Abstract: A frame assembly for supporting a flat article. In one aspect, the frame assembly may include a stack including a transparent window panel and a frame. The frame may include a floor structure for supporting the stack and an outer annular wall coupled to and surrounding the floor structure, the outer annular wall including a plurality of corners, an outer surface defining a periphery of the frame, an inner surface defining a display cavity, and a front edge that defines a display opening configured to allow the stack to pass therethrough into the display cavity. The inner surface of the outer annular wall may include a plurality of recessed regions, each of the recessed regions encompassing one of the corners of the outer annular wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retaining system for handling substrate stacks, including a retaining surface for retaining a first substrate, and one or more recesses provided relative to the retaining surface, for retaining first magnetic bodies for securing the first substrate relative to a second substrate that is aligned with the first substrate. Second magnetic bodies are applied on a holding side of the second substrate.

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.

Abstract: A picture frame molding according to one embodiment includes an elongated body that has an exterior wall, a first channel formed therein for receiving a first member, and a second channel formed therein for receiving a second member. The first and second channels are at least substantially parallel to one another. The elongated body also includes an interior angled wall that is joined to the exterior wall and is formed at an angle thereto. The interior angled wall includes a track that receives an object, such as matboard. The track faces away from the exterior wall and is formed between and at an angle to the first and second channels.

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.

Abstract: A light film apparatus having an illuminated graphics panel with at least two segments that can be individually powered. A controller manages a power which is delivered from a power supply to each of the segments, so that each of the segments is either powered on, powered off or powered to an intermediate level. With the independent control of power to the different segments, it is possible to create a three-dimensional appearance of a moving image from a generally two-dimensional panel arrangement. A housing can be mounted so that the graphics panel abuts or is closely mounted to a mounting surface.

Abstract: A thin, illuminatable graphic support assembly comprising an elongated base rail having an elongated first edge and an elongated second edge; an elongated cover rail having an elongated planar portion arranged along one edge thereof, and an elongated “J” shaped portion arranged along a second edge thereof, the elongated cover rail pivotable between an open orientation and a closed graphic or panel restraining position; an elongated receiving channel arranged in the elongated second edge of the base rail, with a biasing member arranged therein, and a fixture support first channel and a fixture support second channel on an outer lower side of the base rail, to enable the illuminable graphic support assembly to be selectively secured to a wall.

Abstract: A flexible, scalable multiple frame topology system capable of a wide range of multiple frame geometric topologies. Specifically a series of photographs, a series of photographic letters, or any series of flat, semi-flat, or three-dimensional display objects are displayable in a wide variety of display geometries: a horizontal line of frames, multiple, stacked, horizontal lines of frames, a vertical array of frames, multiple vertical arrays of frames, staggered arrays of frames, diagonal arrays of frames, crossword arrays of frames, and any combinations thereof. Also the disclosed display method is capable of displaying three-dimensional objects on shelves, or glass display cases, shadow boxes, on hooks, interlocking into the display cases—and the geometric display can mix a number of different display frames, for instance, a series of flat framed items with a three dimensional objects at each end of the array.

Abstract: A picture frame moulding according to one embodiment includes an elongated body that has an exterior wall, a first channel formed therein for receiving a first member, and a second channel formed therein for receiving a second member. The first and second channels are at least substantially parallel to one another. The elongated body also includes an interior angled wall that is joined to the exterior wall and is formed at an angle thereto. The interior angled wall includes a track that receives an object, such as matboard. The track faces away from the exterior wall and is formed between and at an angle to the first and second channels.

Abstract: An elongated abuttable snap frame arrangement for biasably, removably, capturing a display graphic support and for display thereof, the arrangement comprising: an elongated base panel, an elongated cover that is flexibly attached to the base panel at its upper edge, and an elongated hinge member flexibly attached to the elongated base panel and the elongated cover, the cover able to rotate from a parallel closed position to a generally perpendicular open position without interfering with adjacent objects or other abutting snap frame arrangements.

