GB2090641A - Picture and like frames - Google Patents

Abstract

A corner connection for two mitred frame members 1, comprises a connector piece P with limbs L1, L2 to engage channels A in each frame member. The limbs have pins 2 which engage angled slots 5 and the juncture portion J of the piece P has a further pin 3 which engages with a snap-action into detents 5 in the ends of each frame member. The connection piece P is slightly deformable to allow assembly by application of force. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements in picture or the like frame This invention relates to an improved construction of a frame for a picture or the like whereby the frame may be constructed or assembled in a simple manner from basic components with means to hold the mitred corners of the frame members together.

An object of this invention is primarily to provide a connection means for the mitred corners of picture framing members which enable the parts to be coupled together easily whilst maintaining a firm rigid joint.

According to this invention there is provided a connection arrangement for two frame members each being of channel form and having mitred abuting end faces, the connection comprising a connecting piece of which a limb is locatable within the channel of one frame member and held therein against longitudinal displacement, the other limb being engageable with the other frame member to enable the frame members to be brought into right angular abutment, a projection at the juncture portion of the two limbs of the connecting piece engaging a detent in the mitred end of each channel member, the connecting piece being deformable sufficiently to engage the projection with the detent when the two frame members are brought into abutment.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention there is provided a connection arrangement between two frame members each being of channel form and having mitred abuting end faces, the connection comprising an L-shaped connecting piece of resiliently deformable material of which one limb of the L is locatable within the channel of one frame member and held therein against longitudinal displacement, the other limb of the L being engageable with the other frame member and having a pin which cooperates with a slot in the side wall of the channel when the frame members are brought into right angular abutment, a further pin located at the juncture portion of the two limbs of the L engaging a detent in the mitred end of each channel member, the connecting piece being deformable sufficiently to engage the pin with the detent when the two frame members are assembled.

This arrangement according to the invention provides a means for connecting the frame members at right angles with the final connection produced being rigid, but nevertheless disengageable if necessary. Preferably the connecting piece is a one piece moulding of a rigid but nevertheless deformable plastics material which incorporates the pins integrally therewith.

The frame members will typically be an aluminium extrusion but other materials may be used in this respect.

Further features of the invention and preferred details are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings illustrating one embodiment by way of example.

In the drawings: Figure 1 shows one frame member, the connecting piece and second frame member prior to engagement, and Figure 2 shows the engaging action between the two frame parts.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, a picture frame, as example, is formed from four lengths of an aluminium extrusion which in this case comprises a substantially "W" section material which embodies two channels A and B. The channels B are designed to accommodate the edges of an assembly comprising glass front G, a picture and a back sheet S.

The other channel A is arranged to accommodate at the end portions a connecting piece illustrated generally as P. Each of the ends of the frame members 1 are mitred and the connecting piece comprises an L-shaped member of a rigid but nevertheless deformable plastics material (e.g. nylon) having two limbs L1 and L2.

The limbs may be formed from an integral moulding and pins are provided near each end of each limb and also at the juncture portion referenced J. The pins at each end of each limb 2 and also at the juncture portion 3 may be integrally moulded with the connecting piece or they may comprise separate metal pins located in apertures provided in suitable locations of the connecting piece.

The channel A of each frame has slots in each side face at opposed positions and the slots are cut angularly in towards the corner e.g. at 450.

These slots referenced S and the arrangement is such that the one limb L1 of the connecting piece has the pins at the end thereof engaged in the slots and is then forced into the channel so that the pin 3 rides over the mitred edge to engage a detent 5 provided in the end face of the mitred corner. In tis condition the connecting piece is securely held in the one frame member.

To assemble the frame the glass and backing sheet assembiy G, S is positioned within the second channel B and the other frame member is engaged through its slot S with the pin 2 so that limb L2 lies in channel A. By applying a force in the direction F as shown in Figure 2 the connecting piece is caused to deform slightly enabling the pin 3 to ride over the end face of the frame member and locate within the detent 5 in the end of this member. This "snap-action" is effected for all four corners and the result is a rigid rectangular frame with all the abuting mitred corners held in tight intimate contact.

This arrangement enables the frame members to be produced from a standard extrusion with the ends being appropriately mitred and cut with slots S and detents 5. The connecting piece itself comprises a simple moulding and by this means a rigid connection is ensured. It will also be noted that the ends of all the frame members are identically formed and within the context of the invention it is possible for one of the limb members L1 or L2 to be otherwise connected with a frame member with the engaging action of the slot S and detent 5 being present only on one part of the frame at the joint.

A cut-away C or slot may be provided in one or preferably both frame members 1 to receive a screw driver blade enabling the frame members to be dissembled more readily.

Claims (8)

1. A connection arrangement for two frame members each being of channel form and having mitred abuting end faces, the connection comprising a connecting piece of which a limb is locatable within the channel of one frame member and held therein against longitudinal displacement, the other limb being engageable with the other frame member to enable the frame members to be brought into right angular abutment, a projection at the juncture portion of the two limbs of the connecting piece engaging a detent in the mitred end of each channel member, the connecting piece being deformable sufficiently to engage the projection with the detent when the two frame members are brought into abutment.

2. A connection arrangement between two frame members each being of channel form and having mitred abuting end faces, the connection comprising an L-shaped connecting piece of resiliently deformable material of which one limb of the L is locatable within the channel of one frame member and held therein against longitudinal displacement, the other limb of the L being engageable with the other frame member and having a pin which cooperates with a slot in the sidewall of the channel when the frame members are brought into right angular abutment, a further pin located at the juncture portion of the two limbs of the L engaging a detent in the mitred end of each channel member, the connecting piece being deformable sufficiently to engage the pin with the detent when the two frame members are assembled.

3. A connection according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the other limb of the connecting piece is engageable with the other frame member in a manner resisting longitudinal displacement but allowing pivotal movement about a point of engagement whereby the other frame member may be pivoted about said point and brought into right angular abutment to engage the projection or further pin with the detent by a snap-action.

4. A connection according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame members comprise aluminium extrusions having two parallel juxtaposed channels, one channel having aligned slots in opposed walls each engaging a pin provided near an end of a limb of the connecting piece.

5. A connection according to any preceding claim, wherein the connecting piece is of a plastic material with integral pins engaging the frame members.

6. A connection in accordance with Claim 2, wherein, both limbs of the connecting piece have pins which engage corresponding slots in the sides of the frame members, the slots lying at an angle of substantially 450 to the frame members and extending from the normally inner side edge to the medial part of the side face of the frame member.

7. A frame constructed and arranged substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.

8. A connection arrangement for frame members generally as described herein and with reference to the drawings.