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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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 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 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 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.