Corner Connector Patents (Class 40/782)
  • Patent number: 11109695
    Abstract: A one piece inexpensive essentially universal compressive loading type hardware component that is quickly installed/uninstalled particularly designed for clamping a variety of common objects, e.g.; photos, canvas paintings, books, etc. directly onto the back of a common mat board comprising an appropriately sized aperture to provide a popular sized border within many common popular back-loading off-the-shelf picture frame assemblies with or without glaze. In particular, installing at least two said hardware components is required for complete installation eliminating need for other type fasteners to complete the assembly. More particular, adjusting art object location is easily performed by sliding said art object laterally under load of said hardware component due to the effective distribution of compressive loads to secure said assembly while mitigating risk of damage to said art object, mat and frame as well as employing a particular manufacturing process to mitigate risk of fatigue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Inventor: Keith Jon Jorgensen
  • Patent number: 10939775
    Abstract: A modular framing system comprises plastic components that each comprise a single article having unitary construction and which are connectable to form various sized SEG frames. Four unitarily molded corner frame connections each include protrusions receivable by at least four side rails, each of which may be unitarily extruded with a constant profile along the respective lengths of the side rails. The interconnected corner frame connections and side rails define a continuous conduit about the quadrilateral frame for receiving therein respective edges of the tensionable textile. For use with larger tensionable textiles, additional side rails and T-frame connections may be utilized, with each of the T-frame connections comprising a single molded article having unitary construction. At least the frame connections (both corner frame connections and T-frame connections) may be reused for frames of other sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: BUDNICK CONVERTING, INC.
    Inventors: Richard J. Hatton, Stefan Pabst
  • Patent number: 10745952
    Abstract: A system and method for removably joining two surfaces together with a connector using protrusions and slots. A protrusion rising from the surface is slid into a slot in a parallel direction to the surface so it is secured against being removed in a perpendicular direction to the surface. Various shapes of protrusions and slots are possible, including trapezoid profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Inventor: Sunny Yu Sun Yeung
  • Patent number: 10619405
    Abstract: Joint for the angular connection of a pair of hollow profile members (50) having an angular configuration corresponding to the angle of the assembled profile members (50) and comprising a slide base portion (2, 2?, 2?), a sheet metal portion (1, 1?) superimposed thereupon and a bolt (5) passing through the sheet metal portion (1, 1?) and screwed into a nut (4) mounted onto the base portion (2, 2?, 2?), wherein tightening of bolt (5) pushes upwardly extending surfaces on either side of portion (1, 1?) whereby their sharp edges indent the walls of the hollow profile members being connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Inventor: Athanasios Leontaridis
  • Patent number: 10557491
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fastening device for fastening to a furniture panel. The fastening device comprises at least two dowels for reception in furniture panel recesses. The dowels are each connected to lateral ends of lever arms. The lever arms are centrally connected to each other at a hinge joint. One dowel may be displaced in relation to the other dowel between a furniture panel fastening position and a furniture panel releasing position of the fastening device. A fastening system for joining furniture parts, comprising the fastening device, is also disclosed. A method for using the fastening system is described as well as furniture assemblies using the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Inter IKEA Systems B.V.
    Inventor: Daniel Schön
  • Patent number: 10441095
    Abstract: A bracket is engageable with an object to position the object relative to a support structure. The bracket has a body having at least one peripheral wall defining a wall surface. The body has a flange extending outwardly from the wall surface of the at least one peripheral wall and has an outer surface and an opposed inner surface. The flange is insertable into a channel of the object to engage the bracket with the object. The flange has at least one resilient member extending away from at least one of the inner and outer surfaces of the flange. The at least one resilient member is resiliently displaceable toward said surface of the flange upon the flange being inserted into the channel to abut the at least one resilient member against a surface of the channel. The bracket also has a position element extending outwardly from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: UNDER THE ROOF DECORATING INC.
