Abstract
A picture frame comprises a viewing window side (1) and a frame side (2). There is a interstice between the viewing window and the frame side. The viewing window and frame sides comprise assembly components (5) in order to assemble the viewing window and frame sides together. An assembly component on the frame side comprises a flexible protruding clamping part (51) provided with a clamping section (52) on a side facing the viewing window (3) and the viewing window (3) is provided with a complementary clamping section (31) at an edge of the viewing window (3) with the complementary clamping sections (52, 31) fitting into each other and with, when assembled, the protruding clamping parts (51) on the frame side exert a clamping force (F2) on the viewing window with the direction of the clamping force (F2) being mainly in the flat plane of the viewing window.
Claims
1. A photo frame comprising: a viewing window side (1) and a frame side (2), wherein the viewing window side comprises a transparent window (3) and an interstice between the transparent window and the frame side for placing a flat object (4), wherein the viewing window and frame sides comprise assembly components (5) for assembling the viewing window and frame sides together, thereby enclosing the flat object, wherein an assembly component on the frame side comprises a flexible protruding clamping part (51) with a clamping section (52) on a side facing the viewing window (3), wherein the viewing window (3) comprises a complementary clamping section (31) at an edge of the viewing window (3), wherein the complementary clamping sections (52, 31) fit into each other, wherein, when assembled, the protruding clamping parts (51) exert a clamping force (F2) on the viewing window (3), wherein a direction of the clamping force (F2) is primarily in a lateral plane of the viewing window, and wherein the clamping force connects the viewing window (3) to the frame side when assembled.
2. The picture frame of claim 1, wherein the clamping parts (5) of both sides are made of the same material as the side in which they are incorporated.
3. The picture frame of claim 1, wherein the clamping parts (51) do not, or minimally protrude beyond the outer surface of the viewing window (3).
4. The picture frame of claim 1, wherein edges of the clamping sections of the viewing window comprise notches that constitute less than 10% of the length of the edge of the clamping sections.
5. The picture frame of claim 1, wherein the clamping sections of the viewing window are provided with notches on all sides of the viewing window (3).
6. The picture frame of claim 1, wherein a gap (511) is provided on the inside of the flexible protruding clamping part (51).
7. The picture frame of claim 1, wherein a notch (53) is provided on both sides of the clamping part (51).
8. The picture frame of claim 1, wherein the edge of the viewing window (3) displays a rounding or chamfer (32) towards the outer edges of the viewing window (3).
9. A picture frame system comprising: at least two picture frames as claimed in claim 1, and a flat connecting element (6) that interconnects the at least two picture frames, wherein the connecting element comprises one or more central openings (62) that receive adjacent clamping parts (51) of the picture frames that are to be connected, and, wherein, when assembled, parts of the connecting element located on either side of one or more central openings (62) are clamped into the at least two picture frames.
10. The picture frame system of claim 9, wherein the connecting element comprises one central opening (62).
11. The picture frame system of claim 9, wherein one or both picture frames are provided with an insertion interstice (56) for receiving the part of the connecting element (6) that is to be clamped into place.
12. The picture frame system of claim 11, wherein the insertion interstice (56) comprises a raised part (55) and the connecting element (6) comprises an opening (61) corresponding with the raised part (55).
