling the shutter frame assembly with at least one support bar extrusion, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8A illustrates front view of shutter frame assembly with multiple support bar extrusions, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8B illustrates back view of a shutter frame assembly with multiple support bar extrusions, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.

Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description, in combination with the figures, is provided to assist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The following discussion will focus on specific implementations and embodiments of the teachings. This discussion is provided to assist in describing the teachings and should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope or applicability of the teachings. Note that not all of the activities described in the general description or the examples are required, that a portion of a specific activity may not be required, and that one or more further activities may be performed in addition to those described. Still further, the order in which activities are listed is not necessarily the order in which they are performed.

The specification and illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The specification and illustrations are not intended to serve as an exhaustive and comprehensive description of all of the elements and features of systems that use the structures or methods described herein. Certain features, that are for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in a sub combination. Further, reference to values stated in ranges includes each and every value within that range. It will further be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the disclosed composition, system, product and method, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates.

The description in combination with the figures is provided to assist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein, is provided to assist in describing the teachings, and should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope or applicability of the teachings.

As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," 'has," "having" or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive -or and not to an exclusive-or.

The use of "a" or "an" is employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural, or vice versa, unless it is clear that it is meant otherwise.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. To the extent that certain details regarding specific materials and processing acts are not described, such details may include conventional approaches, which may be found in reference books and other sources within the manufacturing arts.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” “an embodiment” “alternate embodiment” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present dis-closure. Thus, appearances of such phrases throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

The main aspect of the present invention is to provide a shutter frame 100 for securing a panel 108, and more specifically a shutter frame 100 having aesthetically improved appearance, structural stability, simple design and securely holds at least one or more, same or different types of panels 108.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, various embodiments of the shutter frame 100 in accordance with the present disclosure are illustrated. The shutter frame 100 comprises at least four hinge extrusions 102, at least four corner connectors 104, fastening means 106, and at least one panel 108.

The hinge extrusions 102 in accordance with the present disclosure is hollow and configured to hold accessories and also possess integral slots 112 to assemble the shutter frame 100 as shown in

FIGS. 1 and 2A.

The corner connectors 104 in accordance with the present disclosure are configured to connect the hinge extrusions 102 together, and give structural stability to the assembled shutter frame 100 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2C. The fastening means 106 in accordance with the present disclosure are screws employed to hold the entire assembled shutter frame 100 together, by connecting the corner connectors 104 with the hinge extrusions 102 through the integral slots 112, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4.

Referring to FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure the two hinge extrusions 102a, 102b are configured to act as opposing surfaces, and other two hinge extrusions 102c, 102d are configured to extend between peripheral corners 110 of the opposing surfaces. The configuration of the at least four hinge extrusions 102 is such that, two hinge extrusions 102a, 102c; 102b, 102c; 102a, 102d; 102b, 102d are perpendicular to each other and the other two hinge extrusions 102a, 102b; 102c, 102d lie parallel to each other. The two hinge extrusions which are perpendicular are positioned adjacent to each other.

In an embodiment the hinge extrusions 102 are C-shaped profiles. The hinge extrusion 102 is made from a combination of materials selected from but not limited to aluminum, steel, P VC, wood, and polymers. In a preferred embodiment the hinge extrusion 102 is fabricated from an extruded metal such as aluminum.

The four hinge extrusions 102 are connected by means of the corner connectors 104 using fastening means 106. In accordance with the present invention eachcorner connector 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d are provided with L-shaped arms 104e that seamlessly fit into adjacent peripheral corners 110 of the hinge extrusions. The corner connectors 104 having L-shaped arms 104e is provided with countersunk holes 104f. The L-shaped arms 104e of the corner connectors 104 are fitted into at least two adjacent hinge extrusions 102a, 102c; 102b, 102c; 102a, 102d; 102b, 102d and fastened together by fastening means 106. The corner connectors 104 are die casted parts which are specifically designed to take heavy load, thereby providing structural strength to the shutter frame 100.

