# Patent

## Title
Frame assembly and method of manufacturing the same

## Abstract

A frame assembly comprising an outer frame and a divider that divides a display opening of the outer frame into at least a first display window and a second display window. In one embodiment, the divider is molded while components of the outer frame are extruded. In another embodiment, the divider is coupled to the outer frame by sandwiching a portion of the divider between a glazing and the outer frame, and wherein relative movement between the divider and the outer frame is prohibited by interference between retaining features of one or both of the divider and the outer frame. The divider can be removed from the outer frame by simply removing the glazing and taking the divider out of the rabbet without damaging the outer frame. The same outer frame can be used without the divider.

## Background
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/630,112, filed Sep. 28, 2012, which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/540,304, filed Sep. 28, 2011, the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference.


FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to frames and methods of manufacturing the same, and specifically to frame assemblies comprising an outer frame and a divider that divides the display opening into a plurality of display windows.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
People often enjoy commemorating their achievements or memorializing a particular life event by framing a diploma or a photograph. Often times, individuals desire to place multiple photographs or other items within a single outer frame. This is achieved by using a single outer frame in which a plurality of display windows that are visually or physically separated from one another are formed within the single outer frame. Frames having multiple display windows for simultaneously displaying more than one picture, poster, puzzle, jersey or other item are typically manufactured out of a single material. In certain instances, this single material construction can be overly expensive to manufacture due to the cost of the material. In other instances, it can be difficult to achieve a desirable aesthetic finish on the particular material used.
Thus, a need exists for a frame assembly, and method of manufacturing the same, in which a plurality of items can be displayed simultaneously (each in its own display window) that is cost-effective to manufacture and contains a desired aesthetic finish. A need also exists for a frame assembly that can be converted between a single window frame and a multi-window frame easily and without damaging (or compromising the aesthetics of) the outer frame.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one embodiment, the invention can be a frame assembly comprising: an outer frame comprising an inner edge defining a display opening, the outer frame comprising a rabbet circumscribing the display opening; a divider coupled to the outer frame, the divider comprising: a divider frame having an inner edge defining a divider opening, the divider frame nesting within the rabbet; and a divider member having a first end connected to the divider frame and a second end connected to the divider frame, the divider member extending across the display opening to divide the display opening into at least a first display window and a second display window.
In another embodiment, the invention can be a frame assembly comprising: an outer frame comprising an inner edge defining a display opening, the outer frame comprising a core formed of a first material and a cap layer formed of a second material overlying the core; and a divider member coupled to the outer frame, the divider member extending across the display opening to divide the display opening into at least a first display window and a second display window, the divider member formed of the second material.
In yet another embodiment, the invention can be a frame assembly comprising: an outer frame comprising an inner edge defining a display opening, the outer frame comprising a core formed of an expanded thermoplastic and a cap layer formed of a general purpose thermoplastic overlying the core; and a divider member coupled to the outer frame, the divider member extending across the display opening to divide the display opening into at least a first display window and a second display window, the divider member formed of a general purpose thermoplastic.
In still another embodiment, the invention can be a frame assembly comprising: an outer frame comprising an inner edge defining a display opening, the outer frame comprising a core formed of a material having a first density and a cap layer formed of a material having a second density overlying the core; and a divider member coupled to the outer frame, the divider member extending across the display opening to divide the display opening into at least a first display window and a second display window, the divider member formed of a material having a third density, wherein the first density is less than the second and third densities.
In a further embodiment, the invention can be a frame assembly comprising: an outer frame comprising an inner edge defining a display opening, the outer frame comprising a core formed of an expanded thermoplastic and a cap layer formed of a non-expanded thermoplastic; and a divider member coupled to the outer frame, the divider member extending across the display opening to divide the display opening into at least a first display window and a second display window.
In an even further embodiment, the invention can be a frame assembly comprising: an extruded outer frame comprising an inner edge defining a display opening; and a molded divider member coupled to the extruded outer frame, the molded divider member extending across the display opening to divide the display opening into at least a first display window and a second display window.
In a yet further embodiment, the invention can be a frame assembly comprising: an outer frame comprising an inner edge defining a display opening, the outer frame comprising a foil layer forming an outer surface of the outer frame; and a divider member coupled to the outer frame, the divider member extending across the display opening to divide the display opening into at least a first display window and a second display window, the divider member comprising a foil layer forming an outer surface of the divider member.
