FRAME MOUNT AND SYSTEM FOR SECURING FRAMES AT DIFFERENT ORIENTATIONS

Abstract

A method and system for mounting frames is provided herein. Specifically, a frame mounting system is configured to hold a polygonal shaped frame at different orientations based on placement of the frame on and within the frame mount. The different orientations include mounting a side edge of the frame in the frame mount and holding in place with an interference fit, and mounting a corner of the frame in the same frame mount and holding in place with an interference fit.

Claims

1. A frame mount, comprising: a base having a top end, a bottom end, and a perimeter wall spanning between the top end and the bottom end; a channel groove centrally disposed in an orientation that traverses completely across an upper half of the base and through the perimeter wall at each end of the channel groove, the channel groove comprising a channel groove floor at a predetermined depth from the top end of the base, a first channel groove wall extending from the top end of the base to the channel groove floor, and a second channel groove wall opposite the first channel groove wall and extending from the top end of the base to the channel groove floor; a notch recess disposed down through the channel groove floor and extending toward the bottom end of the base; wherein the first channel groove wall and the second channel groove wall are spaced apart a distance sized and dimensioned relative to a thickness of a frame in such a way that when the frame is placed into the channel groove, the channel groove is configured to receive the frame and frictionally hold the frame therebetween; wherein when a straight side of the frame is placed in the channel groove, the straight side of the frame is arranged generally parallel with and abutting the channel groove floor, the first channel groove wall, and the second channel groove wall, and the frame mount frictionally holds the frame in place without requiring additional fastening components; and wherein when a corner of the frame is placed in the channel groove, the corner is received into and abuts the notch recess, extending downwardly through the channel groove floor toward the bottom end of the base, and the frame mount frictionally holds the frame in place without requiring additional fastening components.

2. The frame mount of claim 1, wherein the notch recess is generally V-shaped, with an apex of the V-shaped notch recess being perpendicular to the first channel groove wall and the second channel groove wall.

3. The frame mount of claim 2, wherein the v-shaped notch recess receives the corner of the frame in such a way that either side of the frame forming the corner is parallel with and abuts walls of the V-shaped notch recess.

4. The frame mount of claim 1, wherein the perimeter wall is circular in shape.

5. A frame and mount system, comprising: a frame having two generally straight sides and at least one corner; a frame mount, comprising: a base having a top end, a bottom end, and a perimeter wall spanning between the top end and the bottom end; a channel groove centrally disposed and traversing completely across an upper half of the base and through the perimeter wall at each end of the channel groove, the channel groove comprising a channel groove floor at a predetermined depth from the top end of the base, a first channel groove wall extending perpendicularly from the top end of the base to the channel groove floor, and a second channel groove wall opposite the first channel groove wall and extending perpendicularly from the top end of the base to the channel groove floor; a notch recess disposed down through the channel groove floor and extending toward the bottom end of the base; wherein the first channel groove wall and the second channel groove wall are spaced apart a distance sized and dimensioned relative to a thickness of the frame in such a way that when the frame is placed into the channel groove, the channel groove is configured to receive the frame and frictionally hold the frame therebetween; wherein when one of the two generally straight sides of the frame is placed in the channel groove, the one of the two generally straight sides is generally parallel with and abutting the channel groove floor, the first channel groove wall, and the second channel groove wall; and wherein when the at least one corner of the frame is placed in the channel groove, the at least one corner is received into and abuts the notch recess, extending downwardly through the channel groove floor toward the bottom end of the base.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the notch recess is generally V-shaped, with an apex of the V-shaped notch recess being perpendicular to the first channel groove wall and the second channel groove wall.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the V-shaped notch recess receives the at least one corner of the frame in such a way that either side of the frame forming the at least one corner is parallel with and abuts walls of the V-shaped notch recess.

8. The system of claim 5, wherein the frame further comprises two layers of suspension film configured to suspend objects therebetween.

