GB2297906A

GB2297906A - Frame for pictures, etc.

Info

Publication number: GB2297906A
Application number: GB9602846A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Edward John Frewin
Original assignee: ARTLINES Ltd
Current assignee: ARTLINES Ltd
Priority date: 1995-02-14
Filing date: 1996-02-13
Publication date: 1996-08-21
Anticipated expiration: 2016-02-13
Also published as: GB2297906B; GB9602846D0

Abstract

To use the shown frame, a sheet of glass, etc., is placed on the frame part 90, a picture, for example, is placed on the glass so that it is viewable through the aperture 108, and a backing sheet placed on the picture. Side portions 92,94,96,98 are then folded around the glass, picture and backing sheet. A region of the side portions which contact the backing sheet are self adhesive and so stick to the backing sheet. A frame is thus formed which substantially seals the picture. Edge covering regions 110,112,114,116 are provided to accommodate the thickness of the glass picture and backing means. Edge face tabs 100,102,104,106 are provided to seal the corners of the framed article.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO FRAMING This invention concerns improvements in and relating to framing, particularly, but not exclusively for pictures and other planar objects.

Frames have long been recognised as contributing aesthetically to the overall impression of an image or picture, as well as providing valuable protection against external influences on the picture.

Traditional frames consisting of a hard surround (of wood, plastics or metal for instance) with a backing plate and transparent front are relatively expensive, lacking in versatility and often awkward for the person wishing to insert their own image.

To provide easier home framing so-called "clip frames" have been developed and are widely used. These use resilient clips at discrete locations positioned around the periphery to apply force and sandwich the back, image and transparent front elements together. Unfortunately, such assemblies are still relatively expensive, provide very limited protection for the image against external factors such as damp and dust which can get into the edge gap, and are prone to falling apart suddenly if a relatively small number of the clips slip or come off. In addition, as the majority of the periphery of the transparent front element, usually glass, is exposed, there is a danger of cuts to users as well as scratching furniture.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide a simple to use, aesthetically pleasing, low cost means for framing which provides external protection and a more secure assembly.

According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a method of framing an article, the method comprising providing frame forming means having a first portion and two or more second side portions extending therefrom and the method further comprising positioning the article on the first portion, with a first face of the article in contact with the first portion, deforming one of said second side portions around the article and into contact with the face of the article opposing the first face, and similarly deforming the other side portion; the arrangement being such that the frame forming means defines a frame around a substantial part of one face of the article.

In this way a cheap and easily manipulated method and means for framing is effected as the materials are relatively simple and the article itself aids in defining the correct configuration/size for the frame.

The second side portions may be adapted to or capable of adhering to the face of the article they contact. In this way the resilience of the frame is improved.

Preferably the second side portions comprise self adhesive material which is backed with backing means, the method comprising removing the backing means and allowing the second side portions to adhere to the face of the article they contact.

An advantage of such backing material is that it prevents the self adhesive material from adhering to the wrong article.

Preferably a second side portion is provided for every, or substantially each, side of the article.

The second side portions may be adapted to deform around the article along predetermined lines. An advantage of providing such lines is that it is easier to deform the second side portions.

Preferably at least one corner portion (said corner portion being formed by deformation of the second side portions) has an edge face tab which is adapted, in use, to extend over an edge face region of said article, below one of said second side portions. Such edge face tabs assist in sealing the corner portions.

The second side portions may be adapted substantially to seal the article against the ingress of dust. This stops the article becoming damaged or becoming dirtied by dust.

Preferably the article is picture means. Most preferably the article is a picture which is adapted in use to be hung on a wall. Alternatively the picture may rest on a surface with a stand means.

The method may comprise removing backing means from the back of the first portion (which is self adhesive) and allowing the first portion to adhere to the first face of the article.

The first portion and the second side portion may be provided on a sheet, and the method may comprise forming a hole in the first portion to form a frame. Of course it will be realised, that forming such a hole may allow the picture (or other article) to be viewed.