13. The picture frame system of claim 9, wherein the picture frames that are or have been connected are of different sizes and wherein a distance (X) between a corner point of each of the picture frames and the center of each clamping part (51) is equal for the different sizes.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0052] The figures contained in the drawing show the following:
[0053] FIGS. 1A to 1L show cross-sections of picture frames known from prior art and commercial traffic;
[0054] FIGS. 2 and 3 show cross-sections of a part of a picture frame according to the invention;
[0055] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a picture frame according to the invention;
[0056] FIG. 5 shows a detail of a perspective view of a picture frame according to FIG. 4 provided with a connecting element;
[0057] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an assembly of two picture frames according to the invention connected by a connecting element;
[0058] FIGS. 7 and 8 show cross-sections of examples of embodiments of a picture frame according to the invention in an enclosed state and provided with a connecting element;
[0059] FIG. 9 shows a view of parts of two picture frames with a connecting element and wall thickness and interstice;
[0060] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a corner detail of a picture frame according to the invention;
[0061] FIGS. 11 to 14 show illustrations of connections between picture frames according to the invention and the position of the connecting element used;
[0062] FIGS. 15 to 17 show examples of connecting elements;
[0063] FIG. 18 shows a disassembled picture frame according to the invention;
[0064] FIGS. 19 to 26 show examples of possible assemblies of picture frames according to the invention;
[0065] FIG. 27 shows a cross-section and perspective view of a further example of a picture frame according to the invention;
[0066] FIG. 28 shows a connecting element between two picture frames;
[0067] FIG. 29 shows a collage assembly of picture frames according to the invention.
[0068] Not all figures are drawn to scale; as a rule, like numerals denote like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0069] The parts of the picture frame and the picture frame assembly shown in the figures have been provided with the following numerals:
[0070] FIGS. 1A to 1L illustrate known picture frames. The locations where the figures can be found are always indicated next to them. The designation “Nielsen Bainbridge” refers to a commercially available existing model.
[0071] The picture frames comprise a viewing window side 1 provided with a viewing window 3, a frame side 2 and assembly components 5 in order to assemble the viewing window and frame sides together. A photo or picture 4, visible through the viewing window 3, is provided for between the viewing window side 1 and the frame side 2. Note that the fact that one of the sides is referred to as the “viewing window side” does not exclude that the opposite side, the ‘frame side’ is also transparent. In that case, both sides are both the viewing window side and the frame side.
[0072] In FIG. 1A, showing a picture frame known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,609,770, the assembly components comprise five complementary parts which engage together. The assembly components form a visible assembly edge around the photo or picture. The width of the assembly components is indicated by Ra. Arrow Fa indicates the point where the force with which the parts engage is exerted and the direction of that force.
[0073] In FIG. 1B, which shows a picture frame known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,544,438, the frame parts are connected together by means of a screw connection. The assembly components 5 are placed on the edges of the picture frame. The width of the assembly components is indicated by Rb. Arrow Fb indicates the point where the force with which the parts engage is exerted and the direction of that force.
[0074] The further FIGS. 1C to 1L have references to the prior art from which this is known. The width of the assembly components is indicated by Rc, Rd etc. Arrows Fc, Fd, etc. indicate the point where the force with which the parts engage is exerted and the direction of that force.
[0075] FIG. 2 shows a cross-section of a frame section and a viewing window section of a picture frame side according to the invention. The assembly component 5 comprises a flexible protruding clamping part 51. The protruding clamping part 51 is provided with a clamping section or bulge 52 on a side facing the viewing window. The viewing window 3 is provided with a complementary clamping section 31 in an edge of the viewing window. When assembled, the clamping section 52 of the protruding clamping part 51 and the complementary clamping section 31 of viewing window 3 engage with the protruding clamping section 52 exerting a clamping force F2 on the viewing window with the direction of clamping force F2 being mainly in the flat plane of the viewing window and the direction of this force causing the shape of the complementary clamping parts to be enclosed and kept in their assembled position. The clamping force F2 may comprise a slight (up to 25% of the total force) downward component, i.e. oriented inwards transversally to the viewing window. There are protruding clamping parts 51 on at least two opposite sides of the picture frame. Preferably, the clamping parts 51 do not, or hardly, protrude beyond the outer surface of the viewing window 3. R2 shows the visible edge and F2 shows the direction of the force. Compared with the known prior art as shown in FIGS. 1a to 1h where a force is exerted mainly perpendicular to the viewing window surface, FIG. 2 shows that the clamping force F2 exerted on the picture frame according to the invention is mainly exerted parallel to the viewing window surface, engaging with the side of said viewing window surface. According to an embodiment of the present invention this enables the width R2 of the necessary edges to be reduced which enables partial images of an image to be displayed to match better, i.e. with fewer visible edges when this image is displayed using several frames.