    Inventors: Kelly R. Krake, Liette Tousignant, Michael Kurtz, Ian Matthew Campana
  • Patent number: 10174544
    Abstract: A corner key includes a heel and at least one leg extending along an axis from the heel. The at least one leg includes a retention element and a lifting cam such that upon insertion into a frame member the lifting cam induces a bending stress in the retention element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Amesbury Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Wilbur J. Kellum
  • Patent number: 10094164
    Abstract: A corner key for a fenestration trim assembly includes a sloped bearing surface configured to bias a first lineal toward a second lineal about the longitudinal axis of the second lineal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: MILGARD MANUFACTURING INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Victor Massey
  • Patent number: 9803671
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for joining metal profiles provided with longitudinal surface grooves, said device comprising: a metal support (1) that can be inserted into the ends of the grooves of the profiles to be joined; a chassis (2) supported on each end of said metal support (1), whereon a lever (4) provided with a projection (9) and a coaxial cam (8) pivots (5); and a resilient body (3) inserted between the support (1) and the chassis (2). When the lever (4) is rotated into the represented closing position thereof, the protrusion (9) penetrates said resilient body (3), expanding it transversely against the side walls of the respective groove, and the cam (8) simultaneously compresses the resilient body (3), expanding the device in a direction which is orthogonal to the previous direction. The device allows a rapid, manual and toolless assembly and disassembly of the profiles, aligned or at an angle, in order to form frames such as those used in supports for displaying graphics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Inventor: Joseba Egaña Arrieta
  • Patent number: 9738108
    Abstract: An image display comprising a substantially rigid support structure including a rectangular central sheet, four side strips and four back strips can be provided. An image can be provided on at least the front of the central sheet. The side strips can extend alongside respective edges of the central sheet and be adjoined to form four corners. The back strips can extend along respective side strips and be adjoined at respective corners for forming the assembled support structure. A mechanical securement device can be connected to adjoined back strips at each corner for rigidly securing the adjoined back strips together and for retaining the side and back strips in an assembled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Circle Graphics, Inc.
    Inventor: Hank Ridless
  • Patent number: 9567795
    Abstract: A frame with segments that are in flush with each other is disclosed. The frame of the present invention comprises a plurality of segments, a plurality of outer retaining units and a plurality of inner retaining units. The segments are connected together to form a frame. Each outer retaining unit is disposed on the rear outer side of the juncture of each pair of neighboring segments. Each inner retaining unit is disposed on the rear inner side of the juncture of each pair of neighboring segments. In this manner, each pair of neighboring segments may be tightly joined together and the segments of the frame may be in flush with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Frame Art Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Ming-Lang Ou
  • Patent number: 9192255
    Abstract: A multi-component frame assembly for the display of at least one illuminable graphic panel. The frame assembly includes a frame made of at least one single frame member and at least one split rail frame member, which are joined together by a plurality of connecting brackets. The split rail frame member is comprised of an elongated first side split rail and an elongated second side split rail separated apart by a mid rail member disposed therebetween. The at least one single frame member has a cross-sectional configuration of “U” shape, and is comprised of an exterior bridge member and an interior bridge member for supporting strips of light emitting diodes. The interior bridge member has a bracket channel on one side of the interior bridge member and a graphic receiving channel on the other side of the interior bridge member to enable receipt of one or more graphic display panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Rose Displays Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Burrous, Erik G. Zelbacher, Rebecca A. Suciu, Paul P. Ellsworth, Alan L. Stenfors, Sidney Rose
  • Patent number: 9097382
    Abstract: A holder for holding a sheet of material in overlying relationship with a display screen. The holder conforms in shape and size with the display screen and is of generally rectangular form. The holder is in the form of a frame that includes a pair of spaced, opposed, parallel longitudinal frame members and a pair of spaced, opposed, parallel lateral frame members that define a rectangular frame. A suitable sheet material, such as a privacy filter, is carried within the frame, which includes a pair of frame mounting members that extend from the frame and engage an uppermost portion of the housing in which the display screen is housed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Wiscraft, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse Leech, Emeric Rokay, James R. Kerlin
  • Patent number: 9015977
    Abstract: A framing system having a base panel assembly configured so that an ornamental/informational object can be incorporated into the base panel assembly so as to be viewable from in front thereof. A frame extends around a peripheral region of the base panel assembly. Connectors on the base panel assembly and frame cooperate so as to allow the base panel assembly and frame to be: a) moved from a separated relationship relative to each other into an operatively joined relationship; and b) releasably maintained in the operatively joined relationship as an incident of the base panel assembly and frame changing from the separated relationship into the operatively joined relationship, without requiring use of any separate fasteners, once the operatively joined relationship is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Cassandra J. Mason
  • Patent number: 8984781
