US3878633A

US3878633A - Art storing and displaying panels for art display vehicles

Info

Publication number: US3878633A
Application number: US392063A
Authority: US
Inventors: Joseph E Mcwilliams
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1973-04-11
Filing date: 1973-08-27
Publication date: 1975-04-22
Anticipated expiration: 1992-04-22

Abstract

A panel arrangement for storing and displaying framed paintings and the like that are adapted for use in art display and sales vehicles, in which the display panel is in the form of a series of channel shaped members integrated into a panel frame in uniformly spaced apart, parallel, coplanar relation. The channel members extend horizontally, and the spacing between them defines, between each channel member, an operating way or slot in which is received securing devices that secure the framed art work to the panel. The art work frames along their sides each include spacer portions with which the securing devices cooperate to removably secure the individual framed art work items to the panel. The securing devices when released can be moved the length of the operating ways in which they are mounted, which extend the width of the panel, for cooperation of framed paintings and the like of divergent sizes that are to be secured to the panel in random locations, depending on the size and number of the individual items involved.

Description

Unite States McWilliarns [451 Apr. 22, 1975 Joseph E. McWilliams, 1345 Canterbury Ln., Glenview. 111. 60025 221 Filed: Aug. 27, 1973 211 Appl. No.: 392,063

Related 1.1.5. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Scr. No. 350,037. April 11,

[76] inventor:

[52] US. Cl. 40/l52.1; 40/140; 40/124; 40/63 [51] int. Cl. G09f 1/12 [58] Field of Search.... 40/140, 142, 63, 124, 152.1

[56] References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS 2,520,648 8/1950 Newman 1. 40/140 2,636,300 4/1953 Sucklc l l 40/140 3,230,651 1/1966 Navarro 40/124 3,358,395 12/1967 Simonovic..... 40/63 R 3,470,640 10/1969 Knowles 40/140 Prinuu'y Examiner-Robert W. Michell Assistant E.\'aminerWencesla0 J. Contreras Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Mann, Brown, McWilliams & Bradway 57 ABSTRACT A panel arrangement for storing and displaying framed paintings and the like that are adapted for use in art display and sales vehicles, in which the display panel is in the form of a series of channel shaped members integrated into a panel frame in uniformly spaced apart, parallel, coplanar relation. The channel members extend horizontally, and the spacing between them defines, between each channel member. an operating way or slot in which is received securing devices that secure the framed art work to the panel. The art work frames along their sides each include spacer portions with which the securing devices cooperate to removably secure the individual framed art work items to the panel. The securing devices when released can be moved the length of the operating ways in which they are mounted, which extend the width of the panel, for cooperation of framed paintings and the like of divergent sizes that are to be secured to the panel in random locations, depending on the size and number of the individual items involved.

7 Claims, 18 Drawing Figures ART STORING AND DISPLAYING PANELS FGR ART DISPLAY VEHICLES This application is a continuation-in-part of my application Ser. No. 350.037. filed Apr. ll. I973.

This invention relates to panels for storing and displaying framed paintings and the like. and more particularly. to an arrangement for releasably mounting framed paintings and the like to panels that are adapted for mounting in a vehicle arranged to serve as a mobile display facility for merchandising framed paintings and the like.

My application Ser. No. 350.037. filed Apr. 11. I973 discloses an art display vehicle of the general type referred to. which. in the form shown in said application. is of the semitrailer type in which the vehicle body has a viewing room at the rear of same in which persons entering the vehicle may be comfortably accommodated for viewing framed paintings and the like that are located forwardly of the display room. The framed paintings are removably applied to discrete storage and display panels that are arranged to be disposed for convenient viewing by the customers. The arrangement is such that the entire collection aboard the vehicle may be viewed without removing any of the paintings from storage. and when the customer makes his selection. the piece of art work may be readily dismounted for prompt sales processing.