In accordance with the present invention the hinge extrusions 102 are configured to have integral slots 112 towards their peripheral corners 110. The integral slots 112 at the peripheral corners 110 of the hinge extrusions 102 and the countersunk holes 104f of the L-shaped arms 104e are fitted with each other by fastening means. Various fastening means are used for fastening not limited to specific screws. In a preferred embodiment the fastening means 106 is M5 CSK screws. The fastening of screws can be done using a simple machine such as a screwdriver, eliminating the processes such as welding or brazing. However, the screws can also be manually screwed. The corner connectors 104 are fitted into the hinge extrusions 102 by fastening means 106 on a front side 120 of the shutter frame 100.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention at least one panel 108 is pasted over the front side 120 of the shutter frame 100. Pasting of the panel 108 on the front side 120 of the shutter frame 100 is performed using suitable adhesives including but not limited to silicon, resins, epoxy, acrylic, and double sided tape. In a preferred embodiment silicon is used as an adhesive due to its strong binding properties. Silicon is applied manually on the front side 120 of the frame 100 and the panel 108 is pasted over the shutter frame 100.

Once the panel 108 is pasted over the front side 120 of the shutter frame 100 the fastening means 106 are completely hidden on the front side 120. In conventional frames the screws or the fastening means is visible either on both sides of the frame or at least one side of the frame, thereby destroying the aesthetic appeal of the interiors/frame. Screwing the shutter frame 100 from the front side 120 and then pasting the panel on front side 120 of the frame in accordance with the present disclosure solves the problem of the screws being visible. The frame according to the present disclosure also provides even seamless finish to the shutter frame 100.

In an embodiment the panel 108 is selected from a group of but not limited to glass, wood, polymer, acrylic sheets, laminated plywood, ACP sheets, and sheet metal. In a preferred embodiment the panel 108 is glass. In a most preferred embodiment the glass panel 108 may include any of a mirror, a lacquered glass, a colored glass, a tinted glass, a tempered glass, a laminated glass, a patterned glass, enameled glass or the like.

The shutter frame 100 in accordance with the present disclosure has different shapes such as square-shaped, rectangle-shaped, etc. The shape of the shutter frame 100 varies depending on the shape, size and type of cabinet.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a shutter frame 100 which is capable of securing at least two panels 108. The shutter frame 100 further comprises, at least one partition extrusion 114, at least one support bar extrusion 116, and at least two support bar connectors 118. The support bar extrusion 116 in accordance with the present invention is configured to hold the partition extrusion 114 and gives additional support to the frame as shown in FIG. 4.

The support bar connector 118 in accordance with the present invention is configured to connect the support bar extrusion 116 to the hinge extrusions 102 in the shutter frame 100.

The partition extrusion 114 in accordance with the present invention is configured to slide over the support bar extrusion 116 and the shutter frame 100 and act as a partition between the two panels 108 and gives edge protection to the panels 108.

Referring to FIG. 4 in accordance with the present invention at least one support bar extrusion 116 is extended between the opposing surfaces of two parallel hinge extrusions 102. The support bar extrusion 116 is configured to securely hold the partition extrusion 114 extending between the opposing surfaces of the two hinge extrusions 102 by means of the support bar connectors 118. The support bar extrusion 116 possesses a narrow groove along its length to enable the partition extrusion 114 to slide onto its surface and exactly fit inside the support bar extrusion 116 and the hinge extrusions 102.

The support bar extrusion 116 is further configured to have integral slots 112 towards their peripheral corners 110 and the support bar connector 118 is configured to have countersunk holes 104f. The integral slots 112 at the peripheral corners 110 of the support bar extrusion 116 and the countersunk holes 104f of the support bar connector are fitted with each other by fastening means 106.

