Picture frame

Abstract

 A picture frame (10) has two transparent sheets of perspex (12) bordered by an extrusion (14). The extrusion (14) is substantially U shaped in cross section with the arms biased inwardly. A picture is mounted on the picture frame 10.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a picture frame.

[0002] In the prior art picture frames having a wooden surround for a transparent sheet of glass, perspex or the like are well known. The picture to be framed is held by a backing sheet which is attached by means of an adhesive, rails or the like to the frame. The manufacture and assembly of these frames is a time consuming operation.

[0003] It is an object of the invention to provide a picture frame which mitigates some of the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0004] According to the invention a picture frame includes a framing member having an open channel formation provided with resilient side walls which frictionally engage a peripheral zone of a sheet member associated with the picture.

[0005] In a preferred form of the invention the framing member comprises an elongate substantially U shaped channel having side walls which tend to converge inwardly. Preferably the channel comprises an extrusion formed from a plastics material.

[0006] The sheet member preferably comprises glass, perspex plastics or the like which is transparent. Preferably two transparent sheet members are provided and these are held in position by the framing members.

[0007] The picture frame preferably is rectangular in configuration and a picture, photograph or the like is sandwiched between two sheets. A peripheral clear zone is preferably formed around the picture. The edges of the sheets are clad with the framing member with one of the side walls abutting the front sheet and the other the rear sheet.

[0008] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a kit for a picture frame including a framing member having an open channel formation with resilient side walls and at least one sheet member.

[0009] An embodiment of the invention is described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a picture frame according to the invention;
and

Figure 2 is a section taken alone lines II - II of Figure 1.

[0010] Referring to the drawings a picture frame 10 has two transparent sheets of perspex 12 bordered by an extrusion 14.

[0011] The perspex sheets 12 are of equal diamensions and in use sandwich between them a picture, photograph or the like (not seen in the drawings).

[0012] the extrusion 14 comprises a length of polyvinylchloride plastics material having resilient arms 16 which tend to be biased inwardly. The ends of the extrusion 14 are mitred at 45° angles.

[0013] During assembly a picture to be framed is sandwiched between two sheets 12 which are larger than the picture. Four lengths of extrusions 14 are then located on the edges of the sheets 12 by frictional engagement. As both sheets 12 are transparent a border around the picture is formed by the background against which the frame is positioned.

[0014] The picture frame may be presented in fully assembled form or as a kit for the purchaser to assemble.

Claims

1. A picture frame including a framing member (14) having an open channel formation provided with resilient side walls (16) which frictionally engage a peripheral zone of a sheet member (12) associated with the picture.

2. A picture frame according to claim 1 in which the framing member (14) comprises an elongate substantially U shaped channel having side walls (16) which tend to converge invwardly.

3. A picture frame according to claim 2 in which the channel comprises an extrusion formed from a plastics material.

4. A picture frame according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the sheet member (12) comprises glass, perspex plastics or the like which is transparent.

5. A picture frame according to any one of claims 1 to 4 in which two transparent sheet members (12) are provided, these being held in position by the framing members (14).

6. A picture frame according to any one of claims 1 to 5 which is rectangular in configuration and a picture, photograph of the like is sandwiched between two sheets (12).

7. A picture frame according to claim 6 which includes a peripheral clear zone formed around the picture.

8. A picture frame according to claim 7 in which the edges of the sheets (12) are clad with the framing member (14) with one of the side walls (16) abutting the front sheet (12) and the other (16) the rear sheet (12).

9. A kit for a picture frame (10) including a framing member (14) having an open channel formation with resilient side walls (16) and at least one sheet member (12).

Drawing