[0076] The complementary clamping sections 52 and 31 of respectively clamping part 51 and viewing window 3 fit together. The viewing window preferably comprises three notches in its edge into which the clamping parts 31 fit. These notches extend along only a part of the edge according to an embodiment according to the invention, preferably less than 10% of the length of the edge although it is also possible to provide the entire edge of the viewing window with complementary clamping section 31 and to close the viewing window section all around as a consequence of flexibility with the complementary clamping section.
[0077] FIG. 3 shows further details of an embodiment of a picture frame according to the present invention whereby the shape of the frame is not limited to rectangular but could also be hexagonal, octagonal or round. A notch or gap 511 is provided around or on both sides of the flexible protruding clamping part 51. This gap 511 increases the flexibility of clamping part 51 to complete an outward movement of the clamping part with less force if part of the frame section temporarily needs space for the viewing window section 3 to pass for clamping. The gap 511 thereby increases the length of the clamping part 51 to the point where the clamping part engages with the frame section, thereby becoming more flexible. Dotted lines in FIG. 3 show the position of a flexible clamping part 51 bent outwards. Furthermore, this figure schematically shows parts 55 and 56, the function of which will be further described in FIGS. 4 to 6. FIG. 3 shows further details of an embodiment of a picture frame according to the present invention in which notches are restricted to the side of the frame parts and do not extend to the picture view side of these frame parts.
[0078] FIGS. 4 to 6 show preferred embodiments of a picture frame according to the invention. In these preferred embodiments, picture frames are coupled together by a flexible connecting element 6. FIG. 4 shows a single picture frame, FIG. 5 shows a picture frame provided with an assembled connecting element 6 and FIG. 6 shows an assembly of two picture frames, connected by means of a connecting element 6 mounted in the sides of both frame sections.
[0079] FIG. 4 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention, with the clamping part 51 having a notch 53 on both sides of the clamping part. These notches 53 interrupt outer edge 54 and place clamping part 51 such that it can be manoeuvred more freely and enable an outward movement of the clamping part 51 to be completed with less force as an interrupted part of the outer edge 54. As shown in FIG. 4, the notches 53 can feature a part that has been lowered even further directly next to the clamping part 51, which lowered part is visible in FIG. 4 as deep grooves next to clamping part 51. This gives even more flexibility.
[0080] Notch 53 forms an entrance between the frame parts on both sides of the protruding clamping part 51 which is moulded inwardly around protruding clamping part 51 and provides a flat insertion space 56 which extends on both sides around clamping part 51 through edge section 54, preferably with a raised part 55, as indicated in this example. FIG. 3 also shows a schematic indication of the flat insertion space 56 and raised part 55.
[0081] FIG. 5 illustrates how a connecting element 6 is introduced in a picture frame, with the central opening 62 enclosing clamping part 51; the connecting element 6 engages with the flat insertion space 56. In this example, raised part 55 fits into connecting element opening 61. Viewing window 3 is applied after installing connecting element 6. Clamping part 51 uses the clamping sections 52 of clamping part 51 and clamping section 31 of viewing window 3 to clamp, whereby clamping section 31 is installed in a notch in the side edge of viewing window 3, the viewing window in the picture frame, and thus also the connecting element 6 in the picture frame. FIG. 5 illustrates a further preferred embodiment: When assembled, the central opening 62 contains two bulges 63 transverse to the edge of the picture frame around the flexible part 64 of the connecting element 6 on both sides of extended opening 62. These bulges 63 increase the flexibility of the connecting element 6 temporarily giving it sufficient space tolerance in the opening when enclosing two opposite clamping parts so that both parts can enter into central opening 62. The positions of these openings 61 relative to the central opening 62 roughly correspond to the inner positions of the clamping part 51 and raised part 55. The examples show a single central opening 62. This is a preferred embodiment. In principle, it is possible to provide two central openings separated by a strip in connecting element 6, one central for each clamping part, the size of this opening is virtually identical to the width of two adjacent outer edges 54. Furthermore, a gap 65 is provided in preferred embodiments. This gap 65 enables some tolerance to compensate for minor differences. This gap is also visible in FIG. 28.
