FRAME AND FRAME SYSTEM

Abstract

A frame may have a plurality of perimeter walls. The perimeter walls may at least partially bound at least one window. The perimeter walls may have an inner perimeter surface with at least one inner groove. The perimeter walls may also have an outer perimeter surface with a plurality of outer slots. A frame system may have the frame with at least one connector selectively adapted to fit within at least one of the outer slots. The connector may be used to connect one or more frames together or to function as a hanger for the frame or the system.

Description

FIELD

A frame for selectively receiving a flexible substrate therein is provided. A frame system may comprise the frame and at least one connector to connect the frame with one or more additional frames.

BACKGROUND

Frames for pictures and the like are well-known. The prior art frames, however, are usually individual, unconnected structures. The individual frames do not lend themselves to connection with one another so that a display of several frames together seems disjointed and is not aesthetically pleasing.

There are some frames that are connected to one another, but these are fixed connections that do not permit the frames to be rearranged and/or swapped out with one another. In addition, the prior art connected frames do not lend themselves to easily changing the pictures in the frames. Instead, the entire connected system must be removed from its setting, such as on a wall, in order to change a single picture.

In view of the disadvantages associated with the prior art, it would be advantageous for a frame to be selectively connectable to other frames to form a display in which the images in the frames can be readily changed. It would also be advantageous for a single frame to permit for simple and easy replacement of pictures and the like held by the frame.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a frame may have a plurality of perimeter walls. The perimeter walls may at least partially bound at least one window. The perimeter walls may have an inner perimeter surface comprising at least one inner groove. The perimeter walls may also have an outer perimeter surface comprising a plurality of outer slots.

In another aspect, a frame system may have at least one connector selectively adapted to fit within at least one of the outer slots. The at least one connector may have a body portion and at least one tab portion. The at least one tab portion may be cantilevered from the body portion.

In another aspect, a frame system may have a first frame. The first frame may have a plurality of perimeter walls. The perimeter walls may at least partially bound at least one window. The perimeter walls may also have an inner perimeter surface comprising at least one inner groove adapted to receive a first flexible substrate therein. The perimeter walls may also have an outer perimeter surface comprising a plurality of outer slots. The frame system may also have a second frame. The second frame may have a plurality of perimeter walls. The perimeter walls may at least partially bound at least one window. The perimeter walls may also have an inner perimeter surface comprising at least one inner groove adapted to receive a second flexible substrate therein. The perimeter walls may also have an outer perimeter surface comprising a plurality of outer slots. The frame system may also have at least one connector having a first tab adapted to fit in one of the plurality of outer slots of the first frame. The connector may also have a second tab adapted to fit in one of the plurality of outer slots of the first frame to selectively connect the first frame and second frame together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above, as well as other advantages, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of one embodiment of a frame;

FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom view of the frame from FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic end view of the frame from FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the frame from FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of another embodiment of a frame;

FIG. 6 is a schematic bottom view of the frame from FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a schematic end view of the frame from FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of the frame from FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of a frame and a substrate with the substrate in a first condition along line 9-9 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the frame and substrate from FIG. 9 with the substrate in a second condition;

FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of the frame and substrate from FIG. 9 with the substrate in a third condition;

FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of a machine to process substrates;

FIG. 13 is a schematic top view of a substrate with an embodiment of sections;

FIG. 14 is a schematic top view of a substrate with another embodiment of sections;

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of a frame system;

FIG. 16 is a schematic view of another frame system;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of another frame system;

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of a collection of frames;

FIG. 19 is a top schematic view of a detail of two connected frames in a frame system;

FIG. 20 is a side schematic view of a detail of two connected frames in a frame system;

FIG. 21 is a top view of one embodiment of a first connector;

FIG. 22 is a side view of the first connector of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is an end view of the first connector of FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a top view of one embodiment of a second connector;

FIG. 25 is a side view of the second connector of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is an end view of the second connector of FIG. 24; and

FIG. 27 is another end view of the second connector of FIG. 24.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It is to be understood that device may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions, directions or other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Turning now to FIGS. 1-4, one embodiment of a frame 30 is schematically depicted. The frame 30 may have a plurality of perimeter walls 32. In some cases, the perimeter walls 32 may define a boundary, such as an outer boundary 34, of an individual frame 30. Thus, the perimeter walls 32 may substantially contribute to the overall shape of the frame 30. In some cases, the perimeter walls 32 may define a square or rectangular overall shape of the frame 30, but other polygons and other shapes with curved or curvilinear surfaces may be used as well.

