Frame for Displaying Holiday or Seasonal Decorations

Abstract

A decorative display frame assembly comprised of a set of modular components, including a first corner section, a second corner section, a joining section, and an optional connecting piece. First and second corner sections may be snap fit to form a frame corner. Each of the first and second corner sections have a connecting segment that connects to a receiver defined at the ends of the joining section to connect the frame corners. Each of the sections are fitted with a plurality of clips adapted to retain items in a secure manner, each of said clips having a distal end and a proximate end, each of said clips are each attached at their proximate end to the section and with the distal end being flexible for holding an item of decoration.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a frame assembly for the display of holiday or seasonal decorations such as greeting cards, decorative lights, craft work, art objects and the like. The frame can be positioned in a window of a residence, office building or be placed at any other location. The frame can be disassembled and stored during non-holiday periods or when it is not desired to display items.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL DRAWINGS

The invention will be further understood with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1A depicts a frame of the present invention;

FIG. 1B depicts a partial exploded view of a frame of the invention;

FIG. 2A depicts a perspective view of a first corner section of the invention;

FIG. 2B depicts an end view of a first corner section of the invention viewed from the connecting segment end;

FIG. 2C depicts an overhead plan view of a first corner section of the invention;

FIG. 2D depicts an end view of a first corner section of the invention viewed from the fitting end;

FIG. 2E depicts a side elevational view of a first corner section of the invention:

FIG. 3A depicts a perspective view of a second corner section of the invention;

FIG. 3B depicts an end view of a second corner section viewed from the connecting segment;

FIG. 3C depicts an overhead plan view of a second corner section of the invention;

FIG. 3D depicts an end view of a second corner section of the invention viewed from the fitting end;

FIG. 3E depicts a side elevational view of a second corner section of the invention;

FIG. 4A depicts is perspective view of a joining section of the invention;

FIG. 4B depicts an end view of a joining section of the invention;

FIG. 4C depicts a overhead plan view of a joining section of the invention;

FIG. 4D depicts an end view of a joining section of the invention;

FIG. 5A depicts a perspective view of a connector piece of the invention;

FIG. 5B depicts an end view of a connector piece of the invention;

FIG. 5C depicts an overhead plan view of a connector piece of the invention;

FIG. 5D depicts a second end view of a connector of the invention

FIG. 5E depicts a side elevational view of a connector piece of the invention;

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The frame of the present invention comprises a modular generally rectilinear four sided structure that can be square or rectangular in shape of a size to conveniently be used as a display framework for fitting into a window frame, a doorway, a wall, or other location so that the displayed items mounted on the framework can be viewed from the interior or exterior of the house or building. The frame is composed of a plurality of corner sections, a plurality of joining sections, and optionally a plurality of connector pieces, that may be configured in various combinations depending on the desired overall size of the frame. The two corner sections have fittings in their first ends for snap fit connection to form a frame corner. The corner sections have a connecting segment at a second end for snap fit engagement with the joining sections such that the frame corners may be joined to form a sturdy framework for the display of items clipped to the framework. An optional connecting piece has connecting segments at opposite ends thereof for interconnecting successive joining sections. By varying the number of joining sections in the vertical or lateral rails of the display frame, the frame may be configured in a linear, square or rectangular shape of various dimensions. A typical frame according to the present invention will have four first corner sections, four second corner sections, and four joining sections.

The framework has a plurality of clips or fasteners that extend from a top surface of the sections to hold the displayed items in place. When the sections are joined to form a frame, the top surfaces define an inner edge of the frame such that the clips are oriented inwardly. The clips are configured so that the displayed items can be easily removed from the frame and other items can be mounted on the frame to thereby create a new display.