In a still further embodiment, the invention can be a method of manufacturing a frame assembly comprising: a) extruding a plurality of outer frame components; b) coupling the plurality of outer frame components together to form an outer frame having an inner edge defining a display opening; c) molding a divider comprising a divider member; and d) coupling the divider to the outer frame so that the divider member extends across the display opening and divides the display opening into at least a first display window and a second display window.
In another embodiment, the invention can be a method of manufacturing a frame assembly comprising: a) forming an outer frame having an inner edge defining a display opening; b) applying a first foil layer to the outer frame so that the first layer forms an outer surface of the outer frame; c) forming a divider comprising a divider member; d) applying a second foil layer to the divider member so that an outer surface of the divider member is formed by the second foil layer; and e) coupling the divider to the outer frame so that the divider member extends across the display opening and divides the display opening into at least a first display window and a second display window.
In yet another embodiment, the invention can be a frame assembly comprising: an outer frame comprising an inner edge defining a display opening, the outer frame comprising a rabbet circumscribing the display opening; and a divider coupled to the outer frame, the divider comprising a divider member having a first end nesting in the rabbet and a second end nesting in the rabbet, the divider member extending across the display opening to divide the display opening into at least a first display window and a second display window.
In still another aspect, the invention may be a frame assembly comprising: an outer frame comprising an inner edge defining a display opening, the outer frame comprising a rabbet circumscribing the display opening; a divider comprising: a divider frame nested within the rabbet and having an inner edge; and a divider member extending across the display opening to divide the display opening into at least a first display window and a second display window; and wherein the divider frame and the divider member are integrally formed.
In another aspect, the invention may be a frame assembly comprising: an extruded outer frame comprising an inner edge defining a display opening; a molded divider member coupled to the extruded outer frame and having a front surface, the molded divider member extending across the display opening to divide the display opening into at least a first display window and a second display window; and an extruded cover member coupled to the molded divider member and covering an entirety of the front surface of the molded divider member.
In yet another aspect, the invention may be a method of manufacturing a frame assembly comprising: a) extruding a plurality of outer frame components; b) coupling the plurality of outer frame components together to form an outer frame having an inner edge defining a display opening; c) molding a divider comprising a divider member; d) extruding a cover member; e) coupling the cover member to the divider member; and d) coupling the divider to the outer frame so that the divider member extends across the display opening and divides the display opening into at least a first display window and a second display window.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be described in detail below with respect to the drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a frame assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the frame assembly of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the frame assembly of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of a divider of the frame assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the divider of FIG. 4A taken along view IVB-IVB of FIG. 4;
FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the divider of FIG. 4A;
FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the frame assembly of FIG. 1 taken along view VIA-VIAQ of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the frame assembly of FIG. 1 taken along view VIB-VIB of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an outer frame in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a divider in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a frame assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a frame assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the frame assembly of FIG. 10;
FIG. 12A is a front perspective view of a divider of the frame assembly of FIG. 10 with a cover member exploded;
FIG. 12B is a front perspective view of the divider of FIG. 12A with the cover member coupled thereto;
FIG. 13 is a front view of the divider of FIG. 12B;
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. 10;
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV in FIG. 10;
FIG. 16 is a close-up view of area XVI of FIG. 14; and
FIG. 17 is a close-up view of area XVII of FIG. 15.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.
The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Further, the term “overlayed” and “overlying” refer to a relationship in which one layer is applied over another layer and/or structure, either directly or indirectly through the presence of intervening layers and/or structures. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.
Referring to FIGS. 1-3 and 6A concurrently, a frame assembly 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The frame assembly 1000 generally comprises an outer frame 100, a divider 200, a glazing 300, a backer panel 400, a plurality of fasteners 450, and a plurality of support elements 460. When the divider 200 is part of the frame assembly 1000, the frame assembly 1000 is used to simultaneously display a plurality of desired objects 500, which are sandwiched between the glazing 300 and the backer panel 400. Examples of desired object(s) 500 include, without limitation, a picture(s), a jersey(ies), artwork, a poster(s), a diploma(s), a poster, a photograph(s), a puzzle(s), a newspaper(s), a magazine(s), other flat article(s), combinations thereof, or any other item that a user desires to display. Unless specifically recited in the claims, the present invention is not to be limited in any manner by the type of object(s) to be displayed therein.
