Patent ID: 6553705
Filing Date: 2003-04-29
Classification: A47G,G09F

Abstract:
A changeable frame for supporting a flat surfaced item, comprising: a plurality of frame border strips which collectively form the borders of the changeable frame, each frame border strip including:a base profile member having a fulcrum; a cover member movable between a closed item retaining position, in which the item is retained by the changeable frame and the cover member partially extends over and exerts a force against the item to assist in retaining the item in the changeable frame, and an open position in which the cover member does not exert a force against the item; a pivot element pivotally mounted to the fulcrum of the base profile member, the pivot element extending between the base profile member and the cover member and engaging the cover member, the pivot element being pivotable about the fulcrum of the base profile member upon the application of a frame opening force on the frame border strip and, in connection with such pivoting of the pivot element, the pivot element guiding the movement of the cover member from its closed item retaining position into its open position; a first stop surface formed on the base profile member; a first counter stop surface formed on the pivot element for engaging the first stop surface formed on the base profile member such that, in connection with the completion of pivoting movement of the pivot element about the fulcrum during which the pivot element guides the cover member from its closed item retaining position into its open position, the first counter stop surface on the pivot element engages the first stop surface formed on the base profile member to thereby prevent further pivoting movement of the pivot element about the fulcrum; a second stop surface formed on the base profile member; and a second counter stop surface formed on the pivot element, the second stop surface formed on the base profile member and the second counter stop surface formed on the pivot element engaging one another to resist disengagement of the pivot element from its pivot mounting position on the fulcrum of the base profile member in the event that a frame opening force continues to be applied to the frame border strip after the first stop surface on the base profile member and the first counter stop surface on the pivot element have already engaged one another to stop further pivoting of the pivot element about the fulcrum of the base profile member.