[0082] FIG. 6 illustrates how a second picture frame can be coupled to the picture frame using connecting element 6 as shown in FIG. 5, with the situation shown in FIG. 6 being the situation where viewing window of the second picture frame has not been put in. In this example, the picture frame has also been provided with an edge 59 on which the viewing window can rest. A viewing window is clamped into the second picture frame. The picture to be enclosed rests on edge 58 of the frame part which defines the inside of the frame.
[0083] FIGS. 7 and 8 show cross-sections of a picture frame according to the invention provided with a connecting element. A passepartout is indicated by 7, and 4 indicates a picture whereby, in each figure, the position of picture 4 behind passepartout 7 is determined by the side from which the picture will be visible. Thus, the picture 4 is visible behind the passepartout on the frame side in FIG. 7 and, in FIG. 8, it is visible behind the passepartout on the viewing window side. The use of a passepartout is optional here.
[0084] FIGS. 7 and 8 show two different ways for complementary profiled sections. FIG. 7 shows a cross-section through the clamping part with the viewing window comprising a protruding or convex profile which matches a hollow profile of a clamping part; in FIG. 8, the clamping part comprises a protruding or convex profile which matches a hollow profile in the viewing window. Both shapes and combinations of these shapes are possible.
[0085] FIG. 8 shows a cross-section corresponding to an embodiment as shown in FIG. 5, i.e. with a raised part 55 in a preferred embodiment. A slightly simpler embodiment is shown in FIG. 7. The raised part 55 is missing here since central opening 62 encloses clamping parts 51 and connects the two frame parts when assembled. The clamping force on its own should be sufficient, particularly for small-size picture frames, to be able to connect the picture frames. However, providing a raised part 55 is preferred. This provides an extra safeguard that a picture frame will not come loose if, as shown in FIG. 7 with connecting element 6 the forces of connected frames rest on the clamping parts which assemble the frame parts together through central opening 62. Note that a single raised part is shown in FIG. 5. This should not be considered to be a limitation; several raised parts can be used and, correspondingly, several openings 61 in the connecting element. In the example, the raised part 55 is detached from the edges of the flat insertion space 56. This is not a limitation, raised parts can connect to an edge of insertion space 56 in embodiments. The semi-circular shape shown for connecting element 6 is a preferred embodiment and is not a limitation; other shapes, for example, rectangular, triangular, polygonal or tubular are also possible.
[0086] FIG. 9 shows a view of parts of two connected picture frames with a connecting element that connects them. The figure illustrates the operation and effect of sizing according to the present invention and the size relationships of the various parts when combining picture frames with various standard photo sizes. FIG. 9 shows an outer wall and a clamping part of thickness V and with interstice W which determines the distance between two frames and the positions of raised parts 55 as distance U to the clamping parts 51 with two adjacent picture frames. The width of the gap between two picture frames is 2W, i.e. the sum of Ws of each frame. When assembling different sizes of frames together in a collage, the distance from the corner of the frame to the centre of the clamping part, indicated by X in FIG. 9, is identical in all sizes of picture frame. As a result, the positions of the clamping parts in the frames are fixed and when a series of frames assembled together is intended to connect with a series of frames of other sizes to be assembled alongside, the clamping parts should match in the correct opposite positions and this should be compensated for through the dimensions of Us, Vs and Ws with smaller frames also having smaller W and V sizes and a larger U size. Clamping parts in rows of different sizes of frame connect according to the present invention if the V-W-W-V combination between the two largest frames equals two V-W-W-V combinations between three smaller frames or equals three V-W-W-V combinations of four even smaller frames. This figure shows that distance W is the consequence of the position of raised part 55 shown as distance U and that distance U establishes a relationship between the attachment of a connecting element—which is identical for all picture frames—and 2W as the width of the gap between two adjacent picture frames. The size W varies depending on the size of the picture frame. Since the size W varies and V+W+U should preferably be approximately equal for all picture frames if a universal standard connecting element is used, and the thickness V can be thicker in larger frames and the U smaller leading to a greater distance between one interstice which is equal to a V which is thinner in a smaller frame and a larger U so that two transitions with three frames have an identical total distance which is equal very approximately, for combinations of all sizes, the distance U varies, with the distance U being greater for smaller sizes since the distance W is smaller for smaller sizes.