In the non-limiting example of a square or rectangular frame 30, there may be such as four perimeter walls 32. These walls 32 may be such an upper wall 36, a lower wall 38 and first and second side walls 40, 42. In some cases, the perimeter walls 32 may consist of the upper wall 36, the lower wall 38 and the first and second side walls 40, 42.

The perimeter walls 32 may have a substantially polygonal cross-sectional shape, which may be appreciated in FIGS. 3 and 4. In the depicted embodiments, the perimeter walls 32 may have a generally square or rectangular cross-section substantially along their lengths, but other cross-sectional shapes may be used in whole or in part along the lengths with the polygonal shapes or without the polygonal shapes.

In some cases, the perimeter walls 32 may have at least one slot 44 located therein. The at least one slot 44 may be located in an outer perimeter surface 46 of at least one of the perimeter walls 32. The outer perimeter surface 46 may be such as the outermost surface associated with the perimeter walls 32 and frame 30. In other embodiments, the perimeter walls may be free of slots 44.

The at least one slot 44 may extend inwardly, through the outer perimeter surface 46, and into a body portion 48 of the perimeter wall 32 in which it is located. The at least one slot 44 may have an opening 50 in the outer perimeter surface 46 and an inner cavity 52. The opening 50 and the inner cavity 52 may be connected to one another, and may define the same cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape may be polygonal. In one instance, the cross-sectional shape of the slot opening 50 in the perimeter wall 32 may be such as square or rectangular to define a cubic shape for the inner cavity 52. While one shape of a slot 44 is mentioned, other shapes may be used as well. For example, a round hole may be used.

In some embodiments, an upper surface 54 of the inner cavity 52 may have a recess 56, such as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The recess 56 may extend toward an upper surface 55 of the perimeter wall 32 in which the cavity is located. The recess 56 may have a general hemispherical shape that extends into the upper surface 55.

In some embodiments, there may be at least one slot 44 in each of the outer perimeter surfaces 46 of each of the perimeter walls 32. Each of the slots 44 may have substantially the same shape and extend into its respective perimeter wall 32 the same distance. In the embodiment, depicted in FIGS. 1-4, there may be three slots 44 in the upper wall 36, three slots 44 in the lower wall 38 and three slots 44 in both the first and second side walls 40, 42. The slots 44 in each respective perimeter wall 32 may be equally spaced from one another, but in some cases, slots 44 in a perimeter wall 32 may not be equally spaced from slots 44 in adjacent perimeter walls 32.

In one example, the slots 44 in the upper wall 36 may be spaced along the outer perimeter surface 46 of the wall 36, such that a central slot 58 may be equally spaced from first and second outer slots 60, 62. The central slot 58 may be located at generally a midpoint 64 of the upper wall 36, while the first and second outer slots 60, 62 may be located in first and second end portions 66, 68 of the upper wall 36. The lower wall 38 may have the same slot number and pattern, thus in some embodiments, the perimeter wall 38 may be a mirror image of the upper wall 36.

Similarly, looking, for example, at the first side wall 40, the slots 44 in the first side wall 40 may be spaced along the outer perimeter surface 46 of the wall 40 such that a central slot 58 may be equally spaced from first and second outer slots 60, 62. The central slot 58 may be located at generally a midpoint 64 of the first side wall 40, while the first and second outer slots 60, 62 may be located in first and second end portions 66, 68 of the first side wall 40. The second side wall 42 may have the same slot number and pattern, thus in some embodiments, the second side wall 42 may be a mirror image of the first side wall 40.

In the example described above, the first and second outer slots 60, 62 in two adjacent perimeter walls 32 may not be spaced apart the same distance as the outer slots 60, 62 in any perimeter wall 32 are spaced from the central slot 58 in the same wall 32. In some embodiments, the first and second outer slots 60, 62 in adjacent perimeter walls 32 may be spaced closer together than the spacing between the first and second outer slots 60, 62 and the central slots 58 in a particular wall 32. It may be preferred, however, that the spacing between first and second outer slots 60, 62 in adjacent perimeter walls 32 is substantially the same distance among the perimeter walls 32.

