PICTURE STORAGE AND FRAMING SYSTEM

Abstract

Some embodiments relate to a picture frame including a first pair of frame profiles, second pair of frame profiles, connectable to compliment to a right-angled corner at an assembled position. The second frame profiles have a locking groove extending from a bottom face thereof. The first and second frame profiles each have a stepped section at an inside face thereof, with a picture facing lip disposed above a bottom face. There is a corner coupler having a first arm slidingly displaceable for slidably arresting within an open end of the back board arresting groove of a first frame profile, and a second arm configurable for arresting into locking groove of the second frame profile. A back board having first opposite edges having length corresponding with the first length of the first frame profiles, and second opposite edges having length corresponding with second length of second frame profiles can be included.

Claims

1. A picture frame comprising: a first pair of frame profiles, each having a first length and each having a back board arresting groove longitudinally extending between first connecting angled edges of each first frame profile; a second pair of frame profiles, each having a second length, and having second connecting angled edges corresponding with the first connecting angled edges of the first pair of frame profiles, so as to compliment to a right-angled corner at an assembled position; said second pair of frame profiles having a locking groove disposed at least at respective end portions thereof, said locking groove extending from a bottom face thereof; said first frame profiles and second frame profiles each have a stepped section at an inside face thereof, with a picture facing lip disposed above a bottom face thereof; an L-shaped corner coupler having a first arm slidingly displaceable for slidably arresting within an open end of the back board arresting groove of a first frame profile, and a second arm configurable for arresting into a locking groove of the second frame profile, thereby articulating an end of the first profile member and an end of a second profile member flush against one another; a rectangle back board made of rigid though pliable material, having first opposite edges having a length corresponding with the first length of said first frame profiles, and second opposite edges having a length corresponding with the second length of said second frame profiles, respectively; said first edges being configurable for arresting within said back board arresting groove of the first profiles and locking arresting therein by a portion of the first arm of the L-shaped corner coupler; and wherein the back board is deployable between a folded position at which it rolled over to encompass the first and second pairs of frame profiles, and a deployed position at which it is tensioned at a back face of the assembled picture frame, such that at the deployed position a picture can be clappingly positioned between a bottom facing inside edge of the respective frame profiles.

2. A storage and framing system comprising the picture frame of claim 1, and further comprising a cylindric container for snug accommodating the picture frame, and a picture, and a transparent film; said container having a minimal length corresponding with a longest of the frame profiles and having an inside diameter similar to, or slightly greater, than the circumradius of the picture frame at the folded position.

3. The picture frame of claim 1, wherein the corner coupler is configurable for attaching two neighboring frame profiles to one another at a right angle and flush with one another, said corner coupler having a generally L-like shape wherein a first arm thereof is configurable for sliding arresting into a back board arresting groove of a first frame profile, and the second arm thereof is configured for arresting into locking groove at a second frame profile, wherein the first arm can only be axially displaced along said back board arresting groove and said second arm can only be displaced transversally into said locking groove.

4. The picture frame of claim 1, wherein the first arm and the second arm of the corner coupler are configurable for press-fit into the back board arresting groove and the locking groove, respectively.

5. The picture frame of claim 1, wherein the first arm of the corner coupler comprises an axial extension configurable for displacing below the picture facing lip of the first frame profile, for engaging a cutout at the first edge of the back board, for setting the back board to the first frame profile by axially arresting the back board within the back board arresting groove and preventing detachment in a transversing sense by blocking an end portion of the back board arresting groove.

6. The picture frame of claim 1, wherein a flexible transparent film is provided for placing over the picture, said transparent film configurable for clamping under the picture facing lip.

7. The picture frame of claim 1, wherein a bottom face of the lip of the stepped section extends above a bottom face of the frame profiles, at a spaced apart distance, wherein said distance is greater than the thickness of the back board and the thickness of a picture and a thickness of a transparent film.

8. The picture frame of claim 1, wherein a minimal packing size of the picture frame has a rectangle shape the maximal diagonal thereof extending between opposite edges of a frame element, plus the thickness of the back board, and having a maximal length corresponding with a maximal length of the frame profiles.

9. The picture frame of claim 1, wherein a minimal circumcircle of the picture frame encompasses the picture frame at its folded position, wherein the circumcircle has a circumradius corresponding substantially with a maximum diagonal extending between opposite edges of a frame element, plus the thickness of the back board.