9. The system of claim 5, further comprising a generally H-shaped stacking connector, comprising: a first channel; and a second channel; wherein the first channel and the second channel are sized and dimensioned to receive one of the two generally straight sides of the frame in such a way that when the frame is placed into one of the first channel or the second channel the frame is received and is frictionally held therebetween.

10. The system of claim 5, wherein the frame is one of a rectangular or polygonal shape.

11. A frame and mount kit, comprising: a frame having two generally straight sides and at least one corner; a frame mount, comprising: a base having a top end, a bottom end, and a perimeter wall spanning between the top end and the bottom end; a channel groove centrally disposed and traversing completely across an upper half of the base and through the perimeter wall at each end of the channel groove, the channel groove comprising a channel groove floor at a predetermined depth from the top end of the base, a first channel groove wall extending perpendicularly from the top end of the base to the channel groove floor, and a second channel groove wall opposite the first channel groove wall and extending perpendicularly from the top end of the base to the channel groove floor; a notch recess disposed down through the channel groove floor and extending toward the bottom end of the base; wherein the first channel groove wall and the second channel groove wall are spaced apart a distance sized and dimensioned relative to a thickness of the frame in such a way that when the frame is placed into the channel groove, the channel groove is configured to receive the frame and frictionally hold the frame therebetween; wherein when one of the two generally straight sides of the frame is placed in the channel groove, the one of the two generally straight sides is generally parallel with and abutting the channel groove floor, the first channel groove wall, and the second channel groove wall; and wherein when the at least one corner of the frame is placed in the channel groove, the at least one corner is received into and abuts the notch recess, extending downwardly through the channel groove floor toward the bottom end of the base.

12. The kit of claim 11, wherein the notch recess is generally V-shaped, with an apex of the V-shaped notch recess being perpendicular to the first channel groove wall and the second channel groove wall.

13. The kit of claim 12, wherein the V-shaped notch recess receives the at least one corner of the frame in such a way that either side of the frame forming the at least one corner is parallel with and abuts walls of the V-shaped notch recess.

14. The kit of claim 11, wherein the frame further comprises two layers of suspension film configured to suspend objects therebetween.

15. The kit of claim 11, further comprising a generally H-shaped stacking connector, comprising: a first channel; and a second channel; wherein the first channel and the second channel are sized and dimensioned to receive one of the two generally straight sides of the frame in such a way that when the frame is placed into one of the first channel or the second channel the frame is received and is frictionally held therebetween.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0013] These and other characteristics of the present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the attached drawings, in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 is an illustrative isometric view of a frame mount in accordance with the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the frame mount;

[0016] FIGS. 3A and 3B are side plan views of the frame mount;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side section view of the frame mount;

[0018] FIG. 5 is an illustrative isometric view of a stacking connector in accordance with the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 6 is a side plan view of a stacking connector in accordance with the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 7 is an illustrative isometric view of a male half of the stacking connector;

[0021] FIG. 8 is perspective internal plan view of the male half of the stacking connector;

[0022] FIG. 9 is a side plan view of the male half of the stacking connector;

[0023] FIG. 10 is an illustrative isometric view of a female half of the stacking connector in accordance with the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 11 is internal plan view of the female half of the stacking connector in accordance with the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 12 is a side plan view of the female half of the stacking connector;

[0026] FIG. 13 is an external plan view of male and/or female halves of the stacking connector, which are substantially similar to each other in this view; and

[0027] FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C are illustrative views of frames held by the frame mount and/or the stacking connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] An illustrative embodiment of the present invention relates to a frame mount that is configured to securely hold an object on a flat surface, such as a table or a wall. The frame mount enables a user to display the frame/framed object in a plurality of orientations and configurations. Additionally, the frame mount of the present invention enables multiple objects to be securely stacked vertically on one another.