The extent to which the slots 44 may extend into the respective perimeter walls 32 may be the same or vary among the walls 32. In one embodiment depicted in the figures, the slots 44 extend inwardly into their respective perimeter walls 32 the same amount. The slots 44 may extend for example between approximately 20-80% into the width of the perimeter wall 32 in which they are located. In a preferred embodiment, the slots 44 may extend approximately 40-60% into the width of the perimeter wall 32 in which they are located.

The slots 44 may also be substantially centered between the upper surface 55 and a lower surface 69 of the perimeter walls 32, as may be appreciated from FIGS. 3 and 4. These same figures also depict one embodiment where the slots 44 have a substantially constant height within the perimeter walls 32.

In some embodiments, at least one channel 70 may extend from at least one of the slots 44. In what may be a desirable embodiment, each slot 44 may have at least one channel 70. The channels 70 may of the same or similar size, shape and length. The channels 70 may extend from a lower surface 72 of a slot inner cavity 72 within a perimeter wall 32, continuously through the perimeter wall 32 with what may be a substantially constant cross section, to a respective lower surface 69 of each perimeter wall 32. The channels 70 may extend substantially transverse the primary direction of the slots 44 and they may extend parallel the outer perimeter surfaces 46 of the perimeter walls 32. The channels 70 may thus extend all substantially parallel one another.

In some embodiments, at least one of the perimeter walls 32 has an inner perimeter surface 74. The inner perimeter surface 74 may be located inboard and opposite the outer perimeter surface 46. Preferably, each perimeter wall 32 has an inner perimeter surface 74. It in such an embodiment, the inner perimeter surface 74 of the upper wall 36 may face and extend generally parallel the inner perimeter surface 74 of the lower wall 38. Similarly, the inner perimeter surfaces 74 of the first and second side walls 40, 42 may extend generally parallel one another; the inner perimeter surfaces 74 of the first and second walls 40, 42 may extend generally transverse the inner perimeter surfaces 74 of the upper and lower walls 36, 38. In some designs, the inner perimeter surfaces 74 may together form a rectangular or square shape. The perimeter of the inner perimeter surfaces 74 may cover a smaller distance than the perimeter of the outer perimeter surfaces 46.

In some embodiments, at least one inner perimeter surface 74 of at least one perimeter wall 32 may have a groove 76 formed therein. It may be that the inner perimeter surfaces 74 each of the first and second side walls 40, 42 may have a groove 76 formed therein. The grooves 76 in both side walls 40, 42 may be the same size, shape and length or they may differ from one another. It may be preferred that the respective grooves 76 extend into and along the first and second side walls 40, 42 to the same extent.

In one embodiment, the grooves 76 may extend into the inner perimeter surfaces 74 outwardly toward the outer perimeter surfaces 46. The grooves 76 may extend approximately 5-30% of the width of each perimeter wall 32 into each wall 40, 42. The grooves 76 may have a height that may be substantially the same as the height of the slots 44 in the walls 32, such as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. In some cases, the grooves 76 may be located equidistant from the upper and lower surfaces 55, 69 of the first and second side walls 40, 42. The grooves 76 and the slots 44 may be coplanar with one another within the walls 40, 42.

In some cases, the grooves 76 may extend substantially the length of the inner perimeter surfaces 74. The extension may also be continuous with the same cross-sectional shape, such as square or rectangular, along the length of the grooves 76.

It may be that the inner perimeter surfaces 74 of the upper and lower walls 36, 38 do not have the same or similar grooves 76 formed therein. Instead, it may be that the inner perimeter surfaces 74 of the upper and lower walls 36, 38 may be substantially planar without any such grooves 76

In some embodiments, a frame 30 may have at least one inner wall 78. The inner wall 78 may have a substantially constant cross-section along its length. In some cases, the cross-sectional shape may be such as a polygonal, such as square or rectangular, but other shapes may be used as well.