A principal object of this invention is to provide an arrangement for mounting framed art work. such as paintings and the like. on display panels which permits ready applicability thereto and removal therefrom of framed pieces of diverse sizes for permitting maximum utility of the display surface of the panel.

Another important object of the invention is to provide a panel specifically arranged for displaying framed art work thereon which has operably associated therewith fastener or securing devices arranged to readily adjust to the size and desired location of a particular framed art piece that is to be applied to the panel.

Another important object of the invention is to pro vide simplified ways of adapting the frames of paintings and the like for ready application to and removal from display panels of the type contemplated by this invention.

Other objects are to provide framed art work display panels that are simplified in arrangement. effective and flexible in use. and that are economical and convenient to make and install.

In accordance with this invention, the display panel comprises a plurality of channel shaped members secured together in parallel. coplanar. uniformly spaced apart relation in which the spaces between adjacent channel members define operating ways that receive special securing devices that cooperate with the sides of the painting frames to releasably secure them to the panel. The webs of the panel channel members are aligned in the plane of the panel to form the forward or front side of same. to which the painting frames are applied by the cooperation of the securing devices with the painting frames. the sides of which frames are especially arranged for this purpose. The securing devices when released permit ready removal of the piece of art work they secure in place. and the securing devices may be moved longitudinally of the operating way that they are applied to for ready accommodation of diverse sizes of framed art work and random locations on the panel.

Other objects. uses and advantages will be obvious or become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description and the application drawings.

In the drawings:

FIG. I is a plan view of the framed art work storage and display panel disclosed in my said application. showing in outline several framed paintings applied thereto:

FIG. 2 is an end view of the panel arrangement shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the panel arrangement shown in FIG. 1:

FIG. 4 is a fragmental cross-sectional view. on an enlarged scale. taken substantially along line 4-4 of FIG. I:

FIG. 5 is a fragmental elevational view of one of the side members of the painting frame as arranged in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 for cooperation with the fastener devices shown in FIGS. 1. 3 and 4 for securing the individual framed art work pieces to the panel;

FIG. 6 is a side edge view of a framed piece of art work as applied to a support display panel therefor in accordance with a modified form of the invention:

FIG. 7 is a view similar to that of FIG. 4. but illustrating the form of the invention shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to that of FIG. 6 but illustrating a further form of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to that of FIG. 4 but illustrating the form of the invention shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 9A is a diagrammatic view illustrating panels arranged in accordance with FIGS. 8 and 9 as mounted in a display or sales vehicle. with the vehicle body being shown in horizontal section;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to that of FIG. 6 but illustrating an additional embodiment of the invention:

FIG. 11 is a view similar to that of FIG. 4 but showing the form of the invention illustrated in FIG. I0;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of another form of art display and storage panel and associated securing devices showing a framed piece of art work applied thereto in phantom;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the panel shown in FIG. 12, with parts broken away;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken substantially along line l4-l4 of FIG. 12:

FIG. 15 is a fragmental sectional view taken substantially along line 15-15 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of the holding clip member employed in the embodiment of FIGS. 12-15; and

FIG. 17 is a view similar to that of FIG. 4. but showing the embodiment of FIGS. 12-16.

However. it is to be distinctly understood that the specific drawing illustrations provided are supplied primarily to comply with the requirements of the Patent Laws. and that the invention may have other embodiments that will be obvious to those skilled in the art. and which are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION Reference numeral 10 of FIG. I generally indicates a panel .type display arrangement. for displaying framed art work and the like. which comprises a panel 12 in the form ofa series of horizontal channel members 14 fixed together at their ends. as by being welded to upright or vertical members 16 that may be of angle or channel section. The channel members 14 are arranged in parallel. coplanar. closely spaced relation. with adjacent channel members 14 being spaced apart to define between same an operating way or slot 18 to which may be applied securing devices 20 that are adapted to cooperate with the frames 22 of the individual pieces of art work 24 for holding same to the forward or front side 26 of the panel 12.

