US3668799A

US3668799A - Art frame assembly

Info

Publication number: US3668799A
Application number: US60519A
Authority: US
Inventors: Paul A Sharron
Original assignee: Profab Inc
Current assignee: Profab Inc
Priority date: 1970-08-03
Filing date: 1970-08-03
Publication date: 1972-06-13
Anticipated expiration: 1989-06-13
Also published as: CA945369A

Abstract

An art frame assembly made of four aluminum extrusions having identical transverse cross sections where the art object is retained in the frame by extruded plastic retainer clips of a particular construction. In the fully assembled frame, the clips are stressed with one end of the clip releasably locked in a cooperating portion of the frame and the other end of the clip engaging the art object. Extruded plastic spacer strips can be mounted on the frame to provide a shadow box effect where desired. Modified retainer clips are used to mount objects of different thicknesses and depending on whether the shadow box spacer is used.

Description

United States Patent Sharron ART FRAME ASSEMBLY Paul A. Sharron, Windsor, Ontario, Canada [73] Assignee: Profab, Inc., River Rouge, Mich. [22] Filed: Aug. 3, 1970 21 Appl. No.: 60,519

[72] Inventor:

[52] US. Cl .L ..40/152.l [51] Int. Cl. ..G09f 1/12 [58] Field ofSearch ..52/475;40/l52, 156, 152.1

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,581,843 1/1952 Edwards ..40/l56 2,075,588 3/1937 Meyers ..40/l52 2,882,633 4/1959 Howell .40/156 3,039,217 6/1962 Stefanak .;.....40/152 [451 June 13, 1972 3,310,901 3/1967 Sarkisian ..40/l56 Primary Examiner-Lawrence Charles Assistant Eraminer--Wenceslao J. Contreras Attorney-Bames, Kisselle, Raisch & Choate 1 ABSTRACT An art frame assembly made of four aluminum extrusions having identical transverse cross sections where the art object is retained in the frame by extruded plastic retainer clips of a particular construction. In the fully assembled frame, the clips are stressed with one end of the clip releasably locked in a cooperating portion of the frame and the other end of the clip engaging the an object. Extruded plastic spacer strips can be mounted on the frame to provide a shadow box effect where desired. Modified retainer clips are used to mount objects of different thicknesses and depending on whether the shadow box spacer is used.

22 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJUH 13 m2 SHEET 2 [IF 3 INVENTOR PAUL A. SHARRON FIG. 11 BY I ATTORNEYS ART FRAME ASSEMBLY Metallic art frames such as extruded aluminum frames are aesthetically desirable for displaying certain flat art objects, particularly contemporary art. However, prior art metal frames lack versatility and limit the manner in which the art work can be displayed with a given frame construction. The construction of prior art metal frames is normally intended to display the art work in a given position relative to the v different frame constructions with prior art frames is inefficient and expensive to manufacture andinventory.

Prior art metal frames use rather inefi'lcient techniques for retaining the art object. It is conventional to assemble art work in prior art metal frames by first assembling three sides of the frame, sliding'the art work in place and then attaching-the fourth side of the frame. Another conventionalway of retaining the art work in place in prior. art metal frames requires screw fasteners or the like. Parts of the frame or the fasteners may get lost or may be damaged beyond use and careful alignment of parts may be necessary. Many prior art assembly and mounting techniques are time consuming and-particularly annoying if the frame must be disassembled, for example, where the art it tilted, not centered or wrinkled during-assembly or where the frame is later'used for displaying a different art object. Where the art is framed by sliding it in place and then attaching the fourth side of the frame, it is extremely difficult to remove the fourth side of the frame without damaging the frame or the art work with a least one such frame presently sold commercially.

Among the objects of the present invention are to provide an art frame assembly, and parts thereof, that can be manufactured and inventoried economically; that are versatile and can be used to display art objects of different thicknesses and in different ways; that are simple to assemble and disassemble and hence can be shipped or inventoried broken down, or fully or partially assembled, or the partscut to size as required depending on the customers requirements; that achieve highly effective retention of the art work in the frame; and/or thatprovide an attractive and effective frame for art objects in a wide variety of framing applications.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in connection with the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings in which: I 8