[0029] FIGS. 1 through 14C, wherein like parts are designated by like reference numerals throughout, illustrate an example embodiment or embodiments of improved operation for a frame mount and a frame and mount system, according to the present invention. Although the present invention will be described with reference to the example embodiment or embodiments illustrated in the figures, it should be understood that many alternative forms can embody the present invention. One of skill in the art will additionally appreciate different ways to alter the parameters of the embodiment(s) disclosed, such as the size, shape, or type of elements or materials, in a manner still in keeping with the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0030] The present invention is a frame mount system 100 configured for holding a frame 200 in a plurality of configurations. The frame mount system 100 includes a frame mount having a base 102. FIG. 1 is an illustrative isometric view of a frame mount base 102 in accordance with the present invention. In particular, FIG. 1 depicts a frame mount base 102. The base 102, as depicted in FIG. 1, is generally cylindrical in shape, although as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the shape of the base 102 can vary without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the base 102 can be rectangular in shape. Regardless of shape, the base 102 includes a top end 104, a bottom end 106, and a perimeter wall 108 spanning between the top end 104 and the bottom end 106. The bottom end 106 of the base 102 is flat such that the base 102 can rest level on a flat surface while holding the frame 200, either resting on a horizontal surface, or mounted to an inclined or vertically oriented surface, such as a wall to which the base 102 is affixed. Additionally, the perimeter wall 108 follows the shape of the base 102 itself. For example, the perimeter wall 108 depicted in FIG. 1 is circular in shape, matching the cylindrical shape of the overall base 102.

[0031] In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, the base 102 also includes a channel groove 110 centrally disposed and oriented such that it traverses completely across an upper half of the base 102 and through the perimeter wall 108 at each end of the channel groove. The channel groove 110 is designed to receive and hold a frame 200 securely in a vertical position with a side of the frame 200 resting substantially flush with the channel groove 110, as depicted in FIG. 14C. The channel groove 110 includes a channel groove floor 112 at a predetermined depth from the top end 104 of the base 102, a first channel groove wall 114 extending from the top end 104 of the base 102 to the channel groove floor 112, and a second channel groove wall 116 opposite the first channel groove wall 114 and extending from the top end 104 of the base 102 to the channel groove floor 112. The first channel groove wall 114 and the second channel groove wall 116 can be generally perpendicular to the channel groove floor 112 for most implementations; however, one of skill in the art will appreciate that minor variations of angle away from perpendicular may also be sufficient to create the friction fit with a frame 200 as described herein. The first channel groove wall 114 and the second channel groove wall 116 are spaced apart a distance sized and dimensioned relative to a thickness of a frame 200 in such a way that when the frame 200 is placed into the channel groove 110, the channel groove 110 is configured to receive the frame 200 and frictionally hold the frame 200 therebetween with a friction or interference fit, and without requiring any other mechanical fastening means. For example, when a straight side of the frame 200 is placed in the channel groove 110, the straight side of the frame 200 is arranged generally parallel with and abutting the channel groove floor 112, the first channel groove wall 114 and the second channel groove wall 116.

[0032] In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, the channel groove 110 of the base 102 includes a notch recess 118 disposed down through the channel groove floor 112 and extending toward the bottom end 106 of the base 102. In accordance with one example embodiment, the notch recess 118 is generally V-shaped, with an apex of the V-shaped notch recess being generally perpendicular to the first channel groove wall 114 and the second channel groove wall 116. The notch recess 118 is designed to receive a corner of the frame 200 and is sufficiently deep such that the frame 200 will be supported vertically when placed within the channel groove 110, as depicted in FIG. 14B. In particular, when a generally 90 corner of the frame 200 is placed in the channel groove 110, the corner is received into and abuts the notch recess 118 in such a way that either side of the frame 200 forming the corner is parallel with and abuts walls of the V-shaped notch recess 118 and extends downward through the channel groove floor 112 toward the bottom end 106 of the base 102. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the interior angle of the V-shaped notch recess 118 for a right angle frame is generally 90, but that the interior angle of the V-shaped notch recess can vary to be wider or narrower, so long as the frame 200 desired to be mounted has a corner of the same or substantially similar angular measurement, such that it can be received and supported by the V-shaped notch recess 118.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the frame mount base 102. In particular, FIG. 2 depicts how the channel groove 110 extends through the center of the base 102 while dividing the perimeter wall 108 to create the first channel groove wall 114 and the second channel groove wall 116. Additionally, FIG. 2 depicts the placement of the notch recess 118 at a central location of the channel groove 110 and oriented between the first channel groove wall 114 and the second channel groove wall 116.