As will be discussed below in greater detail, the divider 200 divides a display opening 101 of the outer frame 100 into a first display window 102 and a second display window 103 (shown in FIG. 1). In the exemplified embodiment, the first display window 102 and the second display window 103 are completely and structurally isolated from another by a divider member 201 of the divider 200. When the divider 200 is incorporated into the frame assembly 1000, the frame assembly 1000 is a multi-window frame type in which two items can be displayed simultaneously in an organized and visually distinct manner. In the exemplified embodiment, the divider member 201 divides the display opening 101 so that the first and second display windows 102, 103 are of substantially equal size and substantially the same shape. In other embodiments, the divider member 201 may be offset or otherwise shaped so that it divides the display opening 101 so that the first and second display windows 102, 103 are of substantially different sizes and/or different shapes. Each of the first and second display windows 102, 103 are of sufficient size such that a desired object 500 will be able to be positioned therein for viewing.
Furthermore, in the exemplified embodiment, the divider member 201 is a substantially linear structure that extends from one side of the display opening 101 to an opposite side of the display opening 101. The divider member 201, as exemplified, extends substantially parallel to the top and bottom frame components 104, 105 of the outer frame 100 and substantially perpendicular to the left and right side frame components 106, 107 of the outer frame 100. In other embodiments, however, the divider member 201 may be non-linear and/or may extend oblique to the frame components 104-107. In still other embodiments, the divider member 201 may be L-shaped, cruciform-shaped, a rectilinear grid shape, contoured, etc. In further embodiments, more than one divider member 201 may be included on a single divider 200 (see FIG. 10) so that the display opening 101 of the outer frame 100 is divided into more than two display windows 102, 103. In even other embodiments, more than one divider member 201, each part of separate and distinct dividers 200, can be used in conjunction with the outer frame 100 to divide the display opening 100 into more than two display windows.
Thus, in accordance with the present invention, the display opening 101 of the outer frame 100 can be divided into any number of display windows, including any desired shape and/or relative arrangement thereof. As will be discussed in greater detail below, in certain embodiments of the invention, the divider 200 may be omitted entirely and the frame assembly could be of the single window type. The structural, formation and material details of the divider 200 and the outer frame 100 will be described in greater detail below.
The glazing 300 can be any type of glazing that is used for framing. In certain embodiments, the glazing 300 will be a panel of glass, acrylic, plexiglass, polystyrene or other material that allows the viewing of an object 500 therethrough. Of course other materials can be used in other embodiments of the invention for the glazing 300. In certain embodiments, the glazing 300 is formed of a substantially transparent material so that the item(s) 500 being framed therein are visible through the glazing 300. As used herein, the term “transparent” includes the presence of colored tint. In other embodiments, the glazing 300 may be at least partially translucent. In still other embodiments of the invention, the glazing 300 may be omitted from the frame assembly 100.
The backer panel 400 can be formed of a hard or soft plastic materials, such as any of the thermoplastics discussed below. Alternatively, the backer panel 400 can be formed of a cardboard, wood, metal or other material as desired. In certain embodiments, the backer panel 400 may be a ring-like structure rather than a sheet-like structure. In other embodiments, the frame assembly 1000 may also include a filler panel between the backer panel 400 and the desired object 500. The filler panel takes up space and reduces potential damage by adding a layer of protection for the object(s) 500. The filler panel can also be used to provide the necessary thickness to the stack to ensure adequate compression to hold the stack in the outer frame 100 (discussed below). The filler panel is a sheet of corrugated material or other medium, such as a corrugated metal, corrugated cardboard, plastic, fiberboard or the like. The filler sheet can be included with the frame assembly 1000 or omitted as desired.
