Re-usable, adaptable framing device

Abstract

Modular elements connect together to form a framing device that supports an art package for display. Corner edges are positioned over a back support structure on which an art package rests, and are removably attached on outside corner regions of the back support structure. The corner edges at least partially sandwich an art package between the front face of the back support structure and the lips of the corner edges. Fasteners removably attach along the back support structure between corner edges. The back support structure comprises extenders attached with adjoining hardware, and support bars add extra support. Space adjusters adapt a framing device for proper fit. The framing device is re-usable and adaptable due to means of attaching and dismantling the modular elements, and by adapting modular elements to fit different sizes and aesthetic choices. Modular elements are occasionally interchangeable.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/893,307, filed Aug. 15, 2007, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/055,653, filed Feb. 10, 2005, which claims the benefit of a provisional patent application 60/544,637, filed Feb. 14, 2004; this application claims the priority date of the prior applications and all prior applications are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to framing devices for two-dimensional planar and relief artwork and, more particularly, to a frame using interconnected sections connected by corner connectors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Two-dimensional and relief artworks often require framing for protection and upright viewing. Artists who create two-dimensional or relief artwork have a continual need of framing their work for exhibitions and prospective sales because of their continuous professional activity, yet the need for displaying artwork is met by anyone interested in offering art for view.

Some of the biggest challenges posed are cost, storage, and safety. The conventional solution to framing artwork has been the enclosed picture frame, yet this limits dimensions to the enclosed measurement. Conventional picture frames can be limiting, costly, and bulky to store. Some solutions on the market include corner clips held together by string, which supports only minimal weight. Frames using tension clips that embed into backing material require backing materials as large as the art, which can produce extensive weight, and larger or heavier artworks may not be fully supported with currently available sectional framing.

Picture Frame, U.S. Pat. No. 4,477,990, issued to Charles W. Buchanan, discloses corner members that attach to edge members requiring a lip in order to hold art in place and the edge members do not sandwich the art between the lip of edge members and the corner members.

Corner Pieces for a Picture Frame, U.S. Patent No. 2002/0040542, issued to Kevin Olson, discloses joint pieces that allow flexibility to comers of frames by sandwiching joint pieces between the mitered cuts of two elongated members, however, the joint pieces do not sandwich the art between their lips and the elongated members.

Expandable Artists' Frames and Preloading Springs Therefore, U.S. Pat. No. 6,613,995, issued to Walter Lucchetti, discloses spring-supported inner corner attachments, however, there is no outer corner form to sandwich art.

Stretcher for the Mounting and Stretching of a Canvas, Particularly for Fine Art, U.S. Pat. No. 4,301,853, issued to Jean A. Vidal, discloses inner corner attachment comprising threaded rods, however, there is no separate outer corner form to sandwich art.

No prior approach has been offered which addresses ease and accessibility in reducing cost and minimizing waste and storage while providing stable, safe support. No prior device has provided adaptability of size modification and aesthetics with sturdy, safe support. An improved framing device for two-dimensional and relief art is required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a framing device for two-dimensional (planar) and relief artwork that is both functional and decorative, and can be used multiple times and in various ways for personal and professional exhibition purposes. The framing device is generally a wall support for planar and relief art and supporting components (such as matting, glass, paper, panel, canvas, plexiglass, and backing materials), and can be designed for any size artwork.

Modular elements connect together to form a framing device that supports an art package for display. Corner edges are positioned over a back support structure on which an art package rests, and are attached on outside corner regions of the back support structure. The corner edges at least partially sandwich an art package between the front face of a back support structure and the corner edge lips. Fasteners attach along the back support structure between corner edges. The back support structure comprises a plurality of extenders attached together, and support bars add extra support. Space adjusters assist in adapting a framing device for proper fit. The framing device is re-usable and adaptable due to means of attaching and dismantling the modular elements, and in adapting modular elements to fit different sizes and aesthetic choices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a frame in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a set of four corner edges from the front and four from the back.

FIG. 3 is a perspective back view of the layering of a frame.

