US3613280A

US3613280A - Picture framing kit

Info

Publication number: US3613280A
Application number: US854697A
Authority: US
Inventors: Benjamin Tuchinsky; David Howard Stein; Jeffrey J Friedlander
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1969-09-02
Filing date: 1969-09-02
Publication date: 1971-10-19
Anticipated expiration: 1988-10-19

Abstract

A FRAME IS PROVIDED WHICH IS COMPRISED OF EXTRUDED ALUMINUM SIDE MEMBERS. EACH OF THE SIDE MEMBERS INCLUDES AN INTEGRALLY FORMED CHANNEL WHICH ENABLES THE FRAME TO BE UTILIZED FOR PICTURES OF BOTH NARROW AND WIDE THICKNESSES.

Description

Oct. 19, 1971 TUH|NKY ETAL PICTURE FRAMING KIT 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 2, 1969 INVENTORS. BENJAMIN rucm/vs/rr DA v/o HOWARD STE/N v 6 JEFFREY .1. FRIEDLANDER United States Patent 3,613,280 PICTURE FRAMING KIT Benjamin Tuchinsky, 7 Fernwood Court 07011; David Howard Stein, 301 Park Slope 07013; and Jeffrey J. Friedlander, 565 Grove St. 07011, all of Clifton, NJ.

Filed Sept. 2, 1969, Ser. No. 354,697 Int. Cl. (20% 1/12 US. Cl. 40-155 6 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A frame is provided which is comprised of extruded aluminum side members. Each of the side members includes an integrally formed channel which enables the frame to be utilized for pictures of both narrow and wide thicknesses.

This invention relates generally to picture frames and more particularly to a picture frame which may be used for photographs, drawings or other planar pictures having a narrow thickness as well as for pictures having substantial thickness such as stretched canvases.

Conventional picture frames are capable of being utilized for either pictures which are made on sheets of narrow thickness or for stretched canvases. Conventional frames cannot be utilized for both but rather can be used for only one or the other. The conventional frame is also diflicult to assemble. For example, in one conventional picture frame, three sides must first be secured together and a picture then slid in through the open side. After the picture is slid into place, stufiing such as layers of cardboard or paper must then be slid behind the picture in order to secure the photograph in place within the channel provided therein. The fourth side must then be assembled to the remaining three sides about the picture that is already within the frame. Conventional picture framing techniques are thus not only cumbersome but are also not attractively made.

It is therefore an object of the invention to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved framing kit which enables assembling a picture frame which may be used for either narrow or thick pictures.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved metal frame which is comprised of a plurality of extruded side members.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved frame which is entirely assembled prior to the placement of the picture therein.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved securing member which is used with a picture frame in order to secure pictures of narrow thickness into the frame.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved securing member which facilitates securement of a stretched canvas in a picture frame having a forward bearing surface and a rear channel.

These and other objects of the invention are achieved by providing a frame having a side wall and a front wall. The frame further includes a channel on the inner surface of the side wall and a bearing surface spaced from the outer surface of the front wall. The channels are adapted to receive a plurality of a first type of securing member to mount in the frame against the bearing surface a first type of planar member having a thickness substantially narrower than the thickness of the frame. The channels are further adapted to receive a plurality of a second type of securing members for mounting a second type of planar member having a thickness substantially larger than the thickness of the first type of planar member.

3,613,280 Patented Oct. 19, 1971 Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a picture frame embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a reduced rear elevational view of the picture frame embodying the invention;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary enlarged exploded perspective view showing the assembly of the frame;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 44 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the brackets utilized for securing the side members of the frame together;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 6-6 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 77 in FIG. 6;

I FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first type of securing member embodying the invention utilized for securing pictures of narrow thickness in the picture frame;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a second type of securing member utilized for mounting a stretched canvas in said picture frame; and

FIG. 10 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 7 showing a stretched canvas mounted in the frame.