Preferably the hole is rectangular. Alternatively the hole may be any other shape such as oval, circular or the like.

According to a second aspect of the invention we provide framing means comprising a first portion and two or more second side portions extending from the first portion, the second side portions being adapted to wrap around their respective edge of an article to be framed and contacting in use the face of the article opposing that contacting the first portion, the framing means being adapted in use to define a frame on one face of an article.

In this way a simple yet strong and effective means for framing an article is provided at low cost.

The side portions may extend the full length of one or more of the sides of the article. Most preferably they extend along the full length of each side. In this way the sides of the article to be framed are substantially enclosed offering good protection against external factors.

Adhesive may be provided on one or more parts of the second side portions and/or on the first portion to aid in retaining the framing means in its assembled state.

The framing means may comprise self-adhesive plastics material or paper, so offering a convenient way attaching the framing means.

Removable backing material may be provided which overlaps the self adhesive region of the sheet plastics material, paper or cloth, so offering a convenient way of containing the adhesive prior to use.

The backing material may be provided in sections, so offering a way of exposing a reduced amount of self adhesive material at a time.

The corners of one or more of the second side portions may be cut off at an angle so providing definition to the frame portion.

The second side portions may be adapted to be folded along lines defining where the second side portions wrap around their respective edge of an article, perhaps offering a neater finished product.

The framing material may be provided for a given size article or it may be cut down to the desired size by the user. A series of different sizes and the respective lines for each may be provided on the sheet, for instance by printing. Such lines may make folding of the second side portions easier.

The second side portions may comprise sheet material. The first portions may comprise sheet material.

The frame may be defined within the first portion by omitting or having a removable part. Alternatively the frame may be defined by the second side portions depending upon which face of the article faces which way. The first portion may contain a hole in it which, in use, defines a border of a frame.

Alternatively the frame may be defined by the second side portions contacting a face of an article.

Preferably the hole in the first portion is rectangular. Of course the hole may also be any other shape.

Preferably lines provided on the sheet are parallel to the sides of the hole, providing a means for folding the second side portions in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

Preferably a pair of lines is provided parallel to the sides of the hole, which are separated by the thickness of the article being framed with the region between them being an edge covering region. Such an edge covering region allows the edge of an article to be covered and also ensures that the thickness of the article is taken into account.

Edge face tabs may be provided which, in use, are adapted to substantially seal the corner portions of the assembled frame. An advantage of such tabs is that the corner portions are substantially sealed.

The edge face tabs may extend from one edge covering region, placing them in the perhaps best place to seal the corner portions.

Preferably the edge face tabs extend from an end portion of an edge covering portion.

According to a third aspect of the invention we provide a kit comprising framing means according to the second aspect of the invention and one or more of: a) a transparent sheet b) a planar backing sheet c) an image d) a stand e) cutting means f) mount Preferably the mount is a mask which defines the area of the image which remains exposed, which may be of paper or card.

A number of embodiments and variations of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the following drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows the invention in a part-assembled state; Figure 3 shows a cross-section through part of the assembled frame; Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of the invention and illustrating various side portion variations; Figure 5 shows a detail of a further embodiment; Figure 6 shows a cross section through a further embodiment; Figure 7 shows as back view of the embodiment of Figure 6; Figure 8 illustrates a further embodiment from the rear; Figure 9 shows a different embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 shows embodiment of Figure 9 in an assembled state; and Figure 11 shows a portion of the preferred embodiment.

The framing means 1 consists of a first portion 2 and a series of second side portions 3,4,5,6 which extend from it.

In this particular embodiment, Figure 1, the second side portions 5,6 are the same length as the first portion 2 and have a right-angled edge defining the perimeter. The other two sides 3,4 are initially of the same width as the first portion 2 but are provided with a cut off portion 7 at an angle of 450 to the initial edge at each corner.

The first portion 2 is defined by a pre-formed line 8 about which the second side portions 3,4,5,6 can be folded. Each second side portion 3,4,5,6 is also provided with a further pre-formed line 9 at a constant spacing from the pre-formed line 8.

