GB2339389A

GB2339389A - Folded picture frame

Info

Publication number: GB2339389A
Application number: GB9814758A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nicolas James Robertson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-07-07
Filing date: 1998-07-07
Publication date: 2000-01-26
Also published as: GB9814758D0

Description

2339389 68281.66 Jointed One-Piece Article The present invention relates

to a jointed one- piece article which can be used to form a frame for pictures, posters and the like.

Pictures are often purchased without frames and therefore in order both to hang the picture on a wall and to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the picture, it is often desirable to place the picture in a frame. The frame may comprise means allowing the picture to be suspended or freestanding, to complete the presentation of the picture.

Unfortunately, picture framing is a skilled process which can be both expensive and time-consuming. Particularly if the services of a professional picture framer are employed, the cost of the frame can be high; the cost rising with the size of the picture due to-the extra materials required. When a picture is purchased, it is often desirable to be able to display the picture straightaway. However, the framing of a picture takes a period of time, possibly up to a number of days, to complete.

One known solution to these problems is a clip-on frame. This usually comprises four discrete lengths of usually plastic material which are attached to each side of a picture. The lengths are often u-shaped or triangular in cross-section and are resilient such that the cross-section may be flexed by hand to create a gap in the cross-section. In this state, the picture edge and often a glass or perspex front and possibly a backing board are inserted in the created gap. when the manually applied pressure is released, the flexed plastic attempts to return to its original position and, in doing so, grips the picture etc. which has been inserted into the gap. A clip-on frame of this nature is relatively cheap and quick to assemble.

However, one problem with the conventional clip-on frame is a consequence of the frame comprising four separate clip-on pieces. As the separate pieces are not usually manufactured to any great degree of accuracy, unsightly gaps between the edges of the frame pieces appear at the corners of the finished frame.

Another problem with the conventional clip-on frame is that aligning the clip-on pieces on opposite sides of the picture can be difficult. Furthermore, relative alignment of the individual pieces is easily disturbed.

Consequently, the resultant frame may not comprise true right-angles at the corners and the frame can appear skewed or slanted.

Thus, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a jointed one-piece article suitable for framing an n-sided picture or the like, where n is an integer greater than two, comprising a longitudinal member of definite length, said member:

(a) being of a resilient material; (b) having a substantially triangular cross-section adapted to receive the edges of the picture and the like; and (c) comprising a plurality of transverse fold lines at n-1 predetermined locations along its length such that the member may easily be folded about the fold lines.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an n-sided jointed one piece frame for pictures or the like, where n is an integer greater than two, said frame comprising a jointed one-piece article of the invention folded about each transverse fold line.

The jointed one-piece article of the invention may be produced from a strip of sheet material which is formed into a three dimensional shape such that the cross-section thereof can accommodate a picture, poster 3 or the like and optionally a sheet of glass or perspex and optionally a backing. The cross-section is preferably substantially triangular, i.e. 'comprising a substantially horizontal base and sides which taper towards an apex above the horizontal base. In a preferred embodiment, the tapering sides are in contact at the apex. The base and/or sides of the cross-section may be curved or planar or of any surface texture.

The jointed one-piece article of the present invention is preferably constructed from a suitable plastics material, although any alternative material which possesses resilient characteristics and which can be shaped and repeatedly folded to form the frame may be suitable. Plastic is the preferred material because the above-described cross-section can easily be moulded from a sheet of plastic. Many plastics also possess the resilient characteristic which is required to enable the jointed one-piece frame to secure the picture and optionally glass or perspex and optionally a backing board within the frame by means of the sprung gripping or clamping action.

The strip of chosen material is encouraged to bend at the predetermined locations along its longitudinal length preferably by scoring in a direction transverse to the length of the strip at the predetermined locations. Alternatively, any suitable method for encouraging the bending of the strip may be used.

In one embodiment of the present invention, prior to forming the strip into the three dimensional shape, at the location of each transverse score line, two transverse cuts are made in a first and second longitudinal outer strip area of the strip. Each cut produces two transverse edges. Each transverse cut extends from the edges of the outer strip areas towards the centre of the strip. So as to preserve the strip in one piece, the cuts do not extend fully across the width of the strip. one end of each transverse cut is 4 coterminous with the edge of one of the longitudinal outer strip areas. Each transverse cut extends across the outer strip areas.