    Abstract: A configurable large-depth panel display uses a number of frame members and a number of corner brackets coupled to one another to create an flexible and easily customized display device. The frame members relatively uniform, having a substantially constant cross-sectional configuration which is easily coupled to the frame members. The corner brackets can be configured in a number of different ways to produce a display product with a desired configuration. More specifically, the corner brackets can be configured to attach to frame members in a manner which produce an overall framework having multiple shapes and orientations, depending upon the desired design of the overall display. To complete the display panel, a removable face panel is attached to the frame using an interference fit caused by a ridged tab inserted into a channel that has a supporting recess. Various face panels, can be easily attached to the frame members using integral portions of the constant cross-sectional configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Skyline Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: Dixon Gimpel, Mark Fritsche, Scott Parizek, John Elliott
  • Patent number: 8925227
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a display backplane and an LCD device. The display backplane comprises multiple supporting brackets and a connecting slot, wherein, the connecting slot comprises a sliding slot and a protruding platform, and the protruding platform is sliding held in the sliding slot, and at least two of the brackets can rotate relatively about a first rotation axis perpendicular to the plane of the display backplane. After rotation, the display backplane formed by the brackets is smaller in volume such that it can reduce the volume occupied by the packing and shipping during transportation process of the display backplane in order to reduce the packing and shipping cost during transportation process of the display backplane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Yi-cheng Kuo, Yu-chun Hsiao, Chengwen Que, Pangling Zhang, Dehua Li
  • Patent number: 8893419
    Abstract: A frame structure for solar cell module: comprises: two short sidebars, two long sidebars and four corner connectors in a manner that each short sidebar is connected to the two long sidebars at two opposite ends using two of the four corner connectors. Each long sidebar is comprised of a first extension wall, a second extension wall, a third extension wall and a first connection wall in a manner that the first, the second and the third extension walls are disposed perpendicular to the first connection wall while being connected to a side of the first connection wall that is orientated facing toward another long sidebar, and simultaneously allowing the first and the second extension walls to be connected respectively to the two ends of the first connection wall and the third extension wall to be disposed at a position between the first and the second extension walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Hulk Energy Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ting-Huei Huang
  • Patent number: 8863420
    Abstract: A three-dimensional supporting frame includes a blank. The blank includes an image receiving surface, a back surface opposed to the image receiving surface, a center portion defining a perimeter, and at least three foldable extensions extending from the perimeter. Each of the foldable extensions includes no less than four folds to be folded toward the back surface to form the three-dimensional supporting frame. A tab line is scored in one of the folds of each of the at least three foldable extensions, the tab line to be released to form a tab to be secured to the back surface when the folds are folded. An adhesion promoting layer is present on the back surface at the center portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: David Edmondson, Arunkumar Madanagopal, Francois K Pirayesh, Xiaoqi Zhou
  • Patent number: 8857089
    Abstract: A frame of an electronic device is a closed frame and made of plastic material. The frame forms one or more tooth structures at the corners of the frame to extend further out or to be compactly arranged to be pushed closer together for changing a size of the frame. Each tooth structure includes a plurality of rectangular teeth and a plurality of trapezoidal teeth. The trapezoidal teeth are positioned between the rectangular teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bin Dai
  • Patent number: 8840333
    Abstract: A frame the joint connector comprises a first head, a second head and a neck interconnecting the first head and the second head. The first head forms a first shoulder adjacent the neck facing the second head. The second head forms a second shoulder adjacent the neck facing the first head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Milgard Manufacturing Incorporated
    Inventor: Victor Massey
  • Patent number: 8833581
    Abstract: The present invention provides a packaging box and stop wall of packaging box. The packaging box includes at least bottom plate, four third box-body splicing elements and four stop walls. The third box-body splicing element is fixed at each corner of the bottom plate and the two ends of stop wall are connected respectively to the two third box-body splicing elements on a side of the bottom plate and fixed between the two third box-body splicing elements to form with the bottom plate a semi-closed packaging box having open top. As such, the present invention can realize the packaging of liquid crystal panels of different sizes and increase the utilization efficiency of the packaging box to protect the liquid crystal panels as well as reducing packaging cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Yi-cheng Kuo, Shih Hsiang Chen, Jiaxin Li, Jiahe Cheng
  • Patent number: 8819974
    Abstract: This invention relates to the general field of photo mounting, and more specifically toward a template and mounting assembly that can be used to effectively mount a photograph. The template has a basic design of a hard surface bordered by four open sections, which can be universally applied to a variety of different sizes and configurations of photographs. The mounting assembly includes four brackets that form the underlying frame of the mounted photograph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Knoll Oaks Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Christian Carter Noterman
  • Patent number: 8819973