[0034] FIGS. 3A and 3B are side plan views of the frame mount base 102. In particular, FIGS. 3A and 3B depict how the central channel groove 110 extends through the center of the base 102 at a predetermined depth. FIG. 3A depicts one side view of the base 102 (e.g., 3 o'clock or 9 o'clock positions as it relates to FIG. 2) showing the location of the channel groove floor 112 as it relates to the top end 104, bottom end 106, and the perimeter wall 108 of the base 102. FIG. 3B depicts another side view of the base 102 (e.g., 12 o'clock or 6 o'clock positions as it relates to FIG. 2) with the channel groove 110 dividing the perimeter wall 108. FIG. 3B also shows the location of the channel groove floor 112 as it relates to the top end 104, bottom end 106, and the perimeter wall 108 of the base 102.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side plan view of the frame mount base 102. In particular, FIG. 4 depicts how the channel groove 110 and the notch recess 118 relate to the top end 104, bottom end 106, and the perimeter wall 108 of the base 102. FIG. 4 also depicts how the profile of the frame 200 fits into the notch recess 118 in an orientation as depicted in FIG. 14B.

[0036] In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, the frame mount system 100 includes one or more stacking connectors 120. FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative isometric view of a stacking connector 120 in accordance with the present invention. The stacking connector 120, as depicted in FIG. 5, is a generally H-shaped stacking part including a first channel 122 and a second channel 124. The first channel 122 and the second channel 124 are each sized and dimensioned to receive one of the two generally straight sides of the frame 200 in such a way that when the frame 200 is placed into one of the first channel 122 or the second channel 124, the frame 200 is received and is frictionally held therebetween. In one example, the width and the depth of the first channel 122 and the second channel 124 are substantially similar in dimensions to the width and depth of the channel groove 110 of the base 102 (e.g., width being the distance between the first channel groove wall 114 and the second channel groove wall 116 and the depth being the distance from the top end 104 to the channel groove floor 112). The width and depth of the channel groove 110, the first channel 122, and the second channel 124 are the dimensions responsible for providing the friction or interference fit for holding a frame 200 therebetween, and without requiring additional fastening means. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the stacking connector 120 can be formed from a single part of a combination of parts coupled together.

[0037] In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, the H-shaped stacking connector 120 is formed by two U-shaped parts (with substantially flat bottom surfaces) coupled together. In particular, the bottom surfaces of the two U-shaped parts are coupled together to form the H-shaped stacking connector 120. Each of the U-shaped parts include a channel for receiving the frame 200, such that when two U-shaped parts are coupled together they form the H-shaped stacking connector 120 with the first channel 122 and the second channel 124. More specifically, each U-shaped part includes a channel groove floor 126 and two channel walls 128 perpendicular to the channel groove floor 126 to form the channels. The depth of the channels 122, 124 is defined by respective channel groove floors 126 and channel walls 128. FIG. 6 is a side plan view of the stacking connector 120. As shown in FIG. 6, the two U-shaped parts are substantially symmetrical to one another and couple together in a mirror image configuration to form the H-shaped stacking connector 120.