In another embodiment of the present invention, at the location of each transverse score line on the strip, a segment of plastic is removed from the first and second longitudinal outer strip areas. Preferably, the removed segments are triangular in shape. In a preferred embodiment, two edges which are inclined to each transverse score line are formed in the first outer strip area. In the second outer strip area, one edge inclined to each transverse score line and one transverse edge parallel to the transverse score line is formed.

In alternative embodiments, one or both of the segments removed from the outer strip areas either side of the transverse score lines may be right-angled isosceles triangles. Alternatively, one or both segments may produce a transverse edge and an angled edge in the outer strip area or areas.

The strip is formed into the desired three dimensional shape and may then be folded along each transverse score line to form the frame. The transverse cuts in the first and second outer strip areas permit the three dimensional shape to be formed into the completed frame by allowing at least one of the transverse edges to be inserted into the triangular cross-section of the jointed one-piece frame. In a preferred embodiment, the single transverse edge at each transverse fold in the second outer strip area is preferably inserted into the triangular cross-section of the jointed one-piece frame. Folding is complete when the transverse edges abut the base of the cross-section of the jointed one-piece frame. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the transverse edges accurately locate adjacent sections of the frame at right-angles to each other to a form a quadrilateral frame, i.e. where n=4 and there are three transverse fold lines. The frame is thus maintained in a rigid shape and does not suffer from the alignment problems of the prior art clip frames.

In accordance with all embodiments of the present invention, the edges produced by the cuts in the first and second outer strip areas prevent an unsightly gap being formed at the corners when the frame is folded.

Thus, one of the problems associated with the prior art, four piece clip-on frames is avoided. In the preferred embodiment, the angled edges of the first outer strip area of the frame abut each other to produce a true right-angle without a gap between the angled edges. At each fold, a transverse edge is preferably inserted within the triangular cross-section and thus, the transverse edges are invisible in the finished frame of the preferred embodiment.

The free ends of the completed frame may be joined together by any suitable conventional means. For example, transparent adhesive tape could be used which provides sufficient adhesion to hold the free ends in place and is both cheap and simple. It is also non permanent so the frame can easily be removed and another picture inserted therein.

In an alternative embodiment, one of the free ends of the frame comprises a tab integrally moulded with the strip, the tab extending from one of the free ends of a central longitudinal strip area. The tab may be the same width as the central longitudinal strip area, but is preferably narrower. At the transverse boundary between the central longitudinal strip area and the tab, the strip preferably comprises a transverse score line about which the tab can bend. Alternatively, any other suitable means which would allow the tab to bend about the transverse boundary may be used. Preferably, the end of the tab furthest from the frame comprises a raised region which may be inserted into an aperture in the central longitudinal strip area of the opposite free end of the frame. The aperture in the opposite free end is shaped such that it receives and retains' the raised region on the tab. When the frame is in place around the picture, the tab is folded about the transverse score line until, for a quadrilateral frame for example, it is at 900 to the free end with which it is moulded and parallel to the other free end. The raised section is then inserted into the aperture to secure the free ends. The central longitudinal strip area of the opposite free end of the frame may also comprise a recess shaped to accommodate the tab such that the tab lies flush with strip area.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the horizontal base of the substantially triangular cross-section of the frame is preferably concave rather than flat to enhance the ease with which the user may clip the frame on to the picture etc. The sides of the substantially triangular cross-section may also be concave. In this embodiment, the concave base enhances the ease of use because the outside edges can be more readily pinched together. Thus, the opening in the cross-section into which the picture etc. are inserted, is formed more easily.

The frame of the present invention may be used with conventional frameless clip frames which normally utilise four clips to secure a picture between a sheet of glass/perspex and a backing board. The frameless clip frame is usually suspended by one of the clips which comprise an aperture or recess which can receive a hook or screw. These clips may be utilised to suspend a clip frame which includes the frame of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, segments of plastic are removed from predetermined locations of one of the longitudinal outer strip areas of the frame. The predetermined locations coincide with the positions of the clips when the frame is fixed to the frameless clip frame. Preferably, the segments are generally rectangular, the removal of which produces generally rectangular gaps in one of the outer strip'areas so that the clips are accessible. In one embodiment, the gaps produced are of a regular rectangular shape which produces right-angles in the outer strip area. In an alternative embodiment, the segments removed are of a shape such that rounded corners are produced at the edges of the outer strip area.