    Abstract: A front loading frame on rail display system includes a support rail assembly secured to a wall and a display frame assembly secured to the support rail. The rail assembly includes a wall rail secured to the wall with a top rail secured thereto and receiving an apron crown molding. The frame assembly includes a frame unit formed by top and side frame members and closed by a back panel. The frame members have notched glass clips which are aligned in a plane. Display materials are front loaded into the frame unit, and a glass pane is slid into the clips. Fasteners extending from the side frame members are received in rotary lock members positioned in the top rail. The lock members are rotated to lock positions to engage heads of the fasteners to removably secure the frame assembly to the rail assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Howard Grayston Mochel
  • Patent number: 8656618
    Abstract: A frame of an electronic device is a closed frame, and made of plastic material. The frame defines one or more deformation grooves at the corners of the frame to be expanded out or inwardly narrowed for changing a size of the frame. The frame includes a positioning portion and a support portion extending from an inner surface of the positioning portion. The deformation grooves are defined in the support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bin Dai, Fa-Guang Shi
  • Patent number: 8555536
    Abstract: An art frame includes a three-dimensional supporting frame, which includes an image receiving surface and an opposed back surface, a center portion defining a perimeter, and at least three foldable extensions extending from the perimeter. Each foldable extension includes two folds to be folded toward the back surface to form a frame portion. Abutting frame portions form respective corners of the three-dimensional supporting frame. A corner mount is to be inserted into the abutting frame portions at the respective corners. Each corner mount includes first and second opposed surfaces, a shaped portion, and two corner mount foldable extensions extending from two sides of the shaped portion. Each corner mount foldable extension includes two tabs to be folded toward the first opposed surface. An adhesive layer is established on the second opposed surface and is to be adhered to the back surface of the three-dimensional supporting frame at the respective corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Christine E Steichen, Julio Cesar Alonso, Xulong Fu, Xiaoqi Zhou, David Edmondson, Ronald J Selensky
  • Patent number: 8505224
    Abstract: A frame structure for solar cell module, in which each of the four sidebars that constructs the frame structure is comprised of a bottom, a first vertical wall, a second vertical wall, a first horizontal wall and a second horizontal wall. Substantially, the present invention provides a a frame structure constructed using parts of different curvatures, that is capable of preventing any filling material from overflowing on the front side of a solar cell element during the integration of the solar cell element and the front structure, without having the so-constructed solar cell module to be processed by an additional machining process for processing the overflowed filling material after the integration, and thus not only the sidebars of the frame structure can be prevented from being broken by the stress resulting from the machining process, but also the manufacturing time required for the consequent solar cell module can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Hulk Energy Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ting-Hui Huang
  • Patent number: 8443535
    Abstract: An emergency exit indicator includes a housing and a light source received in the housing. The housing includes two first connecting arms at top and bottom thereof and two second connecting arms at lateral sides thereof. The first and second connecting arms are connected with each other by four connecting units located respectively at four corners of the housing. Each connecting unit includes a seat and two engaging tabs extending from the seat. One engaging tab is engaged with a corresponding first connecting arm, and the other is engaged with a neighboring second connecting arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tay-Jian Liu, Ying Xiong, Jian-Bing Qian
  • Patent number: 7985115
    Abstract: A panel device for use with a plurality of connectors and rods with the rods connectable to the connectors is provided. The panel device comprises a substantially planar panel member having a plurality of sides. A groove is formed along each side of the panel member. A first groove edge is positioned along one side of the groove. A second groove edge is positioned on the other side of the groove with the second groove edge extending beyond the first groove edge wherein each rod is adapted to be inserted into the groove, the first groove edge and the second groove edge releasably maintaining the rod within the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: David C. McCloskey
  • Publication number: 20110023345
    Abstract: A framing system suitable for framing artwork, drawings, pictures and the like. In one embodiment, a frame structure is formed of vertical and horizontal elements wherein a channel is formed in the top of the frame that will hold a variety of removable decorative panels, including, but not limited to mats, glass, wood, marble and fabric. The frame structure can be reused multiple times by changing the decorative panels to match new art or room decor. In one embodiment the decorative panel is made from the same mat board used in the inside mat of a double mat, that matches the color of the focal point of a picture, creating a visual progression from frame panel color to inside mat color to the picture focal point color. This frame structure & method of framing leads the viewers eye into the picture without taking attention away from the picture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Jay Ellingson
  • Patent number: 7793451
    Abstract: Display frames and methods. The display frame includes an outer frame having a substantially hollow interior. The outer frame includes a front face having an opening, a back panel spaced from the front face, and side members hingedly connecting the front face and to the back panel. An embodiment includes at least one elastic member disposed inside the hollow interior and flexibly connected to the outer frame. An embodiment includes an inner frame having a second opening, where the inner frame is disposed between and spaced from the front face and the back panel. The method includes providing a collapsible, self-expanding display frame. An embodiment includes selecting a design for the outer frame and printing the design onto the outer frame. An embodiment includes selecting a design, providing a frame cover, printing the design onto the frame cover, and after the printing, applying the frame cover to the display frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Daniel Schaiewitz