As indicated in FlGS. 4 and 5. the art pieces 24 customarily comprise the painting bearing canvas 30 that is suitably affixed to suitable backboard 32 which is in turn suitably secured to frame 22, which as indicated in FIG. 1. is defined by top member 34. bottom member 36. and side members 38.

In accordance with this invention. the frame side members 38 each include a special spacer structure or portion 40 formed to define openings 42, along the lengths of the frame side members 38, that have the same spacing as the operating ways 18.

The respective operating ways 18 have mounted therein one or more pairs of oppositely directed securing devices 20 for cooperation with each art work frame that is to be secured in cooperation with a particular operating way involved. In the showing of FIG. 1, each way 18 is provided with one pair of such devices 20.

The securing devices 20 in the form of FIGS. 1-5 each comprise a holding clip 44 that spans the particular operating way involved and is formed to define a holding end or arm 46 that is received in the opening 42 of the frame 22 that is to cooperate with the particular securing device 20 involved. The individual devices 20 also include a backing plate 48 that is applied against the back side of the panel in bridging relation to the particular operating way involved. with a pair of screw devices 50 extending between the holding clip 44 and the backing plate 48 and through the operating way or slot 18 that is involved (see FIG. 4).

The screw devices 50 in the form shown each comprise a screw member 52 which is headed as at 54 to seat against the back plate 48., and is provided with a threaded end 56 that receives suitable wing nut 58 for drawing the holding clip 44 and the backing plate 48 into clamping relation with the channel members 14 that are interposed therebetween.

The screw devices 50 when loose or released permit the securing devices 20 to be readily moved longitudinally of the operating ways or slots 18 the full length of the panel between upright members 16. By appropriately positioning cooperating pairs of the securing devices 20 in the operating slots or ways 18, framed art work items may be secured at random positions on the panel 12 that may depend upon the size of the art work item involved and the number available for application to a particular panel 12.

As indicated in FIG. 1, it is desirable to have one pair of the devices 20 cooperate with the upper end of the picture frame. and a second pair of such devices 20 cooperate with the lower end of the picture frame. Of course. for larger frames a second or third set may be employed to insure firm securement of the painting frame to the panel.

Assuming it is desired to secure a painting frame to the panel. it is merely necessary to place the painting frame against the front side 26 of the panel with the frame openings 22 appropriately aligned with selected operating ways 18. The pairs of securing devices 20 of the operating ways convenient to the upper and lower ends of the frame are then moved to dispose the holding ends or arms 46 of such devices 20 in the respective frame openings 42, after which their screw devices 50 are operated to clamp the painting frame to the forward side of the panel. In this connection, the proportioning and shaping of the holding clip holding end or arm 46 and the frame side member spacer portions 40 are such that when the

members

44 and 48 of the respective devices 20 are drawn substantially flush against the frame members 14 they are engaged with. the painting frame spacer portions 40 are firmly held against the frame members 14 they engage.

It will therefore be seen that individual framed paintings may be employed in a more or less random manner to the front side 26 of the panel 12, with location being dependent on the size of the individual paintings involved and the number available for application to the panel 12. Diverse sizes can readily be accommodated by reason of the adjustability of the opposed pairs of securing devices 20.

The specific panels 12 that are illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 are arranged for application to the vehicle disclosed in my said application and for this purpose they have applied to either end of same a bracket structure in the form of a bumper arm 72 journaling a pair of spaced

rollers

72 and 76 that are adapted for application to the trackways (not shown) disclosed in my said application. In the specific arrangement of my said application. the panels 12 extend transversely of the vehicle and move about upper and lower endless circuit runs for presenting the pieces of art work carried by same to the display room that is at the rear end of the vehicle. The art work involved is in effect stored in the vehicle in its display position. and may be viewed by presentation to the vehicle display room without removal of same from the panel until the customer has made his choice.