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the art frame of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the art frame of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary rear view illustrating an eyelet on the frame;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken on lines 4 4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary section through the top of the frame and illustrating the interior of a side;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a corner clip;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the eyelet;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view generally corresponding to that in FIG. 4 but illustrating a retainer clip in an unstressed condition just prior to assembly;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the clip in a different position compared to FIG. 8 to better illustrate the relative dimensions of the parts;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view to illustrate a leg on the clip locked in the frame;

FIG. 11 is a'view illustrating distortion of the clip during removal from the frame;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the use of a shadow box spacer in the frame of FIG. 1;

FIG..13 is a sectional view through the frame and the spacer of'FlG. I2; I

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary section at lines -l4-I4 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 illustrates a stillfunherembodiment of the present invention utilizing the frame and a modified clip for a thicker an object; and

FIG. 16 is afragmentary sectional view illustrating a still further embodiment of the present invention using the clip illustrated in FIG. 15 and the spacer of FIG. I3-with a canvas painting on a stretcher frame.

Referring in greater detail to the drawings, a rectangular frame 16 comprises a pair of top and

bottom frame members

18, 20 and a pair of

side members

22, 24, each of which is joined to its adjacent member by a pair of corner spring clips 26. Art work designated generally at 28 is mounted in frame 16 and held in place by a plurality of retainer clips 30 that releasably engaged in the frame members. Frame 16 is conveniently hung by'means of a wire 32 fastened at opposite ends on eyelets 34 which are engaged in

respective frame sides

22, 24.

Each of the

frame members

18, 20, 22, 24 are extruded aluminum and have identical transverse cross sections. I-Ience only the cross section of the side member 24 will be described in greater detail in connection with FIG. 4. Side 24 includes a front run 36 having a flat front'face 38 and a right-angled flange 40 that both extend the full length of the run 36. Flange 40 projects rearwardly ofthe frame and positions the art work 28. The front run 36 also has a longitudinal rib 42 that extends the full length thereof. Rib 42 projects in a direction rearwardly of the frame and is spaced slightly inwardly of a side run 44. Run 44 has an integral T-shaped rib 46 and an integral boss 48 having a forwardly projecting lug or rib 50. Rib 46 and boss 48 extend longitudinally the full length of the side run 44. The T-shaped rib 46 is spaced rearwardly from the front run 36 and cooperates with rib 42 to form a keyway 52. Boss 48 is spaced rearwardly of the rib 46 to form a second keyway 54. Boss 48 has a longitudinal keyhole-shaped slot 64 that opens in a direction rearwardly of the frame atan ensmalled neck 66 forming an undercut shoulder 68. At the slot 66, the inner face of side run 44 is gradually curved outwardly and rearwardly at a shoulder 70. Run 44 extends rearwardly from shoulder 70 along a flat face 71. i

Each of the corner clips 26 is pressed into a

respective keyway

52, 54 at the comers of the

members

18, 20, 22, 24. Clips 26 are held firmly in place by lanced spring fingers 56 to provide a rigid frame assembly. Eyelet 34 has two flat legs 60 slideably retained in keyway 54. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the position of the eyelets 34 vertically of the

sides

22, 24 is fixed by engagement between wire 32 and two of the retainer clips 30. Hence the position can be adjusted by selecting the length and location of the two clips 30. Additionally, the upper limit of travel of eyelets 34 in keyway 54 is limited by the corner clips 26 at a position just below the top frame member 18 as illustrated in broken lines in FIG. 5. This position of the eyelets 34 is normally a satisfactory position for many applications. The location of eyelets 34 between the front and rear of the frame allows the frame to be mounted flush with a wall.

Clip 30 has a generally squared-off, U-shaped transverse cross section illustrated in FIG. 4. More particularly, clip 30 comprises a forward projecting leg 72 joined at elbow 82 to a lateral bight portion 74 which in turn is joined at elbow 84 to a forward projecting leg 76. Leg 72 has a beaded free end 78 which projects forwardly of the frame through neck 66 and into slot 64 beneath the undercut shoulder 68. A longitudinal rib 80 on the leg 72 projects outwardly of the frame into engagement with face 71 and is disposed approximately midway between the free end 78 and elbow 82. As will be described in greater detail, rib 80 causes the free end 78 to cant under the shoulder 68 to retain clip 30 on the side member 24. The bight portion 74 extends inwardly of the frame from elbow 82 flush with the back of the side run 44. Leg 76 has a short, straight run from bight 74, then curves gradually outwardly from the leg 72 in a direction toward the opposite side wall frame member 22 and terminates at the free end 86 engaged with the back face of the art object 28.

