Abstract: A frame back retainer for a multi-use frame includes a tab-like structure and a fastening structure. The tab-like structure defines an aperture at a first end and defines a graduated ramp portion at a second end. The tab-like structure includes at least one securing arm depending from the tab-like structure near the aperture. The fastening structure is positioned through the aperture of the tab-like structure and mounted to the multi-use frame. The fastening structure defines a raised pedestal profile from a surface of the multi-use frame for allowing rotation of the tab-like structure relative to the fastening structure. The at least one securing arm engaging an outer edge of the fastening structure to rotatably attach the fastening structure to the tab-like structure. In operation, the user rotates the tab-like structure relative to the fastening structure about an axis to engage or disengage the graduated ramp portion within the multi-use frame.

Abstract: A frame back retainer for a multi-use frame includes a tab-like structure and a fastening structure. The tab-like structure defines an aperture at a first end and defines a substantially flattened profile at a second end for engaging the multi-use frame. The tab-like structure includes at least one securing arm depending from the tab-like structure. The fastening structure is positioned through the aperture of the tab-like structure and mounted to the multi-use frame. The fastening structure defines a raised pedestal profile from a surface of the multi-use frame. The at least one securing arm engages an outer edge of the fastening structure to rotatably attach the fastening structure to the tab-like structure. In operation, the user rotates the tab-like structure relative to the fastening structure about an axis to engage or disengage the second end of the tab-like structure within the multi-use frame.

Abstract: A frame back retainer for a multi-use frame includes a tab-like structure and a fastening structure. The tab-like structure defines an aperture at a first end and defines a substantially flattened profile at a second end for engaging the multi-use frame. The tab-like structure includes at least one securing arm depending from the tab-like structure. The fastening structure is positioned through the aperture of the tab-like structure and mounted to the multi-use frame. The fastening structure defines a raised pedestal profile from a surface of the multi-use frame. The at least one securing arm engages an outer edge of the fastening structure to rotatably attach the fastening structure to the tab-like structure. In operation, the user rotates the tab-like structure relative to the fastening structure about an axis to engage or disengage the second end of the tab-like structure within the multi-use frame.

Abstract: A frame back retainer for a multi-use frame includes a tab-like structure and a fastening structure. The tab-like structure defines an aperture at a first end and defines a graduated ramp portion at a second end. The tab-like structure includes at least one securing arm depending from the tab-like structure near the aperture. The fastening structure is positioned through the aperture of the tab-like structure and mounted to the multi-use frame. The fastening structure defines a raised pedestal profile from a surface of the multi-use frame for allowing rotation of the tab-like structure relative to the fastening structure. The at least one securing arm engaging an outer edge of the fastening structure to rotatably attach the fastening structure to the tab-like structure. In operation, the user rotates the tab-like structure relative to the fastening structure about an axis to engage or disengage the graduated ramp portion within the multi-use frame.

Abstract: A back closure for a multi-use frame includes a base plate and a lever. The base plate has a first and second knuckle. A tab is defined within the base plate between the first and second knuckle. The tab has spring-bias. A lever is connected to the base plate for movement relative to the base plate. The lever and the base plate have a common axis for movement relative to one another. The lever includes a center knuckle which is positioned between the first and second knuckle of the base plate. The center knuckle defining a slot for receipt of the tab to provide snap action. In operation, a user moves the lever relative to the base plate about a common axis. The tab of the base plate engages the slot defined within the lever to prevent further travel of the lever.

Abstract: The self-locking hinge (24) includes a first plate (28) hingedly connected to a second plate (30). Fasteners (24) are provided on the plates to secure them to a member, such as a easel strut hinge (24) of picture frame back (20). A locking structure is connected to the first plate (28) and the second plate (30) for maintaining the second plate (30) in the substantially open position relative to the first plate (28). The locking hinge (24) includes a protrusion (36) on the first plate (28) that removably engages with a free edge (34) of the second plate (30). The hinge (24) also includes a structure for maintaining the second plate (30) in rotating arrangement with the first plate (28) when the plates (28, 30) are hingedly secured to one another in a rolled pinless fashion. Locking lugs (40) are used to maintained the second plate (30) rolled about the first plate (28).