FIG. 4 is a perspective front view of a frame.

FIG. 5 is a perspective back view of a frame.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a brace comprising a planar surface and two support planes forming inner corner support.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a brace comprising support planes for multiple inner corner support.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a brace comprising an extended plate with side support planes.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a brace comprising an extended plate with support planes forming inner corner support.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an adapter.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an adapter comprising parallel placement of a plate and brace.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an adapter comprising two braces.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an adapter comprising an extra, middle support plane forming partial enclosure support.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an adapter comprising multiple extra support planes forming enclosure support.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an adapter comprising disproportional sizes of adjoining hardware pieces.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a fastener.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a fastener of FIG. 1.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a fastener comprising an adjustable connection of a backing plate and brace.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a fastener with adjustable connection to overlap and align for proper fit to a back support structure.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a fastener of FIG. 13.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an encapsulating unit and two support bars.

FIG. 22 is a sectional back view of a frame.

FIG. 23 is a sectional back view of a support bar, adapter, and space adjuster.

FIG. 24 is a perspective back view of an encapsulating unit comprising a brace and backing plate with a corner edge.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an encapsulating unit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a loop plug.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a loop plug comprising a flexible form.

FIG. 28 is a sectional view of an encapsulating unit with space adjusters.

FIG. 29 is a perspective back view of a frame.

FIG. 30 is a sectional view of a corner edge comprising a back lip attached to a back support structure.

FIG. 31 is a sectional view of corner edge attachment.

FIG. 32 is a sectional view of a corner edge and risers as space adjusters.

FIG. 33 is a sectional view of a corner edge and backing plate.

FIG. 34 is a sectional back view of a frame with plates and braces.

FIG. 35 is a sectional back view of a frame.

FIG. 36 sectional back view of a frame with a smaller sized back support structure.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a screw.

FIG. 38 is a front view of a frame with an in-set back support structure.

For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components will bear the same designations and numberings throughout the FIGURES.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In operation, a framing device enables a user to display art with a safe and convenient method, and provides versatility to the user for adapting a framing device to fit different needs or aesthetic choices because a framing device is adaptable and re-usable, and modular elements can be occasionally interchangeable. Art to be displayed may have support components, such as matboard, foamcore, canvas, panel, paper, glass, or plexiglass, and will be referred to as an art package 19.

Generally, modular elements connect together to form a framing device for an art package 19, subsequently referred to as a frame. A frame is for an art package 19 comprising a rectangular format, including that of a square. An assortment of modular elements offers a choice of sizes and styles to accommodate framing, hanging, and storage needs. A select amount of modular elements allows for specific framing capacity. Modular elements can be used in any suitable number, placement, or combination to assemble a frame. Space and dimensions can be adapted with an assortment of modular elements, by varying the layers of an art package 19, adapting alignment, or by adapting the modular elements. Modular elements consist of corner edges 16, fasteners 21, and a dust mask 151 for at least partially overlapping an art package 19 and back support structure 77; a plurality of extenders 17; support bars 41 for extra support when required; adjoining hardware; and space adjusters.

A frame can be dismantled, re-used in all or part, adapted to fit a different art package 19, and stored. The art that was framed can be stored separately or in a thinner package. A modular element can be used or re-used in its original form or adapted. Adaptation can include but not be limited to being cut, shaped, combined, layered, mitered, bent, aligned, cushioned, positioned, attached, interchanged, decorated, sized, styled, surfaced, and conformed. Modular elements can be substantially planar objects. Modular elements can be fabricated in any suitable manner. Modular elements can have capabilities of each other and may be interchangeable.

An assortment of modular elements can be used to change the measurements of a frame and aesthetics of the whole. Modular elements can be available as a package and separately. Various combinations of kits of sets of corner edges and adjoining hardware can be available to be combined with a plurality of extenders 17, the extenders 17 being available separately. Fasteners 21, space adjusters, dust masks 151, support bars 41, and connectors can accompany a kit.