  • Patent number: 7770315
    Abstract: A system for mounting a frame (e.g., a mirror frame) allows the frame to be easily installed, securely mounted and readily replaced without damaging the mounting surface (e.g., the surrounding wall or mirror) or the frame. No tools are required to mount or unmount the frame. The mounting hardware is concealed within the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: Alan M. Bauer, Viorel Berlovan
  • Patent number: 7770351
    Abstract: A housing with a front frame which covers a housing opening, wherein the front frame is assembled from four frame legs and four corner elements. The corner elements connect the frame legs which meet each other at right angles at the corner elements, with each other. The corner elements can have two walls, extending at right angles in relation to each other, with fastening receivers for screw connections with screw receptacles in the front faces of the frame legs of the front frame. The outsides of these walls facing the frame legs have plug-in and/or snap-in elements, which can be introduced and/or snapped into the plug-in and/or snap-in receptacles of the frame legs. The walls are connected with an outer wall and a rear wall, which complete the outside and rear of the front frame, a simple assembly of the front frame and the rear wall or the basic housing structure is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Rittal GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Paul Root, Markus Neuhof
  • Patent number: 7712240
    Abstract: Do-It-Yourself angular corner structures that join universal foldable frame moulding lengths, by use of hand pressure, to create triangular, rectangular and other polygon shaped custom picture frames or custom float frames or protective covers, which are made permanent using adhesive or solvent, without the need for metallic attachment devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Jerome Gipson
  • Publication number: 20080282594
    Abstract: The invention disclosed is a portable and collapsible frame and sheet. In embodiments of the invention, the frame and sheet may be rolled into a tube for easy and safe transport or mailing. In an embodiment of the invention, the frame comprises at least two pairs of elongate members, each elongate member having two ends, each pair of elongate members having at least one pre-attached sheet extending between members of the pair, and each end of each elongate member is adapted for fixed attachment to at least one end of another elongate member, wherein, in an assembled condition, a display is formed with at least partially overlapping sheets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Michael James Swavola, II
  • Patent number: 7313880
    Abstract: A connecting device for frame members of a frame which facilitates setting and replacement of a showpiece to the frame particularly by devising how to attach a corner member and a frame member is provided. A connecting device for connecting each corner portion of a plurality of frame members constituting a frame such as a picture frame, a poster frame, a jigsaw puzzle frame, and so on is constituted of: a base to which an end portion of each of the frame members is attached to be rotatable in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction thereof; a locking means attached to the base for locking each frame member in an inwardly closed state; and a corner member with a smoothed corner which forms each corner portion of the frame, wherein the corner member is swingably attached to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Daisan Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Yuji Yamagishi
  • Patent number: 6928762
    Abstract: A fillet sub-framing system for art work is disclosed. The system includes four right-angled brackets and four lengths of fillet. Each bracket has two arms forming exteriorly open envelopes flexibly configured to accept the end portion of a fillet. Together the brackets and fillets form a rectangular sub-frame which may be used in combination with a conventional frame and matte to decoratively set-off art work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Marc Mehrdad Fattahi
  • Patent number: 6898886
    Abstract: An adjustable frame for displaying three dimensional objects includes a peripheral border unit having segments with a front face and a channel extending along the segments, a side face formed integrally with the front face, keys for interconnecting the segments, a back panel, a retainer tab for contacting an outer surface of the back panel, a fastener including a head for retention within the channel and an elongated shank extending from the head for adjustably engaging the retainer tab along the shank and securing the back panel to the peripheral border unit. An outer surface of the front face of each segment having an ornamentally attractive façade. The frame may further include a second channel extending along the frame having an opening facing the back panel, a side panel for insertion in the second channel and extending from the front face toward the back panel to form a shadow box within the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Lawrence G Montecalvo
  • Patent number: 6658778
    Abstract: A structural joint for connecting picture frames members together includes a base plate slidably residing in a channel of a first picture frame member and includes a ramped surface. A wedge plate slidably resides between the base plate and a top bearing surface of the frame and includes its own ramped surface where the ramped surface of the wedge plate is arranged in an opposite direction to the ramped surface of the base plate. The wedge plate is moved toward the base plate to cause the ramp of the base plate to bear on the ramp of the wedge plate to urge the base plate apart from the wedge plate creating a friction fit within the channel of the picture frame member thus securing the base plate relative to the frame. A second wedge plate is also provided for engagement with a second ramp on the base plate to further secure a second picture frame member to the first picture frame member, such as at a ninety degree angle relative thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Craft, Inc.