10. The picture frame of claim 2, wherein the cylindric container can be fitted with removable end caps.

11. The picture frame of claim 1, wherein the back board comprises live hinge sections, defining fold lines.

12. The picture frame of claim 1, wherein the back board is foldable along fold lines comprising symmetrically distributed fold lines parallel with the first frame profiles, said fold lines comprising: at least a first set of fold lines along respective first edges corresponding with first frame profiles; a set of second fold lines inwards of said first fold lines, spaced from the first set of fold lines at a distance D1 corresponding with the length of the picture facing lip; a set of third fold lines inwards of said second fold lines, spaced from the second set of fold lines at a distance D2 corresponding with the width of a frame profile; a set of fourth fold lines inwards of said third fold lines, spaced from the third set of fold lines at a distance D3 corresponding with the height of a frame profile; a set of fifth fold lines inwards of said fourth fold lines, spaced from the fourth set of fold lines at a distance D4 corresponding with twice the width of a frame profile.

13. The picture frame of claim 1, wherein the first set of fold lines is a double fold, for rigidifying thereof and improving grip arresting within the back board arresting groove.

14. The picture frame of claim 1, wherein the back board is made of cardboard, or plastic material.

15. The picture frame of claim 1, wherein at least the second frame profiles further comprise a picture support grove extending at a bottom facing portion of the frame profile, below the picture facing lip.

16. The picture frame of claim 1, wherein the back board comprises one or more frame hanging keyholes, disposed so as to facilitate hanging the picture frame on a support wall at different orientations.

17. The picture frame of claim 1, wherein one or more of the frame profiles comprises at a back face thereof one or more frame hanging keyholes, disposed so as to facilitate hanging the picture frame on a support wall at different orientations.

18. The picture frame of claim 1, wherein the back board comprises one or more pedestals for supporting the picture frame on a surface top.

19. The picture frame of claim 1, wherein the first profiles and the second profiles have a same cross section.

20. The picture frame of claim 1, wherein the back board arresting groove has an L-shaped cross section.

21. The picture frame of claim 1, wherein the corner coupler is made of polymeric material.

22. The picture frame of claim 1, wherein the corner coupler is injection molded, or 3D printed, or machined.

23. The picture frame of claim 1, wherein the frame profiles are manufactured by extrusion.

24. The picture frame of claim 1, wherein the frame profiles can be made of polymeric material or metal.

25. A corner coupler for use in conjunction with a picture frame of claim 1, said corner coupler configurable for attaching two neighboring frame profiles to one another at a right angle and flush with one another, said corner coupler having a generally L-like shape wherein a first arm thereof is configurable for sliding arresting into a back board arresting groove of a first frame profile, and a second arm thereof is configured for arresting into locking groove at a second frame profile, wherein the first arm can only be axially displaced along said back board arresting groove and said second arm can only be displaced transversally into said locking groove.

26. A method of storing and framing a picture, the method comprising the following steps: (a) Obtaining a picture frame according to claim 1; (b) Deploying the back board by unfolding it and displacing the first frame profiles away from one another so as to assume a planar shape extending flat between said first frame profiles; (c) Applying a picture over the deployed back board and clamping its edges under the picture facing lip; (d) Articulating an end portion of a second frame profile to an end portion of a first frame profile by pressing the corner coupler into a locking groove at the ends of the second frame profile, to obtain a rigid right-angled corner; Repeating step 4 for each corner, to obtain a rectangle shaped solid frame and with the back board tensioned at a back portion thereof.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein optionally, after step c) a flexible transparent film can be applied over the picture.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0060] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a picture frame assembly contained within a storage cylinder;

[0061] FIG. 1B illustrates the picture frame assembly of FIG. 1A with an end cap removed;

[0062] FIG. 2A is a section along line 2A-2A in FIG. 1A;

[0063] FIG. 2B is planar end view of FIG. 2A;

[0064] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the frame assembly removed from the storage cylinder;

[0065] FIG. 3B is a planar end view of the frame assembly of FIG. 3A;

[0066] FIG. 3C is the same as FIG. 3A, with the picture and transparent film removed;

[0067] FIG. 3D is a section along line 3D-3D in FIG. 3C;

[0068] FIG. 3E is a planar end view of FIG. 3D;

[0069] FIG. 4A is a perspective view illustrating a first step of deploying the picture frame, according to the present disclosure;

[0070] FIG. 4B is a section along line 4B-4B in FIG. 4A;

[0071] FIG. 4C is a section along line 4C-4C in FIG. 4B;

[0072] FIG. 4D is a section along line 4D-4D in FIG. 4C;

[0073] FIG. 5A is a perspective view illustrating a further step of deploying the picture frame;

[0074] FIG. 5B is a section along line 5B-5B in FIG. 5A;

[0075] FIG. 5C is a section along line 5C-5C in FIG. 5B;

[0076] FIG. 5D is an enlargement of the portion marked 5D in FIG. 5C;