When the frame assembly 1000 is assembled, each of the divider 200, the glazing 300, the backer panel 400, and the desired object(s) 500 are nested within a rabbet 110 of the outer frame 100 in a stacked arrangement. In terms of order of arrangement of the stack within the rabbet 110, the divider 200 is the front-most component within the rabbet 110 such that a front surface 202 of the divider 200 is abutted against and in surface contact with a floor surface 111 of the rabbet 110. The glazing 300 is positioned adjacent the divider 200 so that a front surface 301 of the glazing 300 is abutted against and in surface contact with a rear surface 203 of the divider 200. The object(s) 500, which is in the form of a flat article, is positioned adjacent the glazing 300 so that a front surface 501 of the object(s) 500 is abutted against and in surface contact with a rear surface 302 of the glazing 300. The rear panel 400 is positioned adjacent the object(s) 500 so that a front surface 401 of the rear panel 400 is abutted against and in surface contact with a rear surface 502 of the object(s) 500. As mentioned above, in certain embodiments (not illustrated), an additional filler panel can be positioned in between the object(s) 500 and the backer panel 400.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6A, the frame assembly 1000 further comprises a plurality of fasteners 450. The fasteners 450 detachably couple the stack (i.e., the divider 200, the glazing 300, the object(s) 500 and the backer panel 400) to the outer frame 100. More specifically, the fasteners 450 detachably couple the stack 200, 300, 500, 400 to the outer frame 100 within the rabbet 110. As can be seen, in the exemplified embodiment, the entire stack (i.e., the divider 200, the glazing 300, the object(s) 500 and the backer panel 400) is coupled to the outer frame 100 solely by engagement between the rear panel 400 and the outer frame 100, which is effectuated by the fasteners 450. All other components in the stack (i.e., the divider 200 and the glazing 300) are solely in surface contact with the outer frame 100.
The fasteners 500 are adjustable between: (1) a locked state (FIG. 6A) in which tip portions 451 of the fasteners 450 extend into a channel 112 of the outer frame 100; and (2) an unlocked state in which the tip portions 451 of the fasteners 450 do not extend into the channel 112 of the outer frame 100. In the locked state, the fasteners 450 secure the stack 200, 300, 500, 400 within the rabbet 110 so that the stack 200, 300, 500, 400 cannot be removed from the rabbet 110 of the outer frame 100 without first adjusting the fasteners 450 to the unlocked state. The fasteners 450, in the exemplified embodiment, are turn buttons. In other embodiments, the fasteners 450 can take the form of flex tabs, clips, tangs, adhesive tabs, tape, slide locks, or other structures for detachably coupling the backer panel 400 (and in turn the rest of the stack 200, 300, 500) to the outer frame 100. Furthermore any number of fasteners 450 can be used, including without limitation more or less than four, including one, two, three, five, six, eight, etc.
In the exemplified embodiment, the fasteners 450 are rotatably secured to the rear surface 402 of the backer panel 400. In other embodiments, however, some or all of the fasteners 450 can be secured to the outer frame 100. In such an embodiment, the fasteners 450 will be in a locked state when the fasteners engage the backer panel 400 (for example though contact with the rear surface 402 or mating with a mating feature provided thereon) and in an unlocked state when the fasteners 450 disengage the backer panel 400 so as to allow the stack to be removed from the outer frame 100.
In certain embodiments, the fasteners 450 can be omitted entirely. In one such embodiment, the backer panel 400 can be sized so as that at least one if its dimensions (length and/or width) is slightly larger than the corresponding dimension of the rear opening 113 of the outer frame 100 that is defined by the rear edge 114. In such an embodiment, the rear panel 400 can be sufficiently flexible so that one end can be slid into the channel 112, the rear panel 400 bowed, and the other end of the rear panel 400 is slid into the opposite side of the channel 112. In still other embodiments, adhesive may be used instead of fasteners.
When the backer panel 400 is secured to the outer frame 100 (as discussed above), the backer panel 400 retains the glazing 300, the object(s) 500 and the divider 200 in place within the rabbet 110. Thus, the backer panel 400 facilitates the formation of a secure, fully assembled frame assembly 1000 for display and protection of photographs or other items. Thus, in some embodiments, the divider 200 is only in surface contact with the outer frame 100 and not otherwise fixed to the outer frame 100 in any manner. Thus, the detachable coupling between the divider 200 and the outer frame 100 is accomplished without any fasteners (such as screws, bolts, clamps, clips) or adhesives directly binding the two together. The divider 200 can be removed from the outer frame 100 by simply disengaging the backer panel 400 from the outer frame 100, removing the backer panel 400 and glazing 300, and lifting the divider 200 from the rabbet 110.