Another aspect of the present invention contemplates that the connection between the connecting segments and the joining sections permits longitudinal adjustment of the connecting segment relative to the respective sections to be joined, thereby permitting even greater flexibility in defining the lateral and vertical dimensions of the finished frame.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a package containing the unassembled sections and optional connecting pieces, to enable the consumer to assemble the components after purchase.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in FIGS. 1A and B, the decorative frame assembly of the present invention 10 features a modular rectilinear structure which can be, linear, rectangular or square, formed from a first corner section 20, a second corner section 30, a joining section 40, and an optional connector piece 50. The sections 20, 30, and 40 may be formed of any suitable material and are preferably formed of plastics or similar materials. More preferably the sections 20, 30, 40 are of a channeled construction. As seen in FIG. 1A, a typical frame 10 according to the present invention will have four first corner sections 20, four second corner sections 30, and four joining sections 40.

The corner sections 20, 30 have a fitting 21, 31 at a first end of the respective section 20, 30 such that fittings 21, 31 may be detachably interconnected to form a frame corner. The corner sections 20, 30 also have a connecting segment 50 at a second end of the respective section 20, 30 for interconnection with a receiver 41 defined at the ends of the joining section 40. As may be seen, a modular frame assembly is thus formed by the interconnection of four of each of the first corner sections 20, the second corner sections 30, and the joining sections 40.

The frame can be mounted in any number of locations including a window frame, doorway, opening or suspended by any suitable means. Because one of the intended uses of the frame 10 is to carry seasonal decorations, it is desirable that the frame be readily removable for storage and reuse during a subsequent season. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the package is provided with a plurality of hook and pile fasteners 13, one side of which may be affixed to the frame sections and the other side of which may be affixed to the window, doorway or surfaces of the mounting location. More preferably the package is provided self adhesive hook and pile fasteners 13.

Each of the sections 20, 30, 40 of the modular frame assembly 10 has fixed thereto a plurality of clips or fasteners 17. These clips 17 are attached at their proximate end 18 to a top surface 22, 32, 42 of the respective sections 20, 30, 40 and are sufficiently flexible to permit some movement of the distal, or free, ends 19 so as to enable placing a decorative item, such as a string of lights or greeting cards, in a clipped engagement therewith. Because the distal ends 19 of the clips 17 are flexible, easy placement and removal of decorative items such as holiday lights is facilitated. When the sections 20, 30, 40 are assembled, the top surfaces 22, 32, 42 are oriented to define an inwardly facing surface relative to the frame, with the clips 17 disposed on this surface. However, it is to be understood that the orientation of the clips 17 can be reversed by changing the way in which the components are assembled.

The decorative items can be clipped by the clips 17 shown on the various sections which are adapted to hold wires for holiday lights or for holding holiday greeting cards or any other seasonal or holiday decorations which are intended or desired to be displayed in the window of a residence, office building or other commercial establishment.

The drawings in FIGS. 2A-2E, illustrate a first corner section 20 with clips 17 attached thereto. Fitting 21 comprises a female interface 23 defined in the top surface 22 of the section 20. Preferably a latching arm 24 is provided extending vertically from the top surface 22 having a latch tab 25 proximate a distal end of the arm 24. In the representative embodiment shown female interface 23 is defined as a rectangular aperture.

The drawings in FIGS. 3A-3D depict a second corner section 30 with clips 17 attached thereto. The fitting 31 of the second corner section 30 comprises a male interface 33 appropriately dimensioned for receptive engagement with female interface 23 of the first corner section 20. Preferably fitting 31 comprises a latching arm 34 having a latch tab 35 disposed on a distal end of the arm 34. As may be seen in reference to FIGS. 3B and 3D, fitting 31 preferably comprises a notch 36 defined in a transverse wall 37 interconnecting the lateral sides of the channel construction. Notch 36 is dimensioned to receive latch arm 24 such that latch tab 25 engages with transverse wall 37 to retain first and second corner sections in connection. Similarly, the latch tab 35 is dimensioned to engage an interior wall 27 of the first corner member channel adjacent the aperture defining female interface 23. Accordingly, the cooperative engagement of the latch tabs 25 and 35, with their associated walls 27 and 37 retain the respective first and second corner sections 20 and 30 in attachment during display use. Preferably, latch arms 24 and 34 are sufficiently resilient such that latch tabs 25 and 35 are releasable to permit separation of the corner sections for disassembly of the frame for convenient storage of the frame between seasonal displays. Detail A of FIG. 1 depicts the alignment of first corner section 20 and second corner section 30 for cooperative engagement of fittings 21, 31.