Abstract: A thin, graphic support assembly comprising an elongated base rail and an elongated cover rail which come together around a board to form four sides of a frame. A spring mechanism is fully captured after the base rail and cover rail are assembled together, and the angle and position of the spring channel allows the hinge location to be at the top/outer edge of the frame. The elongated base rail and elongated cover rail can be oriented in a parallel relationship when closed for capturing a display panel or a perpendicular relationship when open for inserting or removing a display panel.

Abstract: A banner mounting assembly 10 is disclosed. The banner mounting assembly 10 includes a frame assembly 11 having a top frame 12 and a bottom frame 14 disposed beneath the top frame. The top frame 12 has four sections 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d, and the bottom frame 14 has four corresponding sections 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d. Clamp assemblies 20 disposed on each bottom frame section 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d of the frame assembly 11 secure a banner 16 or other advertisement media to the frame assembly 11 after the banner 16 has been disposed within the frame assembly 11. Each of the top frame sections 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d is hinged to the corresponding bottom frame sections 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d, thereby allowing the top frame sections 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d to be moved between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: A visual display has front and rear display panels and a surrounding frame. The display is configured to be supported by and between rows of gaming machine by first and second downwardly extending support legs, the legs each having transverse stop plates extending in cantilever manner from opposite sides of the vertical support legs at a position spaced above the lower ends of the legs. The frame supports pivotal clamps for clamping signage over the display panels. In one embodiment, the display panels are illuminated. In a thin configuration of the sign, the front and rear panels are arranged back-to-back and are edge lit.

Abstract: A poster mounting apparatus includes an elongate mounting member (2) in the form of a hinge with a longitudinal hinge axis, having a movable leaf (9) and a fixed leaf (11) which is securable to a support. The movable leaf (9) has a longitudinal groove (23) for receiving a bar-like portion (28) provided on an edge of a poster (24) and is pivotable about the hinge axis between an open position, in which the bar-like portion can be inserted into and removed from the groove (23), and a closed position, in which the groove (23) opens in a direction away from the main part of the poster (24) so that the bar-like portion is retained in the groove. The movable leaf (9) is releasably connectable to the fixed leaf (11) to maintain the movable leaf in the closed position. An elongate edging element (26) for the poster comprises an extrusion having a strip-like portion (27) for connection to an edge portion of the poster and a bar-like portion (28) for connection to the poster mounting apparatus.

Abstract: A sign system with a frame and at least one sign. The sign has at least one protruding ridge extending from the backside with the ridge having a narrow neck portion proximate the backside. At least one clamping unit is fixed to the frame with at least one pair of clamps to securely the neck portion of the ridge such that the frame is reversibly but securely fastened to the frame.

Abstract: This is a picture frame with one open side, a vision panel in front and hanging system at the back. This frame displays 2 and 3 dimensional pictures and artwork. The design includes a slot feature for receiving paper and card without the need for opening the frame front or back. The range of frames can display single and multiple artworks at the same time, in portrait or landscape orientations.

Abstract: A mounting and framing apparatus and system are disclosed in which displayed items such as graphics, photographs, mattes, paintings or the like are positioned between multiple transparent plates of glass or plastic to impart a sense of depth thereto, clamping bars apply a compressive force to the transparent plates for holding the displayed items in place, and decorative members are provided for adding aesthetic appeal.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a wall portion having an opening defined by an opening edge portion that surrounds the opening. The opening defines an opening width and an opening height and the opening edge portion, at least in part, is generally defined by a first plane. The apparatus also includes a face frame portion having an outer frame edge, an inner frame edge, a first frame surface, a generally opposing second frame surface. The apparatus further includes a recessed portion having a first outer peripheral edge surrounding a central recess. The recessed portion at least partially extends into the opening. The inner frame edge includes a peripheral bead for at least partially guiding a working tool as a compound is applied to at least a portion of the first frame surface. The second frame surface selectively abuts the opening edge portion.