The inner wall 78 may extend from an inner perimeter surface 74 of one perimeter wall 32 to another inner perimeter surface 74 of another perimeter wall 32. In a non-limiting example, the frame 30 may have a first inner wall 80 that extends from the inner perimeter surface 74 of the upper wall 36 to the inner perimeter surface 74 of the lower wall 36. The first inner wall 80 may extend generally perpendicularly from the inner perimeter surfaces 74 of the upper and lower walls 36, 38. The first inner wall 80 may extend generally parallel the first and second side walls 40, 42.

The frame may also have a second inner wall 82 that extends from the inner perimeter surface 74 of the first side wall 40 to the inner perimeter surface 74 of the second side wall 42. The second inner wall 82 may extend generally perpendicularly from the inner perimeter surfaces 74 of the first and second side walls 40, 42. The second inner wall 82 may extend generally parallel the upper and lower walls 36, 38.

In some embodiments, the inner walls 78 may consist of the first inner wall 80 and the second inner wall 82. In other embodiments, the inner walls 78 may comprise the first inner wall 80 and the second inner wall 82, and there may be additional inner walls 78.

From the foregoing, it may be appreciated that in some embodiments, the first and second inner walls 80, 82 may extend substantially transverse one another. In some embodiments as well, the first and second inner walls 80, 82 may intersect one another. The intersection may occur such as at a center portion, or midpoint 84, of the frame 30.

In some cases, the first inner wall 80 may extend along a first axis 86, where the perimeter walls 32 may be symmetrical about the first axis 86. The second inner wall 82 may extend about a second axis 88, where the perimeter walls 32 may also be symmetrical about the second axis 88.

The inner walls 78 and the perimeter walls 32, arranged as described above, may form one or more windows 90 in the frame 30. The windows 90 may have substantially the same size and shape as one another, which may be generally square or rectangular. The windows 90 define openings in the frame 30 that extend continuously, without interruption, from the upper surface 55 of the perimeter walls 32 to the lower surface 69 of the perimeter walls 32.

In some embodiments, the first inner wall 80 may be coaxial with the central slot 58 in the upper and lower perimeter walls 36, 38. In other words, the first axis 86 is coaxial with the first inner wall 80 and the central slots 58 in the upper and lower perimeter walls 36, 38. In such embodiments, it may be also that the second inner wall 82 may be coaxial with the central slot 58 in the first and second side walls 40, 42. In other words, the second axis 88 is coaxial with the second inner wall 82 and the central slots 58 in the first and second side walls 40, 42.

In some embodiments, upper surfaces 92 of the first and second inner walls 80, 82 may not be coplanar with the upper surfaces 55 of the perimeter walls 32. This results in the upper surfaces 92 of the first and second inner walls 80, 82 being at least partially recessed with respect to the upper surfaces 55 of the perimeter walls 32. In these same embodiments, lower surfaces 94 of the first and second inner walls 80, 82 may be coplanar with the lower surfaces 69 of the perimeter walls 32.

The frame 30, including the perimeter walls 32 and the inner walls 80, 82, may be one piece, integrally formed and unitary in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the perimeter walls 32 and the inner walls 80, 82 may be separately formed, in whole or in or in part, and then separately joined. The walls 32, 80, 82 may be joined such as through mechanical fasteners, adhesives and/or male/female-type couplings (e.g., dowels, biscuits, or dovetailing).

The frame 30 and/or the walls 32, 80, 82 may be constructed of wood, polymers, metals, fiberglass and/or composite materials in whole or in part.

A flexible substrate 96, whose static or usual position is substantially planar, may be located within the frame 30 such that a rear surface 98 of the substrate 96 is at least partially supported by at least one of the first and second inner walls 80, 82, as shown in FIG. 11. In addition, a first side edge portion 100 of the substrate 96 may be selectively located within one of the grooves 76. The other, opposite second side edge 102 of the substrate 96 may be selectively located within the opposite groove 76. In order to locate the second side edge 102 of the substrate 96 into the opposite groove 76, the substrate 96 may be selectively bent, or flexed, so that the substate 96 can be aligned with the second groove 76, as may be appreciated from FIGS. 9-10. Once aligned with the second groove 76, the substrate 96 can be permitted to flatten where it moves into the second groove 76.

The frame in FIGS. 1-4 may be suited to hold substrates 96 such as approximately 8×10 inch pictures. Of course, while substrates 96 of one size are mentioned by way of example, the frame 30 may be sized and shaped to accommodate substrates 96 of different sizes and shapes as well.