As disclosed in said application. the individual panels 12 are moved toward and away from the display room of the vehicle. and the individual framed paintings or the like can be readily removed from the forward side 26 of the individual panels where the panel bearing the customer's choice is in its viewing position at the vehicle display room. Additional framed paintings can be applied to the same panel when disposed at the same position for entering the new framed art items into the storage and display system.

My said application may be referred to for the specifics of the art storage and display vehicle involved.

In the form of FIGS. 1-4, the painting frame spacer portion 40 comprises a spacer or mounting strip'80 that is formed to define spaced notches 82 which are spaced apart the same distance as operating ways 18. The mounting or spacing strips 80 are suitably affixed to both frame side members 38 of each frame 22, as by bonding. or employing suitable fastening screws. with the notches 82 facing the respective frame members 38 to define the respective openings 42.

In the embodiment 10A of FIGS. 6 and 7., the panel 12 is the same as shown in FIGS. 1-4 and the painting frame spacer structure or portion 40A comprises a formed metallic mounting strip 84, secured in place by employing suitable screws 86 or the like. and defining spaced apart indentations 88 that have the same spacing as the operating ways 18, which indentations 88 define with the respective painting side frame members 38 the openings 42A to which modified securing devices 20A are applied (see FIG. 7).

In the embodiment 10B of FIGS. 8 and 9. the panel 128 is' basically of the same structural arrangement as panel 12 of FIGS. 1-5 (as indicated by corresponding reference numerals). and the spacer structure 408 of the picture frame side members 3813 each comprise a rearward extension 90 of the frame member 388 which is adapted to receive a simplified securing device 208 that is in the form of a single screw member 92 having a threaded end 94 adapted to be threaded into the extension 90, and a winged headed end 96 adapted to cooperate with a washer 98 that bridges the operating spacer slot 18 in which the device 208 is applied for purposes of tensioning the screw member 92 to hold the frame 22 against the forward side of the panel. Frame side members 388 are incorporated in picture frame 228.

The panels 10B in the practice of this embodiment of the invention, instead of being incorporated in a conveyor system of the type disclosed in my said application, are preferably suitably mounted for manual adjusting arrangement within the vehicle 95., as. for instance by being hinged as at 97 to one of the side walls 99 of the vehicle body 101 to swing about vertical axes 103. as indicated by the diagram represented by FIG. 9A. so that both sides of the panels are readily available to the operator. In the showing of FIG. 9A, the panels 12B extend substantially the full height of the vehicle body 101 and may be swung between the two positions shown to expose either the front side 26B thereofor the rear side 27B thereof. with a suitable stop structure 105 being employed at either end of the row 107 of panels 12B to hold them in the positions indicated. Customers proceed from the reception area 109 at the rear of body 101 (which may be arranged as disclosed in my said application along aisle lIl (artifically lighted as needed) down the vehicle body 101 and swing the panels 128 as needed. about their respective axes 103, by grasping suitable handles 113. Panels 12B are suitably anchored against swinging when the vehicle is transported, as by inclining all of the panels 128 against one of the stop structures 105 and making the panel 128 that is at the other end of the row 107 fast to the body When paintings 24B are to be applied to or removed from the individual panels 128, such panels 12B may be swung about their respective axes 103 as may be necessary to expose both sides of same to apply and release the securing devices B.

The devices 2013 when removed from the frames 24B are freed from the way 18 they have been applied to, but may be reapplied to their operating ways 18 at any point therealong for securing other framed paintings to the panel 123. g

The embodiment 10C of FIGS. 10 and I1 is similar to that of FIGS. 8 and 9 except that the frame spacer means C generally comprises a separate spacer member 100 which is applied between the frame side members 38C and the panel channel members. The member 100 is preformed with openings 102 adapted to receive the screw member s92 of devices 20B'Which are aligned with suitable pilot holes 115 (see FIG. 11) formed in the painting frame members 38 to receive the threaded ends of the screw members 92. The members are not adhered to the frame. and are retained in place on the panel when the screw members 92 are backed off enough to free the picture frame by the extension of the screw members 92 through the respective holes 102.