Abstract: A snap frame assembly for engagably supporting a one or double sided planar display panel, comprising an elongated extruded carrier frame having an elongated housing with a central opening therein, an elongated extruded front plate slidably mounted on an elongated rigid member extending from the housing, and an elongated pivotable member flexibly attached to the housing by an elongated commonly extruded hinge. The front plate has an upper channel member which rotatively pivots on an arm extending from the housing and has a lower channel member which pivots together with a curved housing plate which comprises a portion of the housing of the carrier frame.

Abstract: A dual sided integral composite image product and method of make same. The image product includes a first support substrate having a separate image layer thereon and a second support substrate having separate image layer thereon. The second support substrate being secured to the first support substrate so as to form the dual sided integral composite image product. A fold line is provided on said image product about which the integral composite image product may be folded.

Abstract: A peripheral framing system for mounting and displaying a poster or other sheet material. The framing system requires no rigid backing since the framing elements themselves serve to support the poster or other displayed object. The system is comprised of a base structure, a clamping structure and, if desired, a protective translucent covering. The base structure includes several elongated frame members, each of which extends between a pair of angled ends. The ends of adjacent base frame members join together by means of a mortise and tenon to form a rectangular base frame when assembled. The clamping structure comprises several clamping members, one for each of the frame members, with each of the clamping members having a plurality of pegs. The base frame members, translucent cover, and displayed object each have an equal number of holes to receive the pegs.

Abstract: The process for making a picture frame having printed border artwork on a transparent front panel with irregular outer and inner edges and having an attached rear panel having a picture frame folding stand therein. The process includes the printing of border art on a sheet of a material having a covered pressure sensitive adhesive backing and attaching it to the front panel. The front panel is then laser cut along the computer marked cut path to cut along the outside and inside edges of the printed border artwork while cutting a window therein. The cutout window is removed and a thin transparent polymer sheet is attached thereover. A picture frame back is cut with a foldout stand and is attached to the front panel to form the picture frame.

Abstract: Picture frame member comprising a first support flange for an edge portion of a picture and a second flange which encloses a dihedral angle with the first flange to laterally hold the edge portion, the second flange being pivotally connected—adjacent its end turned away from the first flange—a press strip which is movable from an inoperative position outside the dihedral angle towards an operative position within the dihedral angle. The second flange is in the form of a rectangular box, where the outer upstanding wall is extended—in a direction turned away from the first flange—by a flange portion that has its free longitudinal edge connected to the press strip. The press strip is provided with a snap engagement that engages—in the operative press position of the press strip—a complementary snap engagement on the inner side of the flange portion.

Abstract: A license plate frame for use, in combination, with a toy license plate, includes upper and lower horizontally extending sections and vertically disposed end sections extending between and integrally connected to the opposite ends of the horizontally extending sections. Each of the horizontally extending sections and end sections has a frontal wall that is substantially parallel to the plane of the license plate frame, and an outer enclosure wall extending rearwardly from the plane of the license plate frame. The frontal walls have a front surface and an opposing rear surface. The front and rear surfaces each terminate at an inner edge and an outer edge. The inner edges cooperate to form a display aperture. An inner frame wall extending rearwardly from the rear surface of each of the frontal walls, between the inner edge and the outer enclosure wall. At least two plate retaining flanges extend inwardly from the inner frame terminal edge.

Abstract: A frame element assembly suitable for forming the frame of a display holder, the frame element assembly having a base portion and a retaining leaf, the retaining leaf being pivotally mounted with respect to the base portion, the retaining leaf being held in a pivotal arrangement by a bow spring, the assembly being adapted such that in use the retaining leaf can pivot between an “open” position in which display material can be inserted or removed from the display holder and a “closed” position in which display material is retained within the display holder. The assembly is adapted such that the retaining leaf is removably mounted with respect to the pivot arrangement when the display holder is in its assembled state.

Abstract: A figure of an animated creature for retaining and visually displaying a picture. The figure has a body with a front side upon which means for retaining and visually displaying the picture are disposed. The means for retaining and visually displaying has a transparent outer cover for displaying the picture.