By way of one example how frames 30 of different sizes can be used, FIGS. 5-8 depict another embodiment of a frame 30 that is similar to the frame in FIGS. 1-4. Reference numbers for the like features from FIGS. 1-4 are used in FIGS. 5-8. The frame 30 in FIGS. 5-8 may be suited for substrates 96 that may be such as approximately 5×7 inches. In such a case, the frame 30 may have the same components noted above in the discussion of FIGS. 1-4. For example, the frame 30 in FIGS. 5-8 may have a plurality of slots 44 in the frame 30, but there may be such as one slot 30 in each of the outer perimeter surfaces 46 of the upper wall 36, the lower wall 38, and the first and second side walls 40, 42. The slots 30 may be aligned along the first and second axis 86, 88, respectively, of the frame 30.

One embodiment of the substrate 96 may be such as styrene. Styrene is known to be a tough plastic material that is low cost, readily available, odorless and non-toxic. It is known as a substrate 96 for printing and imaging. Sheets of styrene may be formed of different thickness, shapes and sizes. In one embodiment, such a sheet may be approximately 1/32-⅛ inch thick, but other thicknesses may be used. The sheet may also be approximately 32×25 inches but here also other sizes may be used.

Such a sheet may be formed through a number of different devices and/or processes, one of which is schematically depicted in FIG. 12. In such a case, a roll 104 of a substrate material 96 may be provided. The substrate material 96 may be fed off of the roll 104 and into a machine 106 that can selectively cut the lengths of the substrate 96 off of the roll 104. The machine 106 may also be adapted to have one or more slitting devices 108. A slitting device 108 may be such as one or more rollers or die(s) with sufficient sharpness to score or at least partially cut the substrate 96. While rollers are mentioned, fixed blades may also be used.

The slitting devices 108 may be located to selectively slit the substrate 96 at least along its length and/or width. By way of one example, the substrate 96 may be slit along at least some of the lines depicted in FIG. 13.

In some cases, slitting may be different than cutting. Cutting may mean that the substrate 96 is divided into two or more separated, unconnected pieces when the cutting step is complete. In some cases, a cutting tool (not shown) extends entirely through the substrate 96 to create a cut. Slitting may mean that the slitting device 108 only extends partially through substrate 96. A slitting step or operation may have the slitting device 108 slit an outer surface 110 of the substrate 96, such as upper surface 112 of the substrate 96, and also the slitting device 108 may extend into the substrate 96 a predetermined depth, which may be a fixed depth. Preferably, the slitting device 108 does not extend entirely through the substrate 96. In some embodiments, the slit substrate 96 may remain one-piece.

The slits 114 in the substrate 96 may function like hinges allowing the substrate 96 to be selectively folded onto itself about the hinges. It has been found that by folding the substrate 96 along the slits 114, and folding the substrate sections onto themselves, that the substrate 96 can be reduced in size to the largest section. This is advantageous as the substrate in its original form can then be folded down to a standard shipping envelope size, such as 9×12 inches, 10×13 inches or 11×14 inches. By using a standard size shipping envelope costs can be reduced for both the envelope and shipping costs should the slit substrate 96 need to be transported and/or mailed.

As noted above, the substrate 96 may be divided into sections 116. One or more of the sections 116 may be imaged with one or more images by a printer or the like. The sections 116 may be of different sizes and shapes, or they may be all the same size and shape.

In one embodiment, depicted in FIG. 13, a substrate 96 is divided into sections 116. The sections 116 may be sized such as 11×14 inches, 8×10 inches, 5×7 inches, 2×3 inches, 3×4 inches and 3×2 inches by way of example. Additional sections 116, such as those located about the border, may also be formed. It may be appreciated that different rollers or dies may be used to create sections of different sizes and shapes.

FIG. 14 depicts another embodiment of a substrate 96 divided into sections 116. The substrate 96 may be such as a 24×21 inch sheet. In this example, the substrate 96 may have two 8×8 inch sections, two 8×10 inch sections and four 5×7 inch sections. FIG. 14 demonstrates that substrates 96 of various sizes may be used for different section sizes and layouts and/or that the substrate 96 may be slit into different section sizes and layouts.