Referring now in greater detail to the various figures of the drawing wherein similar reference characters refer to similar parts, a picture frame embodying the invention is shown generally at 20 in FIG. 1.

Picture frame 20 basically comprises a plurality of

side members

22, 24, 26 and 28.

As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, each of the side members 22 through 28 is preferably comprised of extruded aluminum and includes a side wall 30 and an integral forward wall 32 which extends transversely to the side wall 30. Each of the forward walls 32 includes a rearwardly extending flange 34 which is integral with wall 32 and extends transversely with respect thereto.

The side walls 30 are each substantially disposed in planes perpendicular to the plane of the picture which is mounted in the frame and the forward wall 32 of each of the side members is disposed in a plane which is substantially parallel to the picture mounted in the frame. The side walls 30 each include a first flange 36 which forms the rear wall of each side member. Each of the flanges 36 also includes an inwardly extending projection 38 which is disposed substantially parallel to the side walls 30.

The side walls 30 further include a second flange 40 which is disposed on the inner surface of the side walls 30 and which is aligned with the end of the flange 34 and which extends transversely to the side wall towards said flange 34.

'Each of the flanges 40 includes a narrow portion 42 and a transversely extending projection 44. The projection 44 is disposed substantially parallel to side wall 30 and spaced therefrom the same distance as the projection 38.

Flanges

36 and 40 and

projections

38 and 44 form a channel 46 on the inner surfaces of each of the side members 22 through 28. The narrow portion 42 and the end surface of the flange 34 form a bearing surface on each of the side members against which the picture is secured when the picture is secured in the frame 20.

Each of the side members 22 through 28 are secured together in a rectangular configuration by a plurality of brackets 48. As best seen in FIG. 5, each of the brackets 48 is L-shaped and includes a first leg 50 and a second leg 52 which is integral with and perpendicular to leg 50. As best seen in FIG. 6, each of the

legs

50 and 52 of bracket 48 includes a threaded opening in which a threaded fastener 54 is threadedly secured.

- As best seen in FIG. 3, the end surfaces 56 of each of the side members 22 through 28 are inclined at a 45 angle with respect to the outer surface of the side wall 30 of each of the side members. Thus, each side member is capable of being secured to a similar side memher at a 90 angle at each of the corners.

In order to assemble adjacent side members to make a frame 20, a bracket 48 is utilized by inserting a first leg into the channel 46 of the first side member and threadcd member 54 is rotated so that the threaded member engages the inner surface of the side wall 30. Thus, as best seen in FIG. 6, in order to secure bracket 48 to the side member 22, the threaded fastener 54 is rotated so that the fastener 54 bears against the inner surface of side wall 30 thereby causing the leg 50 of the bracket 48 to be urged against the

projections

38 and 44. As the fasteners continue to be rotated, the leg 50 becomes frictionally engaged or trapped within channel 46 at the end of side member 22. The other leg 52 of the bracket 48 is then slid into the channel 46 of side member 28. Fastener 54 of leg 52 is tightened in the same manner and the leg 52 is then trapped within side member 28.

It can therefore be seen that in order to assemble the four sides of a rectangular frame, the following steps are taken:

(1) A first leg of a first bracket is inserted into the channel 46 of a first side member, the leg is slid in as far as it can go and then the fastener 54 is tightened. A second side member is then so disposed that the channel 44 is aligned with the second leg of the first bracket and the channel is then used to receive the sec ond leg of the first bracket. After the second side member has been telescoped completely over the second leg of the first bracket, the fastener 54 in the second leg is then tightened to secure the first and second side members together. It should be noted that the end surfaces 56 are then tangentially contacting each other.

(2) The first leg of a second bracket is then secured into the opposite end of channel 46 of the second side member. Fastener 54 is then tightened after the first leg has been slid in as far as it can go. The second leg of the second bracket is then aligned with the channel 46 of a third side member and inserted into the channel thereof. The third side member is thus secured to the first and second side member as the fastener 54 in the second leg of the second bracket is also tightened.