In use before placing the article to be framed, a self-adhesive portion 10 of the first portion 2 is exposed by removing the backing.

The image 11 to be framed can then be placed on the first portion 2 face up (not shown) or, alternatively, it can be placed on a rigid backing member 12 placed on the first portion 2.

Once positioned a transparent face plate 13 can be placed on top of the image 11.

One at a time the second side portions 3,4,5,6 are peeled off their backing 14 and the second side portions 3,4,5,6 folded up around the sides of the back 12, image 11, and front 13 of the composite and bent around onto a portion 15 of the front face 13. Firm pressure ensures that the adhesive 16 sticks to this face 13 so retaining the second side portion 5 in position.

The process is then best repeated with the opposing second side portion 6, followed by the remaining second side portions 3,4. The angled edge 7 of the later applied second side portions 3,4 ensures that the customary 450 angled line is present on the frame.

By providing separation of lines 8 and 9 equal to the thickness of the back/image/front composite the correct structure is obtained.

By ensuring an even width between line 9 and the edge 20 of each second side portion a consistent frame width all the way around the image is effected.

Fully assembled, as shown in Figure 3, the composite comprises the backing of the framing material 2 adhesive 16, backing plate 13, image 11 material, front plate 12, adhesive 16 and front portion of the second side portion 5 which extends around the side of the image composite. This ensures a firm assembly and protects against ingress of undesirable substances into the side of the composite.

In the alternative embodiment of Figure 4 the concept is similar to the first but on this occasion the frame is predefined by the outline of a portion 30 removed from the first portion 2.

In use this embodiment is assembled by placing the transparent front plate on the first portion 2, followed by the image facing down.

The remaining sequence is as for the first embodiment with the second side portions 3,4,5,6 wrapping around onto the backing 13.

Some alternatives to the standard fully extending second side portions 3,4,5,6 are shown in Figure 4. These second side portions may be somewhat shortened 31 or even present as fingers 32.

Figure 5 illustrates an additional edge face tab 40 which may be provided. This edge face tab 40 serves to ensure that, when assembled, the corner portion of the article framed is not visible between edges 42,44 of the side pieces. The gap between 40 and 42 is exaggerated in the Figure.

By applying a further sheet 46 over the top of the assembled form additional retention of the edges 48 can be provided as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7. This is particularly useful in small frames.

Additionally this sheet can be used to retain a hook 50 which can be used to hang the completed unit. The sheet 46 is stuck to the sheet 48 firmly in surrounding areas 52 to hold the hook 50.

The image is viewed through aperture 54 in the frame.

Whilst the figures illustrate frames which are provided with straight edges, it is possible to provide various configurations such as wavy lines, castellated outlines, oval or circular or the like. Similarly the frame forming means may be patterned, embossed or otherwise decorated.

A separate or integral stand member 60 may be provided as illustrated in Figure 8. The stand may be attachable to the backing 62 of the picture or the framing material. Alternatively it may be formed as an integral part of the framing material.

Access to the assembled unit may be effected by means of a hinged portion of the backing 62. Thus the back can be opened about hinge line 64 to insert or replace images. The unit is held closed by rotatable latches 66. The edges 68 and front of the frame are provided in the manner discussed above.

The embodiment of Figure 8 may not have the latches, or turn buttons 66. Instead the "door" at the rear of the frame may be held closed by friction. This is especially appropriate for smaller frames.

Figure 9 shows a further embodiment of the invention, with a first portion 90, second side portions 92,94,96,98, edge face tabs 100,102,104,106 and a hole 108.

The dashed lines of Figure 9 represent lines provided by scoring of the framing means. Such scoring allows the various second side portions 92,94,96,98 to be folded relatively easily around the article being framed.

The eight corners of the second side portions 92,94,96,98 are mitred to produce a neat finished product.

The second side portions 92,94,96,98 comprise width portions 110,112,114,116 which allow for the thickness of an article being framed.