[0077] FIG. 6A is a perspective view illustrating a further step of deploying the picture frame;

[0078] FIG. 6B is a section along line 6B-6B in FIG. 6A;

[0079] FIG. 7 is a perspective exploded view of the picture frame, at an assembly step;

[0080] FIG. 8A is a perspective view illustrating the picture frame ready to assemble second frame profiles;

[0081] FIG. 8B is a section along line 8B-8B in FIG. 8A;

[0082] FIG. 9A is a perspective front view of an assembled picture frame according to the present disclosure;

[0083] FIG. 9B is a section along line 9B-9B in FIG. 9A;

[0084] FIG. 9C is an enlargement of the portion marked 9C in FIG. 9B;

[0085] FIG. 9D is a section along line 9D-9D in FIG. 9A;

[0086] FIG. 9E is an enlargement of the portion marked 9E in FIG. 9D;

[0087] FIG. 9F is a local section along line 9F-9F in FIG. 9C;

[0088] FIG. 9G is a local section along line 9G-9G in FIG. 9C;

[0089] FIG. 9H is a local section along line 9H-9H in FIG. 9C;

[0090] FIG. 9I is a local section along line 9I-91 in FIG. 9C;

[0091] FIG. 10 is a perspective rear view of an assembled picture frame according to the present disclosure;

[0092] FIG. 11A is a partially exploded perspective view of a sub-assembly of the picture frame according to the disclosure;

[0093] FIG. 11B is an enlargement of the portion marked 11B in FIG. 11AB;

[0094] FIG. 11C is a perspective view of the sub-assembly of FIG. 11A; and

[0095] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a back board used in conjunction with the picture frame of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0096] Attention is first directed to FIGS. 1A and 1B of the drawings, illustrating a picture frame assembly generally designated 20, comprising a frame assembly generally designated 10, contained within a cylindric container 22 made of rigid material, e.g. cardboard, plastic, etc., and comprising a removable (one or two) end cap 26.

[0097] With Further reference to the remaining figures the picture frame 10 comprises a first pair of identical frame profiles 30A and 30B, each having a first length L1 (FIG. 7A). The frame profiles 30A and 30B are typically made of extruded polymer material, though they can be made of extruded metal, machined material (e.g. wood), etc. Each of the frame profiles 30A and 30B has a back board arresting groove 34 longitudinally extending between first connecting angled edges 36A and 36B (FIGS. 7A, 8A, 8B, 11A-11C) of each first frame profile 30A and 30B.

[0098] A second pair of frame profiles 40A and 40B, each having a second length L.sub.2 (FIG. 7A), and having second connecting angled edges 44A and 44B, corresponding with the first connecting angled edges 36A and 36B of the first pair of frame profiles 30A and 30B, so as to compliment to a right-angled corner 50 at an assembled position (e.g. seen in FIGS. 9A-9D). The second pair of frame profiles 40A and 40B are each configured with a locking groove 48 disposed at least at respective end portions thereof, said locking groove extending from a bottom face 49 of the second pair of frame profiles 40A and 40B.

[0099] As seen in the drawings, the first frame profiles 30A and 30B and second frame profiles 40A and 40B each have a stepped section at an inside face thereof, with a picture facing lip 60 disposed above a bottom face thereof 49.

[0100] The second frame profiles 40A and 40B are securable to the first frame profiles 30A and 30B through an L-shaped corner coupler generally designated 70 (best seen in FIGS. 11A and 11B). Corner coupler 70 has a first arm 72 slidingly displaceable for slidably arresting within an open end of the back board arresting groove 34 of a first frame profile 30A; 30B, and a second arm 76 configurable for arresting into the locking groove 48 of the second frame profile 40A; 40B, thereby articulating an end of the first frame profile member with an end of the second profile member flush and smooth against one another (FIG. 9A). The first arm 72 of corner coupler 70 has an extended portion 78 and a locking portion 80, whereby the first arm 72 can only be axially displaced along said back board arresting groove 34 (in direction of arrow 79), and the second arm 76 has straight sidewalls 84, configurable such that said second arm 76 can only be displaced transversally into said locking groove 48 (in direction of arrow 81). This arrangement, as will become apparent hereinafter, facilitated that the first arm 78 of corner coupler 70 can be a-priori fixable to e respective end of a first frame profile 30A; 30B and the second arm 76 is engageable to a second frame profile 40A; 40B albeit said first arm 78 being already coupled, since coupling takes place along traversing axes. This will be further clarified hereinafter with reference to assembly method.