A frame can offer relatively inexpensive framing solutions and substitution can provide ease of acquisition, such as substitution of extenders 17 and support bars 41 with common lumber (such as 1×2s, 1×3s, craft board, pegboard, panel, molding, and masonite). Extenders 17, fasteners 21, and support bars 41 can be of common lumber so as to be viably inexpensive and easy to acquire, substitute, or prepare. Recycled frame parts can be used. A modular element can be of any suitable shape, size, dimension, surface, and decoration. A modular element can be fabricated to fit with available measurements of the framing and building industries. A modular element can have one or more holes 23, including pre-drilled, pilot, countersunk, groove, channel, or hollow.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a frame in accordance with the invention. In the preferred embodiment, a back support structure 77 is formed with four outside extenders 17 attached together with adjoining hardware. Attachment is removable. Extenders 17 reduce the event of torquing, collapsing, and stretching of a frame. An art package 19 is positioned to rest on a front face of the back support structure 77, and the corner edges 16 are positioned on the outside comers and attached to the back support structure 77. The art package 19 is sandwiched between the lips 75 of the corner edges 16 (FIG. 2) and the front face of the back support structure 77. Extra supporting modular elements provide more support, connection, and protection, and can include one or more of: support bars 41; fasteners 21; dust masks 151; adjoining hardware; and space adjusters.

Support bars 41 (FIG. 5) positioned between extenders 17 provide extra support, primarily for use with heavy and large art packages 19. Fasteners 21 (FIG. 16) removably attach between corner edges 16 and assist in sandwiching an art package 19 between the fastener lips 75 and the back support structure 77 on the extenders 17. Loop 98 plugs 11 (FIG. 26) provide a hanging feature, such as attachment to wire. Space adjusters (FIG. 23) adjust the space. Space can also be adjusted by layering an art package 19 and in the selection of modular elements used, such as using a thinner back support structure 77 to accommodate a thicker art package 19. A dust mask 151 (FIG. 22) provides protection to the art by at least partially covering the edges of an art package 19 and back support structure 77.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a set of four corner edges 16 from the front and four from the back. A corner edge 16 comprises two lips 75 and two sides forming right angles. A corner edge 16 has a hole 23, such as countersunk or varied, for a screw 23, hooking device 10, or other suitable connector, for attachment capability to a back support structure 77. Corner edges 16 can be fabricated to offer size and style assortment for a range of art package 19 sizes and aesthetic choices.

In the preferred embodiment, a corner edge 16 is translucent plastic with mitered 35 lips 75, and formed in one piece by bending, folding, injection molding, or other suitable plastic-forming technology. Alternately, it can be assembled by means of adhesive, vacuum-forming, heat treatment, or other suitable methods known in the arts. A corner edge 16 can be fabricated of wood, metal, or any other suitable materials. A corner edge 16 can have any decorative form, surface, and style, be opaque or semi-opaque, have facets, and have ends 107 that are mitered 35, un-mitered 79, or shaped. A corner edge 16 is best fabricated to the measurement standards of the framing and lumber industries to allow for matching fit with other products used, such as the ply of matboard and the thickness of glass or plexiglass to allow for the thickness of an art package 19 and back support structure 77. Preferably, a corner edge 16 is as deep as, or deeper than, a standard art package 19 of backing materials, matboard, and glass, along with the thickness of a back support structure 77, so as to rest against a wall and minimize contact of adjoining hardware with a wall.

FIG. 3 is a perspective back view of the layering of a frame. An art package 19 is positioned over a back support structure 77 comprising four outside extenders 17. Preferably, adjoining hardware attach extenders 17 prior to positioning an art package 19, including support bars 41 positioned between extenders 17 when extra support is required. Corner edges 16 are positioned over the art package 19 on its outside corner regions, and are removably attached to the back support structure 77. Fasteners 21 are positioned on the sides of the back support structure 77 between corner edges 16, at least partially overlapping the art package 19, and are removably attached to the back support structure 77.