The fastening means 106 in accordance to a preferred embodiment with the present disclosure are M5 CSK screws. However, various other screws for fastening are also used in accordance with the present invention. The support bar connectors 118 are fitted into the support bar extrusions 116 by fastening means 106 to secure the support bar extrusion 116 within the frame 100.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the partition extrusion 114 extending between opposing surfaces of the two hinge extrusions 102 by means of the support bar connectors 118 allows the frame to hold at least two panels 108. In alternate embodiments, there can be multiple partition extrusion 114 extending between opposing surfaces of the two hinge extrusions 102, thereby enabling multiple panels to be mounted there between. In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, the shutter frame 100 is also configured to have more than one support bar extrusion extending between the two hinge extrusions 102 as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. In a most preferred embodiment various combinations of different types of glasses are securely held in the shutter frame 100. The two panels 108 include combinations such as lacquered glass and colored glass, lacquered glass and tinted glass, colored glass and tinted glass, lacquered glass and laminated glass and combinations thereof, depending on the choice of the customer.

The shutter frame 100 in accordance with the present invention further comprises a handle extrusion 124 (as shown in FIG. 2B) pasted on at least one hinge extrusion 102. The handle extrusion 124 is a handle profile design which is configured to enable opening and closing the shutter frame 100. The handle extrusion 124 in accordance with the present invention is a G-shaped profile. The handle extrusion 124 is made from a combination of materials selected from but not limited to aluminum, steel, PVC, wood, and polymers. In a preferred embodiment the handle extrusion 124 is fabricated from an extruded metal such as aluminum. The hinge extrusion 102 onto which the handle extrusion 124 is pasted, has a profile as shown in FIG. 2D which allows the handle extrusion 124 to be pasted on its surface.

In one embodiment the handle extrusion 124 is pasted on any of the hinge extrusions 102 depending on the type of cabinet the shutter frame 100 is fitted into. The handle extrusion 124 can support the hinge extrusion 102 to be opened and closed in various flexible directions for ex., top openable, down ways openable, and sideways openable etc.

The shutter frame as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B is capable of securing at least two panels 108. In an embodiment the panel 108 is selected from a group of but not limited to glass, wood, polymer, laminated plywood, ACP sheet, and sheet metal. In a preferred embodiment the panel 108 is glass. In a most preferred embodiment the glass panel 108 may include any of a mirror, a lacquered glass , a colored glass, a tinted glass, a tempered glass, a laminated glass, a patterned glass or the like.

In an embodiment various combinations of panels are securely held by the shutter frame 100. The shutter frame 100 is configured to hold either two same types of panels 108 or different types of panels 108. The shutter frame 100 as described in the present invention further comprises hinge access holes 126 to enable the installation of the frame in various interior purposes, specifically kitchen cabinets.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, during the extrusion of the hinge extrusions 102 it is ensured not to compromise on thickness of the shutter frame 100 by maintaining it constant throughout the design production, and yet achieve a seamless finish . The shutter frame 100 thickness is in the range of 12 to 14mm. In a preferred embodiment the shutter frame 100 thickness is 13.8mm. If the thickness of the shutter frame 100 is less, then it cannot incorporate the hinges that are available in the market. If the thickness of the shutter frame 100 is more then it will become bulky thereby spoiling the aesthetics of the shutter frame 100 and interiors. Further, bulkier shutter frames 100 also increase the weight and cost due to increase in material required for production. Standard hinges which are available in the market penetrate 9.5mm inside the shutter frame 100.

Thus the shutter frame 100 described in the present disclosure strikes a good balance between design engineering to obtain a seamless finish and enhanced aesthetic appeal while retaining structural strength and thickness as that of the conventional designs such that the installation of these re-designed shutter frames 100 can be installed to existing carcass in interiors without any changes.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 6 to 7, various embodiments of the method for assembling the shutter frame in accordance with the present disclosure are illustrated. FIG 6 illustrates a method for assembling the shutter frame 100 for securing one panel 108 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The method comprises positioning of at least two hinge extrusions 102a, 102b to oppose each other surfaces as shown in FIG 1. The at least two hinge extrusions 102c, 102d are extended between peripheral corners 110a, 110c & llOe, 1 lOg of the opposing surfaces of the two hinge extrusions 102a, 102b as shown in FIG 1. The two hinge extrusions 102 are extended in a way, such that two hinge extrusions 102 are configured to lie perpendicular to each other and the other two hinge extrusions 102 are parallel to each other. The two hinge extrusions 102 which aie perpendicular are positioned adjacent to each other.