In the embodiment 10D the panels 12D are arranged in double form so as to provide for application thereto of framed paintings on either side of the panel (see FIG. 14).

The panels 12D comprise two sets of channel members MD in which the channel members 14D of each set are arranged substantially in the manner indicated in FIGS. 1-4. Thus. in set 110 the channel members 14D are in parallel spaced apart coplanar relation defining between adjacent channel members the operating ways or slots l8,that have operatively associated therewith opposed pairs of securing devices 20D.

The members 14D of the set 112 are similarly arranged in the same manner as shown in FIGS. l-5, as indicated by corresponding reference numerals. but on both sides of the panel 12D.

The securing devices 20D comprise a holding clip member that is proportioned lengthwise thereof to bridge over several of the channel members 14D (see FIG. 15) and is formed to define a plurality of tabs or holding fingers 122 that are spaced for reception into the respective frame openings 42 with which the tabs 122 are aligned by their positioning relative to a pair of channel members 14D in the manner indicated in FIGS. 12 and 15. The holding clips 120 are formed with a pair of openings 124 that each receives a J-bolt 126 having a hooked end 128 and a threaded end 130 to which wing nut 132 is applied.

In this embodiment of the invention, the hooked ends 128 of the .I-bolts 126 engage an adjacent channel member 14D in the manner indicated in FIG. 15. on application of the tabs 122 to the respective openings 42 that are involved in frames 22, and the tightening of the wing nuts 132 against the clip members 120, to secure the respective frames 22 in place on the panels 12D.

The panels 12D are preferably mounted in the vehicle in the manner indicated in diagrammatic FIG. 9A. in which the panels are hinged to swing about vertical axes along one side wall of the vehicle so that each panel can be inspected from either side thereof by customers moving along the other side of the vehicle. Panels 12D preferably extend substantially the full height of the vehicle to provide a maximum painting item bearing space, as described in connection with FIG. 9A.

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION Referring back to the panel 12, the channel members 14 are preferably in the form of aluminum extruded to the shape indicated and cut to suitable lengths. which lengths are secured to the side frame members 16 that are formed of a similar material. as by riveting at 140. The side frame members 16 are reinforced across the top and bottom of the panel by the respective top and

bottom frame members

142 and 144 that also may be formed from aluminum and secured in place by riveting or suitable bonding procedure.

As indicated in FIGS. 2 and 4, each channel member 14 defines a web and spaced side flanges 152. The exterior sides 154 of the respective webs 150 face forwardly of the panel and form the abutting surfaces against which the frame spacer portions 40 are clamped by the securing devices 20. The side flanges 152 form at the rear of the panel abutments 156 against which the back plates 48 of the respective devices 20 are applied in bridging relation across the operating way 18 in which a particular securing device 20 is mounted.

It is to be understood. of course. that panels comparable to panels 12 may be arranged in the manner indicated in FIG. 9A. in which case the brackets 70 and their associated

rollers

74 and 76 would be omitted. and the panels extend the full height of the vehicle for maximum display of paintings thereon.

The members 80 which form the spacer portions 40 are preferably formed from wood in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5.

Referring now to the embodiment A of FIGS. 6 and 7, the member 84 may be formed from aluminum suitably shaped to the configuration indicated. The devices A comprise the screw members 52 of the devices 20. the back plate 48, and the modified holding clip member 160 which is generally flat in configuration and defines end portion 162 that is applied to the opening 42A of the frame member 38A.

