FLOAT FRAME ASSEMBLY

- MCS Industries, Inc.

A float frame assembly that gives the appearance that the item retained within the frame appears to be floating therein. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises: a frame comprising a rabbet and an inner edge defining a display opening; a channel formed in a rear surface of the main body; a stack nesting in the rabbet comprising: a front glazing; a rear glazing positioned adjacent the front glazing; and a perimetric spacer positioned adjacent the rear glazing; a plurality of spring clips that retain the stack within the rabbet, each of the plurality of spring clips comprising a first portion disposed in the channel and a second portion that is in surface contact with the perimetric spacer, each of the plurality of spring clips biased so that the second portion applies a compression force against the perimetric spacer and the first portion is retained in the channel.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/540,297, filed Sep. 28, 2011, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to frames, and specifically to float frame assemblies comprising spring clips that retain an item within the frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

People often enjoy commemorating their achievements or memorializing a particular life event by framing a diploma or a photograph. Furthermore, people typically display these framed items on the wall in their homes. People also frame certain types of memorabilia in order to display the memorabilia and protect it against damage that may occur over time as a result of the memorabilia being exposed to the ambient environment. There are many different types of frames that currently exist for the purpose of displaying the item retained within the frame and protecting the item against damage. Frames come in a wide variety of sizes, colors, textures and finishes. Furthermore, frames can be used with matting that surrounds a smaller photo or item to enhance the aesthetics of the framed photo or item.

One problem with existing frames is that they are only capable of retaining items of a single thickness. In other words, a single frame will not be capable of retaining a thin photograph and a thick article of clothing, such as a signed athletic jersey. Thus, a need exists for a frame that is cost-efficient to manufacture and is capable of retaining a wide variety of items therein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the invention can be a float frame assembly comprising: a frame comprising a body portion and a flange portion extending from the body portion to form a rabbet, the flange portion comprising an inner edge defining a display opening, the flange portion comprising a floor surface of the rabbet and the body portion comprising a wall surface of the rabbet; a channel formed in a rear surface of the body portion; a stack nesting in the rabbet, the stack comprising: a front glazing; a rear glazing positioned adjacent the front glazing such that an item can be supported between the front glazing and the rear glazing in the display opening; and a perimetric spacer positioned adjacent the rear glazing; a plurality of spring clips that retain the stack within the rabbet, each of the plurality of spring clips comprising a first portion disposed in the channel and a second portion that is in surface contact with the perimetric spacer, each of the plurality of spring clips biased so that the second portion applies a compression force against the perimetric spacer and the first portion is retained in the channel.

In another embodiment, the invention can be a float frame assembly comprising: a frame comprising a body portion and a flange portion extending from the body portion to form a rabbet, the flange portion comprising an inner edge defining a display opening, the flange portion comprising a floor surface of the rabbet and the body portion comprising a wall surface of the rabbet; a channel formed in a rear surface of the main body; a stack nesting in the rabbet, the stack comprising: a front glazing; a rear glazing positioned adjacent the front glazing such that an item can be supported between the front glazing and the rear glazing in the display opening; and a perimetric spacer positioned adjacent the rear glazing; a plurality of spring clips that retain the stack within the rabbet, each of the plurality of spring clips comprising a first portion disposed in the channel and a second portion that is in surface contact with the perimetric spacer, each of the plurality of spring clips biased so that the second portion applies a compression force against the perimetric spacer and the first portion is retained in the channel.

In yet another embodiment, the invention can be a float frame assembly comprising: a frame comprising a rabbet and an inner edge defining a display opening; a channel formed in a rear surface of the main body; a stack nesting in the rabbet, the stack comprising: a front glazing; a rear glazing positioned adjacent the front glazing such that an item can be supported between the front glazing and the rear glazing in the display opening; and a perimetric spacer positioned adjacent the rear glazing; a plurality of spring clips that retain the stack within the rabbet, each of the plurality of spring clips comprising a first portion disposed in the channel and a second portion that is in surface contact with the perimetric spacer, each of the plurality of spring clips biased so that the second portion applies a compression force against the perimetric spacer and the first portion is retained in the channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described in detail below with respect to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a float frame assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the float frame assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the float frame assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the section of the float frame assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a clip in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the clip of FIG. 6 with dimensions provided in inches;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the clip of FIG. 6 with dimensions provided in inches according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a frame in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention wherein the clip of FIG. 6 is used to hold the frame components together.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Further, the term “overlayed” and “overlying” refer to a relationship in which one layer is applied over another layer and/or structure, either directly or through the presence of intervening layers and/or structures. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4 concurrently, a float frame assembly 1000 will be described in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The float frame assembly 1000 of the present invention is able to retain an item therein in a manner such that the retained item appears to float within a display opening 110 of the float frame assembly 1000. The float frame assembly 1000 generally comprises a frame 100, a stack 130 and a plurality of spring clips 150. As will be discussed in detail below, the relative positioning of the stack 130 and the spring clips 150 on the frame 10 facilitates retention of an item by the float frame assembly 1000.