The frame assembly 1000 further comprises a plurality of support elements 460. The support elements 460, in the exemplified embodiment, are used to hang the frame assembly 1000 on a wall or other upstanding surface. The support elements 460 are illustrated in the form of hanger plates but can take on any other structures known for hanging frames, including without limitation, brackets, eye hooks, undercuts, dual-sided adhesive tabs, or the like. In the exemplified embodiment, the support elements 460 are secured to the rear surface 402 of the backer panel 400. In other embodiments, however, some or all of the support elements 460 can be secured to (or integrally formed into) the outer frame 100. In still other embodiments, the support element 460 can be of the type used to support the frame assembly 1000 so that it is a self-standing frame, such as an easel.
Referring now to FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5 concurrently, details of the exemplified embodiment of the divider 200 will be discussed. The divider 200 comprises a divider member 201 and a divider frame 204. The divider frame 204 comprises an inner edge 205 that defines a divider opening 206. In the exemplified embodiment, the divider frame 204 forms a closed-geometry in the form of a rectangle. In other embodiments, the divider frame 204 may take on other closed-geometry shapes, including without limitation, oval, triangular, pentagonal, irregular-shaped, or other polygons. In still other embodiments, the divider frame 204 may not be a closed-geometry structure. Rather, in such embodiments, the divider frame 204 may include one or more gaps such that the divider frame 204 is a discontinuous structure.
The divider frame 204, as exemplified, is formed by a flattened strip that comprises a top member 207, a bottom member 208, a left-side member 209, and a right-side member 210. The divider member 201 comprises a first end 211 connected to the divider frame 204 and a second end 212 connected to the divider frame 204. In addition to dividing the display opening 101 into the first and second display windows 102, 103 when the divider 200 is coupled to the outer frame 100, the divider member 201 also divides the divider opening 206 into first and second divider windows 206A, 206B.
The first end 211 of the divider member 201 comprises a first connector section 213 while the second end 212 of the divider member 201 comprises a second connector section 214. The first connector section 213 connects the first end 211 of the divider member 201 to the right-side member 210 of the divider frame 204 while the second connector section 214 connects the second end 212 of the divider member 201 to the left-side member 209 of the divider frame 204. The divider member 201 further comprises a raised portion 215 that extends between the first and second connector portions 213, 214. The raised portion 215 of the divider member 200 terminates in a first end surface 216 at one end thereof and in a second end surface 217 at the opposite end thereof. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6A, when the divider 200 is coupled to the outer frame 100, the raised portion 215 of the divider member 201 protrudes into the display opening 101 of the outer frame 100, which is defined by the inner edge 108 of the outer frame 100. Moreover, in certain embodiments, when the divider 200 is coupled to the outer frame 100, the first end surface 216 of the raised portion 215 abuts a first portion of the inner edge 108 of the outer frame 100 while the second end surface 217 of the raised portion 215 abuts a second portion of the inner edge 108. By protruding into the display opening 101, and abutting the inner edge 108 of the outer frame, the raised portion 215 assists in ensuring that the divider 200 is in (and maintained in) proper relative position with respect to the outer frame 100, and more specifically, within the rabbet 110 of the outer frame 100. The divider member 210 also comprises side surfaces.
In one embodiment, the raised portion 215 of the divider member 201 has a height H1 measured from the front surfaces 202A,B of the first and second connector portions 213, 214 and a front surface 202C of the raised portion 215. The height H1, in certain embodiments, is substantially equal to the height H2 of the inner edge 108 of the outer frame 100 (FIG. 6A). As a result, the top surface 202C of the raised portion 215 creates a smooth interface with a front surface 109 of the outer frame 100. Thus, when the frame assembly 1000 is assembled and viewed from the front, the divider member 201 appears to be an integral part of the outer frame 100. In the exemplified embodiment, the divider member 201 has a generally U-shaped transverse cross-sectional profile. In other embodiments, the divider member 201 may have other transverse cross-sectional shapes as desired, such as rectangular.
