US3371439A

US3371439A - Quick mounting frame assembly for photographs and the like

Info

Publication number: US3371439A
Application number: US589731A
Authority: US
Inventors: Douglas J Smith; Richard S Saulsbury
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1966-10-26
Filing date: 1966-10-26
Publication date: 1968-03-05
Anticipated expiration: 1985-03-05

Description

March 5, 1968 0. J. SMITH ET AL 3,371,439

QUICK MOUNTING FRAME ASSEMBLY FOR PHOTOGRAPHS AND THE LIKE Filed 0012. 26, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet l ll "0 I I I I INVENTORS M T iDOUGZfl-S'J 677/771 9 mam/P12 s. SAUL-SBURY ATTDRNEYS INVENTORS ATTDRNE .5

March 5, 1968 D. J. SMITH ETAL QUICK MOUNTING FRAME ASSEMBLY FOR PHOTOGRAPHS AND THE LIKE 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 26, 1966 .DOUGZAS J. 5/7/ TH 9 RICH/9RD J. SAULSBURY March 5, 1968 D. J. SMITH ETAL QUICK MOUNTING FRAME ASSEMBLY FOR j PHOTOGRAPHS AND THE LIKE Filed Oct. 26, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 DOUGLAS J. 677/771 9 RICH/7RD 6'. JAULSBURY D. J. SMITH ETAL QUICK MOUNTING FRAME ASSEMBLY FOR March 5, 1968 PHOTOGRAPHS AND THE LIKE 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Oct. 26, 1966 M f mi E r V /B m M M J 5 mm M a m x R March 5, 1968 D J. SMITH ETAL 3,371,439

QUICK MOUNTING FRAME ASSEMBLY FOR PHOTOGRAPHS AND THE LIKE 5 Sheets-Sheet Filed Oct. 26. 1966 INVENTORS DOUGLAS J- J/WTH FP/CH/QRD '5. SHUL-SBURY United States Patent QUICK MOUNTING: FRAME ASSEMBLY FOR PI-IGTUGRAPHS AND THE LIKE Douglas J. Smith, 57 Heritage Court, Hillsdale, NJ.

07642, and Richard S. Saulsbury, Forest Hills, N.Y., (2137 Gerritsen Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y. 11229) Filed Oct. 26, 1966, Ser. No. 589,731

17 Claims. (Cl. 40-156) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A display holder including a matrix defining a plurality of tray-like depressions each of which may receive a display element. A retainer comprising a grid defining a plurality of open frames corresponding in number to the depressions on the matrix is shaped to snap fit thereover and so retain the displays in position the matrix is further provided with a flange about its perimeter by which it may be mounted in a frame.

A flexible retaining grid for the cards is also provided. This grid is a thin rectangular grillwork also made of synthetic resin plastic material. The grid is formed with springy hollow ridges defining grooves which snap over the ridges of the matrix. The intersecting ridges of the grid conform in position to the ridges of the matrix. Integral with the ridges of the grid are flanges defining frames which serve to hold cards in tray compartments of the matrix. The assembly is so arranged that trans parent face plates or sheets can be interposed between the cards and the frames of the grid for protecting exposed sides of the cards. The matrix can be formed with a peripheral channel shaped outer frame extending around the entire assembly. A stiffening back plate or board can be engaged in a molded ledge extending around the frame of the matrix.

The matrix can be formed with slots in the panels of the compartments so that cards can be inserted into the I compartments and removed therefrom through the back of the matrix without disturbing the grid attached to the front of the matrix. The channel shaped frame of the matrix can be filled with a stiff foam plastic core for strengthening the frame. Alternative to the core or in addition thereto, a rigid rectangular fiat frame can be set into the ledge around the peripheral frame of the matrix to cover the channel, and to prevent twisting and warping of the assembly.

The matrix can be made without the channel shaped frame so that the assembly can be mounted to a conventional rectangular picture frame. The flexible grid can be made of transparent material with integral transparent panels to overlay the panels of the matrix. The transparent panels will serve as transparent face plates for protecting the cards in the matrix.

The invention makes it possible to mount quickly and removably a multiplicity of sheets or cards in an attractive assembly for effective display. No particular skill, tools, supplemental fasteners, adhesive tabs or mounting members are required. The cards are quickly removable and 3,371,439 Patented Mar. 5, 1968 replaceable by others when the grid is taken 0d the matrix or through the slots in back of the matrix.