The frame 100 generally comprises a body portion 101 and a flange portion 102 extending from the body portion 101. The body portion 101 of the frame 100 has an inner surface 105, an outer surface 106 a front surface 107 and a rear surface 108. The flange portion 102 comprises a front surface 109, a rear surface 104 and an inner surface or inner edge 111. The extension of the flange portion 102 from the body portion 101 forms a rabbet 103. Specifically, the rabbet 103 is defined by the rear surface 104 of the flange portion 102, which forms the floor surface of the rabbet 103, and the inner surface 105 of the body portion 101, which forms a wall surface of the rabbet 103. The rear surface 108 of the body portion 101 of the frame 100 is substantially parallel to the floor surface of the rabbet 103 (i.e., the rear surface 104 of the flange portion 102 of the frame 100). Furthermore, the floor surface of the rabbet 103 is recessed relative to the rear surface 108 of the body portion 101 of the frame 100. The rabbet 103 is the location on the frame 100 where the stack 130 is positioned when the float frame assembly 1000 is fully assembled.

The inner edge 111 of the flange portion 102 of the frame 100 defines the display opening 110. The display opening 110 is the portion of the frame 100 through which the displayed item can be viewed. In the exemplified embodiment, the display opening 110 is a rectangular shaped opening. However, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and the shape of the display opening 110 can be changed as desired.

The combination of the front surface 107 of the body portion 101 and the front surface 109 of the flange portion 102 forms the surface of the frame 100 that is visible to a user when the float frame assembly 1000 is hanging from a wall or other surface. The rear surface 108 of the body portion 101, or a portion thereof as will be discussed in more detail below, abuts against the wall or other surface when the float frame assembly 1000 is made to hang therefrom.

In the exemplified embodiment, the frame 100 is a rectangular shaped frame for retaining an item therein. Of course, the invention is not to be limited by the shape of the frame 100 in all embodiments and the frame 100 can take on other polygonal shapes. In certain embodiments, the frame 100 can be formed as a single piece of material. In other embodiments the frame 100 can be formed of three or more, depending on the shape of the frame 100, pieces of material that are attached during a later step in the manufacturing process such as by adhesive, welding, molding or the like. In certain embodiments, the frame 100 is formed via a polystyrene extrusion process. Of course, the invention is not to be so limited and in certain other embodiments the frame 100 can be formed of a plastic material such as by injection molding. Alternatively, the frame may be formed out of wood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), metal or the like. The material(s) that form the frame 100 and the process by which the frame 100 is formed is in no way limiting of the present invention unless so specified in the claims.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 concurrently, additional components of the float frame assembly 1000 will be described. The stack 130 noted above comprises a front glazing 131, a rear glazing 132 and a perimetric spacer 133. In the exemplified embodiment, the perimetric spacer 133 is a non-segmented component having a shape that corresponds to the shape of the flange portion 102 of the frame 100. However, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and in certain other embodiments the perimetric spacer 133 can be segmented. For example, the perimetric spacer 133 can include a plurality of spacer components that are positioned in a spaced apart manner within the rabbet 103. The perimetric spacer 133 can be formed in a similar manner to the formation of the frame 100 described above by utilizing a polystyrene extrusion process. Of course, in other embodiments the perimetric spacer 133 can be formed of metal, wood, MDF, plastic or the like. The invention is not to be limited by the materials or process used to form the perimetric spacer 133 unless so specified in the claims.

The front and rear glazings 131, 132 can be any type of glazing as is used for framing items. In certain embodiments, the front and rear glazings 131, 132 are formed of a material such as glass, acrylic, plexiglass, polystyrene or the like. However, in certain other embodiments the front and rear glazings 131, 132 are different such that the front glazing 131 can be formed of an inflexible material, such as glass, and the rear glazing 103 can be formed of a flexible or resilient material, such as plexiglass or polystyrene sheets. In still other embodiments, the front glazing 131 can be formed of a flexible material and the rear glazing 132 can be formed of an inflexible material. In certain embodiments, the thickness of the front and rear glazings 131, 132 is approximately between 1-3 mm, and more preferably between 1-2 mm. Of course, in certain other embodiments thicknesses outside of the above ranges can be used.

A certain degree of flexibility is desirable in at least one of the front and rear glazings 131, 132 so that the frame 100 can accommodate items of varying thickness. The item 112 to be framed is positioned in between the front and rear glazings 131, 132. Thus, if the framed item 112 has a large thickness, it is desirable that at least one of the front and rear glazings 131, 132 can flex to accommodate the item while the spring clips 150 retain the perimetric spacer 133 in pressure contact with the front and rear glazings 131, 132.

Alternatively, the frame 100 can still accommodate items of larger thickness even if neither of the glazings 131, 132 is formed of a flexible material. In such an embodiment (and even in embodiments where at least one of the glazings 131, 132 is flexible), as larger thickness items are positioned between the front and rear glazings 131, 132, the front and rear glazings 131, 132 will separate from one another creating a gap therebetween. As the front and rear glazings 131, 132 separate from one another, the perimetric spacer 133 will translate in a second direction that is substantially normal to the rear surface 108 of the body portion 101 and illustrated by the arrow B. However, the perimetric spacer 133 will maintain contact with and pressure against the rear glazing 131 by virtue of the spring clip 150 applying pressure against the rear surface 139 of the perimetric spacer 133 in the first direction shown by the arrow A.