[0038] In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, the two U-shaped parts forming the stacking connector 120 include a male half 120a and a female half 120b. FIG. 7 is an illustrative isometric view of a male half 120a of the stacking connector 120. The male half 120a includes a plurality of teeth or tabs 130 extending from one side of the male half 120a. The plurality of teeth or tabs 130 are designed to insert and frictionally lock with slots 132 of the female half 120b. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, any combination of conventional mechanical fasteners (e.g., teeth 130 and slots 132) can be utilized to couple the male and female halves 120a, 120b together. FIG. 8 is a perspective internal plan view of the male half 120a of a stacking connector 120. In particular, FIG. 8 depicts a view of the plurality of teeth or tabs 130 extending from one side of the male half 120a from above/underneath the male half 120a. FIG. 9 is a side plan view of the male half 120a of the stacking connector 120.

[0039] FIG. 10 is an illustrative isometric view of a female half 120b of the stacking connector 120 in accordance with the present invention. The female half 120a includes a plurality of slots 132 extending into one side of the female half 120b that are designed to receive and frictionally lock with the plurality of teeth or tabs 130 of the male half 120b. FIG. 11 is an internal plan view of the female half 120b of the stacking connector 120 in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 12 is a side plan view of the female half 120b of the stacking connector 120. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, although the male half 120a and the female half 120b are depicted as a U-shape and upside-down U-shape, respectively, in FIGS. 7, 9, 10, and 12, however, the parts are not limited to this orientation. The U-shaped parts 120a, 120b are able to be coupled together in either orientation.

[0040] In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, one or more uncoupled male halves 120a or female halves 120b are capable of acting as a frame mount 100 by resting on a flat surface and capable of holding the frame 200 vertically, as depicted in FIG. 14A. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the number of male halves 120a, female halves 120b, and/or bases 102 needed to hold a frame can vary based on a size and weight of the frame 200.

[0041] FIG. 13 is an external plan view of either a male 120a or female 120b halves of the stacking connector 120, which are substantially similar to each other in this view.

[0042] In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, the base 102, stacking connector 120 (as separate parts or coupled parts), the male halves 120a, the female halves 120b, and the frames 200 can be included within a single mounting kit. The frame mount system 100 includes any combination of parts that are utilized for mounting the frame 200. More specifically, the mounting parts (e.g., the base 102, stacking connector 120, the male halves 120a, and the female halves 120b) are the parts of the kit configured to hold one or more frames 200 vertically from a horizontal surface.

[0043] The frame(s) 200 can include any combination of frame dimension, shape, and material with any combination of pane materials. For example, the frame is one of a rectangular or polygonal shape with two layers of suspension film 134 configured to suspend objects 140 therebetween. For utilization with the base 102 and enabling the two orientations provided by the base 102 (e.g., placed flat within the channel groove 110 or placed with a corner flush within the notch recess 118) the frame shape should include at least two generally straight sides and at least one corner (to be placed within the notch recess 118). The frame 200, with at least one corner, and the base 102 enable multiple frame orientations not available to conventional mounting systems. For example, when one of the two generally straight sides of the frame is placed in the channel groove, the one of the two generally straight sides is generally parallel with and abutting the channel groove floor, the first channel groove wall, and the second channel groove wall. Alternatively, when the at least one corner of the frame is placed in the channel groove, the at least one corner is received into and abuts the notch recess, extending downwardly through the channel groove floor toward the bottom end of the base.

[0044] In operation, some combination of the bases 102, stacking connectors 120, the male halves 120a, and the female halves 120b can all be utilized in some combination to hold one or more frames 200. FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C are illustrative views of the frames 200 held by the frame mount base 102 and/or the stacking connectors 120 (e.g., the frame mount kit). FIG. 14A depicts two frames 200 held vertically in place. The left frame 200 is held in place by a pair of male halves 120a and the second frame 200 is held in place by a pair of female halves 120b. Additionally, each of the frames 200 in FIG. 14A show an object 140 held in suspension between two layers of suspension film 134. In FIG. 14A the orientation of the frames 200 are horizontal with one side making contact with the channel groove floors 126 of the respective male halves 120a and female halves 120b. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the pair of male halves 120a or female halves 120b could be replaced by one or more bases 102 and/or stacking connector 120 to produce the same result. In these situations the frame 200 would be horizontal with one side making contact with the channel groove 110 of the base(s) 102 the channel groove floors 126 of stacking connector 120, respectively.

