Patent ID: 6742296
Filing Date: 2004-06-01
Classification: A47G

Abstract:
A system for mounting thin flat items, comprising:a substrate comprising a single unitary member having an outer surface defining at least one recess therein, said recess having an opening thereinto from said outer surface, a closed, planar bottom surface, and a curvilinear recess wall connecting said closed planar bottom surface to said recess opening in said outer surface, said recess wall having a smooth curvilinear sidewall portion intersecting said planar bottom surface, said recess wall defining a continuous curvilinear periphery of said recess having a first peripheral outline, a first peripheral dimension and a second peripheral dimension, whereby the first peripheral outline and first peripheral dimension define the smallest shape and size, respectively, of the recess, and whereby the first peripheral outline and the second peripheral dimension define the shape and size, respectively, of said recess at the intersection of said sidewall portion and said planar bottom surface; a continuous flexible decorative retaining ring, said retaining ring having a curvilinear peripheral outline corresponding to said first peripheral outline arranged to contact said sidewall portion, said retaining ring being disposed in the recess, said retaining ring having a third peripheral dimension smaller than the first peripheral dimension, so as to retain a said thin flat item that has been inserted into the recess opening; and wherein the second peripheral dimension of the recess is greater than the first peripheral dimension of the recess, whereby said retaining ring is held in place by interference engagement with said sidewall portion of the recess.