FIG. 12 also depicts one embodiment where individual substrates 96 that have been slit may be stacked on one another. The substrates 96 may be stacked such as on a pallet 118 or the like to locate the substrates 96 in a single location that may be moved, such as by a forklift or the like, from the machine. Advantageously, the slit substrates 96 lay flat on one another, which saves space.

The individual sections 116 of a slit substrate 96 may be broken apart from one another by repeatedly folding the sections 116 with respect to one another until the hinge fatigues and breaks. It may also be possible to simply pull the individual sections 116 from one another and they will separate along the hinges.

In one embodiment, the substrate 96 may be imaged before it is slit. In some embodiments, each of the sections 116 may contain an image located thereon. The image may be located on the substrate 96 by laser and/or ink jet type imaging. The images may be the same as one another, or they may be different. The image system, such as an inkjet printer, in combination with software, may properly locate, size and orient the image for the correct section 116 on the substrate 96. It may also be possible to image the substrate 96 after it is slit.

The individual imaged sections 116 may be located into one of the frames 30 depicted in FIGS. 1-8. Preferably, an imaged section 116 of approximately 8×10 inches is located in the frame 30 in FIGS. 1-4, and an imaged section of approximately 5×7 inches is located in the frame 30 in FIGS. 5-8, as described above. The images sections 116 from the substrate 96 of other dimensions can be located in like sized frames.

The frames 30 depicted in FIGS. 1-8 may be used on their own, or they may be used as part of a frame system 120. Exemplary, non-limiting examples of frame systems 120 are depicted in FIGS. 15-18. From FIG. 18 it can be appreciated that the individual frames 30 do not have to be connected together. In other words, the perimeter walls 32 of one frame 30 do not have to be connected to the perimeter walls 32 of another frame 30. Instead, the individual frames 30 can be located on a wall or the like, or located on a table or the like. Connectors, as described below, may be used to connect the frames 30 to the wall.

FIGS. 15-17 show optional arrangements of the individual frames 30 where the frames 30, and more particularly the perimeter walls 32 of individual frames 30 are connected together. While certain arrangements of the individual frames 30 arranged on a wall are depicted, other arrangements, which may include a greater or fewer number of frames 30 and/or which may position the frames 30 in different orientations and locations with respect to one another may be used.

The frames 30 may be connected together with first connectors 122. The first connectors 122 may be used to connect a frame 30 of any size together with another frame 30 of any size; the first connectors 122 may be universal to the various frames 30.

FIGS. 21-23 depict one embodiment of a first connector 122. The first connector 122 may have a body portion 124. The body portion 124 may be generally polygonal in shape, such as, but not limited to, generally cubic or rectangular. In such shapes, the body portion 124 may have an upper surface 126, a lower surface 128, and four side surfaces 130.

In some embodiments, at least one tab portion 132 may extend from the body portion 124. The tab portion 132 may extend from any of the above-noted surfaces 126, 128 or 130, but it may be desirable to have the at least one tab portion 132 extend from at least one of the side surfaces 130. The at least one tab portion 132 may be of any shape or size but it may be preferred to have the tab portion 132 be generally polygonal in shape, such as, but not limited to, generally cubic or rectangular. The at least one tab portion 132 may be cantilevered from the side surface 130. Of course, the tab portion 132 shape should match the shape of the slot 44. Thus, for example, if the slot 44 is round the tab portion 132 should be round as well.

The tab portion 132 may have an upper surface 134, a lower surface 136 and four side surfaces 138. One of the side surfaces 138 may be connected to the body portion 124. The upper surface 134 may extend generally parallel to the upper surface 126 of the body portion 124, but the two upper surfaces 126, 134 do not have to be coplanar with one another. Similarly, the lower surface 136 may extend generally parallel to the lower surface 128 of the body portion 124, but here also the two lower surfaces 128, 134 do not have to be coplanar with one another. In such an embodiment of the tab portion 132 as described above, the tab portion 132 may only extend a portion of a length and a height of the body portion 124.

The tab portion 132 may be separately formed and then attached to the body portion 124, such as by adhesive, mechanical fasteners, male/female coupling, and/or welding. The tab portion 132 may also be integrally formed, one piece and unitary with the body portion 124 so that no additional joining materials or steps is required.