To form a frame the embodiment of Figure 9 is used in the same way on the embodiment of Figure 4 and the description of Figure 4 should be referred to.

To summarise the following are placed upon the first portion 90: the transparent sheet, followed perhaps by masking means 118, then the image and perhaps finally a backing sheet (hereinafter referred to as the contents). The second side portions 92,94,96,98 are then wrapped around the contents of the framing means. The width portions 110,112,114,116 allow for the thickness of the contents, so that the three dimensional frame of Figure 10 is produced.

Figure 10 shows the framing means used to form a frame for a picture. However, it will be realised that the framing means of that or any other embodiment could also be used to form a frame for a mirror, a plaque or other such items.

The edge face tabs 100, 104, are wrapped around the corner portions of the framed article producing neat corner portions and are shown in dashed outline. The edge face tabs 100,104 are beneath the width portion 112, which keeps the edge face tabs 100,104 securely in place. Similarly, the width portion 116 keeps the edge face tabs 102,106 in place.

Figure 11 shows the preferred embodiment of the invention in which a semi preformed frame is provided. In this embodiment a kit is provided comprising a transparent sheet 200 (represented by the dotted line of the drawings), which may be glass, perspex or the like, framing means according to the second aspect of the invention 202 and backing means 204.

The framing means is partially in its formed state. The first portion (not visible) is adhered to a front face of the transparent sheet 200. The edge covering region 206,208 are folded around the edge region of the transparent sheet 200 and a frame member 210 (the edge portion of which is shown shaded). The frame member 210 is provided to allow for the thickness of the backing means 204 in the pre-formed portion. The frame member 210 is the same thickness as the backing means 204.

A first region of the second side portions 212,214 are adhered to a back portion of the frame member 210. The edge face tab 216 is secured, and seals the corner portion 218.

A second region 220,222 of the second side portions 212,214 are provided unsecured. The second regions 220,222 have a face which, in use, contacts the backing means 204, covered in adhesive.

A backing sheet is provided to cover the adhesive.

To use this embodiment the user removes the backing means 204 from within the framing means (the backing means is supplied, for convenience within the recess 224) and inserts a picture 226 so that the picture contacts the transparent sheet. (A mask (not shown) may be inserted between the picture and the transparent sheet to provide a border for the picture). The backing means 204 is then replaced into the recess 224.

Because the backing means 204 is of the same thickness as the frame member 210, the recess 224 is filled to substantially the same level as the frame member 210.

The user then removes the backing sheets, one at a time, from the second regions 220,222 of the second side portions and presses each of the second regions 220,222 onto the backing means 204. The adhesive on the second regions 220,222 adheres them to the backing means 204, thus, completing the picture frame.

It will be appreciated that the material of the framing means may be of any suitable material. It is preferably a flexible material (but it could perhaps be rigid with appropriate fold lines/regions. The framing means may comprise any one of leather, cloth, flexible plastics material, fabric, paper or cardboard, leatherette, rexine, metal foils, plasticised metal foils (e.g. gold or silver foil), more rigid metal sheet; a veneer (e.g. wood veneer), or skin/hide material.

Claims

1. A method of framing an article, the method comprising providing frame forming means having a first portion and two or more second side portions extending therefrom and the method further comprising positioning the article on the first portion, with a first face of the article in contact with the first portion, deforming one of said second side portions around the article and into contact with the face of the article opposing the first face, and similarly deforming the other side portion; the arrangement being such that the frame forming means defines a frame around a substantial part of one face of the article.

2. A method of framing an article according to claim 1 in which the second side portions are adapted to adhere to, or capable of adhering, to the face of the article they contact.

3. A method of framing an article according to claim 2 in which the second side portions comprise self adhesive material which is backed with backing means, the method comprising removing the backing means and allowing the second side portions to adhere to the face of the article they contact.

4. A method of framing an article according to any preceding claim in which a second side portion is provided for every, or substantially each, side of the article.

5. A method of framing an article according to any preceding claim in which the second side portions are adapted to deform around the article along predetermined lines.