(3) The first legs of a third and fourth bracket are then placed in the opposite ends of the channel 46 of a fourth side member. Each of the first legs of the brackets are secured in the ends of the channel 46 of the fourth side member.

(4) As best seen in FIG. 3, the second legs of each of the brackets 48 at the end of the fourth member (side member 22) are then aligned with the channels 46 of the first and third side members (side members 24 and 28). The legs of the brackets are then slid into the channels. The fasteners 54 of each of the legs are then tightened thereby completing the fourth side of the frame.

The picture frame is now adapted to receive either a picture having a narrow thickness or a picture of substantial thickness such as a stretched canvas. FIGS. 2, 4, 6 and 7 show a picture of narrow thickness secured in the frame. As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the frame preferably utilizes a glass window 58 and a backing member 60 such as stiff paper or cardboard for mounting a narrow, planar or fiat photograph 62. It should be understood, however, that neither the glass 58 nor the backer 60 is required where the picture 62 is comprised of a stiff material.

The picture 62 as well as the window 58 and backer 60 is secured in place by a plurality of securing members 64.

The securing members are best seen in FIG. 8. Each securing member preferably comprises a planar elongated member 66 and a flange 68 which is generally S- shaped and which is resilient. As best seen in FIG. 7, the width of elongated member 66 is larger than the opening between the ends of

projections

44 and 38 at the opening of channels 46. However, it should also be noted that the width of the planar members 66 of the fastening member 64 is narrower than the width at the base of the channel 46 adjacent the inner surface of side wall 30.

In order to secure a picture of narrow thickness in the frame, the frame is preferably placed with the front wall 32 placed downwardly against the top surface of a platform or table. The picture 62, the window 58 and backing member 60 are rested on the bearing surface formed by the end of flanges 34 and the ledge formed by narrow portion 42 of flange 40.

The plurality of securing members 64 are then utilized to secure the picture 62 in the frame against the bearing surfaces formed by

flanges

34 and 40.

Each of the securing members 64 are snapped into the channel 46 so that the resilient flange member 68 acts to urge the picture 62 against the bearing surface. The securing member 64 is secured in channel 46 by urging a first end of the planar member 66 of the securing member into the opening formed between projection 44 and the inner surface of side wall 30. The end 70 is pushed towards the flange 40 as the resilient flange 68 is bent outwardly or deformed. When the end 70 of the planar member 66 has been pressed far enough towards the flange 40, the end 72 of the planar member 66 clears the end of projection 38 and thereby enables the entry of the planar member 66 into the channel 46.

The securing member 64 is then released and the resilient member 68 thereby causes the planar member to slide rearwardly so that end 72 of member 66 abuts the inner surface of flange 36. Thus, when the securing member is in its final position, it is in the position shown in FIG. 7.

As seen in FIG. 2, a plurality of the securing members 64 are placed at various positions around the periphery of the frame in order to secure the picture 62 in the frame. The flanges 68 of the securing members thus apply a resilient urging at the rear of the picture about the periphery thereof. Also, the flexibility of flanges 68 enables the frame to receive a wide range of thicknesses of narrow pictures.

As set forth above the frame 20 is also capable of securing a stretched canvas therein. In order to secure the stretched canvas within the frame 20, a plurality of securing members 74 are utilized.

A securing member 74 is best seen in FIG. 9. As seen, the securing member preferably comprises a sheet of metal having a straight portion 76 and a U-shaped portion 78-. The U-shaped portion 78 includes a first leg 80 which is flared outwardly in order to enable quick securement of the U-shaped portion 78 to flange 38. That is, prior to the insertion of a stretched canvas, a plurality of the securing members 74 are secured to the flanges 38 of the side members of a frame. The U-shaped members 78 are placed about the flange with the straight portion 76 extending perpendicular to the flange 36. A stretched canvas 81 comprising a canvas 82 which is secured to a stretching member 84 is then rested on the bearing surface of the frame. The straight portions 76 of each of the securing members 74 are then bent at line 86 to the position shown in phantom at 76 in FIG. 9. A fastening member 88 is then inserted through openings 90 provided in the straight portion 76 and is secured in the stretching member 84 to secure the stretched canvas 81 in the frame 20.