The divider frame 204 comprises a front surface 202D and a rear surface 203. Conceptually, the front surfaces 202A-D of the first connector portion 213, the second connector portion 214, the raised portion 215 and the divider frame 204 collectively form the front surface 202 of the divider 200. In one embodiment, each of the front surfaces 202A-B of the first and second connector portions 213, 215 are substantially flush with the front surface 202D of the divider frame 204.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 6A-B concurrently, the outer frame 100 comprises a wall portion 119 and a flange portion 120 extending from the wall portion 119. The flange portion 119 comprises the inner edge 108 of the outer frame 100 and the floor surface 111 of the rabbet 110. The wall portion 120 comprises an upstanding wall surface 114 of the rabbet 110 and a rear surface of the outer frame 100. When the divider 200 (and the rest of the stack) is coupled to the outer frame 100 as described above, the divider frame 204 nests fully within the rabbet 110. When so nested and coupled, the front surface 202D of the divider frame 204 is in surface contact with the floor surface 111 of the rabbet 110. In the exemplified embodiment, the inner edge 108 of the outer frame 100 extends beyond the inner edge 205 of the divider frame 204 (toward a center of the display opening 101). Thought of another way, the inner edge 205 of the divider frame 204 is offset from the inner edge 108 of the outer frame 100 in a direction into the rabbet 110. By inwardly offsetting the inner edge 205 of the divider frame 204 relative to the inner edge 108 of the outer frame 100, the divider frame 204 is essentially hidden from view when the frame assembly 1000 is assembled and viewed from the front thereof. Thus, the perception that the divider member 201 is an integral and natural part of the outer frame 100 is further increased.
More specifically, when viewed from the front of the frame assembly 1000, each of the top, bottom, left-side and right-side members 207-210 of the divider frame 204 are hidden from view by the flange portion 219 of the outer frame 100. Such an effect is desirable because in certain embodiments, as described below, the divider frame 204 of the divider 200 does not have a foil layer applied thereto and, thus, lacks the desired aesthetic appearance. However, as discussed below, after assembly, the divider member 201 is visible when viewed from the front of the frame assembly 1000. The divider member 201 may have an foil layer applied thereto to give the appearance that the divider member 201 is formed integrally with the outer frame 100. In one such embodiment, only those surface of the divider member 201 that are visible from the front of the assembled frame assembly 100 have a foil layer applied thereto, such as the front surface 202C and the side surfaces (not numbered).
In certain embodiments, when the divider 200 (and the rest of the stack) is coupled to the outer frame 100 as described above, the outer edge 218 of the divider frame 204 abuts and is in surface contact with an upstanding wall surface 114 of the rabbet 110. In other embodiments, however, an annular space may separate the outer edge 218 of the divider frame 204 and the upstanding wall surface 114 of the rabbet 110. Irrespective of whether or not the outer edge 218 of the divider frame 204 and the upstanding wall surface 114 of the rabbet 110 are in contact, the nesting of the divider frame 204 within the rabbet 110 (in combination with the compression applied to the stack by the engagement of the backer panel 400 and the outer frame 100) helps ensure (and maintain) proper relative positioning of the divider 200 relative to the outer frame 100. Thus, the divider frame 204 prevents the divider 200 from sliding a substantial distance in any direction when positioned within the rabbet 110.
When the divider 200 (and the rest of the stack) is coupled to the outer frame 100 as described above, each of the first and second connector sections 213, 214 extend into the rabbet 110. In certain embodiments, each of the front surfaces 202A, 202B of the first and second connector sections 213, 214 are also in surface contact with the floor surface 111 of the rabbet 110. It should be noted that in certain alternate embodiments, the divider frame 204 can be omitted from the divider 200. In such an embodiment, the divider 200 will simply consist of one or more separate and distinct divider members 201. In such an embodiment, the divider member(s) 201 will be coupled to the outer frame 100 by the first and second connector sections 213, 214 merely extending into the rabbet 110 and being held therein as described above. Moreover, in certain other embodiments in which the divider frame 204 is omitted, proper positioning of the divider member(s) 201 within the display opening 101 (and relative to the outer frame 100) can be achieved by providing retaining features on the divider member(s) 201 and/or the outer frame 100. For example, in one such specific embodiment, aligned grooves may be formed in the floor surface 111 of the rabbet on opposite sides of the display opening 101 in which the first and second connector sections 213, 214 nest. As a result, proper positioning of the divider member(s) 201 is ensured, and sliding of the divider member(s) 201 within the rabbet 110, is prohibited by interference with the upstanding walls of the grooves. Alternatively, slots can be formed in the upstanding wall surface 114 of the rabbet 110 that receive end portions of the first and second connector sections 213, 214. In other specific embodiments, one of the floor surface of the rabbet 110 or the first and second connector sections 213, 214 of the divider member(s) 201 can be provided with a protuberance while the other one of the floor surface of the rabbet 110 or the first and second connector sections 213, 214 of the divider member(s) 201 can be provided with a corresponding depression (or hole) that mates with the protuberance. Alternatively, the upstanding wall surface 114 of the rabbet 110 can be provided with either the protuberance or the depression. Of course, other structural retaining features can be envisioned, such as barbs, ridges, notches, etc. In certain other embodiments, the divider frame 204 may be included such that the top and bottom members 207, 208 are omitted.