[0045] FIG. 14B depicts two frames 200, with an object 140 held in suspension between two layers of suspension film 134, held vertically in place at different orientations using the base 102. The multiple orientations of the frames 200 provided in FIG. 14B are provided by the unique shape and structure of the base 102, specifically the channel groove 110 and the notch recess 118 within the channel groove 110 of the base 102. In the first frame 200 orientation (e.g., diamond orientation) a corner of the frame 200 is placed within and in substantial contact with the surface of the notch recess 118 at a sufficient depth to hold the frame 200 in a vertical orientation. In the second frame 200 orientation (e.g., rectangular orientation) a side of the frame 200 is placed within and in substantial contact with the surface of the channel groove 110 at a sufficient depth to hold the frame 200 in a vertical orientation. This unique multi-orientation functionality enables the single base 102 to hold a frame in a first orientation representative of a diamond shape or a second orientation representative of a rectangular shape.

[0046] In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, the stacking connectors 120 can be combined with mounting parts (e.g., base 102, stacking connector 120, uncoupled male or female half 102a, 120b, etc.) to create a combined frame object 300 including multiple frames 200. FIG. 14C depicts a combined frame object 300 including three frames 200 combined together in a vertical orientation utilizing a combination of frame mount 100 parts and stacking connectors 120. In particular, FIG. 14C depicts two bases 102 holding a first frame 200 vertically in a rectangular orientation (bottom frame 200). FIG. 14C also depicts two stacking connectors 120 on top of the first frame 200 which are holding a second frame 200 on top of the first frame 200. Similarly, the second frame 200 includes one stacking connector 120 holding a third frame on top of the second frame 200. The resulting combination of frames 200, bases 102, and stacking connectors 120 results in a tiered frame structure 300 of three frames 200 held in a vertical structure only via friction fits. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the number of frames 200, combination of frames 200 and frame orientations are not limited to the examples provided herein and a user can utilize any combination of frame mounts 100 and stacking connectors 120 to create unique frame 200 structures not explicitly discussed herein.

[0047] As utilized herein, the terms comprises and comprising are intended to be construed as being inclusive, not exclusive. As utilized herein, the terms exemplary, example, and illustrative, are intended to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration and should not be construed as indicating, or not indicating, a preferred or advantageous configuration relative to other configurations. As utilized herein, the terms about, generally, and approximately are intended to cover variations that may existing in the upper and lower limits of the ranges of subjective or objective values, such as variations in properties, parameters, sizes, and dimensions. In one non-limiting example, the terms about, generally, and approximately mean at, or plus 10 percent or less, or minus 10 percent or less. In one non-limiting example, the terms about, generally, and approximately mean sufficiently close to be deemed by one of skill in the art in the relevant field to be included. As utilized herein, the term substantially refers to the complete or nearly complete extend or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result, as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art. For example, an object that is substantially circular would mean that the object is either completely a circle to mathematically determinable limits, or nearly a circle as would be recognized or understood by one of skill in the art. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some instances depend on the specific context. However, in general, the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were achieved or obtained. The use of substantially is equally applicable when utilized in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result, as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art.

[0048] Numerous modifications and alternative embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode for carrying out the present invention. Details of the structure may vary substantially without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and exclusive use of all modifications that come within the scope of the appended claims is reserved. Within this specification embodiments have been described in a way which enables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended and will be appreciated that embodiments may be variously combined or separated without parting from the invention. It is intended that the present invention be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims and the applicable rules of law.

[0049] It is also to be understood that the following claims are to cover all generic and specific features of the invention described herein, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.