FIG. 4 is a perspective front view of a frame. Lips 75 of corner edges 16 and fasteners 21 at least partially overlap an art package 19 positioned over a back support structure 77. An art package 19 is securably sandwiched between the front face of the back support structure 77 on which it rests and under the lips 75 of the corner edges 16 and fasteners 21.

FIG. 5 is a perspective back view of a frame. A support bar 41 positioned between extenders 17 and attached with adjoining hardware, such as a brace 124, adds extra support to a frame. Extenders 17 and support bars 41 can be fabricated of the same materials and can be interchanged, re-positioned, and adapted to fit. Extenders 17 and support bars 41 can have any suitable connection, size, dimension, decoration, and style. Preferably, extenders 17 and support bars 41 are fabricated with wood having a prepared surface, and fabricated as standard framing lengths of measurements, and equivalent to common lumber for easy substitution. Alternately, fabrication can be of plastic, metal, or other suitable material. Extenders 17 and support bars 41 can be solid, hollow, semi-hollow, having holes 23, and can be translucent, opaque, semi-opaque, cushioned, with a planar front surface for resting against an art package, and with a planar back surface for resting against a wall. Braces 124 (FIG. 6) attach the back support structure 77 together. Attachment is removable. Corner edges 16 and fasteners 21 can directly attach to extenders 17 with screws 25 or other suitable means. Corner edges 16 and fasteners 21 can indirectly attach to a back support structure 77 with adjoining hardware.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a brace 124 comprising a planar surface and two support planes 12 forming inner corner support. Adjoining hardware comprises a planar surface for securing connection, the planar surface subsequently referred to as a plate 112. Adjoining hardware further comprises at least one support plane 12 connected to the plate 112, forming a bent plate. The support plane 12 can be an end 107, middle, 109, or side surface. A bent plate will be referred to as a brace 124. A brace 124 comprises various surfaces, or support planes 12, for securing connection and providing extra support. Preferably, adjoining hardware attachment is removable.

Adjoining hardware can attach at the top, bottom, front, back, inner, outer, and sides. Adjoining hardware can be fabricated in metal, plastic, or any suitable material. Any suitable connector can be used, including but not limited to a screw 23, nail 34, hook 10, tension, adhesive, adjustable 14 connection, and reciprocal connector.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a brace 124 comprising support planes 12 for multiple inner corner support.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a brace 124 comprising an extended 139 plate 112 with side support planes 12.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a brace 124 comprising an extended 139 plate 112 with support planes 12 forming inner corner support.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an adapter 105. Braces 124 and plates 112 can be used in combination to form other adjoining hardware, such as adapters 105. Adapter 105 can connect extenders 17 and support bars 41, and generally modify, or adapt, the modular elements or parts thereof to fit. Adapters 105 can offer support from multiple directions and provide counter-directional support. Adapters 105 can be solid or assembled.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an adapter 105 comprising parallel placement of a plate 112 and brace 124.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an adapter 105 comprising two braces 124.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an adapter 105 comprising a middle support plane 12 forming partial enclosure support. Counter-directional support is exhibited with placement of screws 25.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an adapter 105 comprising multiple support planes 12 forming enclosure support.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an adapter 105 comprising disproportional sizes of adjoining hardware pieces. Sizes may vary to account for proper fit of modular elements.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a fastener 21. A fastener 21 offers extra hold to an art package 19 by sandwiching the art package 19 between its lip 75 and the back support structure 77. A fastener 21 has a lip 75 and a side. In the preferred embodiment, a fastener 21 conforms to a back support structure 77, and is side-attaching. A fastener 21 can be bendable and fabricated of sturdy but light-weight metal, and can have cushion, such as a translucent cushioned tip 4. A fastener 21 can be plastic, wood, or any suitable material. A fastener 21 can have holes 23 and be connected using screws 25 or any other suitable methods, and can be back-attaching with a second lip 75 on the back. More than one type of fastener 21 can be used. A fastener 21 can have prescribed locations or be positioned where necessary according to each art package.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a fastener 21 of FIG. 1. A fastener 21 can attach to a back support structure 77, such as with a screw 23 or nail form 134. The fastener 21 can combine with a backing plate 113 comprising a hook 10 to form an encapsulating unit 5 for attachment with the back support structure 77.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a fastener 21 comprising an adjustable 14 connection of a backing plate 113 and brace 124. An adjustable 14 connection, such as a spring, can be used to fit with various frames for more versatility of size and adaptation. Reversible use can also offer versatile, and adjustable 14, connection. A space adjuster (FIG. 23), such as a plug 11, can be used for cushion and proper fit.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a fastener 21 with adjustable 14 connection to overlap and align for proper fit to a back support structure 77.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a fastener 21 of FIG. 13. Attachment can align and connect with support bars 41. Braces 124 positioned with a backing plate 113 and fastener 21 create an encapsulating unit 5. Holes 23 can align with a tab portion, subsequently referred to as a hook 10, that fits with a reciprocating hole and at least partially hooks together for adjustable 14 connection to provide versatile fit.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an encapsulating unit 5 and two support bars 41. A backing plate 113 and braces 124 form an en encapsulating unit 5, which can minimize the number of screws 25 or other means of attachment to the back support structure 77.