The method for assembling the shutter frame 100 with one glass panel in accordance with the present invention, further comprises connecting the peripheral corners 110 of the hinge extrusions 102 by means of corner connectors 104. The hinge extrusions 102 are configured to have integral slots 112 towards their peripheral corners 110. The integrated slots 112 at the peripheral corners 110 of the hinge extrusions 102 and the countersunk holes 104f of the L-shaped arms 104e are fitted with each other by fastening means such as screws 106. The L-shaped arms 104e of the corner connectors 104 is fitted into the peripheral corners 110 of the hinge extrusions 102 and screwed on the front side of the frame.

Subsequent to which adhesive is applied on the front side 120 of the shutter frame 100 and the panel 108 is pasted over the shutter frame 100. Pasting of the panel on the frame is performed using suitable adhesives including but not limited to silicon, resins, epoxy, acrylic, and double sided tape. In a preferred embodiment silicon is used as an adhesive due to its strong binding properties. Silicon is applied manually on the front side 120 of the frame 100 and the panel is pasted over the frame. Alternatively, panel can be mounted on to the shutter frame 100 using rubber or plastic gasket and flange on aluminum profile, or other suitable mounting methods.

The method further comprises pasting a handle extrusion 124 on the hinge extrusion 102. The handle extrusion 124 is a handle profile design which is configured to open and close the shutter frame 100. The shutter frame 100 assembled in accordance with the method disclosed has flawless-seamless finish wherein the fastening means 106 are not visible on both the front side 120 and back 122 side of the frame 100.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG 7 illustrates the method for assembling the shutter frame 100 with at least two panels 108. The method comprises setting at least two hinge extrusions 102c, 102d to oppose each other surfaces. One hinge extrusion 102a is extended between a peripheral corner of the opposing surfaces of the two hinge extrusions 102c, 102d, such that the hinge extrusion 102a is perpendicular to both the hinge extrusions 102c, 102d. The peripheral corners 110 of the hinge extrusions 102 are connected by means of corner connectors 104 through fastening means 106. The fastening means 106 in accordance with the present invention are M5 CSK screws used for fastening the corner connectors 104 into the hinge extrusions 102. Various other fastening means are also used in accordance with the present disclosure.

The method further comprises extending the support bar extrusion 116 is between the opposing surfaces of two parallel hinge extrusions 102. The support bar extrusion 116 is configured to securely hold the partition extrusion 114 extending between the opposing surfaces of the two hinge extrusions 102 by means of the support bar connectors 118. The support bar extrusion 116 possesses a narrow groove along its length to enable the partition extrusion 114 to slide onto its surface and exactly fit inside the support bar extrusion 116 and the hinge extrusions 102.

The partition extrusion 114 is fitted into the support bar extrusion 116 by way of sliding the partition extrusion 114 into the narrow groove of the support bar extrusion 116 and thereby holding onto the support bar extrusion 116 and the hinge extrusion 102. One end of the support bar extrusion 116 is now connected to the hinge extrusion 102a as shown in step 2 of FIG 7. This is done by using support bar connector 118 and fastening means 106, to give structural strength to the shutter frame 100. The support bar extrusion 116 is centrally aligned to extend between the hinge extrusions 102a, 102b and parallel to hinge extrusions 102c, 102d.

The method further comprises connecting the hinge extrusions 102c, 102d with the hinge extrusion 102b by means of corner connectors, and fastening means. Further the hinge extrusions 102b is connected with hinge extrusions 102c, 102d by means of corner connectors, and fastening means. Fastening of the screws is performed on the front side 120 to form a shutter frame 100. Subsequent to which adhesive is applied on the front side 120 of the shutter frame 100 and two panels 108 are pasted over the shutter frame 100 as shown in FIG. 6.

In accordance with an embodiment, at least two same panels 108 are pasted over the front side 120 of the shutter frame 100. In an alternate embodiment at least two different panels 108 are pasted over the shutter frame 100. The panels 108 may be selected from but not limited to wood, polymer, laminated plywood, glass such as mirror, a lacquered glass, a colored glass, a tinted glass, a tempered glass, a laminated glass, a patterned glass, enameled glass or a combination thereof.