The tightening down of the wing nuts 58 against the clip member 160 secures the member 84 against the panel to hold the art item in question in place on the panel.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, the painting frame side members 38B are suitably shaped from wood and are preferably formed with the predrilled holes 115 (see FIG. 11) for application thereto of the screw members 92. As indicated in these figures. the washers 98 of the respective securing devices 20D engage the abutments 156 defined by adjacent channel.

member side flanges 152.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11, the member 100 is preferably formed from wood. and the screw member receiving openings 102 preferably have the configuration indicated in FIG. 11.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 12-16, the components forming the panel 10D are formed from aluminum suitably secured together, as by riveting or the like as at 170. The channel members 14D define the webs 150, their side flanges 152, and abutments 156, with the U- bolts 126 having their hooked ends 128 applied over the abutments 156.

The clip member 120 has a transverse cross-sectional configuration similar to that of the embodiment of FIGS. l-5. but it is proportioned to abridge across several channel members 14D, as indicated in FIGS. 12 and 15.

Securing devices 20, 20A. and 20D are usable interchangably with panels 12 and 12D.

It will therefore be seen that the invention provides a very flexible and facile way of mounting framed paintings and the like for display and storage purposes which accommodates random positioning of the paintings over the front face of the panel as may be dictated by individual painting size and the paintings available for display.

Securement of the individual paintings in place is simple but effective. and release of the paintings for sale purposes is free from complication.

The painting display panels of this invention thus readily accommodate painting frames of diverse sizes in which the frames themselves are readily adapted by the practice of the invention for secure mounting on the panel. The panels are adapted to be mounted for either mechanical shifting of the type disclosed in my said application or manual shifting of the type suggested by FIG. 9A. As to the showing of FIG. 9A, the panels. instead of being pivotally mounted. can be mounted for sliding bodily of the vehicle either transversely or longitudinally of the vehicle to permit the manual shifting required for customer inspection of both sides of the panel, assuming here that such panels are disposed to extend longitudinally of the vehicle body.

The foregoing description and the drawings are given merely to explain and illustrate the invention and the invention is not to be limited thereto. except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, since those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications and variations therein without departing from the scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. A panel for removably mounting framed pictorial art selections of diverse sizes at random locations thereon for storage and display purposes. with the art selections each comprising a frame to which the pictorial art is secured. said panel comprising:

a plurality of horizontally disposed elongate rectilinear elements fixed together in parallel coplanar closely spaced relation in which adjacent of said elements are uniformly spaced apart to define operating ways of substantially uniform width therebetween.

said elements defining front and rear sides of the panel.

and means operable in selected of said operating ways for cooperation with the sides of the art frames for securing the frames to the panel at random positions along said operating ways.

said securing means for each of the respective selected ways comprising a pair of bolt devices positioned in and proportioned to be freely movable along the respective selected operating ways and including means for engaging the individual pictorial art frames when a pictorial art frame is placed against the panel front side and means for releasably tensioning the respective bolt devices against one or more of those of said elements that define the operating ways in which said bolt devices are respectively received for making said bolt devices and the art frame fast to the panel,

said engaging means of said bolt devices each com prising:

a holding clip member for each bolt on the front side of the panel and overlying the operating way in which the respective bolt devices are respectively received.

said clip members of each pair of bolt devices being directed toward each other and formed to engage the sides of a pictorial art frame placed against the panel front side and clamp the pictorial art frame against the panel front side when said bolt devices pair is tensioned.

said bolt devices also each including a backing means at the rear side of said panel and formed to anchor against said one or more panel elements for resisting the action of said bolt device tensioning means when the pictorial art frame is made fast to the panel.

whereby said bolt devices of the respective pairs of bolt devices may be disposed one adjacent each end of the respective selected ways to receive between them a pictorial art frame disposed in random positioning relative to said panel front side against said front side of said panel over one or more of said selected ways. and said bolt devices of said one or more of said covered selected ways. when released for said free movement along such ways may be moved into engagement with the respective sides of the art frame and tensioned to make the art frame fast to the panel in said random positioning. and when said bolt devices are tensioned. said bolt devices have a purchase against movement, longitudinally of their respective ways. both at the pictorial art frame they engage and at the rear side of said panel.