FIG. 22 is a sectional back view of a frame. Extenders 17 can comprise un-mitered 79 ends 107 at their joints. Extenders 17 are attached with side-attaching braces 124 comprising a middle section 109 with support planes 12 at each end 107. Fasteners 21 positioned between corner edges 16 act as a dust mask 151 to shield the separation between an art package 19 and back support structure 77. Guidelines 80 or templates can aid in assembly and adaptation.

A dust mask 151 and fastener 21 can have the same fabrication, function, and attachment, such as but not limited to adhesive. A corner edge 16, fastener 21, and dust mask 151 can match in fabrication and aesthetics to create a cohesive style, or be varied for a different style. A dust mask 151 can be fitted on, under, or connectable to, another modular element, on an art package 19 or portion thereof, or on a combination of modular elements and art package 19. In the preferred embodiment, it can be translucent and removable adhesive plastic material, and can have acid-free or ph-neutral properties, and can be positioned to cover an edge of the art package 19 and wrap onto the sides or around the back of an art package 19 or modular element. In alternate embodiments, a dust mask can have any other coverage, be formed or bendable, and tinted, colored, opaque, or textured. Alternately, it can be fabricated to be another suitable material, and attached with suitable means, such as heat, pressure, reciprocating parts, velcro, nails, or screws 25, and can have cushioning. A dust mask 151 can replace glass or plexiglass.

FIG. 23 is a sectional back view of a support bar 41, adapter 105, and space adjuster. A riser 133 is a space adjuster, and can be used to adjust space between connections. A space adjuster protects surfaces, provides cushion, fills extra space, and makes tighter adjustments. A space adjuster can include a shim, riser 133, plug 11, and corner block 27. A shim 39 offers generic fit. Plugs 11, risers 133, and corner blocks 27 have matching sizes and shapes with modular elements to conform as necessary, and are compatible with the framing industry. Space adjusters can be interchangeable. Generally, plugs 11 are relatively thick, risers 133 are relatively thinner, and corner blocks 27 are located in corner regions between corner edges 16 and extenders 17. A space adjuster can be made of composite, plastic, wood, rubber, foam, or any suitable material. A space adjuster can have adhesive properties or other connection capabilities, and can provide gripping matter for attachment purposes.