With clip 30 in the position illustrated in FIG. 4, leg 76 is flexed in a direction inwardly of the frame away from the side run 44 with

elbows

82, 84 also being slightly flexed. This stresses clip 30 in such a way as to maintain the free end 78 engaged under shoulder 68 and urge the beaded end 86 tightly against the art object 28. The stress in clip 30 creates a moment about the pivot point defined between the point of engagement between rib 80 and face 71 in a clockwise direction as will be more apparent from FIGS. 8-10 to keep leg 72 locked in place. As shown in FIG. 8, clip 30 is extruded with a slight outward curvature in leg 76, a slight acute included angle at elbow 82 and a slight obtuse included angle at elbow 84. When clip 30 is unflexed and merely resting on the art object 28, the free end 78 of the leg 72 is not locked under shoulder 68. This relationship is achieved by properly locating the rear surface 88 of the object 28. When force is applied in the downward direction as viewed in FIG. 8, as at the elbow 82 as illustrated by the arrow, the free end 78 will move downwardly as viewed in FIG. 8 into the slot 64. Simultaneously, leg 76 will tend to slide inwardly of the frame in a direction away from the side run 44 until the free end 78 bottoms in slot 64. Clip 30 distorts slightly by flexing at leg 76 and elbow 82 and to a lesser extent at elbow 84 .with the spring action of the clip applying a counterclockwise moment force on leg 72 at elbow 82. Hence as leg 72 moves into slot 64, the leg pivots slightly about the point of engagement between the rib 80 and face 71 in a generally counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 8 due to the counterclockwise moment applied to leg 72. Leg 72 cannot move rearwardly straight out of the slot 64 because the projected dimension of leg 72 measured from the tip of rib 80 to just under shoulder 68 exceeds the dimension at neck 66.

If the object 28 is not thick enough to get the necessary stress in clip 30,a convenient shim can be added. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the illustrated art object 28 comprises a thin, flat sheet such as a print 90 mounted on a rigid thicker backing 92. In order to obtain the necessary thickness, a separate flat shim such as a sheet of cardboard 94 or the like is sandwiched between backing 92 and the beaded free end 86.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, when the free end 78 bottoms in slot 64 under shoulder 68, elbow 82 is engaged against face 71, but this latter engagement is not essential. Shoulder 70 tends to cam the inner free end 78 inwardly ofthe frame under shoulder 68. The longitudinal edge on boss 48, between shoulder 68 and neck 66, may be sharply defined to assist in retaining the free end 78 under the shoulder 68. However, this is not essential to an effective locking of leg 72 in boss 48.

In the preferred embodiment, clip 30 is an extruded plastic material having properties selected based on the clip dimensions to provide the necessary stiffness to leg 72 while permitting slight resilient flecture of leg 76 and slight resilient flecture at

elbows

82, 84. The thickness of clip 30 should be such that the relatively short leg 72 is relatively rigid. Thus when the counterclockwise moment force is applied to leg 72 at elbow 82, the free end 78 cannot flex in a clockwise direction sufficiently for leg 72 to move out from under shoulder 68. On the other hand, the clip dimensions and properties of the extruded material should be such as to allow slight flecture at

elbows

82, 84 and allow leg 76 to flex slightly inwardly of the frame, in a generally counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 4 to provide the moment on leg 72. A clip 30 of extruded rigid polyvinylchloride and dimensioned substantially as shown in FIG. 9 relative to slot 64 and shoulder 68 provides very satisfactory results.

With clip 30 in the stressed condition illustrated in FIG. 4, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to remove the clip 30 by pulling rearwardly on the clip or by pulling leg 76 inwardly of the frame while at the same time pulling on the clip in a direction rearwardly of the frame. Although it may not be readily apparent from a casual inspection, the construction of clip 30 described hereinabove provides an almost unbelievably effective lock with the frame. Clip 30 can be easily removed by merely pressing leg 76 in a direction outwardly of the frame toward the side run 44 as illustrated by the arrow in FIG. 11. A force applied outwardly on leg 76 distorts clip 30 removing the counterclockwise moment on leg 72 and urging clip 30 rearwardly. Leg 72 moves toward the position illustrated in FIG. 9 until the free end 78 clears shoulder 68 and leg 72 pops out of slot 64 as illustrated in broken lines in FIG. 1 1.