In certain embodiments, the divider 200 is an integrally formed single component. In an embodiment, the divider 200 is integrally formed as a single component using a molding process, such as injection molding. In one such injection molding embodiment, a mold having a mold cavity that corresponds to the size and shape of the divider 200 is provided. A molten form of material, such as a thermoplastic, is injected into the mold cavity and allowed to cool, thereby forming the divider 200. Suitable thermoplastics include, without limitation, polymers and copolymers of styrene (i.e., polystyrene), ethylene, propylene (i.e., polypropylene), olefins, butadiene, vinyl compounds and polyesters, such as polyethylene terephthalate. Of course, other thermoplastics can be used as desired. In one specific embodiment, general purpose polystyrene is preferred to form the divider 200. In another specific embodiment, polypropylene is preferred to form the divider 200. Of course, other materials and plastics can be used as desired.
In other embodiments, the divider 200 can be integrally formed as a single component using a milling or machining process. In still other embodiments, the divider 200 can be a multi-component assembly wherein the divider member 201 and divider frame 204 are formed and subsequently coupled at a later stage of manufacturing. The divider 200, in certain embodiments, can be formed of other materials, including without limitation, wood, medium-density fiberboard, metal, metal alloys, plastics, rubber, or combinations thereof.
In certain embodiments, the outer frame 100 if formed by an extruding process in which each of the outer frame components 104-107 are formed and then subsequently coupled together at their ends by any means known in the art, such as stapling, adhesion, soldering, thermal fusions, snap-fit, screws, nails, connector plates, or combinations thereof. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the ends of each of the plurality of outer frame members are appropriately mitered and coupled together to form the desired shape, which in the exemplified embodiment is a rectangle. The outer frame components 104-107 can be formed of a single material or a plurality of materials. As will be discussed in greater detail below, in certain embodiments the outer frame components 104-107 may be formed by a co-extrusion process.
In one embodiment, the outer frame components 104-107 (and thus the outer frame 100) can be formed of a polymer (thermoplastics and thermosets), wood, medium-density fiberboard, metal, metal alloys, plastics, rubbers, or combinations thereof. In one such embodiment, the outer frame components 104-107 (and thus the outer frame 100) can be formed by an extruded polymer. In one specific embodiment, the outer frame components 104-107 are extruded from a general purpose polystyrene. In another embodiment, the outer frame components 104-107 are co-extruded from an expanded polymer and a non-expanded polymer. In one such specific embodiment, the outer frame components 104-107 are co-extruded from an expanded polystyrene (such as a polystyrene foam) and a general purpose polystyrene.
In certain alternate embodiments, the outer frame 100 can be an integrally formed as a single component. This can be accomplished by an injection molding, machining or milling process as discussed above for the divider 200. Suitable materials for forming the outer frame 100, in certain such embodiments, include thermoplastics (such as those described above for the divider 200), wood, medium-density fiberboard, metal, metal alloys, plastics, rubbers, or combinations thereof.