The method further comprises pasting one handle extrusion 124 on at least one hinge extrusion 102, to complete the assembling of the shutter frame 100. The handle extrusion is a handle profile design which is configured to open and close the shutter frame 100. The shutter frame 100 assembled in accordance with the method disclosed has flawless -seamless finish wherein the fastening means 106 are not visible on both the front side 120 and back side 122 of the shutter frame 100. In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, the shutter frame 100 is also configured to have more than one support bar extrusion 116 extending between the two hinge extrusions 102. In a most preferred embodiment various combinations of different types of glasses are securely held in the shutter frame 100. The two panels 108 include combinations such as lacquered glass and colored glass, lacquered glass and tinted glass, colored glass and tinted glass, lacquered glass and laminated glass and combinations thereof, depending on the choice of the customer.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 5A and 5B illustrate the front view 120 and back view 122 of the shutter frame 100 according to multiple embodiments of the present invention, which is capable of accommodating one or at least two same or different panels 108. The front view 120 and back view 122 of the shutter frame 100 has flawless -seamless appearance, adding to the aesthetics of interiors. Uneven surface matching during production is eliminated, which is critical activity during production. Production rejection due to aesthetic damage or mismatch is eliminated using the shutter frame 100 in accordance with the present invention. Seamless product finish is achieved in accordance with the shutter frame 100 as disclosed in the present invention, which gives good aesthetic finish to product.

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrates a shutter frame with multiple support bar extrusions 116. The support bar 116 is configured to provide structural strength to the frame and is also capable of holding kitchen and wardrobe accessories in a shutter frame 100 assembly. The support bar 116 is connected to the hinge extrusions 102 by using support bar connectors 118 and fastening means 106.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure the multiple support bar extrusions 116 assembled on the shutter frame 100 do not have a panel 108 pasted, so as to enable the shutter frame 100 to be fitted into a cabinet which can hold various accessories and therefore be used for storage purposes like shelves.

FIGS. 8 A and 8B further illustrates the front view and back view of a support bar extrusion 116 assembled in a shutter frame 100 which is capable of holding various accessories for interior purposes. The shutter frame 100 in accordance with the present invention comprises multiple support bar extrusions 116. The shutter frame 100 as described in the present invention further comprises hinge access holes 126 to enable the installation of the frame in various interior purposes, specifically kitchen cabinets. In a further possible embodiment the shutter frame can also be a framed design which can securely hold at least one same or more different glass panels 108.

The shutter frame 100 and the shutter frame assembly in accordance with the present invention does not need any additional machinery, thereby decreasing the production cost and making it economical. The shutter frame 100 assembling is simple and can be performed easily without using any additional machinery thereby making it user-friendly. As a result, these shutter frames 100 can be assembled by unskilled labor.

The shutter frame 100 in the form of an enclosure, in accordance with the present invention finds its application in home interiors like kitchen cabinets and commercial areas. Specifically, in areas such as openable shutters, drawers, lift up shutters, L-corner shutters, tall unit shutter, openable wardrobe, sliding wardrobe, sliding folding wardrobe, etc.

Although the shutter frame and method of assembling and using the same are described herein in connection with interior purpose and more specifically within a kitchen environment, the structures and techniques can be implemented for a wide variety of cabinetry and/or furniture, or any combination thereof, as desired.

List of Elements 100 Shutter frame

102 Hinge extrusions

104 Corner connectors

106 Fastening means

108 Panel

110 Peripheral corner of hinge extrusion

112 Slots

114 Glass partition extrusion

116 Support bar extrusion

118 Support bar connectors

120 Front side of shutter frame

122 Back side of shutter frame

124 Handle extrusion

126 Hinge access holes

Claims

We Claim:

1. A shutter frame (100) for securing a panel, the frame comprising: at least four hinge extrusions (102); at least four corner connectors (104); fastening means (106); and at least one panel (108), wherein two hinge extrusions (102a, 102b) are configured to act as opposing surfaces, and the other two hinge extrusions (102c, 102d) are configured to extend between peripheral corners (110) of the opposing surfaces, such that two hinge extrusions are configured to be perpendicular to each other and two hinge extrusions lie parallel to each other; the four hinge extrusions (102) are connected by means of the corner connectors (104) using fastening means (106), wherein each corner connector (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) have L- shaped arms (104e) that seamlessly fit into adjacent peripheral corners (110) of at least two hinge extrusions (102) and fastened by fastening means (106) on a front side (120) of the frame (100), wherein at least one panel (108) is pasted over the front side (120) of the frame (100), such that the fastening means are not visible on both the front side (120) and back (122) side of the frame (100).