Any suitable number of clips 30 may be used and the length of the clips may be selected to provide the desired retention. In the preferred embodiment, clips 30 are elongated strips so that a substantial area of the art object 28 is engaged by the free ends 86 of the clips. It will be apparent, however, that the retainer clips 30 on the side of

frame members

22, 24 could be one elongated clip, particularly where eyelets 34 bottom against spring clips 26 at the top of keyway 54. The present invention also contemplates relatively short clips having the transverse cross section previously described. A plurality of such short clips can be used along any one of the side members. However, the elongated clips illustrated in FIG. 2 are preferred to minimize the steps necessary to assemble and disassemble the frame as well as provide a firmer, more uniform pressure against the art object 28 over substantially the entire periphery of the object. I

Referring to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, the frame is constructed of top, bottom and two side members identical to the

side members

18, 20, 22, 24 of FIG. 1. However, the art object 28' is mounted in frame 100 by means of four spacer strips 102 (only two of which are visible) and modified retainer clips 104 to give a shadow box effect. Each of the strips 102 is longitudinally coextensive with its respective side member and has a generally blocked-S transverse cross section shown in FIG. 13. Strips 102 each have a return bent rear end 105 dimensioned to hook snugly over a forward lug 106 on rib 46 with a straight run 108 resting snugly on the inner face of the rib. The run 108 joins a return bent portion 110 having a flat face 112 that positions the art object 28. From the return bent portion 110, spacer 102 has a straight run 113 that extends parallel to the side run 44 from the art object 28' to flange 40. The front end 114 of run 112 fits closely with the flange 40 and is retained in place by an integral spring leaf 116 engaged on the outer face of the flange 40. Leaf 116 extends the full length of the strip. In the preferred embodiment, the spacer 102 is extruded of suitable plastic material such as rigid polyvinyl chloride. The strip 102 is assembled on the frame member prior to mounting the art object 28' by hooking the end 105 over rib 46 with the other end 114 inwardly of the flange 40, i.e., toward the right of flange 40 as viewed in FIG. 13. Run 113 is pressed in a direction outwardly of the frame toward the side run 44, toward the left as viewed in FIG. 13, to force leaf 116 over the flange 40. As soon as the leaf 116 clears the flange 40, it snaps back in place to retain the strip 102 on the frame. As illustrated in FIG. 14, it is necessary to trim away a short length of the return bent portion 105 (as illustrated by the portion removed at 120) at each end of the strip 102 so that the strip clears the comer clip 26. The strip 102 can be any selected color and provides a very neat and attractive shadow box framing effect.

The modified retainer clip 104 of FIG. 13 has a leg 122 that is shorter than the corresponding leg 76 on the clip 30 to properly mount the art object 28' when it is positioned on the strip 102. Except for the length of the leg 122, the clip 104 is substantially the same as clip 30 with corresponding parts being identified by corresponding numerals. Clip 104 operates in substantially the same manner as clip 30 to retain clip 104 on the frame member 24 in a stressed condition and firmly mount the art object 28. Hence the free end 78 of clip 104 is canted under the shoulder 68 by the rib 80 due to the moment at elbow 82 when leg 122 is flexed outwardly away from side run 44.

For example, the object 132 may be a collage ona board whose thickness is'say over an inch. Object 134 is a canvas painting on a frame on the order of one-half inch thick.

Clip 130 is an extruded length of suitable plastic material such as rigid polyvinyl chloride and comprises a locking leg 136 joined at elbow 149 to a generally right-angled leg 138. The leg 136 has a slightly inwardly curved free end 140 to assure that it engages under shoulder 68. Leg l36also has a longitudinal rib 142 that pivots the free end 140 under the shoulder 68 when the clip 130 is pressed in place in a manner similar to the rib 80 described in connection with FIGS. 8-10. Clip 13Q is illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16 with the leg 138 in its flexed position to stress the clip 130 so that the spring action applies a counterclockwise moment to the clip about rib 142 and/or the point at which elbow 149 engages face 71. The unflexed position of leg 138 relative to the locking leg 136 is generally illustrated in broken lines in FIG. 16. Where

legs

136, 138 are approximately the same length, leg 136 should be relatively thick as compared to leg 138 so that when the clip 130 is pressed in place, flecture occurs in leg 138 and at juncture 144 rather than in leg 136. The dimensions and rigidity of leg 136 are selected so that the free end 140 under shoulder 68 will not flex out from under shoulder 68. With the relatively thick leg 136 (FIG. 15), as compared to leg 72 (FIG. 2), rib 142 is small compared to rib 80. The clip 130 illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16 also includes a shorter rib 150 that overlays the rear edge of the side run 44 to provide a slightly different appearance at the rear face of the frame. Retention of the clip 130 on side 24 is also enhanced by the frictional engagement between the face 71 and leg 136at elbow 149.