FIG. 24 is a perspective back view of an encapsulating unit 5 comprising a brace 124 and backing plate 113 with a corner edge 16. A corner edge 16 can attach to the back support structure with a backing plate 113. A corner edge 16 and backing plate 113 can combine with other adjoining hardware to form an encapsulating unit 5 for attachment with the back support structure 77. A backing plate 113 is a plate 112 comprising a hook 10. An encapsulating unit 5 at least partially surrounds where modular elements of a back support structure 77 join with a fastener 21 or corner edge 16, or that of support bars 41. An encapsulating unit 5 offers extra support from multiple directions and counter-directional support while minimizing attachment to a back support structure 77.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an encapsulating unit 5 of FIG. 1. A plurality of support planes 12 provides extra support. Assortment of modular elements, such as a thinner corner edge 16 or a longer backing plate 113, can offer adaptation or versatility of a frame for structural and aesthetic needs. A backing plate 113 with multiple attachment capability can be positioned at different lengths for fit with extenders 17 of different widths for adjustable 14 connection. A plug 11 assists with attachment and counter-directional pressure. A loop 98 plug 11 (FIG. 26) can be positioned through a hole 23 in adjoining hardware to offer a hanging feature.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a loop 98 plug 11. A loop 98 plug 11, positioned behind a hole 23 of adjoining hardware, provides a hanging feature for connection to a ring, hook, wire, picture hanger, or nail to provide support for the display of a frame and its contents. Adjoining hardware, or other modular element, can have a hollow area in which to position a plug 11, such as a loop 98 plug 11. A loop 98 plug 11 has a backing plate 113 for stabilizing against or between surfaces, and a loop 98 for protrusion through a hole 23. Preferably, a loop 98 plug 11 is made of metal and having sizes compatible to the framing industry. Alternately, it can be fabricated of any size, shape, style and material. Other suitable hanging means can be used.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a loop 98 plug 11 comprising a flexible form.

FIG. 28 is a sectional view of an encapsulating unit 5 with space adjusters. A corner edge 16 can have a second lip 75 for extra support and back attachment. Support planes 12 can provide hooking capability and a brace 124 can be used as a backing plate 113. Risers 133 assist in space adjustment and attachment.

FIG. 29 is a perspective back view of a frame. Encapsulating units 5 of FIG. 28 comprise corner edges 16 attached from back lips 75 to extenders 17 and support bars 41. Encapsulating units 5 comprise fastener and support bar connection of FIG. 20, cross support bar 41 connection of FIG. 21, and corner edge 16 combinations. Any suitable format combination can be used for an encapsulating unit 5, such as but not limited to radiating, semi-circular, arrow, and crown-shaped units.

FIG. 30 is a sectional view of a corner edge 16 attached to a back support structure 77 from a back lip 75. A corner block 27 fills extra space between the corner edge 16 and back support structure 77. Extenders 17 can comprise mitered 35 ends 107 where attached.

FIG. 31 is a sectional view of corner edge attachment 16. A corner edge 16 can attach to the back support structure 77 with a plate 112. The plate 112 can have a hook 10, forming a backing plate 113. The backing plate 113 and fastener 21 attach to plugs 11 fit into a hole 23.

FIG. 32 is a sectional view of a corner edge 16 and risers 133 as space adjusters. A riser 133 is positioned as a corner block 27 to adjust fit between another corner block 27. A riser 133 can separate the interior of a corner edge 16 to provide space adjustment for art package 19 supporting components.

FIG. 33 is a sectional view of a corner edge 16 and backing plate 113. Adjoining hardware further comprises an adjustable 14 connection, such as expanding, sliding, separating, turning, inserting, and aligning. The backing plate 113 comprises a sliding form to provide an adjustable 14 connection to account for extender 17 width variation. A plug 11 provides attachment and support.

FIG. 34 is a sectional back view of a frame with plates 112 and braces 124. Braces are 124 positioned partially around extenders 17 for extra support. A corner block 27 shares extender 17 capabilities as part of the back support structure 77.

FIG. 35 is a sectional back view of a frame. Fasteners 21 can conform to the space of an art package 19 and back support structure 77. Multiple fasteners 21 and different types of fasteners 21 can be used. Adjoining hardware can be combined, and conform to a shaped back support structure 77.

FIG. 36 sectional back view of a frame with a smaller sized back support structure 77. A back support structure 77 can have adjustable alignment with the sides of an art package 19 so long as the art package 19 can be relatively sandwiched in place. A corner block 27 adjusts space and fit by filling the space between corner edges 16 and the back support structure 77 when a back support structure 77 is smaller in size than the art package 19 and extenders 17 are in-set 43 from the art package 19 edges.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a screw 23. In the preferred embodiment, a screw 23 can have a tip 4 and a small plurality of threads 82 at its distal end 107 of the shaft for initially engaging into the holding substance, such as wood. Other features, such as facets and threads in the middle 109 of the shaft, can assist in drilling and attachment.