6. A method of framing an article according to any preceding claim in which at least at one corner portion (said corner portion being formed by deformation of the second side portions) an edge face tab is provided which is adapted in use to extend over an edge face region of said article, below one of said second side portions.

7. A method of framing an article according to any preceding claim in which the second side portions are adapted substantially to seal the article against the ingress of dust.

8. A method of framing an article according to any preceding claim in which the article is picture means.

9. A method of framing an article according to any preceding claim in which the first portion comprises self adhesive material, which is backed by backing means, the method comprising removing the backing means and allowing the first portion to adhere to the first face of the article.

10. A method of framing an article according to any preceding claim in which the first portion and the second side portions are provided on a sheet, the method comprising forming a hole in the first portion to form a frame.

11. Framing means comprising a first portion and two or more second side portions extending from the first portion, the second side portions being adapted to wrap around their respective edge of an article to be framed and contacting in use the face of the article opposing that contacting the first portion, the framing means being adapted in use to define a frame on one face of an article.

12. Framing means according to claim 11 in which adhesive is provided on one or more parts of the second side portions.

13. Framing means according to claim 11 or claim 12 in which adhesive is provided on the first portion.

14. Framing means according to any of claims 11 to 13 which comprises self-adhesive sheet plastics material.

15. Framing means according to any of claims 11 to 13 which comprises a sheet of self adhesive sheet paper or cloth.

16. Framing means according to claim 14 or claim 15 in which has removable backing material which overlays the self adhesive regions of the sheets plastics material, paper or cloth.

17. Framing means according to claim 14 or claim 15 in which the backing material is provided in removable sections.

18. Framing means according to any of claims 11 to 17 in which the second side portions are adapted to be folded along lines defining where the second side portions wrap around their respective edge of an article.

19. Framing means according to any of claims 11 to 18 in which at least the second portions comprise sheet material.

20. Framing means according to claim 19 in which the first portion comprises sheet material.

21. Framing means according to claim 19 a series of lines is provided on the framing means adapted to facilitate, in use, folding of the second portions.

22. Framing means according to any of claims 11 to 21 in which the first portion has a hole in it which, in use, defines a border of a frame.

23. Framing means according to any of claims 11 to 21 in which the frame is defined in use by the second side portions contacting a face of an article.

24. A kit comprising framing means according to any of claims 11 to 23 and one or more of (a) a transparent sheet (b) a planar backing sheet (c) an image (d) a stand (e) cutting means (f) a mount.

25. A kit according to claim 24 in which the mount is a mask which defines an area of the image which remains exposed.

26. A kit according to claim 25 in which the mask is of paper.

27. A kit according to claim 25 in which the mask is of card.

28. A method of framing an article substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

29. Framing means substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.

30. Framing means substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings.

31. Framing means substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings.

32. Framing means substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 6 and 7 of the accompanying drawings.

33. Framing means substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 8 of the accompanying drawings.

34. Framing means substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 9 and 10 of the accompanying drawings.

35. Framing means substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 11 of the accompanying drawings.

36. A kit as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

37. Picture means comprising framing means according to any of claims 11 to 23 and an article.

38. Picture means according to claim 37 in which the second side portions extend substantially the full length of one or more sides of the article.

39. Picture means according to claim 37 or claim 38 in which an aperture is defined by the second side portions extending along every side of the article.

40. Picture means according to claim 37 or claim 38 as they depend from claim 22 in which the article is viewed through the hole.

41. Picture means according to claim 39 in which the article is viewed through the aperture.

42. Picture means according to any of claims 37 to 41 in which the article comprises one or more of the following: (a) a transparent sheet (b) a planar backing sheet (c) an image (d) a stand (e) a mount.

43. Picture means according to claim 42 comprising more than one of the articles listed in which the framing means secures the article.

44. Picture means according to any of claims 37 to 43 in which the framing means seals or substantially seals the article.

45. Picture means substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.