[0101] The picture frame further comprises a rectangle back board 90 made of rigid though pliable material such as cardboard, or plastic material, solid or corrugate, having a thickness T. The back board has first opposite edges 92 having a length l.sub.1 corresponding with the first length L.sub.1 of said first frame profiles 39A; 30B, and second opposite edges 94 having a length 12 corresponding with the second length L.sub.2 of said second frame profiles 40A; 40B, respectively.

[0102] The arrangement is such that the first edges 92 are configurable for arresting within said back board arresting groove 34 of the first profiles 30A; 30B, and locking arresting therein by extended portion 78 of the first arm 72 of the L-shaped corner coupler 70. In order to render the back board 90 firmness, and to improve grip within the back board arresting groove 34, the first edges 92 are double folded (folded over themselves).

[0103] The back board 90 is deployable between a storage/folded position (FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3B, 3C, 3E) at which it is folded to assume a minimal rectangle shape, encompassing within the four frame profiles 30A; 30B; 40A and 40B, and a fully deployed position (FIGS. 10, 11A, 11C and 12) at which it is flat, tensioned at a back face of the assembled picture frame, such that at the deployed position a picture 100 can be clappingly positioned between a bottom facing inside edge of the respective frame profiles.

[0104] Optionally, a flexible transparent film 101 is applied over the picture 100, for preserving it better and imparting it a desired look (e.g. matt, gloss, etc.).

[0105] The back board 90 is foldable along a plurality of fold lines comprising symmetrically distributed fold lines parallel with the first frame profiles, said fold lines comprising: [0106] at least a first set 120A; 120B (two in the illustrated example) of fold lines along respective first edges 92 corresponding with first frame profiles; [0107] a set of second fold lines 124 inwards of said first fold lines 120B, spaced from the first set of fold lines 120B at a distance D.sub.1 corresponding with the length of the picture facing lip 60; [0108] a set of third fold lines 126 inwards of said second fold lines 124, spaced from the second set of fold lines at a distance D.sub.2 corresponding with the width W of a frame profile 30A; 30B; 40A; 40B; [0109] a set of fourth fold lines 128 inwards of said third fold lines, spaced from the third set of fold lines 126 at a distance D.sub.3, corresponding with the height H of a frame profile 30A; 30B; 40A; 40B; [0110] and a set of fifth fold lines 130 inwards of said fourth fold lines 128, spaced from the fourth set of fold lines at a distance D.sub.4 corresponding with twice the width W of a frame profile 30A; 30B; 40A; 40B.

[0111] The arrangement above facilitates the compact and minimal rectangle fold configuration as illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3B, 3C, 3E.

[0112] At a packed/storage position, the picture frame 10 is disassembled, as discussed hereinabove, with the rectangle shaped folded back frame 90 defining an obstructed rectangle having a diagonal X={square root over (((2*W).sup.2+(2*H).sup.2+T.sup.2))}.

[0113] Accordingly, a minimal diameter of a circumcircle of the picture frame assembly is more or less X, as the thickness of the picture 100 and of the transparent film 101 are negligible.

[0114] The back board 90 comprises four hanging keyholes 130A and 130B, disposed so as to facilitate hanging the picture frame on a support wall at different orientations. It is appreciated that one or more of the frame profiles 30A; 30B and 40A; 40B can comprise at a back face thereof one or more frame hanging keyholes (not shown), disposed so as to facilitate hanging the picture frame on a support wall at different orientations. Furthermore, the back board 90 can comprise one or more pedestals (not shown) for supporting the picture frame on a surface top. The key holes 130 and the pedestals van be an integral part of the back board, or attached thereto, e.g. by adhering.

[0115] As long as the picture 100 is rolled over the folded back frame 90, covered by the flexible transparent film 101 and received within the cylinder container 22, it is well stored and is damage free. Deploying the picture frame 20 takes place by following the method steps of: [0116] Obtaining a picture frame assembly 10 of the kind discussed and illustrated hereinabove: [0117] Deploying the back board 90 by unfolding it and displacing the first frame profiles 30A; 30B away from one another so as to assume a planar shape extending flat between said first frame profiles; [0118] Applying a picture 100 over the deployed back board 90 and clamping its edges under the picture facing lip 60; [0119] Articulating an end portion of a second frame profile 40A; 40B to an end portion of a first frame profile 30A; 30B by pressing the corner coupler 70 into a locking groove 84 at the ends of the second frame profile 40A; 40B, to obtain a rigid right-angled corner 50; [0120] Repeating the above step for each corner, to obtain a rectangle shaped solid frame and with the back board 90 tensioned at a back portion thereof; [0121] Optionally, after applying the picture 100, a flexible transparent film 101 can be applied over the picture 100.