In reference to FIGS. 4A-4E, the joining section 40 comprises a receiver 41 defined at its opposite ends. In the channeled joining section 40 depicted, receiver 41 includes a pair of latch tabs 45 turned inwardly from an inner surface 47 of the channel legs 46 proximal a lower end of the legs 46. Receiver 41 is dimensioned to slidably receive connecting segments 50 therein. A notch 49 defined vertically across the legs 46 may be added to give sufficient resiliency to permit latch tabs 45 to release connecting segment 50 for disassembly. Joining sections 40 may be provided in various lengths to provided added flexibility in obtaining a frame of the desired dimensions. Detail B of FIG. 1 depicts the cooperative engagement of connecting segment 50 and receiver 41.

Connecting segment 50 may further comprise a groove or notch 57 defined along its lower lateral sides to permit cooperative engagement with latch tabs 45 of the receiver 41 such that the connecting segment 50 may be attached to receiver 41 and permit longitudinal displacement of the connecting segment 50 relative the joining section 40 and thereby provide additional adjustment to the width and height of the frame 10. Stops 58 at the ends of the connecting segment 50 act to prevent longitudinal separation of the connecting segment 50 from the joining section 40. Preferably connecting segment 50 has an elongate slot 51 defined in its top surface 52 and receiver 41 further comprises a pin 48 disposed for registration the slot 51 to guide longitudinal displacement of the joining section 40 relative to the connecting segment 50. Registration of the pin 48 with the ends of the slot 51 limit longitudinal displacement of the joining section 40 relative the connecting segment 50. More preferably, a plurality of ridges 53 are defined along an edge of the slot 51, such that registration of pin 48 with at least one of the ridges 53 maintains the longitudinal position of joining section 40 relative to connecting segment 50, while permitting incremental adjustment of the longitudinal position corresponding to the ridge spacing. Detail B of FIG. 1B shows a connecting segment 50 aligned for attached to a joining section 40. Pin 48 may be split to add resiliency and facilitate sliding engagement along ridges 53.

As may be seen in reference to FIG. 5A-5E, optional connector piece 60 has connecting segments 50 laterally disposed from sides of a central member 59, with the connecting segments 50 formed as previously described. Connector piece 60 can be interposed between successive joining sections 40 to permit the addition of a of joining sections 40 in order to extend the lateral width and/or the vertical height of the frame 10, thereby providing a means for gross adjustment of the frame dimensions. When combined with the fine lateral adjustments provided by the connecting segment 50, the frame 10 of the present invention can be readily and easily modified to almost any desired dimension.

It will be appreciated that various combinations of the sections 20, 30, 40, and connector pieces 60, a frame 10 or partial frame, such as U-shaped, L-shaped, or linear structures may be formed with the components of the present invention. Thus, the decorative frame assembly of the present invention can be rapidly installed and can be conveniently disassembled and stored, for example, during non-holiday periods.

Other variations and modifications of the foregoing will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are intended to be encompassed by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A decorative display frame assembly comprising a plurality of elongate interconnecting sections including a first corner section; a second corner section; a joining section, and an optional connector piece, each of said sections having a surface fitted with a plurality of clips adapted to retain items in a secure manner, each of said clips having a distal end and a proximate end, each of said clips are attached at their proximate end to a said surface and with the distal end being flexible for holding an item of decoration,

said corner sections each having a fitting at a first end and a connecting segment at a second end thereof, said fittings adapted to interconnect said first ends to form a frame corner;

said optional connector piece comprising at least two said connecting segments linearly disposed from a side of a central member; and

said joining section comprising a receiver disposed at opposite ends of said joining section, said receiver adapted to interconnect with said connecting segment.

2. The decorative display frame assembly of claim 1, wherein said connecting segment and said joining section are adjustable along a longitudinal axis.

3. The decorative display frame assembly of claim 2, wherein said connecting segment further comprises an elongate slot defined in a surface of said connecting segment and said receiver further comprises a pin registered in said slot.