Abstract: A picture frame turn button has a base plate with at least one fastener for attaching the base plate securely to a picture frame back. Pivotably mounted to the base plate is a latch plate with an arm and a tongue portion opposite of each other. The latch plate may be pivoted about base plate between an engaged state, where the picture frame back is locked closed, and a disengaged state, where the picture frame back may be removed to replace a picture sandwiched between the picture frame and picture frame back.

Abstract: The improved pinless hinge assembly (24) includes a first hinge plate (28) having a curled edge (28a) defining a center roll having a longitudinal axis (P) with an aperture (42) in the first hinge plate (28). A second hinge plate (30) having a free edge (30a) curled about the center roll. A locking lug (40) extends from the free edge (30a) of the second hinge (30) and is routed first through the first aperture (42) in the first hinge plate (28) and then through the second aperture (44) in the second hinge plate (30). The locking lug (40) is engaged in a seat (46) in the second hinge plate (30) to maintain the free edge (30a) of the second hinge plate (30) curled about the center roll when the first hinge plate (28) rotates relative to the second hinge plate (30) about the longitudinal axis (P). A pair of locking lugs (40) may be also be used.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a picture frame joint includes a support plate with a pair of fences mounted thereto. A pair of impact pins are slidably mounted through apertures in the support plate and are interconnected to one another via a cam linkage arrangement to enable the impact pins to be actuated simultaneously using one air cylinder. The pins are mounted on trucks that slide within respective brackets on the bottom surface of the support plate. Two mating picture frame members are loosely assembled with an impact sensitive connector therebetween. The pair of impact pins simultaneously impact the connector on its opposing ends to respectively secure the connector to the picture frame members thereby securing them together to form a completed picture frame corner joint.

Abstract: A structural joint for connecting picture frames members together includes a base plate slidably residing in a channel of a first picture frame member and includes a ramped surface. A wedge plate slidably resides between the base plate and a top bearing surface of the frame and includes its own ramped surface where the ramped surface of the wedge plate is arranged in an opposite direction to the ramped surface of the base plate. The wedge plate is moved toward the base plate to cause the ramp of the base plate to bear on the ramp of the wedge plate to urge the base plate apart from the wedge plate creating a friction fit within the channel of the picture frame member thus securing the base plate relative to the frame. A second wedge plate is also provided for engagement with a second ramp on the base plate to further secure a second picture frame member to the first picture frame member, such as at a ninety degree angle relative thereto.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for adjustably connecting a picture frame strut to a picture frame back includes a mounting plate having length and a width. A first fastener, such as rosettes, are provided on the mounting plate for affixing it to the picture frame back. A hinge member includes a first plate that is slidably connected to the mounting plate. A second plate is rotatably connected to the first plate. A second fastener, such as rosettes, are provided on the second plate to affix a picture frame strut thereto.

Abstract: A structural joint for connecting picture frames members together includes a base plate slidably residing in a channel of a first picture frame member and includes a ramped surface. A wedge plate slidably resides between the base plate and a top bearing surface of the frame and includes its own ramped surface where the ramped surface of the wedge plate is arranged in an opposite direction to the ramped surface of the base plate. The wedge plate is moved toward the base plate to cause the ramp of the base plate to bear on the ramp of the wedge plate to urge the base plate apart from the wedge plate creating a friction fit within the channel of the picture frame member thus securing the base plate relative to the frame. A second wedge plate is also provided for engagement with a second ramp on the base plate to further secure a second picture frame member to the first picture frame member, such as at a ninety degree angle relative thereto.

Abstract: A turn button for a picture frame back includes an elongated metal body portion. A pivot boss is provided on the bottom side surface adjacent to a first end. The pivot boss includes an upstanding cylindrical wall with a free upper edge and an aperture therethrough for rotatably securing the turn button to a first portion of a picture frame. The free upper edge of the cylindrical wall serves as a cutting edge and is capable of piercing through a picture frame back. A smooth glide pad is also provided and has a substantially smooth outwardly facing surface for engaging a second portion of the picture frame in order to retain a second portion in a predetermined position relative to the first portion and to avoid excess damage to the picture frame back. A turning knob is also provided to facilitate hand manipulation of the turn button by the user.

