GB2494125A

GB2494125A - Folding frame profile for framing pictures, posters, etc. with magnetic gripping.

Info

Publication number: GB2494125A
Application number: GB1114872.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Scott Heywood
Original assignee: INOMAGO Ltd
Current assignee: INOMAGO Ltd
Priority date: 2011-08-30
Filing date: 2011-08-30
Publication date: 2013-03-06
Also published as: GB201114872D0

Abstract

Folding frame profile 10, for positioning and fixing a flat information or decoration medium 30, e.g. picture or poster, comprise a rear profile section 16, and a front profile section 15, connected by a hinge 12, and a profile flap 14, connected to the front profile section by a profile flap hinge 11. At least one magnet 20, is mounted on the rear profile section 16, and at least one magnet 22, is mounted on the profile flap 14. The magnets are arranged to connect together to form a closed profile which at the same time grips and fixes the flat information or decoration medium 30. The profile may be formed from a transparent material and inserts 40 may be provided to be inserted into the hollow profile to change its appearance. The information or decoration medium may be protected by a transparent cover 60. In an alternative form the magnets may be replaced by double-sided tape or screws.

Description

Introduction

The present invention relates to a folding frame.

In order to secure a flat information or decoration medium permanently or temporarily, while placed advantageously, the products that are often used can be divided into three different categories.

In an advertising and commercial environment, one uses so-called snapprofiles, which consist of composite aluminium profiles which open and close by spring action. In this application, the framework acts mostly as an advertising medium carrier. Through appropriate mitre cuts, four sections are joined together and arranged parallel to the edges of the information or decoration medium. As a protective cover for the information or decoration medium, a sheet of transparent plastic is mainly used. Larger formats of the information medium (e.g. posters) are usually installed using display type posting sites.

Within the private sector the classic picture frame or holder dominates the securing and placement of pictures and posters. Strong restrictions in the use of these products are the enormous costs, especially for larger sizes.

Another relevant area is the attachment of decorative elements such as flat and stylized stone walls, wall fabrics, wallpapers, mirror films etc. Due to the size of these elements the prior art is the permanent connection with the decoration object, e.g. the wall or panel.

From DE 201 09 384 U1 , a magnetic flip-holder is well known where the information or decoration medium is not clamped between two frame parts by means of spring action but, the information or decoration medium is supported by the magnetic tapes or foils that are re-applied and fixed. This simplifies the structure of the profiles significantly. DE 203 21 066 U1 is also known, this is where a product has a known connection and mounting arrangement for sheet-like materials to a promotional advertising medium. The system provides a positive locking system between the frame and billboard or poster, where the corresponding holes need to be cut out from the poster. Furthermore, products are known in which the information or decoration medium form a frame with the use of substantially rigid and foldable materials, e.g. DE 296 17 955 U1.

The structure of the profiles made of solid material, which are also the basis of DE 296 17 955 U1 , is not cost effective and has, especially for large-scale information or decoration mediums, an unfavourable cost relative to the object that is to be placed in it. If additional glass panels are used as a cover, the packaging and transport costs are high and the handling of the products becomes unfavourable.

Furthermore, it is, the prior art at only very high cost, possible to harmonize the substantive design of information or decoration medium with the frame.

In the above mentioned product from DE 203 21 066 U1 , it is necessary to provide the information or decoration medium with a punched hole or perforation. This is an additional cost and in some sense destroys or at least damages the information or decoration medium. This is why most products are excluded from using this product, and represents no improvement of the classic picture frame.

Above certain size formats there are currently no suitable frame systems for securing a corresponding poster. With current printing techniques on the other hand, the trend is exactly opposite because very large formats can be produced using digital printing methods. In order to solve the problems of the prior art specified above, a product is to be designed, which is inexpensive to manufacture with as little volume as possible to pack and transport. It is easy to use, even for a technical layman, for both large and small scale information or decoration mediums and can be permanently or temporarily attached and placed, advantageously, to the design adapted to the content of information or decoration medium as well as be simple and economical to dismantle and be disposed of.

This problem is solved by the features of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

Statement of Invention

The basis of the invention is to solve the above present problem by using substantially rigid and foldable materials (i.e. plastic, cardboard) which can be processed with machines of the cardboard and plastic industry, cost-effectively and in mass production.

The profile geometry is preferably achieved by magnetic force. Conventional magnetic strips have positive and negative poles within a tape so that, at a suitable location and positioning of the magnets there is an effective closure strength to, fix the information or decoration medium while erecting the facing side of the profile at the same time to a permanent and predefined position while also allowing the information and decoration medium to be removed without damage. The opposite side of the profile from the magnet acts as a hinge.

The mounting of the profiles at the place of the presentation can be done in different ways. If the surface is naturally magnetic or a suitably magnetic element is attached to the surface then the profile can be fixed without further fastening. Otherwise, double-sided tapes, nails, drawing pins, Velcro or other fasteners are used to connect the profile to the surface.

At the simplest level, the invention can be used as a bar where the top side of the information or decoration medium can be fixed to it respectively. As a substitute for a regular picture or snap frame, four profiles are combined to form a frame. Due to the use of a flexible, easily processed material not only can square or rectangular shapes with 90 degree mitres be executed, but sharp and shallow angle variations can also be made.