4. The decorative display frame assembly of claim 3, wherein said slot further comprises a plurality of ridges defined along an edge of said slot such that said pin is adjustably registered with at least one said ridge.

5. The decorative display frame of claim 1 wherein said joining section defines a channel coaxial with said receiver and said connecting segment is slidably received in said channel.

6. The decorative display frame of claim 5, wherein said receiver further comprises a tab extending inwardly towards a longitudinal centerline of said channel and said tab engages with a ledge defined along a length of said connecting segment.

7. The decorative display frame of claim 6, wherein said connecting segment further comprises a stop, said stop engageable with said tab to limit longitudinal displacement of said connecting segment relative said receiver.

8. The decorative display frame of claim 1, wherein said fittings detachably interconnect.

9. The decorative frame assembly of claim 1, wherein the said fitting on said first corner section comprises a female interface defined in the top surface.

10. The decorative frame assembly of claim 9, wherein said fitting on said first corner section further comprises a latching arm extending vertically from the said surface and having a latch tab proximate a distal end of said latching arm, wherein said latch tab releaseably engages said second corner section.

11. The decorative display frame of claim 1, wherein said fitting on said second corner section comprises a male interface defined at said second end of said second corner section.

12. The decorative display frame of claim 11, wherein said fitting further comprises a latch tab proximate a distal end of said latching arm, said latch tab releaseably engages said first corner section.

13. A kit comprising a plurality of unassembled members to form a structure for holding holiday decorations comprising:

a first corner section, a second corner section, a joining section, and an optional connecting piece,

each of said sections having affixed thereto a plurality of clips, each of said clips having a proximate end attached to a surface of said section, and a distal end being unattached to a rail and being flexible so as to enable the clip to retain a decoration.

14. The kit of claim 13 further comprising a hook and pile fastener.

15. The kit of claim 13, further comprising a self adhesive hook and pile fastener.

16. The kit of claim 13, wherein said first corner section and second corner section have a fitting at a first end thereof for cooperative engagement with each other to define a frame corner.

17. The kit of claim 13, wherein said first corner section and said second corner section have a connecting segment at a second end thereof for cooperative engagement with a receiver, defined at opposed ends of said joining section.

18. The kit of claim 13, wherein said optional connecting piece has a pair of connecting segments extending from sides of a central member, said connecting segments releasably engageable with a receiver defined at opposed ends of said joining section.

19. An adjustable frame assembly comprising:

a first corner section, a second corner section, a joining section, and an optional connecting piece,

each of said sections having a plurality of flexible clips extending from a top surface of said section at proximate end of said clip, a distal end of said clip being unattached to said section so as to enable the clip to retain a decoration,

said first corner section having a male interface at a first end and a connecting segment at a second end;

said second corner section having a female interface at a first end and a connecting segment at a second end; said female interface and said male interface connected to form a frame corner;

said joining section defined by an elongate channel member having a receiver at opposed ends thereof; said receiver joined to said connecting segment to form a frame.

20. The adjustable frame assembly of claim 19, wherein said first and second corner sections further comprise a connecting segment at a second end thereof and said connecting segment is adapted to be adjustably interconnected with said joining section.

21. The kit adjustable frame assembly of claim 20, wherein said joining section further comprises a receiver defined at opposed ends of said joining section and said connecting segment is interconnected in said receiver.

22. A decorative display frame assembly comprising a plurality of elongate interconnecting sections forming a frame, each of said sections having a surface fitted with a plurality of clips adapted to retain items in a secure manner, each of said clips having a distal end and a proximate end, each of said clips are attached at their proximate end to said surface and with the distal end being flexible for holding an item of decoration.

23. The decorative display frame assembly of claim 22, wherein said distal ends of said clips face inwardly towards a space framed by said decorative display frame.

24. The decorative display frame assembly of claim 22, wherein said distal ends of said clips face outwardly from a space framed by said decorative display frame.

25. The decorative display frame assembly of claim 22, wherein said proximal end of said clips are integrally formed with said sections.