Thus, the spring clip 150 is able to flex/move in order to accommodate items or media of various thicknesses that are desired to be framed by the float frame assembly 1000. If an item of greater thickness is positioned in between the front and rear glazings 131, 132, the spring clip 150 will flex in the direction of the arrow B so that the rear glazing 132 can space itself from the front glazing 131 in order to accommodate the greater thickness item. The biasing nature of the spring clip 150 facilitates the accommodation of items of varying thickness within the float frame assembly 1000. In certain embodiments, the item is retained between the front and rear glazings 131, 132 without the use of adhesives. In such embodiments, it is solely the biasing affect of the spring clips 150 that results in the frame 100 retaining the items of varying thickness in between the front and rear glazings 131, 132 so as to be viewed through the display opening 110. Of course, in certain other embodiments adhesives can be used to affix the item in between the front and rear glazings 131, 132.

In certain embodiments, each of the front and rear glazings 131, 132 is a see-through or transparent material. Alternatively, at least the portion of the front glazing 131 that is visible through the display opening 110 is formed of a transparent or see-through material so that the item 112 can be viewed through the front glazing 131. Furthermore, the rear glazing 132 does not need to be see-through or transparent in all embodiments. However, the front glazing 131 is positioned within the float frame assembly 1000 such that a person viewing into the display opening 110 of the float frame assembly 100 from the front surface 107, 109 of the frame 100 will see the front glazing 131 first. As will be better understood from the description below, an item 112 that is framed within the float frame assembly 1000 is supported in between the front glazing 131 and the rear glazing 132. Therefore, the front glazing 131 should be transparent, translucent or otherwise see-through so that the item 112, which is behind the front glazing 131 from the viewing path of a person, is visible. Although described herein as being transparent, it should be understood that the front glazing 131 can be a color other than clear so long as a person can see through the front glazing 131 in order to view the item 112.

Thus, as noted above the front glazing 131 is positioned within the rabbet 103 so that a front surface 134 of the front glazing 131 is adjacent to and abuts against the rear surface 104 of the flange portion 102 of the frame 100. In the exemplified embodiment, a space exists between the inner surface 105 of the body portion 101 of the frame 100 and the front glazing 131. However, the invention is not to be so limited and in other embodiments the front glazing 131 can be in contact with the inner surface 105 of the body portion 101 of the frame. It should be appreciated that although certain layers of the stack 130 are described herein as being adjacent to another layer or portion of the frame 100, that there could be intervening layers in between those structures. Thus, although the front glazing 131 is described as being adjacent to the rear surface 104 of the flange portion 102 of the frame 100, in certain embodiments there may be another layer in between the front glazing 131 and the frame 100. Therefore, two layers that are adjacent are not necessarily in surface contact with one another unless specifically described and claimed as such.

The rear glazing 132 is positioned within the rabbet 103 so as to be adjacent to the front glazing 131 so that the item 112 can be supported between the front glazing 131 and the rear glazing 132 in the display opening 110. Thus, a front surface 136 of the rear glazing 132 is adjacent to and abuts against a rear surface 135 of the front glazing 131 (although the item 112 may be in between the front surface 136 of the rear glazing 132 and the rear surface 135 of the front glazing 131, as illustrated in FIG. 4). In the exemplified embodiment, the front and rear glazings 131, 132 have the same size and shape. However, the invention is not to be so limited and in certain other embodiments the rear glazing 132 can have dimensions that are smaller or larger than the dimensions (i.e., width and length) of the front glazing 131. Furthermore, although the front and rear glazings 131, 132 are illustrated having the same thickness, the front and rear glazings 131, 132 can each have different thicknesses in certain other embodiments.

The perimetric spacer 133 is positioned within the rabbet 103 so as to be adjacent to the rear glazing 132. More specifically, the perimetric spacer 133 has a front surface 138, a rear surface 139, an inner surface or inner edge 143 and an outer surface or outer edge 144. In the exemplified embodiment, each of the front and rear surfaces 138, 139 of the perimetric spacer 133 is substantially planar. When positioned within the rabbet 103 adjacent to and abutting against the rear glazing 132, the inner surface 143 of the perimetric spacer 133 does not extend beyond the inner edge 111 of the flange portion 102 of the frame 102. Thus, the inner surface 143 of the perimetric spacer 133 is offset from the inner surface 105 of the body portion 101 of the frame 100. This ensures that the perimetric spacer 133 is not visible to a user viewing the display opening 110 of the frame 100 because the flange portion 102 blocks the perimetric spacer 133 from view. Furthermore, the outer surface 144 of the perimetric spacer 133 is spaced from the inner surface 105 of the body portion 101 of the frame 100. Of course, the invention is not to be so limited and in certain other embodiments the outer surface 144 of the perimetric spacer 133 can be in surface contact with the inner surface 105 of the body portion 101 of the frame 100.