The tab portion 132 may have an upstanding peak 140 located on the upper surface 134. The upstanding peak 140 may be located anywhere on the upper surface 134, but it may be preferred to generally center the upstanding peak 140 on the upper surface 134.

The upstanding peak 140 may have a generally half hemisphere shape. The upstanding peak 140 may have a complementary shape to the recess 56 in the slot 44 so as to selectively fit therein. By locating the upstanding peak 140 in the slot 44, it may assist in selectively securing the first connector 122 to the perimeter wall 36.

In most cases, the peak 140 will not reach the upper surface 126 of the body portion 124 but instead, it will terminate below the upper surface 126. While one shape and size are mentioned for the peak 140, other shapes and sizes may be used. Further, while a single peak 140 is mentioned, it may be possible to use additional peaks 140.

The embodiment depicted in the figures may have a blind hole 142 extending from the lower surface 136 of the tab portion 132. The blind hole 142 may be axially aligned with the upstanding peak 140. The blind hole 142 may generally have the same approximate width, or diameter, as the upstanding peak 140.

In some embodiments, the first connector 122 may have two tab portions 132. The two tab portions 132 may extend from opposite side surfaces 138 of the first connector 122. The two tab portions 132 may be substantially the same in terms of their size, shape, features and functionality. While two tab portions 132 are mentioned, a greater or fewer number of tab portions 132 may be associated with the first connector 122.

The tab portions 132 may be complementary in size and shape to the outer slots 44. A tab portion 132 may be selectively located in a slot 44 of a perimeter wall 32 of a frame 30. A side surface 130 of the body portion 124 surrounding the tab portion 132 may directly abut the outer perimeter wall 32 when the tab portion 132 is located in the slot 44.

The upstanding peak 140 on the tab portion 132 may form a friction fit with the slot 44. The friction fit alone may be sufficient to selectively secure the tab portion 132 into the slot 44. In other embodiments, a fastener 144, such as a screw or the like, may be located through the channel 70 in the perimeter wall 32 and into the blind hole 142 to secure the first connector 122 and the perimeter wall 32 together selectively.

In the same or similar fashion, another tab portion 132 of the same first connector 122 may be located in a slot 44 of a perimeter wall 32 of another frame 30. In this manner two frames 30 may be selectively connected together. The first connector 122 may be connected to any of the perimeter walls 32 of the two frames 30 as shown in FIGS. 15-17. Top and side detail views of a first connector 122 connecting two perimeter walls 32 are shown in FIGS. 19 and 20.

By being connected together, the two frames 30 take on a different aesthetic than unconnected frames 30. By way of one example, the connected frames 30 provide the appearance of a one-piece work of art verses individual frames 30 that have been located adjacent one another.

FIGS. 24-27 also depict a second connector 146. The second connector 146 may be substantially the same as the first connector 122 except for the following features. First, the second connector 146 may only have a single tab portion 148. Second, the second connector 146 may have a through channel 150 extending from an upper surface 152 continuously through to a lower surface 154 of the second connector 146. The through channel 150 may have a constant circular cross-section from the upper surface 152 to the lower surface 154.

The single tab portion 148 on the second connector 146 may have a complementary shape to the slots 44 on an outer perimeter surface 46 of a frame 30. This permits the tab portion 148 of the second connector 146 to be selectively located within an slot 44. The side wall 156 of the body portion 158 surrounding the tab portion 148 may directly abut the outer perimeter wall 32 when the tab portion 148 is located in the slot 44. An upstanding peak 160 on the tab portion 148 may form a friction fit with the slot 44. The friction fit alone may be sufficient to selectively secure the tab portion 148 into the slot 44. In other embodiments a fastener (not shown), such as a screw or the like, may be located into the through channel 150 and into a substrate, such as a wall or the like to secure the frame 30 to the substrate. The second connector 146 located in various frames can also be seen in FIGS. 15-17. A detail view of the second connector 146 located in a perimeter wall 32 is provided in FIG. 19.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the present device has been described in what is considered to represent its preferred embodiments. However, it should be noted that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope.

Claims

1. A frame, comprising:

a plurality of perimeter walls, wherein said perimeter walls at least partially bound at least one window, said perimeter walls, comprising:

an inner perimeter surface comprising at least one inner groove; and

an outer perimeter surface comprising a plurality of outer slots.