Abstract: A display device for holding and displaying a document constituted by a thin sheet, the display device being composed of: a frame member enclosing a display area; at least one holding element for holding the document so that at least a portion of the document is visible in the display area; and support elements for supporting the frame member in an upright orientation on a horizontal support surface, wherein the at least one holding element is integral with the frame member.

Abstract: A picture frame is provided including a frame and a backing. The picture frame includes a plurality of side members which are coupled to each other to define a picture receiving region. Each side member has a flange and an interior wall. The flange is located at a front face of the frame and projects into the picture receiving region. The flange has a back surface which is perpendicular to the interior wall. The backing removably retains a picture in the picture receiving region. The picture frame further includes at least one flexible tab extending generally perpendicularly from the interior wall of at least one side member. The tab retains the backing in the frame and is spaced apart from the back surface of the flange by a distance at least equal to a thickness of the backing. When the backing is inserted into the frame, each tab bends towards the flange to allow the backing to pass by.

Abstract: A mail holder for a message board having a retaining grip, an elongate rear portion extending from the retaining grip, a bottom portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the elongate rear portion, and an elongate front portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the bottom portion towards the retaining grip, the rear, bottom, and front portions defining a cavity for retaining one or more planar objects therein. The front portion may be biased to provide a slight clamping force towards the rear portion to retain the planar objects between the front and rear portions. The rear portion may be substantially flat and the front portion curved towards the rear portion as it extends away from the bottom portion. The bottom portion may have waves formed therein extending generally parallel to the front and rear portions. The retaining grip has a substantially "C" shape, including a substantially flat portion extending between front and rear portions.

Abstract: A picture frame and frame assembly are provided which preferably includes a transparent sheet defining picture covering, a picture positionally aligned adjacent the picture covering for viewing therethrough, and a backing sheet member positioned to underlie back portions of the picture and to support front portions of the picture against the picture covering, and a frame body integrally formed from a unitary piece of a soft, pliable material. The frame body of the invention preferably has a front portion which includes a first opening formed therein arranged for viewing a picture therethrough and a back portion which includes a second opening formed therein positionally aligned with the first opening. The second opening receives the picture covering, the picture, and the backing sheet member therein.

Abstract: A frame, including a plurality of frame elements 1 and at least one connecting corner element 5 on which the frame elements 1 are mounted in intersected relation, is provided to form a readily accessed enclosure to accommodate therein an article, a glass plate to allow viewing of the article, a backing plate at the rear and an illumination louver. At least one of the frame elements 1 is mounted to the connecting corner element 5 for relative angular movement therebetween, to facilitate easy opening of the enclosure and access to the space defined therein.

Abstract: A framed picture is constructed for protecting a frame thereof from damage such as when knocked over on a desk or table. The framed picture preferably includes a transparent sheet defining a picture covering, a picture positionally aligned adjacent the picture covering for viewing therethrough, and a backing sheet member positioned to underlie back portions of the picture and to support front portions of the picture against the picture covering, and a frame body integrally formed from a unitary piece of a soft, pliable material. The frame body preferably has a front portion which includes a first opening formed therein arranged for viewing a picture therethrough and a back portion which includes a second opening formed therein positionally aligned with the first opening. The second opening receives the picture covering, the picture, and the backing sheet member therein.

Abstract: Various two-part articles, such as metal trading cards, which safely and advantageously combine a metal substrate having front and rear sides, and an insert sheet made of metal, glass or plastic. In some embodiments, both the metal substrate and a metal insert sheet are embossed. The metal substrate includes a central main portion, four edge marginal portions terminating in respective substrate edges, and four corner marginal portions. The marginal portions surround the central main portion, sharing respective boundaries therewith, and are rolled towards the substrate rear side and around such that the substrate edges contact the insert sheet so as to hold the insert sheet in position. The rolled marginal portions together define a continuous bead around the periphery of the card without any exposed sharp edges. In some embodiments the rolled edges are replaced by hinge sleeves.