[0087] Due to the connection system of the present invention, the width of the gap between two picture frames for 15×15 cm photos is greater than the width of the gap of two longitudinally adjacent 10×15 cm picture frames. If a collage is assembled with a column of two 15×15 cm picture frames on the left or right and a row of three 10×15 cm picture frames on the right or left, where the edges of picture frames should be aligned at the top and bottom, the gap width between the 15×15 cm picture frames will be virtually equal to twice the width of the gap between the 10×15 picture frames, i.e. for example 0.5 mm and 0.25 mm. In this example, this makes the dimension U for the 10×15 cm picture frames 0.125 mm greater than the dimension U for the 15×15 cm picture frames. The differences in W and thus U cause the combined distances of different wall thickness and interstices to be such that the positions of these connecting elements are accurately adjacent where the rows of the two configurations can be connected together. This enables frames of different sizes to be combined into a collage, assuming fixed existing photo sizes.
[0088] Furthermore, the distance X should preferably be slightly less than 1 inch (2.54 cm).
[0089] As explained above, the actual standard sizes that apply to photos, even if expressed as centimetres, are based on inch sizes, i.e. 15×15 cm is 6×6 inch.
[0090] In the collage described above, two 15×15 cm picture frames on the left and three 10×15 cm picture frames on the right, the left and right-hand rows under the upper edge and above the lower edge of the collage can be interconnected using connecting elements if X is identical for all picture frames. The left-hand and right-hand rows are then interconnected in two places. A suitable choice of X enables more interconnections of left and right-hand rows to be made.
[0091] There are four possible attachment points for connecting elements on the left, measured from the top edge downwards: [0092] 1. X, [0093] 2. 15 cm−X, [0094] 3. 15 cm+gap width on the left+X [0095] 4. 30 cm+gap width on the left−X
[0096] There are six attachment points on the right at positions [0097] 1. X [0098] 2. 10−X [0099] 3. 10+gap width on the right+X [0100] 4. 20+gap width on the right−X [0101] 5. 20+2×gap width on the right+X [0102] 6. 30+2×gap width on the right−X.
[0103] By ensuring that twice the width of the gap on the right equals the width of the gap on the left, attachment points 1 and 4 on the left will be aligned to attachment points 1 and 6 on the right so that the left-hand and right-hand rows of the collage can be interconnected.
[0104] Attachment points 2 and 3 on the left are aligned with, attachment points 3 and 4 on the right respectively, if the following equations are satisfied:
15 cm−X=10+gap width on the right+X and
15 cm+gap width on the left+X=20+gap width on the right−X
[0105] That gives two equations and they can be simplified by subtracting the lower equation from the upper equation to form
Gap width on the left−2X=−10+2X
10−gap width on the left=4X
X=2.5−0.25×gap width on the left.
[0106] As stated above, the actual sizes are inch sizes, i.e.
[0107] X=1 inch−0.25×gap width on the left. With a gap width on the left of e.g. 0.5 mm, the answer is then 1 inch−0.0125 cm=2.53 cm. To compensate for some tolerance in manufacturing accuracy, X is preferably between 2.45 and 2.55 cm.
[0108] The advantage for the embodiment listed is that the left and right-hand rows can be interconnected by connecting elements at four points instead of only two points.