2. The shutter frame (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hinge extrusions (102) are C- shaped profiles made from materials selected from a combination of materials including but not limited to aluminum, steel, PVC,wood, and polymers.

3. The shutter frame (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hinge extrusions (102) are configured to have integrated slots (112) towards their peripheral corners (110).

4. The shutter frame (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the L-shaped arms of the corner connectors are provided with countersunk holes (104).

5. The shutter frame (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: at least one partition extrusion (114), at least one support bar extrusion (116), and at least two support bar connectors (118), wherein the at least one partition extrusion (114) is configured to extend between opposing surfaces of two parallel hinge extrusions (102) and wherein the support bar extrusion (116) is configured to securely hold the partition extrusion (114) between opposing surfaces of two hinge extrusions (102) by means of the support bar connectors (118).

6. The shutter frame (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the support bar connector (118) is configured to fit into the support bar extrusion (116) by using fastening means (106), to secure the support bar extrusion (116) within the shutter frame (100);

7. The shutter frame (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the partition extrusion (114) is configured to hold at least two panels (108) within the frame (100).

8. The shutter frame (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the support bar extrusion (116) is configured to have integral slots towards the peripheral corners .

9. The shutter frame (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the panel (108) is selected from a group consisting of glass, wood, polymer.

10. The shutter frame (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a handle extrusion (124) mounted on at least one hinge extrusion (102).

11. A method for assembling a shutter frame (100) as claimed in claim 1, the method comprising the steps of: a) positioning at least two hinge extrusions (102a, 102b) to oppose each other surfaces; b) extending the at least two hinge extrusions (102c, 102d) between peripheral corners (110a, 110c & llOe, llOg) of the opposing surfaces of the two hinge extrusions (102a, 102b), such that two hinge extrusions are configured to lie perpendicular to each other and two hinge extrusions are parallel to each other; c) connecting the peripheral corners (110) of the hinge extrusions (102) by means of corner connectors (104) through fastening means (106); d) applying silicon on front side (120) of the shutter frame (100) e) pasting a panel (108) over the shutter frame (100); and f) pasting at least one handle extrusion (124) on at least one hinge extrusion (102), to assemble the shutter frame.

12. A method for assembling a shutter frame (100) as claimed in claim 5, the method comprising the steps of: a) positioning at least two hinge extrusions (102c, 102d) to oppose each other surfaces; b) extending one hinge extrusion (102a) between a peripheral corner of the opposing surfaces of the two hinge extrusions (102c, 102d), such that it is perpendicular to both the hinge extrusions; c) connecting the peripheral corners (110) of the hinge extrusions (102) by means of corner connectors (104) through fastening means (106); d) extending at least one support bar extrusion (116) between the two hinge extrusions (102a, 120b); d) connecting one peripheral corner of each of the support bar extrusion (116) to the hinge extrusion (102a) by using support bar connector (118) and fastening means (106); e) sliding the partition extrusion (114) on the support bar extrusion (118) and the hinge extrusions (102); f) connecting hinge extrusion (102b) with the support bar extrusion (116), and two hinge extrusions (120c, 102d) by using support bar connector (118), corner connectors (104) and fastening means (106); g) applying silicon on front side (120) of the shutter frame (100); h) pasting at least two same or different panels (108a, 108b) over the shutter frame; and i) pasting at least one handle extrusion (124) on at least one hinge extrusion (102), to assemble the shutter frame.

13. An enclosure in kitchen, wardrobe, drawers and shutter comprising a shutter frame as claimed in any of the preceding claims.