    Inventor: Armand E. Roy
  • Publication number: 20030145502
    Abstract: A structural joint for connecting picture frames members together includes a base plate slidably residing in a channel of a first picture frame member and includes a ramped surface. A wedge plate slidably resides between the base plate and a top bearing surface of the frame and includes its own ramped surface where the ramped surface of the wedge plate is arranged in an opposite direction to the ramped surface of the base plate. The wedge plate is moved toward the base plate to cause the ramp of the base plate to bear on the ramp of the wedge plate to urge the base plate apart from the wedge plate creating a friction fit within the channel of the picture frame member thus securing the base plate relative to the frame. A second wedge plate is also provided for engagement with a second ramp on the base plate to further secure a second picture frame member to the first picture frame member, such as at a ninety degree angle relative thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Armand E. Roy
  • Patent number: 6546660
    Abstract: A structural joint for connecting picture frames members together includes a base plate slidably residing in a channel of a first picture frame member and includes a ramped surface. A wedge plate slidably resides between the base plate and a top bearing surface of the frame and includes its own ramped surface where the ramped surface of the wedge plate is arranged in an opposite direction to the ramped surface of the base plate. The wedge plate is moved toward the base plate to cause the ramp of the base plate to bear on the ramp of the wedge plate to urge the base plate apart from the wedge plate creating a friction fit within the channel of the picture frame member thus securing the base plate relative to the frame. A second wedge plate is also provided for engagement with a second ramp on the base plate to further secure a second picture frame member to the first picture frame member, such as at a ninety degree angle relative thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Craft, Inc.
    Inventor: Armand E Roy
  • Publication number: 20030046848
    Abstract: A structural joint for connecting picture frames members together includes a base plate slidably residing in a channel of a first picture frame member and includes a ramped surface. A wedge plate slidably resides between the base plate and a top bearing surface of the frame and includes its own ramped surface where the ramped surface of the wedge plate is arranged in an opposite direction to the ramped surface of the base plate. The wedge plate is moved toward the base plate to cause the ramp of the base plate to bear on the ramp of the wedge plate to urge the base plate apart from the wedge plate creating a friction fit within the channel of the picture frame member thus securing the base plate relative to the frame. A second wedge plate is also provided for engagement with a second ramp on the base plate to further secure a second picture frame member to the first picture frame member, such as at a ninety degree angle relative thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Armand E. Roy
  • Patent number: 6405467
    Abstract: A frame assembly for displaying artwork. The frame assembly has interconnected top, bottom and side frame members and a bottom member connected to the side members to form a precursor article receiving assembly for slidably receiving the artwork. The top frame member is releasably interconnected with the precursor assembly by a novel, easy-to-use corner joining device which is of a simple construction that can be easily operated without the need for any type of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: David Dedlow
  • Patent number: 6339891
    Abstract: A picture frame comprises mitred metallic frame sections, each of which has a locking channel and a rearwardly facing opening, and a corner piece in each corner of the frame to lock adjacent frame sections together. Each corner piece comprises an L-shaped locking plate and an L-shaped backing plate, with the legs of each plate extending into the locking channels of adjacent frame section. In one embodiment, each locking plate has a single threaded aperture at the junction of the two legs which form the L and a screw extending through the aperture into engagement with the associated backing plate. The screw is accessible through the rearwardly facing opening of adjacent frame sections at their mitred junction. In a second embodiment, a cam positioned at the junction of the legs of the two plates is rotated to force the plates apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Nielsen & Bainbridge L.L.C.