The front surface 138 of the perimetric spacer 133 abuts against a perimetric portion 140 of the rear surface 137 of the rear glazing 132. The perimetric spacer 133 has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the flange portion 102 of the frame 100. However, the perimetric spacer 133 has a width WS that is less than the width of the flange portion 102 measured from the inner surface 105 of the body portion 101 to the inner surface 111 of the flange portion 102. The perimetric spacer 133 has a body portion that defines a central opening 142 therethrough (FIG. 3). The perimetric spacer 133 only extends along the perimeter portion 140 of the rear surface 137 of the rear glazing 132 so that the spring clips 150 can apply a compression force against the perimetric spacer 133, which in turn is forced against the rear glazing 132, which in turn is forced against the front glazing 131, which in turn is forced against the rear surface 104 of the flange portion 102 of the frame 100. Because the perimetric spacer 133 extends along the entire perimeter of the rear glazing 132 (either as a single continuous piece, or as a plurality of segmented and separated pieces), the combination of the spring clips 150, the perimetric spacer 133 and the front and rear glazings 131, 132 ensures that an item positioned in between the front and rear glazings 131, 132 is maintained therein.

As noted above, the perimetric spacer 133 has a width WS that provides a large clamping area between the perimetric spacer 133 and the front and rear glazings 131, 132. The perimetric spacer 133 also has a height HS, such that the width WS of the perimetric spacer 133 is greater than the height HS of the perimetric spacer 133. Providing a wide perimetric spacer 133 increases the area of surface contact between the perimetric spacer 133 and the front and rear glazings 131, 132. This enables the frame 100 to retain both large and small items (in terms of thickness). Thus, as thicker items are retained in the frame 100, the front and rear glazings 131, 132 may slide horizontally along the flange portion 102 of the frame 100 towards the display opening 110. However, due to the relatively large width WS of the perimetric spacer 133, the front and rear glazings 131, 132 will remain clamped between the perimetric spacer 133 and the flange portion 102 of the frame 100 despite a small amount of horizontal movement. In certain embodiments, the width WS of the perimetric spacer 133 is between 0.1-2 inches. In other embodiments, the width WS of the perimetric spacer 133 is between 0.1-0.5 inches, and in still other embodiments the width WS of the perimetric spacer 133 is between 0.25-0.4 inches. Of course, widths outside of the above-noted ranges can be used for the width WS of the perimetric spacer 133, and in certain embodiments the width WS can be greater than one inch.

An example of the item 112 framed within the float frame assembly 1000 is provided in FIGS. 3 and 4. In the exemplified embodiment, the item 112 is a poster or photograph. However, the invention is not to be so limited and the item 112 contained within the frame 100 can be a poster, print, photograph, puzzle, diploma, medal, sports jersey, memorabilia or any other type of item that is desired to be displayed within and/or protected by the frame 100. The frame 100 forms a border around the item 112 that is contained within the frame 100. Thus, it is desirable to form the frame 100, and more specifically at least the front surface 107 of the body portion 101 and the front surface 109 of the flange portion 102 with a design and/or color (i.e., wood grain) for aesthetic appeal. It should be understood that the invention is not to be limited by the shape, color or profile appearance of the frame 100 in all embodiments.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 4 and 5 concurrently, the float frame assembly 1000 will be further described. A channel 180 is formed into the rear surface 108 of the body portion 101 of the frame 100. The channel has an inner wall 181 and an outer wall 182. In the exemplified embodiment, the channel 180 is a continuous channel that extends along the entirety of the rear surface 108 of the body portion 101 of the frame 100. However, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and in certain other embodiments the channel 180 can be a segmented or non-continuous channel that extends in a discontinuous manner along the rear surface 108 of the body portion 101 of the frame 100. The channel 180 facilitates retaining the spring clips 180 within the frame 100 as will be discussed in more detail below.

The frame 100 comprises a rim 170 that protrudes from the rear surface 108 of the body portion 101. The rim 170 surrounds the channel 180 and has an outer surface 171 that is substantially flush with the outer surface 106 of the body portion 101 of the frame 100. The rim 170 has a height HR measured from the rear surface 108 of the body portion 101 of the frame 100 to a rear surface 172 of the rim 170. The height HR of the rim 170 is greater than the distance that the spring clips 150 extend from the rear surface 108 of the body portion 101 of the frame 100. Thus, when the float frame assembly 1000 is hung on a wall, the rim 170 contacts the wall and the spring clips 150 are prevented from contact with the wall. This structural arrangement prevents the spring clips 150 from being disengaged from the frame 100 during hanging of the float frame assembly 1000 onto a wall or other surface for display.