[0109] FIG. 10 shows a more detailed view of a picture frame with closed frame and viewing window sections according to the invention. FIG. 10 shows how guide wall 57 between raised edge 54 and protruding part 35 influences the joining of two frame parts that should be assembled such that the parts are placed in the correct assembly position and where the interstice 53 is created as a result of the frame parts connecting together. Notch 512 puts the clamping part in a free position in the connection with the viewing window section and enables this clamping part to be placed unhindered in the clamping position when joining the two frame parts. Furthermore, it can be seen how convexity 32 in the viewing window is interrupted by the notch 33 in viewing window 3 for the clamping part 51 and clamping section 31 and that there is a cavity 52 in the notch 33 between the end of part 51 into which a finger or nail can be inserted, thus serving as a leverage point 50 in order to manually move the clamping part 51 outwards. These leverage points 50 are the consequence of the shape of the end of clamping part 51 and the shape of the notch 33 in viewing window 3, creating a small cavity between clamping part 51 and viewing window 3; this cavity in the surface of the viewing window avoids clamping part 31 from having to extend beyond the viewing window and the construction is still provided with a means of easily bending clamping part 31 outwards by hand.
[0110] FIGS. 11 to 14 show illustrations of connections between picture frames according to the invention with multiple holes 61 being indicated by 61a and 61b and with two more holes 61 indicated as 63a and 63b on the other assembly side of connecting element 6 with central opening 62.
[0111] FIG. 12 shows two frames connected with a connecting element according to FIG. 11 in a flat arrangement where the b holes of the connecting element are not used and raised part 55 engages in the a holes.
[0112] FIG. 13 shows the connection of two frames with the connection forming a corner along two window sides and this corner requires more space in the distance between the raised parts in the two frames and the b holes have been used for the assembly in order to provide that increased distance.
[0113] FIG. 14 shows a configuration comparable to that of FIG. 13, but the corner of the frames has been created on the frame side.
[0114] FIGS. 15 to 17 show examples of connecting elements;
[0115] FIG. 18 shows an assembly of the different frame parts which shows how the passepartout 7a or 7b can be used on these two viewing sides and how they can be turned around with a different side facing the viewing side as well as the ability of the picture to turn around and display one of the two frame sides, possibly combined with a side of the passepartout.
[0116] FIG. 19 shows an assembly of five picture frames with two square picture frames placed one above the other on the left and three rectangular frames adjacent to each other on the left, with all five frames adjoining to jointly form a rectangle. All the picture frames are visible from the viewing window sides and coupled together. This figure shows a large picture which is displayed over several picture frames as a total picture and where the interrupting effect of the interstices between the frames is visible.
[0117] FIG. 20 shows an assembly of five picture frames with two square picture frames placed one above the other on the left and three rectangular frames adjacent to each other on the left, with all five frames adjoining to jointly form a rectangle. All the picture frames are visible from the viewing window sides and coupled together. Each picture frame in this figure displays its own picture and these pictures can be seen in their entirety because the viewing window sides are used such that they are facing the viewing side.
[0118] FIG. 21 shows an assembly of five picture frames with two square picture frames placed one above the other on the left, the upper one of which has the viewing window side visible and the lower one has the frame side visible, and three rectangular frames adjacent to each other on the left, with the middle one displaying the frame side and the upper and lower ones displaying the viewing window side. The five picture frames are mounted separately and are not connected. Each picture frame is provided with its own picture and here the frame border is shown over the picture, hiding this part of the picture in the two picture frames with the frame side in view.
[0119] FIG. 22 shows a collection of 7 individual picture frames showing the different positions for the X sizes.
[0120] FIGS. 20 and 22 illustrate a characteristic of or for a preferred embodiment. The distance between a corner point of the picture frame and the centre of a clamping part, and thus the centre of a connecting element is equal for all sizes. This distance is indicated by X in FIGS. 20 and 22. The term “equal” should not be interpreted as a mathematical concept but as equality with the manufacturing tolerances and connection tolerances. It is impossible to make them perfectly mathematically equal to each other.