It is therefore a principal object of the invention to provide a multiple sheet or card mounting assembly comprising a rectangular matrix having shallow compartments or trays to receive the cards, and a snap-fitting removable rectangular grid attachable to the front of the matrix to hold the cards in the compartments.

Another object is to provide an assembly as described, wherein the matrix has an integral channel shaped peripheral frame.

A further object is to provide an assembly as last described wherein the frame is stiffened by a rectangular back panel or rigid open frame attached to the back of the matrix.

Still another object is to provide an assembly of matrix and grid as described, with a stiffening core inserted in the channel shaped peripheral frame to stiffen the same.

A further object is to provide an assembly of matrix and grid as described, wherein the grid is formed with integral transparent panels fitting into the compartments in the matrix to protect and retain the cards in the compartments.

Still another object is to provide an assembly of matrix and grid attached so that the assembly can be attached to a separate picture frame of conventional type.

For further comprehension of the invention and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective front, end and top view of a card mounting assembly embodying a first form of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional View taken on line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded sectional view of parts shown assembled in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a further enlarged sectional View similar to a part of FIG. 2, showing structural details with more clarity.

FIG. 5 is a reduced rear view of the assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view 011 an enlarged scale of parts of assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of parts of another card mounting assembly embodying a second form of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view taken on line 8-8 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a front view of another card mounting assembly embodying a third form of the invention.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged partially exploded perspective view of parts of the assembly of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a partially exploded enlarged sectional view taken on line 11-11 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 and FIG. 14 are enlarged fragmentary sectional views of card mounting assemblies respectively embodying fourth and fifth forms of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view on a reduced scale of a rectangular insert used with the assembly of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a rectangular stiffening frame used with the assembly of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a front elevational view with parts broken away of another card mounting assembly embodying a sixth form of the invention.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on line 17-17 of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view on an enlarged scale of parts of the assembly of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary perspective view partially in section of another card mounting assembly embodying a seventh form of the invention.

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view on a reduced scale of parts of the assembly of FIG. 19.

As used in this specification and in the claims, the term matrix refers to a molded compartmented sheet, and the term grid refers to a sheet molded to define a grillwork, both the matrix and grid having the forms described and illustrated herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, there is shown a picture sheet or card mounting assembly A1 comprising a flexible matrix and flexible grid 26. The matrix is a thin molded plastic sheet having a rectangular peripheral ridge 28 and mutually perpendicular intersection ridges 30. The ridges define molded border walls or frames around generally rectangular shallow compartments or trays closed at the back and open at the front. In cross section each ridge has a rather flaring form with rounded outer or front portion 36 and inwardly tapered opposing sides 38. The panels 34 all coplanar and define the back plane P of the matrix. The corners 39 of the adjoining ridges inside each compartment are rounded for a purpose to be described. Outer corners 39 of ridge 28 are also rounded.

Around the periphery of the matrix is an integral channel shaped frame 40. This frame includes a peripheral flange 42 which is coplanar with plane P of the back panels 34. Extending forwardly from the outer periphery of flange 42 is a narrow flexible wall 44. This wall actually extends at an acute angle to flange 42 as best shown in FIG. 4 to define a rather angular corner groove 46 all around the flange 42. Extending forwardly and laterally outwardly of wall 44 is wall 48 which is disposed at an acute angle to the plane P of flange 42 and wall 44. Peripheral outer wall 50 extends rearwardly from the apex 51 of the channel 52 defined by

walls

48, 50 to the plane P of the back panels 34 and flange 42. At the foot of wall 50 is a narrow flange 54 disposed in the back plane P. From flange 54 extends rearwardly a peripheral flange 56 which is perpendicular to flange 54 and parallel to outer wall 50 at all points. An outermost peripheral flat flange 58 extends from the foot of flange 56.

Flanges

54 and 56 define a ledge 60 in which fits snugly the periphery of a rigid, rectangular backing board or plate 62. This board can be made of pressed fiberboard, tempered hardboard, chipboard, cardboard, or other suitable rigid sheet material. A suitable adhesive 64 applied to the rear side of flange can be used to secure the back plate to the matrix. The rear side 63 of board 62 is coplanar with wall 58.

The grid 26 is an open generally rectangular grillwork which can be made by vacuum forming or otherwise molding a diecut sheet of suitable plastic material.