As discussed above, a plurality of the spring clips 150 are used to retain the stack 130 including the front glazing 131, the rear glazing 132, the perimetric spacer 133, and the item 112 within the rabbet 103. The number of spring clips 150 is dependent on the size of the frame 100. Thus, if the frame is, for example, an 11×14 frame, there will be fewer spring clips 150 than if the frame is, for example, a 24×36 frame. The spring clips 150 are separate components from the frame 100 and are not permanently affixed to the frame 100. Rather, the spring clips 150 can be completely separated from the frame 100 by a user simply grabbing the spring clips 150 and pulling them away from the frame 100. Thus, a user can determine the number of spring clips 150 that are desirable for a particular use. FIG. 2 illustrates the spring clips 150 positioned on the frame 100 in a spaced apart manner on all four sides of the frame 100. The spring clips 150 can be positioned closer together or further apart than illustrated depending on the thickness of the item 112 being framed and as desired. The exact number of spring clips 150 used on the frame 100 is not limiting of the present invention. Furthermore, the spring clips 150 comprise a through-hole 158.

In the exemplified embodiment, the spring clips 150 are formed of metal. However, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments. The spring clips 150 can be formed of plastic or any other material as long as the spring clips 150 have a bias so that the spring clips 150 compress downwardly onto the perimetric spacer 133 when the spring clips 150 are attached to the frame 100 within the channel 180 as will be discussed in more detail below.

Each of the plurality of spring clips 150 comprises a first portion 151 that is disposed within the channel 180, a second portion 152 that is in surface contact with the rear surface 139 of the perimetric spacer 133, and a middle portion 153 extending between the first and second portions 151, 152. The spring clips 150 are biased as will be discussed in more detail below so that the second portion 152 of the spring clips 150 applies a compression force against the perimetric spacer 133 and the first portion 151 of the spring clips 150 is retained within the channel 180. Thus, the biasing effect of the spring clips 150 forces the second portion 152 of the spring clips 150 to maintain the stack 130 in its desired position so that the item 112 remains viewable through the display opening 110.

For each of the plurality of spring clips 150, the first portion 151 comprises a contact element 154 and a fulcrum element 155. Furthermore, the second portion 152 of the spring clips 150 comprises a contact element 156. The second portion 152 of the spring clips 150 comprises two legs that are oriented at approximately 115-125° relative to one another. The contact element 156 of the second portion 152 of the spring clips 150 is the junction of the two legs.

The bias of the spring clips 150 presses the contact element 154 of the first portion 151 into surface contact with the inner wall 181 of the channel 180. Specifically, when the first portion 151 of the spring clips 150 is located within the channel 180, the fulcrum element 155 of the first portion 151 of the spring clips 150 is in surface contact with the outer wall 182 of the channel 180 and the contact element 154 of the first portion 151 of the spring clips 150 is in surface contact with the inner wall 181 of the channel 180. A torque is generated about the fulcrum element 155, which forces the second portion 152 of the spring clips 150 into contact with the rear surface 139 of the perimetric spacer 133. More specifically, the torque forces the contact element 156 of the second portion 152 of the spring clips 150 into contact with the rear surface 139 of the perimetric spacer 133. Each of the two legs of the second portion 152 of the spring clips 150 are spaced from the rear surface 139 of the perimetric spacer 133 so that only the contact element 156 is in contact with the rear surface 139 of the perimetric spacer 133. Thus, the contact portion 156 of the second portion 152 of the spring clips 150 is located in the rabbet 103. Furthermore, in the exemplified embodiment the spring clips 150 do not extend beyond the inner edge 111 of the flange portion 102 of the frame 100. In this manner, the spring clips 150 are not visible to a viewer viewing the an item displayed within the display opening 110 of the frame 100 of the float frame assembly 1000

The force generated by the compression of the second portion 152 of the spring clips 150 into contact with the rear surface 139 of the perimetric spacer 133 is sufficient to retain each of the perimetric spacer 133, the front and rear glazings 131, 132 and the framed item 112 in place. Specifically, even if the float frame assembly 100 is positioned so that the rear surface 108 of the body 101 of the frame 100 is facing downwards towards the ground, gravity will not cause the spring clip 150 to release from the channel 180. The bias of the spring clip 150 is sufficient to retain the first portion 151 of the spring clip 150 in the channel 180 and the second portion 152 of the spring clip against the rear surface 139 of the perimetric spacer 133 with sufficient force to maintain the assembly of the float frame assembly 1000.

Depending on the thickness of the item 112 sandwiched between the first and rear glazings 131, 132, the spring clips 150 will pivot about the fulcrum element 144. Thus, the spring clips 150 are able to adjust to the thickness of the item 112 being framed so that the contact element 156 of the second portion 152 of the spring clips 150 remain in surface contact with and compressed against the rear surface 139 of the perimetric spacer 133.

In the exemplified embodiment, the contact element 154 of the first portion 151 of the spring clips 150 contacts the inner wall 181 of the channel 180 at a height below a height of the rear surface 139 of the perimetric spacer 133. However, the invention is not to be so limited and the height HS of the perimetric spacer 133 can be changed and in certain embodiments the contact element 154 of the first portion 151 of the spring clips 150 can contact the inner wall 181 of the channel 180 at a height above the height of the rear surface 139 of the perimetric spacer 133.