2. An art display arrangement for removably mounting framed pictorial art for storage and display purposes. said arrangement comprising:

a panel comprising:

a plurality of horizontally disposed elongate rectilinear elements fixed together in parallel coplanar closely spaced relation in which adjacent of said elements are uniformly spaced apart to define operating ways of uniform width therebetween.

and means operable in selected of said operating ways for cooperation with the sides of the art frames for securing the frames to the panel at selected positions along said operating ways.

said securing means comprising bolt means proportioned to be freely received through the respective mounting ways and including means for anchoring same to the art frame and means for tensioning said bolt means against one or more of those of said elements that define the mounting way in which said bolt means are respectively received.

said securing means on release of said tensioning and anchoring means being freely movable longitudinally of the operating way in which same is received for application to framed art sections of diverse sizes disposed at random positions on said panel.

with the frames of the art each including:

a rearwardly facing spacer structure disposed along either side of the respective frames and cooperable with said anchoring means of the respective securing means for securing the individual frames to the panel on actuation of said tensioning means.

3. The arrangement set forth in claim 2 wherein:

said elements are of channel shaped transverse crosssectional configuration defining webs connecting side flanges.

with said elements being positioned to dispose said webs thereof in coplanar relation with said panel. and with the exterior side of said webs facing in the direction the art selections are to face and defining the forward face of said panel.

said element side flanges projecting rearwardly of the panel and defining coplanar rearwardly projecting abutments.

said tensioning means including means for seating said bolt means against a side flange of one or more of those of said elements that define the way the respective bolt means are received in.

4. The arrangement set forth in claim 3 wherein said [0 securing means each further comprise:

a holding clip member engaging the exterior sides of the webs of a pair of said elements defining the respective operating ways in which said bolt means are respectively received.

a back up member engaging the side flange abutments of those of said elements defining the respective ways in which said bolt means are respectively received.

and means for clamping said clip and back up members against those of said elements received therebetween and comprising said tensioning means.

5. The arrangement set forth in claim 4 wherein:

the spacer structures of the art frames each comprise:

a member secured to the rear side of the frame and formed to define openings extending laterally thereof that are spaced apart for alignment with said panel operating ways.

said holding clip members each including an end portion adapted for application to one of said spacer structure openings and comprising said anchoring means.

6. The arrangement set forth in claim 3 wherein:

said bolt means comprises a screw element having a threaded end adapted to be threaded into said frame spacer structures and comprising said anchoring means.

said screw element having a winged head at the other end and carrying a washer for abutment with said flange abutments of those of said elements defining the way in which said screw element is received. and comprising said tensioning means.

7. The arrangement set forth in claim 3 wherein said securing means each further comprise:

a holding clip member engaging the exterior sides of the webs of adjacent of said elements.

said bolt means comprising a J-bolt having a threaded end and a hooked end adapted to hook over an adjacent of said side flanges.

said threaded end of said .l-bolt being received through said holding clip member and having nut means applied thereto.

said clip member including holding arms operatively engaging the respective frame spacer structures and comprising said anchoring means.

said bolt means hooked end and said nut means comprising said tensioning means.