    Inventor: Eugene Cox
  • Patent number: 6101753
    Abstract: A photo receiving device includes four side rails with four corner members joining the side rails to form a rectangular frame, each of the side rails having a dove-tailed groove defined therein in which a plurality of pressing members and a hanger are movably and rotatably received. Each of the pressing members and the hanger has an ellipse shank which is sized to be movably received in or securely engaged with the dove-tailed groove by rotation. Each of the side rails has a flange extending from an inner side thereof so as to support a board mounted thereto which is pressed by the pressing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Yih-Shan Shieh
  • Patent number: 6089778
    Abstract: A joint has a plurality of synthetic resin hollow tubes inserted a plurality of resin-coated steel pipes which are formed by applying a coating resin on a surface of a thin wall steel pipe and are formed with at least one pair of fitting ribs extending in an axial direction on the coating resin for holding an edge of a partitioning body, in order to connect the resin-coated steel pipes in an intersecting fashion. The joint also includes slits which permit a pair of fitting ribs of the resin-coated steel pipes therethrough, are formed on reentrant side of at least adjacent two hollow tubes among a plurality of hollow tubes at positions in one plane extending across respective axes of the hollow tubes and extending over the entire length, and cover ribs which are formed integrally with the hollow tubes and extending along both sides of the entire length of the slits for covering outer side surfaces of a pair of fitting ribs of the resin-coated steel pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Yazaki Industrial Chemical Co., LTD
    Inventors: Seiji Hirano, Asao Shoda
  • Patent number: 5938365
    Abstract: A tubular frame having a plurality of tubular members and a backing member. The tubular members are held together by round corner members. The corner members have hollow tubular insertion members or legs at one end and "X" or "cross-shaped" insertion members or legs at the other end in order to mate with adjacent tubular frame members. The two insertion members are adapted to be joined to a tubular member in only certain orientations which assists in manufacturing and assembly. The tubular frame members also have elongated channels on one side for mating with the backing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventors: Ronald E. Grewe, David J. Muir
  • Patent number: 5819458
    Abstract: A length of picture frame moulding which includes an elongate member extending the length of the picture frame moulding. An element is carried longitudinally by the elongate member for reinforcing the elongate member against bending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: David M. Hadden
  • Patent number: 5799430
    Abstract: A one-piece frame corner joining apparatus for joining two picture frame members at a predetermined angle to form a frame corner. The frame members are preferably standard aluminum frames having a longitudinal channel for receiving corner hardware. The joining apparatus includes first and second legs disposed at the predetermined angle relative to each other, each leg receivable in a corresponding frame member channel. Each leg includes a top side and a bottom side, a bore, a screw received in the bore, and a tab portion connected to the bottom side of the leg. The tab portion is formed of a strip of the leg that is bent back over the bore and spaced apart from the leg such that the screw, when tightened, deflects the tab downward to frictionally engage the leg with the corresponding frame member channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Greg Fremstad
  • Patent number: 5735068
    Abstract: Quick-assembly picture frames constructed from mitered frame sections (2) have unsightly join lines (6) at their corners. The appearance of such frames is enhanced by fitting a decorative corner unit (8) onto the frame corners which conceals join line (6). The corner unit is secured to the frame e.g. by tightening a grub-screw threaded through a wall (12) of the unit (8) against the rear surface (5) of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Esselte Pendaflex Corporation
    Inventor: Vazgen John Houssian
  • Patent number: 5735069
    Abstract: A frame assembly has a backing board and elongate frame members positioned end-to-end around the periphery of the backing board. Each frame number has an edge member, with a pair of limbs positioned on opposite sides of the edge of the backing board, and clamp elements. Each clamp element has a formation which urges the limbs apart to induce a stress in the edge member which, in turn, urges the clamp elements towards the backing board. The formations of the clamp elements and the complementary edge portions of the edge member define retaining formations which retain the clamp elements captive between the edge member and the board and permit pivotal displacement of the clamp elements. The clamp elements have gripping formations configured to facilitate displacement of the clamp elements from their closed positions towards their open positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Rob Gearing & Associates (Proprietary) Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert Edwin Gearing