As mentioned above, the spring clips 150 comprise a middle portion 153 that extends between the first and second portions 151, 152. In the exemplified embodiment, the middle portion 153 of the spring clips 150 is a single leg that lies substantially parallel to the rear surface 108 of the body portion 101 of the frame 100 when the spring clips 150 are positioned within the channel 180 as discussed above. When the spring clips 150 are positioned within the channel 180 as has been discussed in detail above, the middle portion 153 of the spring clips 150 extends above and spaced from the rear surface 105 of the body portion 101 of the frame 100. Thus, there is a gap 157 between the lower surface of the middle portion 153 of the spring clips 150 and the rear surface 105 of the body portion 101 of the frame 100. The gap 157 facilitates enabling the contact element 156 of the second portion 152 of the spring clips 150 to contact the rear surface 139 of the perimetric spacer 133.

Utilizing the float frame assembly 1000 described herein above, an item 112 can be sandwiched and maintained between the first and rear glazings 131, 132 for display of the item 112. The frame 100 can have any aesthetic appearance and characteristics as may be desired, such as being any color, wood grain, texture or the like. The pressure of the spring clips 150 against the perimetric spacer 133 maintains all of the components of the stack 130 in position within the rabbet 103 so that the item 112 is tightly retained within the frame 100 and visible through the display opening 110. The item 112 may appear as if it is floating within the frame 100 in certain embodiments because the item 112 may not extend all the way to the flange portion 102 of the frame 100.

As noted above, when the item 112 positioned in the frame 100 between the front and rear glazings 131, 132 is of a greater thickness, such as a sports jersey, the spacing between the front and rear glazings 131, 132 will increase in order to accommodate the sports jersey. Thus, in certain embodiments, the spacing between the front and rear glazings 131, 132 can be between 0-1 inch, in certain other embodiments the spacing between the front and rear glazings 131, 132 can be between 0-0.5 inches, and in still other embodiments the spacing between the front and rear glazings 131, 132 is between 0-0.19 inches.

As the item disposed between the front and rear glazings 131, 132 increases in thickness and the space between the front and rear glazings 131, 132 increases, the spring clips 150 are able to maintain pressure against the rear surface 139 of the perimetric spacer 133 due to the inherent bias of the spring clips 150. Moreover, as the spacing between the front and rear glazings 131, 132 increases, the spring clips 150, due to their resiliency, will glide along the rear surface 139 of the perimetric spacer 133 while maintaining pressure on the perimetric spacer 133 to maintain the assembly of the frame 100. Thus, the structural components of the present invention result in an adjustable or expandable frame that can accommodate items of varying thickness.

In certain embodiments, the item 112 to be framed is positioned centrally between the front and rear glazings 131, 132 such that there is a portion of the front and rear glazings 131, 132 that are located within the display opening 100, but is not covering or sandwiching the item 112. In certain embodiments, the portion of the front and rear glazings 131, 132 that is located within the display opening 100, but is not covering the item 112 is transparent or see-through. This gives the appearance that the item 112 is floating within the frame 100 in between the front and rear glazings 131, 132.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, an alternative embodiment of a spring clip 250 is illustrated. The spring clip 250 serves the same purpose as the spring clip 150 described above, except the spring clip 250 has a slightly different shape. Furthermore, the spring clip 250 has a first portion 251, a second portion 252 and a middle portion 253. The shape, length and angles between the first, second and middle portions 251, 252, 253 of the spring clip 250 facilitates holding the components of the stack 130 together within the rabbet 103 of the frame 100 by giving the spring clip 250 an inherent bias. Specifically, the design of the spring clip 250 enables the spring clip 250 to apply a greater degree of pressure onto the perimetric spacer 133 in order to ensure that the perimetric spacer 133 remains positioned against the front and rear glazings 131, 132. In the exemplified embodiment, the spring clip 250 has a through-hole 258 that extends through the spring clip 250. However, the invention is not to be so limited and the through-hole 258 may be omitted in other embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 7, the spring clip 250 has a width W1 that is between 0.2-0.5 inches, more preferably between 0.3-0.5 inches, and still more preferably approximately 0.375 inches. Furthermore, the through-hole 258 of the spring clip 250 has a diameter D, that is between 0.1-0.2 inches, and more preferably approximately 0.153 inches.

The dimensions (provided in inches) of the spring clip 250 according to one embodiment of the present invention are provided in FIG. 8. Of course, the exact dimensions of the spring clip 250 can be different than that illustrated in FIG. 8, and can be within a range as will be discussed in more detail below. Specifically, the size, dimensions and various angles of the spring clip 250 is dependent upon the width of the channel within which the spring clip 250 is intended to be positioned. Therefore, the dimensions of the spring clip 250, although provided in FIG. 8, are not to be limiting of the present invention unless so specified in the claims.

