[0001] The present invention relates to a frame for mounting a picture or the like, e.g.
a photograph or a card, which does not necessarily incorporate pictorial matter.
[0002] From GB.416,150 there is known an arrangement for mounting photographs, postcards
and the like in which a sheet of cardboard is provided with four corner slots to retain
an inserted photograph and a further slot which can be bent relative to the rest of
the sheet to provide a support for the mount. This disclosure corresponds to the introductory
part of claim 1.
[0003] The present invention seeks to provide an improved mounting arrangement for pictures,
photographs and the like.
[0004] According to the present invention there is provided a frame for mounting a picture
or the like comprising a thin sheet of material having first slot means through the
material of the sheet and arranged to receive and hold edges of an inserted picture
or the like and second slot means arranged to define a portion of the sheet which
can be bent relative to the rest of the sheet to provide a support for the frame,
characterised in that the first slot means is defined by one or more slots extending
substantially along the whole length of one or more edges of the frame.
[0005] An advantage of this is that a picture frame complete with support member is formed
from a single sheet of material. The slots may be formed by a simple stamping operation.
[0006] Furthermore there is a range of sizes of the picture which can be accommodated by
each frame. The dimensions of the picture are not strictly limited as with conventional
mounting arrangements. Moreover, if trimming of the picture is necessary, any untidy
trimmed edges may be concealed by the outer portion of the frame.
[0007] In addition there is the possibility of moving around a picture within the frame
to highlight a desired part. The frame also permits the provision of a decorative
framing edge for the picture.
[0008] The first slot preferably defines inner and outer parts of the frame and the material
of the sheet may be resilient so that the inner and outer parts are resiliently biassed
towards a coplanar position.
[0009] An advantage of this is that no special catch or other means is needed to hold together
the inner and outer parts and thus to retain a picture etc in position. Because the
frame is of thin sheet material, the picture is not damaged by being caught between
the edges of the inner and outer frame parts. When bending the support portion relative
to the rest of the frame, the elastic limit of the material at the connection of the
support is passed so that the support remains in its bent out position.
[0010] The frame is preferably made of a sheet of metal, for example brass. An advantage
of this is that material may be selectively removed from the outer frame part to give
a decorative effect without impairing the rigidity of the frame.
[0011] The first slot means may be defined by a single continuous slot or by two generally
parallel slots. The second slot means preferably comprises a single generally U-shaped
slot which defines a tab portion which can be bent out of the plane of the rest of
the sheet to define a support for the frame.
[0012] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example
only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:
Fig. 1 shows a front view of a frame in accordance with a first embodiment of the
present invention;
Fig. 2 shows a schematic side view of the frame of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 shows a front view of a frame in accordance with a second embodiment of the
present invention;
Fig. 4 shows a front view of a frame in accordance with a third embodiment of the
present invention; and
Fig. 5 shows a schematic side view of the frame of Fig. 4.
[0013] Referring now to the drawings Figs. 1 and 2 show a frame 10 comprising a metal sheet.
The sheet is cut or stamped to from a generally arch-shaped first slot 11 and a generally
U-shaped second slot 12. This divides the sheet into an outer portion 15, an intermediate
portion 16 and a portion 17 which , as shown in Fig. 2 is bent out of the plane of
the rest of the sheet to form a rearwardly-extending support for the frame. Selected
parts of the outer portion 15 are removed to provide a pattern giving a decorative
effect. The outer portion 15 serves as a frame around a picture (not shown) inserted
into the gap 18 formed between portions 15 and 16. The shape of slot 11 determines
which part of the picture is visible from the front and which parts are concealed
behind portion 15. The size of gap 18 is exaggerated in Fig. 2; in practice portion
15 and 16 are substantially coplanar. In use the frame is positioned with the bottom
of outer portion 15 and the bottom of support portion 17 resting on a generally flat
surface.
[0014] Fig. 3 shows a metal frame 20 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention having a first slot 21 having sections which define substantially three
sides of a rectangle. The slot 21 defines an outer frame portion 25 and an intermediate
portion 26. A second slot 22 defines a support 27 for the frame. A side view of frame
20 would be substantially identical to Fig. 2.
[0015] Fig. 4 shows a metal frame 30 in accordance with a third embodiment of the present
invention. The first slot of the previous embodiments is replaced by two oppositely
facing and generally parallel slots 31a, 31b. A generally U-shaped slot 32 is also
provided.
[0016] The slots divide the sheet into an outer portion 35, an intermediate portion 36 and
support portion 37. Selected parts of the outer portion 35 are removed to provide
a pattern giving a decorative effect. The ends of slots 31a, 31b are also shaped to
give a decorative effect. The outer portion 35 serves as a frame around a picture
(not shown) inserted sideways into slots 31a, 31b. The separation of portions 35 and
36 is slightly exaggerated in Fig. 5; in practice the portions are substantially coplanar.
[0017] Various modifications can be made to the above described embodiments. Although the
frames are preferably made of metal, they may alternatively be made of plastics such
as P.V.C., card or any other suitable material. In each case the material is preferably
resilient so that the parts defining the first slot are resiliently biassed towards
a coplanar position. When forming the slots it is optional whether material is removed
from the frame. The shape of the slots may be selected as desired. Besides or as well
as being patterned by removal of material, the outer portion may be coloured.
[0018] Although in the above-described embodiments the hinge or connection portion of the
support 17,27,37 has been at the top, it can alternatively be provided at the bottom.
In this case the support is bent substantially perpendicular to the rest of the frame.
If desired portions 15,16 and 25,26 could be connected together at the top instead
of at the bottom.
1. A frame (10,20,30) for mounting a picture or the like comprising a thin sheet of
material having first slot means (11,21,31a,31b) through the material of the sheet
and arranged to receive and hold edges of an inserted picture or the like and second
slot means (12,22,32)arranged; to define a portion (17,27,37) of the sheet which can
be bent relative to the rest of the sheet to provide a support for the frame, characterised
in that the first slot means is defined by one or more slots extending substantially
along the whole length of one or more edges of the frame.
2. A frame according to claim 1 wherein the first slot means defines inner and outer
parts (16,15; 26.25; 36,35) of the frame and the material of the sheet is resilient
so that the inner and outer parts are resiliently biassed towards asubstantiallycoplanar
position.
3. A frame according to claim 2 wherein the sheet material is a resilient metal.
4. A frame according to claim 2 wherein the sheet is of a resilient plastics material.
5. A frame according to any preceding claim wherein the first slot means are constituted
by a single slot (11,21) extending substantially along the whole length of three edges
of the frame.
6. A frame according to any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the first slot means is constituted
by two slots (31a, 31b) extending substantially along the whole length of two opposite
edges of the frame.
7. A frame according to any preceding claim wherein the first slot means is shaped
to provide one or more decorative edges for an inserted picture.