Abstract: An elongated strip of connected picture hangers adapted to be coiled around a feeding reel and fed into an assembly machine for further processing and for automatic attachment of the picture hangers to the backing of picture frames, each hanger comprising substantially planar metallic body portion having a living hinge extending thereacross for allowing the hanger to be accepted by the assembly machine. A portion of the body of the hanger is cut out for receiving support means from the desired hanging location. A reinforcement rib extends along the top edge of the hanger for strengthening the picture hanger for larger and heavier type picture frames. A pair of dimpled protrusions automatically bias the picture hanger away from the picture frame backing for easier attachment of the picture hanger to the display support means. The arrangement of the above features provides for spacing means which allows for proper stacking of the picture hangers around the feeding reel.

Abstract: A system for attaching a backing plate to a picture frame structure includes at least one clip releasably attached to the edge of the backing plate, the clip having a member which extends outwardly from the clip along substantially the same plane as the backing plate. The member of the clip is received within a groove formed in the picture frame structure. The system also includes a sliding lock mechanism releasably attached to the edge of the backing plate at a location generally opposite to the location of the clip. The sliding lock mechanism has a sliding lock member movable between a retracted position in which the sliding lock member is retracted inboard with respect to the peripheral edge of the backing plate and an operable position in which the sliding lock member is extended outboard beyond the peripheral edge of the backing plate and into the groove of the picture frame structure.

Abstract: An easel hinge includes an outer hinge plate and an inner hinge plate interconnected with each other for relative pivotal movement therebetween. The outer hinge plate has a relatively flat leaf portion terminating in a curled barrel at one side thereof and at least two spaced apart notches formed in the curled barrel. The inner hinge plate has a relatively flat leaf portion and at least two spaced apart lobes extending from the inner hinge plate leaf portion in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the inner hinge leaf portion. The lobes are received in the curled barrel of the outer hinge plate through the notches of the curled barrel for permitting relative rotational movement of the inner hinge plate with respect to the outer hinge plate. Lugs formed on the lobes limit the relative rotational movement of the hinge plates and prevent the longitudinal movement of the plates with respect to each other.

Abstract: A turn button for a picture frame includes an elongated body portion having first and second raised bosses on a first side surface thereof adjacent opposite ends of the body portion. The first boss has a central aperture therethrough for rotatably mounting the turn button on a picture frame, and it has a flat end face for rotatably engaging the picture frame. The second boss has a smooth rounded configuration for engaging the back surface of the picture frame without causing damage thereto. The turn button also has a third raised boss on the opposite second side surface thereof for more easily manipulating the turn button on a picture frame.

Abstract: A self-fastening hanger for attaching a picture-frame wire to the rear of a wooden picture frame. The hanger includes a substantially planar body portion, a ring portion which extends outwardly from one end of the body portion, and a pair of prongs which project outwardly in spaced relation from the body portion. The prongs are formed in a spiral configuration, wherein they spiral in opposite directions of rotation, and they each have a plurality of barbs formed thereon which project outwardly from opposite side edges thereof. The prongs are adapted to be embedded into a wooden picture frame for permanently securing the hanger thereto, so that a pair of the hangers can be effectively utilized in combination with a picture-frame wire for supporting a picture frame on a wall.

Abstract: An easel hinge includes first and second hinge plates, each including a substantially flat main portion, a curled or rolled barrel portion and a pair of rosette type fastening elements. The barrel portions of the hinge plates cooperate to hingeably connect the main portions for movement of the hinge between a closed position wherein the main portions are in closely adjacent, substantially parallel relation, and an open position wherein the main portions are in angular relation. The hinge further includes a pair of daps on the main portion of at least one of the hinge plates for maintaining the main portions in closely spaced relation when the hinge is in the closed position thereof so that the hinge can be more effectively plated.