As discussed above, the spring clip 250 has a first portion 251, a second portion 252 and a middle portion 253. The middle portion 253 of the spring clip 250 has a first section 261 and a second section 262. The first and second sections 261, 262 of the middle portion 253 of the spring clip 250 are oriented at an oblique angle relative to one another. In the exemplified embodiment, the first section and second sections 261, 262 form a 155° angle. However, the invention is not to be so limited and the first and second sections 261, 262 can connect at between a 140-170° angle, or a 150-160° angle in other embodiments. Furthermore, in the exemplified embodiment the first section 261 of the middle portion 253 forms an angle of 100° with the first portion 251 of the spring clip 250. However, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and the angle between the first section 261 of the middle portion 253 and the first portion 251 of the spring clip 250 can be between 90-110°, or 95-105° in other embodiments.

The first portion 251 of the spring clip 250 has a terminal end 263. The distance between the point where the first section 261 of the middle portion 253 connects to the first portion 251 of the spring clip 250 and the terminal end 263 of the spring clip 250 is illustrated as being 0.095 inches. However, the invention is not to be so limited and the distance between the point where the first section 261 of the middle portion 253 connects to the first portion 251 of the spring clip 250 and the terminal end 263 of the spring clip 250 can be between 0.08 inches and 0.095 inches. Furthermore, the distance between the terminal end 263 of the first portion 251 of the spring clip 250 and the second section 262 of the middle portion 253 of the spring clip 250 is illustrated as being 0.283 inches. However, the invention is not to be so limited and the distance between the terminal end 263 of the first portion 251 of the spring clip 250 and the second section 262 of the middle portion 253 of the spring clip 250 can be in a range of 0.2-0.3 inches, or more preferably between 0.25-0.29 inches.

The spring clip 250 has a length illustrated as being 1.015 inches, but the length can be in a range of 0.8-1.2 inches, or more preferably 0.9-1.1 inches in other embodiments. Thus, although specific dimensions are provided for the spring clip 250, it should be appreciated that ranges within plus or minus ten degrees of the provided angles, and ranges within plus or minus ten percent of the provided lengths (all of which are in inches) are also contemplated within the scope of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, the spring clip 250 is illustrated coupled to the frame 100. The components of the frame 100 are the same as discussed above with regard to FIGS. 1-5, and thus the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same components. However, each of the components will not be re-described in the interest of brevity, with an understanding that the description of the frame 100 and its components provided above applies equally to the illustration provided in FIG. 11.

When the spring clip 250 is used in place of the spring clip 150, the same result is achieved in that the stack 130 is compressed within the rabbet 103 by the spring clip 250 in order to retain the item 112 on display within the display opening 110 of the frame 100. When the spring clip 250 is used, the first portion 251 of the spring clip 250 is located within the channel 180 and the second portion 252 of the spring clip 250 is in surface contact with the rear surface 139 of the perimetric spacer 133. The first section 261 of the middle portion 253 extends into the channel 180 while the second section 262 of the middle portion 253 of the spring clip 250 extends substantially parallel to the rear surface 109 of the body 101 of the frame 100. As discussed above, the first section 261 of the middle portion 253 of the spring clip 250 is oblique to the second section 262 of the middle portion 253 of the spring clip 250. The second section 262 of the middle portion 253 of the spring clip 250 is spaced from the rear surface 108 of the body portion 101 of the frame 100. The first section 261 of the middle portion 253 of the spring clip 250 contacts an inner top edge 169 of the channel 180.

The first portion 251 of the spring clip 250 has a fulcrum element 255 and a contact element 254. The contact element 254 is in contact with the inner wall 181 of the channel 180 and the fulcrum element 255 is in contact with the outer wall 182 of the channel 180. The spring clip 250 operates in much the same fashion as has been discussed above with regard to the spring clip 150. Specifically, the bias of the spring clip 250 presses the contact element 254 of the first portion 251 into surface contact with the inner wall 181 of the channel 180 by generating torque about the fulcrum element 255 while the fulcrum element 255 is in surface contact with the outer wall 182 of the channel 180. Thus, the spring clips 250 are configured so that the second portion 252 applies a compression force against the perimetric spacer 133 and the first portion 251 is retained in the channel 180. The compression force on the perimetric spacer 133 in turn forces the perimetric spacer against the rear glazing 132, which in turn is forced against the front glazing 131, which in turn contacts the rear surface 104 of the flange portion 102 of the frame 100. By having the perimetric spacer 133 be a continuous element, or several elements that are spaced apart along the perimeter of the first and rear glazings 131, 132, and by locating several of the spring clips 250 onto the frame 100, the item 112 and the stack 130 are maintained in their positions within the rabbet 103 so that the item 112 is displayed via the display opening 110 of the frame 100.

As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by referenced in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A float frame assembly comprising:

a frame comprising a body portion and a flange portion extending from the body portion to form a rabbet, the flange portion comprising an inner edge defining a display opening, the flange portion comprising a floor surface of the rabbet and the body portion comprising a wall surface of the rabbet;
a channel formed in a rear surface of the body portion;
a stack nesting in the rabbet, the stack comprising: a front glazing; a rear glazing positioned adjacent the front glazing such that an item can be supported between the front glazing and the rear glazing in the display opening; and a perimetric spacer positioned adjacent the rear glazing; and
a plurality of spring clips that retain the stack within the rabbet, each of the plurality of spring clips comprising a first portion disposed in the channel and a second portion that is in surface contact with the perimetric spacer, each of the plurality of spring clips biased so that the second portion applies a compression force against the perimetric spacer and the first portion is retained in the channel.

