The present invention relates to a borderless frame for photographs, prints and the like, with simplified packaging.
As is known, so-called borderless frames are currently commercially available and generally are provided by means of a panel-like backing element, which is typically made of cellulose-based wood-like material, known commercially by the trade name Masonite®, on which a pane of optically transparent material, which can be made of glass or plastics, is superimposed.
In order to couple the transparent pane to the panel-like backing element, elastic clips are generally used which have an end that can be coupled to the edge of the transparent pane and another end that enters with a snap action in millings provided parallel to the edge of the panel-like element.
Such embodiment allows to couple easily the transparent pane and the backing element, but has exposed corners, and therefore during packaging for sale it is necessary to provide blocks made of expanded material that have the function of protecting the corner regions to avoid damage thereto.
Another drawback of the solution described above further consists in that it is necessary to provide millings, therefore with significant machining times; such millings must be performed with great precision in order to allow correct operation of the elastic clips that retain the glass pane.
The aim of the invention is to solve the problems described above by providing a borderless frame for photographs, prints and the like with simplified packaging, which allows to protect the corners of the frame without having to resort to the use of blocks of expanded material, which are moreover an element that requires subsequent disposal.
Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a frame in which the corners are not accessible, consequently having the advantage of better complying with accident prevention regulations.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a borderless frame for photographs, prints and the like with simplified packaging which, thanks to its particular constructive characteristics, is capable of giving the greatest assurances of reliability and safety in use.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a borderless frame for photographs, prints and the like with simplified packaging that can be obtained easily starting from commonly commercially available elements and materials and is also competitive from a merely economical standpoint.
This aim, and these and other objects that will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a borderless frame for photographs, prints and the like with simplified packaging according to claim 1.
Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become better apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a borderless frame for photographs, prints and the like, with simplified packaging, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:
With reference to the figures, the borderless frame for photographs, prints and the like, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, comprises a panel-like backing element 2, which can be made of any material deemed appropriate and typically is made of a material known commercially as Masonite®, mdf (medium-density fiberboard), and others.
The size of the panel-like backing element may be any according to the requirements.
A pane 3 made of optically transparent material is superimposed on the panel-like backing element 2 and can be made of glass, plastics and the like; it is optionally also possible to apply a mirror.
The peculiarity of the invention consists in that bracket-like bodies are provided which can be arranged so as to straddle the edge of the panel-like element 2 and of the pane 3 so as to firmly fasten together the panel-like element 2 and the pane 3 with the photograph, print or the like arranged in the frame.
According to what is shown in
The edges 11 are associated with a central portion 12, which is arranged at right angles to the plane formed by the edges 11 and is connected to a rear edge 13, which lies substantially parallel to the edges 11.
The angular bracket-like body, which advantageously is made of optically transparent material, can be arranged so as to straddle the edge of the panel-like element 2 and of the pane 3 at the corner regions.
In order to make the coupling stable, there are means for fastening the bracket-like body 10 on the panel-like element 2, which are provided by means of a through seat 20 that is formed on the rear edge 13, in which it is possible to insert a fastening screw 21, which advantageously has an expanded head 22 for manual actuation, optionally provided with a cross-shaped recess 23 for actuation by means of a tool.
The fastening screw 21 has a tip 24 which in practice engages the panel-like backing element 2, achieving both the locking of the angular bracket-like body on the frame and the mutual fastening between the pane 3 retained by the front edges 11 and the panel-like backing element 2, which is firmly pressed.
On the rear edge 13 there is at least one contact protrusion 30, which is laterally adjacent to the fastening screw 21 and is designed to define a wall contact plane, such that the head of the screw does not touch the wall.
This refinement is also useful during packaging, since it is possible to superimpose the borderless frames without danger of damage, because the head of the screw does not protrude.
With the described arrangement, the angular bracket-like bodies, besides acting as a frame assembly element, also perform a packaging function, since they protect adequately the corner region; therefore, during packaging it is not necessary to use the blocks of expanded material, as typically provided in the solutions of the background art, but a heat-shrink sheet is sufficient to protect the frame adequately.
It should be added to the above that, in the case of large frames or if one wishes to provide a borderless frame with free corners, it is possible to use intermediate bracket-like bodies, generally designated by the reference numeral 40, which have an elongated shape and a U-shaped transverse cross-section, so as to straddle a straight portion of the edges; the same reference numerals as the body 10 are used for the parts that constitute the body 40.
In the specific example,
From what has been described above it is evident that the invention achieves the proposed aim and objects, and in particular the fact is stressed that by using the angular bracket-like bodies it becomes possible to provide a borderless frame in which packaging is simplified drastically, since protection of the corners is provided directly by the elements that constitute the connection between the panel-like backing element and the pane made of optically transparent material.
Another important aspect of the invention further consists in that the frame can be assembled without using tools of any kind.
The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims.
Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.