Claims

1. A panel for removably mounting framed pictorial art selections of diverse sizes at random locations thereon for storage and display purposes, with the art selections each comprising a frame to which the pictorial art is secured, said panel comprising: a plurality of horizontally disposed elongate rectilinear elements fixed together in parallel coplanar closely spaced relation in which adjacent of said elements are uniformly spaced apart to define operating ways of substantially uniform width therebetween, said elements defining front and rear sides of the panel, and means operable in selected of said operating ways for cooperation with the sides of the art frames for securing the frames to the panel at random positions along said operating ways, said securing means for each of the respective selected ways comprising a pair of bolt devices positioned in and proportioned to be freely movable along the respective selected operating ways and including means for engaging the individual pictorial art frames when a pictorial art frame is placed against the panel front side and means for releasably tensioning the respective bolt devices against one or more of those of said elements that define the operating ways in which said bolt devices are respectively received for making said bolt devices and the art frame fast to the panel, said engaging means of said bolt devices each comprising: a holding clip member for each bolt on the front side of the panel and overlying the operating way in which the respective bolt devices are respectively received, said clip members of each pair of bolt devices being directed toward each other and formed to engage the sides of a pictorial art frame placed against the panel front side and clamp the pictorial art frame against the panel front side when said bolt devices pair is tensioned, said bolt devices also each including a backing means at the rear side of said panel and formed to anchor against said one or more panel elements for resisting the action of said bolt device tensioning means when the pictorial art frame is made fast to the panel, whereby said bolt devices of the respective pairs of bolt devices may be disposed one adjacent each end of the respective selected ways to receive between them a pictorial art frame disposed in random positioning relative to said panel front side against said front side of said panel over one or more of said selected ways, and said bolt devices of said one or more of said covered selected ways, when released for said free movement along such ways may be moved into engagement with the respective sides of the art frame and tensioned to make the art frame fast to the panel in said random positioning, and when said bolt devices are tensioned, said bolt devices have a purchase against movement, longitudinally of their respective ways, both at the pictorial art frame they engage and at the rear side of said panel.

2. An art display arrangement for removably mounting framed pictorial art for storage and display purposes, said arrangement comprising: a panel comprising: a plurality of horizontally disposed elongate rectilinear elements fixed together in parallel coplanar closely spaced relation in which adjacent of said elements are uniformly spaced apart to define operating ways of uniform width therebetween, and means operable in selected of said operating ways for cooperation with the sides of the art frames for securing the frames to the panel at selected positions along said operating ways, said securing means comprising bolt means proportioned to be freely received through the respective mounting ways and including means for anchoring same to the art frame and means for tensioning said bolt means against one or more of those of said elements that define the mounting way in which said bolt means are respectively received, said securing means on release of said tensioning and anchoring means being freely movable longitudinally of the operating way in which same is received for application to framed art sections of diverse sizes disposed at random positions on said panel, with the frames of the art each including: a rearwardly facing spacer structure disposed along either side of the respective frames and cooperable with said anchoring means of the respective securing means for securing the individual frames to the panel on actuation of said tensioning means.

3. The arrangement set forth in claim 2 wherein: said elements are of channel shaped transverse cross-sectional configuration defining webs connecting side flanges, with said elements being positioned to dispose said webs thereof in coplanar relation with said panel, and with the exterior side of said webs facing in the direction the art selections are to face and defining the forward face of said panel, said element side flanges projecting rearwardly of the panel and defining coplanar rearwardly projecting abutments, said tensioning means including means for seating said bolt means against a side flange of one or more of those of said elements that define the way the respective bolt means are received in.

4. The arrangement set forth in claim 3 wherein said securing means each further comprise: a holding clip member engaging the exterior sides of the webs of a pair of said elements defining the respective operating ways in which said bolt means are respectively received, a back up member engaging the side flange abutments of those of said elements defining the respective ways in which said bolt means are respectively received, and means for clamping said clip and back up members against those of said elements received therebetween and comprising said tensioning means.

5. The arrangement set forth in claim 4 wherein: the spacer structures of the art frames each comprise: a member secured to the rear side of the frame and formed to define openings extending laterally thereof that are spaced apart for alignment with said panel operating ways, said holding clip members each including an end portion adapted for application to onE of said spacer structure openings and comprising said anchoring means.

6. The arrangement set forth in claim 3 wherein: said bolt means comprises a screw element having a threaded end adapted to be threaded into said frame spacer structures and comprising said anchoring means, said screw element having a winged head at the other end and carrying a washer for abutment with said flange abutments of those of said elements defining the way in which said screw element is received, and comprising said tensioning means.