2. The float frame assembly according to claim 1 wherein the first and rear glazings are substantially transparent.

3. The float frame assembly according to claim 1 wherein an inner edge of the perimetric spacer does not extend beyond the inner edge of the flange portion of the frame.

4. The float frame assembly according to claim 3 wherein the inner edge of the perimetric spacer is offset from the inner edge of the flange portion of the frame.

5. The float frame assembly according to claim 1 wherein the perimetric spacer has a width and a height, the width being greater than the height.

6. The float frame assembly according to claim 1 wherein the stack comprises a see-through portion surrounding the item, the see-through portion located within the display opening.

7. The float frame assembly according to claims 1 wherein the frame further comprises a rim protruding from the rear surface of the body portion.

8. The float frame assembly according to claim 7 wherein the rim surrounds the channel and has an outer surface that is substantially flush with an outer surface of the body portion.

9. The float frame assembly according to claim 1 wherein, for each of the plurality of spring clips, the first portion comprises a contact element and a fulcrum element, and wherein the bias presses the contact element of the first portion into surface contact with an inner wall of the channel by generating torque about the fulcrum element, the fulcrum element in surface contact with an outer wall of the channel.

10. The float frame assembly according to claim 9 wherein the contact element of the first portion contacts the inner wall of the channel at a height below a height of a rear surface of the perimetric spacer.

11. The float frame assembly according to claim 1 wherein, for each of the plurality of spring clips, the second portion comprises a contact element that is located in the rabbet.

12. The float frame assembly according to claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of spring clips comprises a middle portion between the first portion and the second portion, the middle portion extending above and spaced from the rear surface of the body portion.

13. The float frame assembly according to claim 12 wherein the middle portion contacts an inner top edge of the channel.

14. The float frame assembly according to claim 12 wherein the middle portion comprises a first section that extends into the channel and a second section that extends substantially parallel to the rear surface, the first section oblique to the second section.

15. The float frame assembly according to claim 12 wherein the middle portion comprises a through-hole.

16. The float frame assembly according to claim 1 wherein the rear surface of the body portion and the floor surface of the rabbet are substantially parallel.

17. The float frame assembly according to claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of spring clips do not extend beyond the inner edge of the flange portion of the frame.

18. A float frame assembly comprising:

a frame comprising a rabbet and an inner edge defining a display opening;
a channel formed in a rear surface of the frame;
a stack nesting in the rabbet, the stack comprising: a front glazing; a rear glazing positioned adjacent the front glazing such that an item can be supported between the front glazing and the rear glazing in the display opening; and a spacer positioned adjacent the rear glazing;
a plurality of spring clips that retain the stack within the rabbet, each of the plurality of spring clips comprising: a first portion disposed in the channel, the first portion comprising a contact element and a fulcrum element; and a second portion comprising a contact element; and
wherein each of the plurality of spring clips is biased so that the contact element of the first portion is pressed into surface contact with an inner wall of the channel due to a torque being generated about the fulcrum element as a result of the contact element of the second portion pressing against the spacer, the fulcrum element in surface contact with an outer wall of the channel.

19. The float frame assembly according to claim 18 wherein an inner edge of the spacer does not extend beyond the inner edge of frame.

20. The float frame assembly according to claim 18 wherein the spacer has a width and a height, the width being greater than the height.

21. The float frame assembly according to claim 18 wherein the frame further comprises a rim protruding from the rear surface of the frame, the rim surrounding the channel and having an outer surface that is substantially flush with an outer surface of the frame.

22. The float frame assembly according to claim 18 wherein the contact element of the first portion contacts the inner wall of the channel at a height below a height of a rear surface of the spacer.

23. The float frame assembly according to claim 18 wherein, for each of the plurality of spring clips, the second portion comprises a contact element that is located in the rabbet; and wherein each of the plurality of spring clips comprises a middle portion between the first portion and the second portion, the middle portion extending above and spaced from the rear surface of the frame.

24. A float frame assembly comprising:

a frame comprising a rabbet and an inner edge defining a display opening;
a channel formed in a rear surface of the frame;
a stack nesting in the rabbet, the stack comprising: a front glazing; a rear glazing positioned adjacent the front glazing such that an item can be supported between the front glazing and the rear glazing in the display opening; and a perimetric spacer positioned adjacent the rear glazing; and
a plurality of spring clips that retain the stack within the rabbet, each of the plurality of spring clips comprising a first portion disposed in the channel and a second portion that is in surface contact with the perimetric spacer, each of the plurality of spring clips biased so that the second portion applies a compression force against the perimetric spacer and the first portion is retained in the channel.
Patent History
Publication number: 20130180142
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 28, 2012
Publication Date: Jul 18, 2013
Applicant: MCS Industries, Inc. (Easton, PA)
Inventor: MCS Industries, Inc. (Easton, PA)
Application Number: 13/630,064
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Biased (40/792)
International Classification: A47G 1/06 (20060101);