In a further alternative embodiment of the present invention, when the invention is used with a frameless clip frame, hooks, loops or other suitable conventional hanging means may be attached to the backing board. In this embodiment, the clips may not be used particularly if, for example, the clips are not required to hold the glass/perspex, picture and backing board together.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are for frames for four-sided pictures or the like (n=4) and the following example is for a rectangular jointed one piece frame. Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a plan view of the n-sided jointed one-piece frame of the present invention for a quadrilateral frame (n=4) prior to folding.

Figure 2 shows a side view of the unfolded frame in which the cross-sectional shape has been formed.

Figure 3 shows front and rear views of the folded quadrilateral picture frame.

Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the sides of the substantially triangular cross-section of the frame are concave.

Figure 5 shows the tab for securing the free ends of the frame together.

With reference to Figure 1, the jointed one-piece frame of the present invention is formed from a strip 1 of resilient plastic sheet comprising three longitudinal strip areas 2-4. Strip area 2 forms the base of the jointed one-piece frame cross-section and -strip areas 3 and 4 form the sides of the cross-section. When a picture is in the completed frame and on display, one of the strip areas 3 or 4 is visible and the other is hidden from view because, for example, it faces the wall from which the picture is hanging.

The resilient plastic sheet is folded about longitudinal fold lines 9 and 10 to produce a three dimensional article of the invention with the desired triangular cross-section. The folding may be carried out by any suitable conventional means.

The strip 1 is scored in a transverse direction at predetermined locations along its length to encourage the strip to fold about each transverse score line 5.

The location of the score lines along the length are determined by the size and shape of the frame required.

Clearly, the overall length of the strip 1 is determined by the perimeter of the picture which the frame must circumscribe. For example, if the picture to be framed is of conventional A4 size (approximately 298mm x 211mm), the overall length of the strip 1 is approximately 1018mm and the transverse score lines are located at approximately 298mm, 509mm and 807mm along the length of the strip.

At the location of each transverse score line 5, a segment of plastic in the shape of a right-angled isosceles triangle is removed from the strip 3. The resultant angled edges 6 of the strip 3 are inclined at 450 to each transverse score line.

A triangular segment of plastic is also removed from the strip 4 at the location of each transverse score line. However, in this embodiment the area removed from each location in the strip area 4 is half the area removed from each location in strip area 3.

The effect is to produce angled edges 7, which are 9 inclined at 45' to each transverse score line, and transverse edges 8. The function of the transverse edges 8 is described below.

It should be noted that, in an alternative embodiment, at the location of each transverse score line 5, two transverse cuts may instead be made in the strip areas 3 and 4. one end of each cut is coterminous with the edge of one of the strip areas and each transverse cut extends across one strip area. Each cut produces two transverse edges which permit the three dimensional shape to be formed into the completed frame by allowing at least one of the transverse edges to be inserted into the triangular cross-section of the jointed one-piece frame.

When strip areas 3 and 4 are folded to produce the triangular cross-section of the jointed one-piece frame which ultimately provides the gripping action, the side view of the frame is as shown in Figure 2.

The complete frame is produced by folding the strip about each transverse score line. For each fold, as adjacent sections of the frame are folded, the transverse edge 8 on the strip area 4 is inserted within the triangular cross-section of the jointed one-piece frame. Folding is complete when the said transverse edge abuts the base 2 of the jointed one-piece frame.

Thus, the transverse edges 8 accurately locate adjacent sections of the frame at right-angles to each other and maintain the frame in a rigid quadrilateral shape as shown in Figure 3. The angled edges 6 of the strip area 3 abut each other to produce a true right-angle. A true right-angle is also formed between adjacent sections of the strip 4 wherein the said transverse edge 8 is inserted into the triangular cross-section. The said transverse edge is thus invisible in the finished frame.