The grid has an outer rectangular narrow flange 70. This flange extends outwardly from the outer wall of a peripheral ridge 74. This ridge is integrally formed with interior intersecting ridges 75 defining a grillwork. Each of the ridges has an internal or rear channel or groove 76 which is shaped to conform with

ridges

28 or 30 of the matrix. The opposing side walls 72 of

ridges

74 and 75 are flexible and inclined inwardly toward each other. They are joined by outer rounded wall sections 79. Corners 77 of adjoining mutually perpendicular walls 72 are rounded. Extending laterally from the inner wall of ridge 74 and from both walls in interior ridges 75 are flat flanges forming small rectangular frames 80 with interior rims 81 defining rectangular openings for each frame.

The grid and matrix can be mutually detachably engaged with each other by pressing the rear of the grid against the front of the matrix so the

ridges

28, 30 enter the grooves 76. The flexible walls of the ridges in both matrix and grid yield and accommodate to each other so that a snug, springy grip is maintained between them.

The corners 77 of the grid frame register with and snap into the

rounded corners

39, 39 of the compartments 35. The peripheral wall flange 70 of the grid snaps into the recess 46 of the matrix. Thus the grid is held in the matrix and cannot work loose.

Rectangular sheets of cards which can bear pictures or any graphic subject matter 103 can be disposed in the several compartments or trays 35 and will be held thereby the frames 80 which overlap the margins 101 of the cards. Removal or replacement of any card can be effected by snapping off the grid and then replacing it.

The entire assembly can be mounted or hung on a wall by the use of suitable hangers. The rear panel board 72 can be provided with slots 102 having serrated outer edges 104 for engaging hooks, nails or other hanger devices.

The picture or card mounting assembly A2 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 7 is substantially identical to assembly A1 of FIGS. 1-6 and corresponding parts are identically numbered. In assembly A2 transparent rectangular plastic sheets or plates are applied to the front sides of the cards or pictures 100. The plates 110 serve to protect the front surfaces of the pictures. Margins of the face plates 110 are interposed between frames 80 and margins 101 of the cards 100.

In FIGS. 9-11 is shown another card mounting assembly A3 which is generally similar to assembly A1 with corresponding parts identically numbered. In assembly A3 the grid 26a has a peripheral ridge 74a which engages on ridge 28 of matrix 25a. The peripheral flange 70 and corresponding flange 42 employed in the grid and matrix of assembly A1 are omitted. The flexible grid 26a is molded of transparent plastic material so that the margins 101 of cards 100 in compartments 35 of the matrix are visible. Also the

ridges

28 and 30 of the matrix are visible through the grid 26a. This may be desirable where the matrix is molded of colored plastic material to provide an attractive framed effect around the cards.

Transverse slots 112 are formed in panels 34a of the matrix. These slots have downwardly extended center notches 114. The slots permit insertion of the flexible cards 100 through the back of the matrix while the grid 26a is in place. The flexible cards can be bent at their centers and inserted through the notches 114. In removing the cards while the grid is in place, the cards can be pushed backwardly at their centers through the notches 114 to free the upper edges of the cards which will then extend through the slots 112 from which the cards can easily be removed.

In FIG. 12 is shown a further assembly A4 in which matrix 25b is similar to matrix 25 with corresponding parts identically numbered. In matrix 2512, the channel 52 defined between

walls

48 and 50 of the frame 40a is filled with a stiff rectangular core see FIG. 13. This core can be made of expanded closed cell foam plastic material. Thecore will limit or prevent warping of the flexible matrix and will prevent wrinkling of the frame 40a if any pressure is exerted upon it. The grid 25 will be applied to matrix 25b in the same manner as described in connection with FIGS. 1-6.

In FIG. 14 assembly A5 is like assembly A1, but may employ a rigid rectangular frame in place of back panel board 62; see FIG. 15. The slots 102 will be provided at centers of the sides of the frame for engaging suitable hangers. The frame 125 will keep the matrix 256 from twisting and warping. If desired, core 120 can be inserted into channel 52 of any of the assemblies A1-A3 and A5 for stiffening the body of the frame of the matrix to resist pressure.

Transparent grid 26a can be used on any of the matrices of assemblies A1, A2, A4 or A5 if desired.

FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 show card mounting assembly A6 which is generally similar to assemblies Al-AS with corresponding parts identically numbered. The matrix 25d terminates in peripheral flange 42. The outer frame 40 provided in matrix 25 is omitted. The flange 42 can be engaged by tacks, staples or other fastener members 130 in the rabbet 132 of a conventional rectangular wooden picture frame 135. This makes it possible to use any one of a great variety of differently surfaced, colored or finished frames with any set of grid and matrix. The grid 26a formed without an external peripheral flange is employed.

This grid can easily be snapped on to and off the matrix 25d for inserting and removing cards 100. Transparent facing plates 110 may be employed in front of the cards 100 if desired.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show another card mounting assembly A7 in which the matrix 25d without peripheral frame is mounted to a picture frame 135a. The transparent grid 26a is similar to grid 26a except that transparent rectangular center panels 110 are integrally molded with

ridges

74a and 75a. These panels serve to protect the cards so that separate transparent plates 110 such as employed in assemblies A2 and A6 can be omitted. The grid is snapped 26a on and oif the matrix 25d in the same manner as the other grids and matrices previously described.

In all forms of the invention, the individual matrices, grids, face plates, cores, and frames are all interchangeable with others to obtain different structural functions and different decorative effects. The parts of the assemblies can be made by mass production methods and equipment at relatively low cost. They are easy to use, and durable in construction, and will provide long, satisfactory service.

While we have illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of our invention, it is to be understood that we do not limit ourselves to the precise construction herein disclosed and that various changes and modifications may be made Within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A card or picture mounting assembly, comprising a thin walled flexible matrix formed with a plurality of mutually intersecting ridges surrounding coplanar panels, each panel with surrounding ridges defining a shallow tray having an open front to receive a thin card, each of said ridges having flexible opposing angularly disposed narrow walls, and a thin walled flexible grid for holding cards in the trays of the matrix, said grid having a plurality of intersecting other ridges conforming in intersecting arrangement with corresponding ridges of the matrix, said other ridges defining grooves with thin flexible opposing angularly disposed other walls for removably engaging on the ridges of the matrix.

2. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said grid has narrow flanges defining frames extending inwardly of said other ridges and overlaying marginal portions of the panels for engaging margins of cards to hold the same in the trays.

3. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said matrix has a peripheral flange engageable in a rabbet of a picture frame.

4. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said matrix has a peripheral channel shaped frame integral with outermost ridges of the matrix.

5. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 4, further comprising a rigid panel board for backing up and stiffening the matrix and grid, said frame having a peripheral ledge for receiving the periphery of the panel board.

6. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 4, further comprising a stiff core filling said channel to stiffen the matrix.

7. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 4, wherein said frame has a peripheral ledge, and a stiff flat other frame engaged at the back of the matrix with the periphery of the frame engaged in said ledge and closing said channel.

8. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 4, wherein said frame has mutually perpendicular flexible narrow further walls joining the frame to the outermost ridges of the matrix, said grid having a peripheral narrow flange, said further walls defining a recess for receiving said peripheral flange of the grid to hold the periphery of the grid to the matrix.

9. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein said panels having slots formed therein to permit insertion of said cards into the trays while the grid is mounted to the matrix.

10. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein said grid is formed of thin, transparent material so that the ridges of matrix and margins of the cards are visible through the ridges of the grid.

11. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said grid is formed of thin, transparent material, said grid having transparent other panels integral with said other ridges for overlaying the panels of the matrix with the cards disposed between the transparent panels and the panels of the matrix and visible through the transparent panels.

12. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein said matrix has a peripheral flange engageable in a rabbet of a picture frame.

13. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 4, wherein said grid is formed of thin, transparent material so that the ridges of matrix and margins of the cards are visible through the ridges of the grid.

14. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein said matrix has a peripheral channel shaped frame integral with outermost ridges of the matrix.

15. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein said grid is formed of thin, transparent material so that the ridges of matrix and margins of the cards are visible through the ridges of the grid.

16. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 2, further comprising cards respectively disposed in certain ones of the trays, and transparent face plates respectively disposed between the respective cards and the frames of the grid.

-17. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 16, wherein said matrix has a peripheral channel shaped frame integral with outermost ridges of the matrix.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,692,999 11/1928 Siegel 40156 2,614,354 10/1952 Winslow 40-456 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,197,646 7/ 1965 Germany.

EUGENE R. CAPOZIO, Primary Examiner.

W. 1-. CQNTRERAS, Examiner.