Abstract: A picture frame comprises mitred metallic frame sections, each of which has a locking channel and a rearwardly facing opening, and a corner piece in each corner of the frame to lock adjacent frame sections together. Each corner piece comprises an L-shaped locking plate and an L-shaped backing plate, with the legs of each plate extending into the locking channels of adjacent frame section. In one embodiment, each locking plate has a single threaded aperture at the junction of the two legs which form the L and a screw extending through the aperture into engagement with the associated backing plate. The screw is accessible through the rearwardly facing opening of adjacent frame sections at their mitred junction. In a second embodiment, a cam positioned at the junction of the legs of the two plates is rotated to force the plates apart.

Abstract: A frame having the appearance of a Hicks frame or moulding is disclosed. The frame comprises four mitred frame elements with grooves cut into the mitred surfaces so that when the frame is assembled, a connector can be inserted into the grooves of adjacent frame elements to hold the frame together. Corner pieces which resemble conventional Hicks type corner pieces hide the junctions between adjacent frame elements. Each corner piece includes a connector which fits into the grooves of two adjacent frame elements to hold the frame together.

Abstract: A machine is disclosed for assembling a metal picture frame having mitred frame sections connected to each other by L-shaped corner pieces which have legs extending into receiving channels within the frame sections and screws in each leg accessible from the back of the frame through an elongated slot in the frame sections. The machine comprises a base on which a corner of the frame can be supported, and a pair of guide rails on the base for engaging the elongated slots to two adjacent frames sections. A corner brace is provided for securing a corner edge of the frame in a fixed position. Two screw drivers extend through the base at a position in which they are aligned with the corner piece screws when the slots of two frame sections engage the guide rails and the corner edge of the two frame sections engages the brace. A motor attached to the base plate rotates the screw drivers to tighten the screws and thereby fasten the frame sections together.