The free ends of the completed frame can be joined together by transparent adhesive tape, which is cheap and easy to use. In an alternative embodiment, one of - the free ends of the frame comprises a tab 11 integrally moulded with the strip 1, the tab extending from one of the free ends of longitudinal strip area 2. At the transverse boundary between strip area 2 and the tab, the strip comprises a transverse score line 12 about which the tab 11 can bend. The end of the tab furthest from the frame comprises a raised region 13 which may be inserted into a similarly-shaped aperture 14 in the central longitudinal strip area of the opposite free end of the frame. Thus, when the frame is in place around the picture, the tab 11 is folded about the transverse score line 12 until it is at 900 to the free end with which it is moulded and parallel to the other free end. The raised section is inserted into the aperture to secure the free ends as shown in Figure 5. Strip area 2 in the opposite free end of the frame may also comprise a recess shaped to accommodate the tab 11 such that the tab lies flush with strip area 2 when in place.

With reference to Figure 4, which represents another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the strip 2 of the strip forming the jointed one-piece frame may be concave in shape to facilitate the engagement of the picture etc. in the frame. The strip areas 3 and 4 may also be concave. Indeed, it is within the scope of the present invention for the sides of the triangular cross- section of the frame to be shaped, textured or finished in any manner to produce a desired aesthetic effect.

when the frame of the present invention is used with a conventional frameless clip frame, segments of plastic are removed from predetermined locations of one of the longitudinal outer strip areas 3 or 4 of the frame. The predetermined locations coincide with the positions of the clips 15 when the frame is fixed to the frameless clip frame. The longitudinal outer strip area selected from which the plastic segments are removed will form the back of the frame and will not be visible when the picture is hung. Thus, the aesthetics of the frame of the present invention are not diminished. Preferably, the segments are generally rectangular, the removal of which produces generally rectangular gaps in one of the outer strip areas so that the clips are accessible. In one embodiment, the gaps produced 16 are of a regular rectangular shape which produces rightangles in the outer strip area. In an alternative embodiment, the corners 17 in the outer strip area are rounded.

In a further alternative embodiment of the present invention, when the invention is used with a frameless clip frame, hooks, loops or other suitable conventional hanging means may be attached to the backing board.In this embodiment, the clips may not be used particularly if, for example, the clips are not required to hold the glass/perspex, picture and backing board together.

Claims

Claims:

1. A jointed one-piece article suitable for framing an n-sided picture or the like, where n is an integer greater than two, comprising a longitudinal member of definite length, said member:

(a) being of resilient material; (b) having a substantially triangular cross-section adapted to receive the edges of said picture or the like; and (c) comprising a plurality of transverse fold lines at n-I predetermined locations along its length such that the member may be easily folded about the fold lines.

2. The article according to claim 1, wherein at the location of each of said transverse fold lines, said longitudinal member comprises a transverse cut extending from each longitudinal edge of said longitudinal member towards the centre thereof.

3. The article according to claim 2, wherein said transverse cuts are coterminous with said longitudinal edges and with said transverse fold lines.

4. The article according to claim 1, wherein said longitudinal member further comprises longitudinal outer strip areas and at the location of each of said transverse fold lines, a triangular segment of said longitudinal member is absent from each said outer strip area.

S. The article according to claim 4, wherein at the location of each of said absent triangular segments, each said outer strip area comprises a transverse edge and an angled edge.

6. The article according to claim 4, wherein at the location of each of said absent triangular segments, each said outer strip area comprises two an'gled edges.

7. The article according to claim 4, wherein at the location of each of said absent triangular segments, a first outer strip area comprises a transverse edge and an angled edge and a second outer strip area comprises two angled edges.

8. The article according to claim 4, wherein at the location of each of said absent triangular segments, said outer strip areas comprise either a transverse edge and an angled edge or two angled edges.

9. The article according to any preceding claim, wherein said frame is made from plastics material.

10. The article according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more sides of said triangular crosssection is/are planar.

11. The article according to any of claims 1-9, wherein one or more sides of said triangular cross-section is/are concave.

12. The article according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more faces of said triangular crosssection has/have a smooth surface finish or is/are textured.

13. The article according to any of claims 4 to 12, wherein approximately rectangular segments are absent from one of said longitudinal outer strip areas.

14. An n-sided jointed one-piece frame for pictures or the like, where n is an integer greater than two, said 14 - frame being produced by folding the jointed one-piece article according to any preceding claim about each transverse fold line.

15. The article according to claim 14, further comprising a tab integrally attached to one of the two free ends of a longitudinal central strip area of said longitudinal member, said tab securing said free ends of said frame together. 10

16. An n-sided jointed one-piece frame substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

17. A longitudinal member of definite length substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.