[0121] FIG. 23 shows an assembly of five picture frames with two square picture frames placed one above the other with their frame sides visible on the left and three rectangular picture frames adjacent to each other on the right with their frame sides visible. The five picture frames are mounted separate from each other and are not connected. Each picture frame is provided with its own picture with all the picture frames having the frame side in view and showing the frame border over the picture thus hiding this part of those pictures.
[0122] FIG. 24 shows an assembly of five picture frames with two square picture frames placed one above the other on the left and three rectangular picture frames adjacent to each other on the left, with all five picture frames adjoining and jointly forming a rectangle. All the picture frames are visible from the frame sides and are coupled together. In this figure each picture frame shows its own picture placed behind a passepartout as a result of which these parts of the pictures are not visible, and where the frame border covers part of the passepartouts, this part of the passepartout is not visible.
[0123] FIG. 25 shows an assembly of five picture frames with two square picture frames placed one above the other on the left and three rectangular picture frames adjacent to each other on the left, with all five picture frames adjoining and jointly forming a rectangle. All the picture frames are visible from the viewing window sides and are coupled together. In this figure each picture frame shows its own picture placed behind a passepartout as a result of which these parts of the pictures are not visible and these passepartouts are individually fully visible behind the viewing window side. In this assembly, two frames are provided with passepartouts whose shaded side is facing the front and three passepartouts whose black side is facing the front.
[0124] FIG. 26 shows an assembly of five picture frames with two square picture frames placed one above the other on the left and three rectangular frames adjacent to each other on the left, with all five frames adjoining and jointly forming a rectangle. All the picture frames are visible from the frame sides and are coupled together. In this figure each picture frame shows its own picture placed behind a passepartout as a result of which these parts of the pictures are not visible, and where the frame border covers part of the passepartouts, this part of the passepartout is not visible. In this assembly, all frames are provided with passepartouts whose shaded side is facing the front. This figure and FIG. 25 illustrate that the passepartouts can be used on both sides.
[0125] FIG. 27 illustrates a further preferred embodiment of a picture frame according to the invention. The viewing window 3 shows a slant, slope or convexity near the edges at the edges in the viewing plane. This convexity or slope 32 has an optically enlarging effect on the picture as a result of which this picture seems to extend to beyond the side of the picture frame.
[0126] FIG. 28 illustrates two picture frames connected by a connecting element 6.
[0127] The two connected picture frames can be two relatively small picture frames, in which case there is a relatively narrow gap with width 2W1 between the two picture frames, with W1 being the W value for a relatively small picture frame. The same universal connecting element 6 can also be used to connect two relatively large picture frames, each with a W value of W3. In that case, the gap width between the two relatively large picture frames is 2W3. In order to compensate for these differences and for any minor variations in size, the openings in the connecting element 6 have been constructed such that some tolerance has been provided. This is indicated by T in FIG. 28. Some tolerance is also created by providing openings 61 with gaps (see also FIG. 5).
[0128] FIG. 29 illustrates an assembly of picture frames. The figure indicates which W values are applicable. The width of the gap between two picture frames is always Wx+Wy with Wx and Wy being the W values on both sides of the gap.
[0129] It will be clear that the invention enables many variations and that the invention is not limited to the examples described above.
[0130] In summary, the invention can be described as follows:
[0131] A picture frame comprises a viewing window side (1) and a frame side (2) with the viewing window side comprising a transparent window (3). There is an interstice between the viewing window and the frame side. A photo or picture can be placed here. The viewing window and frame sides comprise assembly components (5) in order to assemble the viewing window and frame sides together. An assembly component on the frame side comprises a flexible protruding clamping part (51), provided with a clamping section (52) on a side facing the viewing window (3) and the viewing window (3) is provided with a complementary clamping section (31) at an edge of the viewing window (3) with the complementary clamping sections (52, 31) fitting into each other and, when assembled, with the protruding clamping parts (51) exerting a clamping force (F2) on the viewing window (3) with the direction of the clamping force (F2) being mainly in the flat plane of the viewing window.