2. The frame of claim 1, wherein said plurality of perimeter walls comprises of an upper wall, a lower wall, and first and second side walls.

3. The frame of claim 2, wherein said plurality of perimeter walls bounds a plurality of windows, said plurality of windows defined by said plurality of perimeter walls and a first inner wall extending between said upper wall and said lower wall and a second inner wall extending between said first and second side walls.

4. The frame of claim 3, wherein said first inner wall extends along a first axis, wherein said plurality of perimeter walls is symmetrical about said first axis, and wherein said second inner wall extends along a second axis, wherein said plurality of perimeter walls is symmetrical about said second axis.

5. The frame of claim 4, wherein said at least one inner groove comprises a first side wall groove that extends parallel said first axis, and a second side wall groove that extends parallel said second axis.

6. The frame of claim 5, wherein said first and second side wall grooves extend into said first and second side walls, respectively, a fixed distance along the length of the side walls.

7. The frame of claim 3, wherein said first and second inner walls intersect with one another at a center portion of said plurality of perimeter walls, wherein said first and second inner walls each have an upper surface that is coplanar with an upper surface of said plurality of perimeter walls.

8. The frame of claim 1, wherein said outer slots are spaced apart from one another and each extends into the outer perimeter surface a fixed length.

9. The frame of claim 2, wherein said outer slots in said first and second side walls extend toward said grooves in said side walls, wherein pairs of outer slots in said first and second side walls, respectively, are aligned with one another.

10. The frame of claim 9, wherein said outer slots are cubic with an opening on the outer perimeter surface.

11. The frame of claim 2, wherein said outer slots in said upper wall, said lower wall, and said first and second side walls have channels extending to a back surface of said upper wall, said lower wall and said first and second side walls, respectively.

12. A frame system, comprising:

the frame of claim 1, and

at least one connector selectively adapted to fit within at least one of said outer slots, wherein said at least one connector has a body portion and at least one tab portion, wherein said at least one tab portion is cantilevered from said body portion.

13. The frame system of claim 12, wherein said at least one tab portion extends only a portion of a length and a height of the body portions.

14. The frame system of claim 12, wherein an upper surface of said at least one tab portion has a centrally located upstanding peak.

15. The frame system of claim 14, wherein a blind hole is coaxial with said upstanding peak in said at least one tab portion.

16. The frame system of claim 12, wherein two tab portions extend from opposite sides of said body portion.

17. The frame system of claim 12, wherein said body portion has a centrally located channel extending from an upper surface to a lower surface of said body portion.

18. A frame system, comprising:

a first frame, comprising: a plurality of perimeter walls, wherein said perimeter walls at least partially bound at least one window, said perimeter walls, comprising: an inner perimeter surface comprising at least one inner groove adapted to receive a first flexible substrate therein; and an outer perimeter surface comprising a plurality of outer slots;

a second frame, comprising: a plurality of perimeter walls, wherein said perimeter walls at least partially bound at least one window, said perimeter walls, comprising: an inner perimeter surface comprising at least one inner groove adapted to receive a second flexible substrate therein; and an outer perimeter surface comprising a plurality of outer slots;

at least one connector having a first tab adapted to fit in one of said plurality of outer slots of said first frame and having a second tab adapted to fit in one of said plurality of outer slots of said first frame to selectively connect said first frame and second frame together.

19. The frame system of claim 18, wherein a body portion of said connector abuts each of said outer perimeter surfaces when said connector is located in one of said plurality of outer slots of each of said first frame and said second frame.

20. The frame system of claim 18, wherein each of said tabs has an upper surface and each upper surface has a centrally located upstanding peak.

21. The frame system of claim 20, wherein at least two of said plurality of outer slots in both said first and said second frame have recesses extending toward an upper surface of said perimeter walls, said recesses adapted to selectively receive said upstanding peak therein.

22. The frame system of claim 18,

wherein in a first initial condition said first and second flexible substrates are part of a master flexible substrate,

wherein score lines in said master flexible substrate define said first and second flexible substrates,

wherein in a second condition, said first and second flexible substrates are separated from one another along said score lines.

23. The frame system of claim 18, wherein said first flexible substrate has a first length and width dimension and said second flexible substrate has a second length and width dimension different from said first length and width dimension.