With all of the clips described (clip 30, FIG. 4; clip 104, FIG. 13; clip 130, FIG. 15), the forces acting on the clip maintain the lower free end of theclip canted under the undercut shoulder 68 to secure the clip in its assembled condition. This canted orientation is achieved in part by properly locating the longitudinal ribs (80, FIG. 2; 142, FIG. 15) to obtain the leverage necessary to wedge the locking legs (72, FIG. 2; 136, FIG. 15) under shoulder 68.1-Iowever, it will be apparent that the shape of the locking leg and rib could be modified while retainingthe locking functionlof the arm wedged under the shoulder 68 when the clip is stressed. Although the clip 130 does provide effective retention, it is slightly more difficult to remove as compared to the clips and 104. On the other hand, the clip 130 is intended for limited use in special applications as compared to the

clips

30, 104.

It will be understood that the art frame assemblies have been described hereinabove for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to indicate limits of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the following claims.

lclaim:

1. A frame assembly adapted to mount an art object or the like presenting front and back surfaces comprising a frame having opposed sides with atleast one of saidsides having abutment means thereon to engage one surface of said object and locate the object at a selected position relative to the front-to-rear dimension of said frame and keeper means on said one side comprising a longitudinal slot in said one side opening at a restricted neck in a direction facing away from said other surface of said object, said one side having a face extending from adjacent said neck in a direction away from said neck, said frame assembly further comprising at least one removable spring clip having a first portion, a free end of which is inserted into said slot through said neck with said first clip portion abutting said face at a first point spaced from said neck in a direction away from'said slot to cant said free end under said neck to thereby removably engage said first clip portion in said keeper means, said clip further having an integral second clip portion to engage said object at said other surface and an integral third clip portion intermediate said first and second clip portions and wherein said clip is constructed to provide a spring action in said clip so that when said clip is stressed with said second clip portion engaged with said object, said spring action urges said second clip portion against said other surface of said object and keeps said first clip portion canted underneath said neck and locked in said keeper means.

2. A frame assembly adapted to mount an art object or the like presenting front and back surfaces comprising a frame having opposed sides with at least one of said sides having abutment means thereon to engage one surface of said object and locate the object at a selected position relative to the front-to-reardimension of said frame and keeper means on said one side comprising a-longitudinal slot in said one side opening at a restricted neck, said one side having a face extending from adjacent said neck in a direction away'from said neck, said frame assembly further comprising at least one removable spring clip interengaged with-said one side and said object to retain said object in place, said spring clip having a first portion, a free end of which is inserted into said groove through said neck with said first clip portion abutting said face at a first point spaced from said neck in a direction away from said slot to cant said free end under said neck to thereby removably engage said first clip portion in said keeper means.

said clip further having an integral second clip portion engaging said object at said other surface and an integral third clip portion intermediate said first and second clip portions that is stressed by engagement of said second clip-portion with said object to develop a spring action in said clip that urges said second clip portionagainst said other surface of said object and keeps said first clip portion canted underneath said neck and locked in said keeper means.

3. The assembly set forth in claim 2 wherein said clip has an elbowspaced from said free endand disposed outside said slot and said first clip portion abuts said face at said first point intermediate said free end and said elbow.

4. The assemblyset forth in claim 3 wherein said first clip portion has a protuberance thereon engaged with said face at said first point of engagement. a

5. The assembly setforth in claim 4 wherein said first clip portion extends longitudinally of said one side and wherein said protuberance comprises a rib which extends longitudinally of said one side. a I I I i 6. The frame assembly set forth in claim 4 wherein said protuberance is disposed substantially midway between said elbow and said free end. Q

7 .The frame assembly set forth in claim 4 wherein said first clip portion also engages said side at said elbow.

' 8. The frame assembly set forth in claim 2 wherein said clip has an elbow spaced from said free end and disposed outside said slot adjacent an' exterior edge of said one side and said clip has a straight portion extending'inwardly of said frame from said elbow in a direction substantially perpendicular to said frame and parallel to said other surface.