A particular advantage of the invention occurs with the use of transparent or translucent plastics. By means of producer provided or user purchased coloured strips that are inserted into the internal facing side of the profile provide a simple and inexpensive way for the colour of the frame to be changed and/or image to be extended. Also, both cardboard and plastics can be printed on the viewing side of the profile to give alternative looks. Due to the profile having hollow and easily accessible internals, it is possible to illuminate, either statically or dynamically. In order to avoid use of mains power, the battery, controller and any other necessary elements can be integrated into the frame.

Available on the market are plates made from a transparent material such as acrylic glass that are illuminated with LED <'>s through a light-conductive material. Because of this the light is conducted and the motif, which ideally is printed on a transparent substrate, a so called backlit foil, is illuminated with a homogeneous intensity of light. So far, aluminium frames are mounted on the plates available. The advantage of using the inventive solution is to save costs and improved optics, as well as the frame itself is illuminated.

The strength of the technical solution is particularly evident in large formats. Both the straight and angled segments can be connected together without a problem, thus allowing even very large sizes of information and decoration mediums to be framed economically.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention will now be exemplarily explained with reference to the accompanying drawings using specific embodiments.

In the drawings:

Figure I: the cross-section of a folding frame according to the invention;

Figure II: the plan view of a folding frame according to the invention;

Figure III: the cross section of a variant of the folding frame according to the invention;

Figure IV: finishing with an example of an insert;

Figure V: a corner joint with mitre.

Figure I shows a cross section through an inventive folding frame 10, the rear profile side 16, is used for attachment to a surface and for receiving a permanent magnet A 20, at the hinge 12, the profile front side 15, is attached. At the opposite end of the profile front side 15, a profile flap 14, is hinged, the permanent magnet B 22, is attached. The closure of permanent magnet A 20, and permanent magnet B 22, results in the radius of curvature of the shaped profile front side 15, the characteristics of the radius can be varied by using different lengths of the profile front side 15. Between permanent magnet A 20, and permanent magnet B 22, the information and decoration medium 30, is clamped. Figure II shows a plan view of a section of an inventive folding frame 10, the length of the folding frame 10, can be varied as desired.

Figure III shows a variant of a cross section through an inventive folding frame 10, the two profile front sides 15, are separated by the profile hinge 13, this results in a triangular variant of the profile form.

Figure IV shows a cross section through an inventive folding frame 10, which is improved by an insert 40, this can use inserts displayed with the content of the information and decoration medium 30, and thereby continue the theme into the frame. This results in an advantageous visual representation of the folding frame 10, the profile front side 15, attached at the hinge 12, must consist of transparent material. Furthermore, it is possible to have the insert 40, with decorative surfaces, as a result, the frame may obtain a specific optical appearance and impact, such as a metal or wood surface, which can be varied according to demand. Furthermore, it is possible to place, in front of the information and decoration medium 30, a transparent cover 60, which serves to protect the quality and improves the presentation.

Figure V shows a combination of several elements of the inventive folding frame 10, using a corner joint 50. Ideally, four elements are connected to form a square, rectangular or polygonal frame.

List of References

10 = Folding Frame

11 = Profile flap hinge 12 = Hinge

13 = Profile Hinge

14 = Profile flap

15 = Profile Front Side

16 = Profile Rear Side 20 = Permanent Magnet A

22 = Permanent Magnet B

30 = Information and decoration medium

40 = Insert

50 = Corner Joint 60 = Transparent Cover

Claims

Claims I . Folding frame 10, for positioning and fixing a flat information or decoration medium 30, which has a profile back side 16, and a profile front side 15, connected by a hinge 12, with a profile flap 14, connected by a profile flap hinge I I , whereby at least one permanent magnet A 20, is mounted on the profile rear side 16, and at least one permanent magnet B 22, is mounted on the profile flap 14, with the form factor being obtained by the closure of the profile front side 15, and at the same time also fixes the information or decoration medium 30, whereby the permanent magnet A 20, and the permanent magnet B 22, are polarised such that the cross-sectional geometry of the front profile side 15, is forced closed with sufficient force to hold the information or decoration medium 30.
2. Folding frame according to claim 1 characterised in that the folding frame 10, uses a substantially rigid and foldable material.
3. Folding frame according to claim 2 characterised in that the folding frame 10, uses a transparent material so that the appearance by the placing of an insert 40, varies the optical effect advantageously and can also be adapted to the information or decoration medium 30, and changed.
4. Folding frame according to claim 3 characterized in that by the selection of an printable material for the profile front side 15, the visible surface of the frame is printed by using conventional printing methods.
5. Folding frame according to claim 4 characterised in that the frame is to be cut at the respective ends with a mitre, thus allowing at least one corner joint 50, with acute, right and obtuse angles.
6. Folding frame according to claim 5 characterised in that the information or decoration medium 30, is presented and protected by a transparent cover 60, for example, a plastic sheet or panel, which is placed in front of and inserted together with the information or decoration medium 30, into the folding frame 10.
7. Folding frame according to claim 6, characterised in that the profile is illuminated using inserted lighting elements such as lighting LED's to allow static and dynamic lighting effects.
8. Folding frame according to claim 7 characterised in that an alternative framework for cross-sectional geometries, the profile flap 14, is omitted and the permanent magnet B 22, is attached at the profile rear side 15.
9. Folding frame according to claim 8 characterised in that the positioning and securing of the information and decoration medium 30, can be achieved by using an alternative connection, for example can be achieved using doublesided tape or screws.
10. Folding frame of claim 9 characterised in that at least one additional profile hinge 13, causes a different geometry to the frame cross-section of the profile front side 15.