FIG. 38 is a front view of a frame with an in-set 43 back support structure 77. Shims 39 can adjust space. Corner edges 16 can have un-mitered 79 ends 107 or any shape or decoration. Fasteners 21 can have a light-weight fabrication to provide a particular aesthetic.

Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for the purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.

Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.

Claims

1. A frame for an art package, comprising:

a) a back support structure, comprising a plurality of extenders joined into a rectangular structure by adjoining hardware; and

b) a set of four corner edges, each comprising two lips and two sides forming right angles;

such that when the art package is positioned to rest on a front face of the back support structure, and the corner edges are positioned on the outside comers and attached to the back support structure, the art package is sandwiched between the lips of the corner edges and the front face of the back support structure.

2. The frame of claim 1, in which the back support structure comprises four outside extenders, and at least one support bar positioned between extenders and connected to extenders by adjoining hardware.

3. The frame of claim 1, in which the corner edges further comprise a second lip which extends over a back surface of the back support structure.

4. The frame of claim 1, in which at least one fastener is positioned on a side of the back support structure between corner edges.

5. The frame of claim 4, in which a fastener has a lip for at least partially sandwiching the art package onto the back support structure.

6. The frame of claim 4, in which a fastener is made of a bendable material.

7. The frame of claim 4, in which a fastener is adjustable.

8. The frame of claim 1, further comprising a dust mask at least partially covering the edges of an art package and back support structure.

9. The frame of claim 1, in which the adjoining hardware further comprises a planar surface and at least one support plane connected to the planar surface, forming a bent plate.

10. The frame of claim 1, further comprising at least one plate attaching a corner edge to the back support structure.

11. The frame of claim 10, wherein the plate attaches the corner edge with hooks.

12. The frame of claim 10, in which adjoining hardware is connected to a corner edge by adjustable connection.

13. The frame of claim 1, further comprising a space adjuster between adjoining hardware and the back support structure for adjusting space and assisting attachment.

14. The frame of claim 1, in which the back support structure is sized smaller than the art package, and the frame further comprising a space adjuster for filling space between a corner edge and the back support structure.

15. A kit for forming a frame for an art package comprising a plurality of extenders joined into a rectangular structure, the kit comprising:

a) a set of corner edges for connecting the plurality of extenders into a back support structure, each corner edge comprising two lips and two sides forming right angles; and

b) a set of adjoining hardware for attaching the plurality of extenders to form a back support structure;

such that when an art package is positioned to rest on a front face of the back support structure and the corner edges are positioned on the outside comers and attached to the back support structure, the art package is sandwiched between the lips of the corner edges and the front face of the back support structure.

16. The kit of claim 15, further comprising a support bar positioned between extenders.

17. The kit of claim 15, in which the corner edges further comprise a second lip which extends over a back surface of the back support structure.

18. The kit of claim 15, in which at least one fastener is included for positioning on a side of the back support structure between corner edges.

19. The kit of claim 18, in which a fastener has a lip for at least partially sandwiching the art package onto the back support structure.

20. The kit of claim 15, further comprising a dust mask at least partially covering the edges of the art package and back support structure.

21. The kit of claim 15, in which the adjoining hardware further comprises a planar surface and at least one support plane connected to the planar surface, forming a bent plate.

22. The kit of claim 15, further comprising at least one adjustable connector for connecting adjoining hardware to corner edges.

23. The kit of claim 15, further comprises at least one plate for attaching a corner edge to the back support structure.

24. The kit of claim 23, wherein the plate attaches the corner edge with hooks.

25. The kit of claim 16, further comprising at least one space adjuster for insertion between adjoining hardware and the back support structure.

26. The kit of claim 16, further comprising at least one space adjuster for filling space between a corner edge and the back support structure.