9. The frame assembly set forth in claim 8 wherein said elbow is approximately right angled and said straight portion of said clip engages said other surface of said object.

10. The frame assembly set forth in claim 2 wherein said clip is return bent from said first clip portion and has a second free end engaging said other side of said object.

11. vThe frame assembly set forth in claim 10. wherein said clip has a generally U-shaped transverse cross section, said first clip portion comprises a first leg of said U, said second clip portion comprises a second leg of said U and said third clip portion comprises at least part of said first leg, said second leg and a bight portion joining said first and second legs.

12. The frame assembly set forth in claim 11 wherein said second leg is longer than said first leg a direction corresponding to the front-to-rear dimension of said frame.

13. The frame assemblyset forth in claim 12 wherein said clip is stressed by flectureof said second leg in a direction inwardly of said frame away from said first leg.

14. The frame assembly set forth in claim 11 wherein said first leg and said bight portion are joined at a slightly acute included angle.

15. The frame assembly set forth in claim 14 wherein said second leg and said bight portion are joined at a slightly obtuse included angle.

16. The frame assembly set forth in claim 11 wherein said second leg and said bight portion are joined at a slightly obtuse included angle.

17. The frame assembly set forth in claim 11 wherein said first leg is substantially straight, said bight is substantially straight and wherein said second leg is curved outwardly in a direction away from said first leg.

18. The frame assembly set forth in claim 2 wherein said one surface of said object is said front surface and wherein said abutment means comprises a rib at the front of said one side projecting in a direction rearwardly of said frame and abuting said front surface of said object.

19. The frame assembly set forth in claim 2 wherein said one surface of said object is said front surface and wherein said abutment means comprises a first rib at the front of said one side projecting in a direction rearwardly of said frame and an elongated spacer strip removably fastened on said one side and disposed between said rib and said front surface of said object so as to mount said object rearwardly of said rib in a shadow box fashion.

20. The frame assembly set forth in claim 19 wherein said one side has a second rib extending longitudinally of said one side, said second rib having an integral flange projecting in a direction toward the front of said frame, and wherein said spacer includes grooved means at the rearward end of said spacer adapted to hook over said flange and means along the front edge of said spacer to releasably engage with said first rib.

21. A frame assembly adapted to mount an art object or the like presenting front and back surfaces comprising a frame having opposed sides with at least one of said sides having abutment means thereon to engage said front surface of said object and locate the object at a selected position relative to the front-to-rear dimension of said frame, said abutment means comprising a first rib at the front of said one side projecting in a direction rearwardly of said frame and an elongated spacer strip removably fastened on said one side and disposed between said rib and said front surface of said object so as to mount said object rearwardly of said rib in a shadow box fashion, said frame assembly further comprising at least one removable spring clip interengaged with said one side and said object to retain said object in place, said spring clip having a first portion removably engaged in a cooperating keeper means on said one side, an integral second clip portion engaging said object at said back surface and an integral third clip portion intermediate said first and second clip portions that is stressed by engagement of said second clip portion with said object to develop a spring action in said clip that keeps said first clip portion locked in said keeper means and urges said second clip portion against said back surface of said object.

22. A frame assembly containing an art object or the like comprising a frame having opposed sides, abutment means on at least one of said sides to locate said object at a selected position relative to the front-to-rear dimension of the frame, a slot in said one side, shoulder means within said slot, and at least one removable spring clip interengaged with said one side and with said object to retain said object in place, said spring clip having a first portion inserted into said slot with a free end of said first portion engaged with said shoulder means, said first clip portion also contacting said one side at a pivot point spaced from said free end, and means for applying a moment force to said first portion about said pivot point and in a direction to maintain engagement between said free end and said shoulder means and thereby keep said free end within said slot, said moment applying means comprising a second portion of said clip integral with said first portion and projecting laterally inwardl of said frame into engagement with said ob ect, said secon clip portion being res: lently distorted from a normal condition by engagement with said object to develop said moment force.

* 4 l I l I and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

UNITED STAT S PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,668,799 Dated Jim 13, 1972 I fl Paul A. Sharron It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent Column 6,' line 21 (patent claim 2) delete "groove" and insert in place thereof -slot-.