It can therefore be seen that a new and improved framing kit has been provided. The kit comprises a frame having a plurality of extruded metal side members, each of which includes a channel which enables the use of an L-shaped bracket for securing the side members together as well as to receive either a first or second securing memher for mounting either a print, photograph or drawing or in the alternative, to secure a stretched canvas in the frame.

The frame is easily assembled and the pictures are also easily secured in the frame.

Without further elaboration, the foregoing will so full illustrate our invention that others may, by applying current or future knowledge, readily adapt the same for use under various conditions of service.

What is claimed as the invention is:

1. A securing member in combination with a frame having a peripheral inner bearing surface for receipt of a stretched canvas and a channel on the inner surface of said frame adjacent said bearing surface, said channel having an inner and outer flange surrounding an opening thereto, said securing member including a straight portion and a U-shaped portion, said U-shaped portion adapted to be secured to said outer flange of said channel and said straight portion adapted to be secured to the rear of said stretched canvas.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said straight portion is planar and includes an opening, said straight portion adapted to be bent over the rear of said stretched canvas and said straight portion is secured to said canvas by inserting a fastening means through said opening.

3. A frame comprising a plurality of side members each having a side wall and a front wall, said side members each further including a channel on the inner surface of said side wall and a bearing surface spaced from the outer surface of said front wall, said channels adapted to receive a plurality of a first type of securing members to mount in said frame against said bearing surface, a first type of planar member having a thickness substantially narrower than the thickness of said frame, said channel further adapted to receive a plurality of a second type of securing members for mounting a second type of planar member having a thickness substantially larger than the thickness of said first type of planar member, said second type of members each being comprised of a planar elongated strip having a U-shaped end for connection to said channel and a bendable straight portion for folding over the rear surface of said second type of planar member.

4. A frame comprising a plurality of side members each having a side Wall and a front wall, said side members each further including a channel on the inner surface of said side wall which extends transversely to said front wall and a bearing surface spaced from but parallel to the outer surface of said front wall, a plurality of brackets, each of said brackets securing a different set of adjacent side members together, said brackets being comprised of a pair of elongated legs, each of said legs being adapted to be slid into the end of a channel of said side member, each of said legs including fastening means for frictionally securing said legs in said channels, and a plurality of securing members to mount in said frame against said bearing surface a planar member, said securing members having a portion which is received in said channel to secure said planar member against said bearing surface.

5. The invention of claim 4 wherein said securing members are each comprised of a rectangular member and a resilient flange, said rectangular member being snapped into said channel while said resilient flange urges said planar member against said bearing surface.

6. A securing member in combination with a frame having a peripheral inner bearing surface for receipt of a planar member and a channel on the inner surface of said frame adjacent said bearing surface, said channel having an inner and outer flange surrounding an opening thereto, said securing member including an elongated substantially rectangular member having a width larger than the width in said opening of said channel between said flanges but smaller than the width of said channel at the base thereof and a resilient member, said resilient member extending from said rectangular member and acting to urge a planar member against said bearing surface and the outer edge of said rectangular member into said opening adjacent said outer flange so that said rectangular member is confined in said opening by said inner and outer flanges.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,754,814 4/1930 Budd 40l56 2,075,588 3/1937 Meyers 40-152 2,581,843 1/1952 Edwards 40156 2,654,451 /1953 Schmidgall 40l52 X 2,970,397 2/1961 Roseman 40-156 ROBERT W. MICHELL, Primary Examiner W. J. CONTRERAS, Assistant Examiner