7 Signed and sealed this 9th day of April 1974.

.(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. C MARSHALL DANN I Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents FORM PO-IOSO (10 69.) USCOMWDC 603764,

1 ".5. GOVIRNHINT PRINTING OFFICE l9) 0-106-334

Claims

1. A frame assembly adapted to mount an art object or the like presenting front and back surfaces comprising a frame having opposed sides with at least one of said sides having abutment means thereon to engage one surface of said object and locate the object at a selected position relative to the front-to-rear dimension of said frame and keeper means on said one side comprising a longitudinal slot in said one side opening at a restricted neck in a direction facing away from said other surface of said object, said one side having a face extending from adjacent said neck in a direction away from said neck, said frame assembly further comprising at least one removable spring clip having a first portion, a free end of which is inserted into said slot through said neck with said first clip portion abutting said face at a first point spaced from said neck in a direction away from said slot to cant said free end under said neck to thereby removably engage said first clip portion in said keeper means, said clip further having an integral second clip portion to engage said object at said other surface and an integral third clip portion intermediate said first and second clip portions and wherein said clip is constructed to provide a spring action in said clip so that when said clip is stressed with said second clip portion engaged with said object, said spring action urges said second clip portion against said other surface of said object and keeps said first clip portion canted underneath said neck and locked in said keeper means.

2. A frame assembly adapted to mount an art object or the like presenting front and back surfaces comprising a frame having opposed sides with at least one of said sides having abutment means thereon to engage one surface of said object and locate the object at a selected position relative to the front-to-rear dimension of said frame and keeper means on said one side comprising a longitudinal slot in said one side opening at a restricted neck, said one side having a face extending from adjacent said neck in a direction away from said neck, said frame assembly further comprising at least one removable spring clip interengaged with said one side and said object to retain said object in place, said spring clip having a first portion, a free end of which is inserted into said groove through said neck with said first clip portion abutting said face at a first poInt spaced from said neck in a direction away from said slot to cant said free end under said neck to thereby removably engage said first clip portion in said keeper means, said clip further having an integral second clip portion engaging said object at said other surface and an integral third clip portion intermediate said first and second clip portions that is stressed by engagement of said second clip portion with said object to develop a spring action in said clip that urges said second clip portion against said other surface of said object and keeps said first clip portion canted underneath said neck and locked in said keeper means.

3. The assembly set forth in claim 2 wherein said clip has an elbow spaced from said free end and disposed outside said slot and said first clip portion abuts said face at said first point intermediate said free end and said elbow.

4. The assembly set forth in claim 3 wherein said first clip portion has a protuberance thereon engaged with said face at said first point of engagement.

5. The assembly set forth in claim 4 wherein said first clip portion extends longitudinally of said one side and wherein said protuberance comprises a rib which extends longitudinally of said one side.

6. The frame assembly set forth in claim 4 wherein said protuberance is disposed substantially midway between said elbow and said free end.

7. The frame assembly set forth in claim 4 wherein said first clip portion also engages said side at said elbow.

8. The frame assembly set forth in claim 2 wherein said clip has an elbow spaced from said free end and disposed outside said slot adjacent an exterior edge of said one side and said clip has a straight portion extending inwardly of said frame from said elbow in a direction substantially perpendicular to said frame and parallel to said other surface.

11. The frame assembly set forth in claim 10 wherein said clip has a generally U-shaped transverse cross section, said first clip portion comprises a first leg of said U, said second clip portion comprises a second leg of said U and said third clip portion comprises at least part of said first leg, said second leg and a bight portion joining said first and second legs.

12. The frame assembly set forth in claim 11 wherein said second leg is longer than said first leg in a direction corresponding to the front-to-rear dimension of said frame.

13. The frame assembly set forth in claim 12 wherein said clip is stressed by flecture of said second leg in a direction inwardly of said frame away from said first leg.

22. A frame assembly containing an art object or the like comprising a frame having opposed sides, abutment means on at least one of said sides to locate said object at a selected position relative to the front-to-rear dimension of the frame, a slot in said one side, shoulder means within said slot, and at least one removable spring clip interengaged with said one side and with said object to retain said object in place, said spring clip having a first portion inserted into said slot with a free end of said first portion engaged with said shoulder means, said first clip portion also contacting said one side at a pivot point spaced from said free end, and means for applying a moment force to said first portion about said pivot point and in a direction to maintain engagement between said free end and said shoulder means and thereby keep said free end within said slot, said moment applying means comprising a second portion of said clip integral with said first portion and projecting laterally inwardly of said frame into engagement with said object, said second clip portion being resiliently distorted from a normal condition by engagement with said object to develop said moment force.