Referring now to FIG. 7, an alternative construction of an outer frame 100A that can be used in the frame assembly 1000 instead of the outer frame 100 is illustrated. The outer frame 100A can be used in conjunction with the divider 200 discussed above or the divider 200A discussed below. In still other embodiments, the outer frame 100A can be used without either of the dividers 220, 200A. The structure of the outer frame 100A is identical to that of the outer frame 100 discussed above except with respect to its multi-layer construction and materials of construction as discussed in greater detail below. Thus, only those aspects of the frame components 100A that differ from the outer frame 100 are discussed below with the understanding that the above discussion of the outer frame 100 is applicable to the outer frame 100A. Thus, like numbers will be used for like components with the exception that the suffix “A” has been added to the reference numbers.
The outer frame 100A (and each of its frame components 104A-107A) comprises a core 150A, a cap layer 151A, and a foil layer 152A. In certain embodiments, the cap layer 151A can be omitted while in other embodiments the fold layer 152A may be omitted. The cap layer 151A overlies the core 150A. In the exemplified embodiment, the cap layer 151A directly overlies the core 150A without any intervening layers. However, in alternate embodiments, the cap layer 151A may indirectly overlie the core 150A with one or more intervening layers disposed therebetween. In the exemplified embodiment, the foil layer 152A indirectly overlies the core 150A and directly overlies the cap layer 151A. In other embodiments, the cap layer 151A is omitted and, thus, the foil layer 152A directly overlies the core 150A. In still other embodiments, other intervening layers, in addition to the cap layer 151 can be disposed between the cap layer 151A and the foil layer 152A.
In the exemplified embodiment, the cap layer 151A does not completely encase the core 150A. Rather, the cap layer 151 only overlies those portions of the core 150A that are visible from the rear, front and sides when the outer frame 100A is assembled to form a frame assembly 1000. In other embodiments, however, the cap layer 151A may cover less of the core 150A than exemplified. In still other embodiments, the cap layer 151A can encase the entirety of the core 150A.
In certain embodiments, the cap layer 151A provides the outer frame 100A with rigidity that may not be provided by the core 150A. The foil layer 152A provides the outer frame 100A with a desired aesthetic (discussed in greater detail below). In certain embodiments, the cap layer 151A may also be capable of (or of being adequately finished) to provide the desired aesthetic for the outer frame 100 such that the foil layer 152A is not necessary. For example, certain general purpose polymers and/or high impact polymers can be used to form the cap layer 151A and provide a suitable smooth finish in white or black.
In certain embodiments, the cap layer 151A and the core 150A can be formed simultaneously using a co-extrusion process. In other embodiments, the core 150A can be formed first and the cap layer 151A can be subsequently added to the core 150A. In such an embodiment, the core 150A can be formed by extrusion and the cap layer 151A can be added to the core 150A via a subsequent extrusion process. Of course, other formation techniques can be utilized. In one specific embodiment, the core 150A can be formed of an expanded polymer including without limitation a polymer foam, while the cap layer 151A is formed of a non-expanded polymer, including without limitation a general purpose polymer or a high impact polymer. In one embodiment, the core 150A is formed of an expanded polystyrene while the cap layer 151A is formed of a non-expanded polystyrene. More specifically, in one such embodiment, the core 150A is formed of a polystyrene foam while the cap layer 151A is formed of a general purpose polystyrene. Of course, other polymer materials (other than polystyrene) can be used to form the expanded polymer core 150A and the non-expanded polymer cap layer 151A. Suitable alternate polymer materials include ethylene, propylene (i.e., polypropylene), olefins, butadiene, vinyl compounds and polyesters, such as polyethylene terephthalate. Of course, other thermoplastics, thermosets and other materials can be used in certain embodiments.
In certain embodiments, the core 150A and/or the cap layer 151A is covered with the foil layer 153A using a foiling process. One suitable foiling process uses heat and pressure to adhere the foil layer 152A to the cap layer 151A or the core 150A. The foil layer 152A provides the outer frame 100A with a desired aesthetic appearance. In certain embodiments, the desired aesthetic appearance is a wood grain appearance. In certain other embodiments, the desired appearance may be a metallic appearance, a colored appearance, a marbled appearance, a textured appearance, a ceramic appearance, a stone appearance, or the like. In one embodiment, the foil layer 152A is formed of or comprises a material that is compatible with the material of the cap layer 151A or the core 150A to which it is directly applied. In one specific embodiment in which the cap layer 151A is formed of polystyrene, the foil layer 152A is formed of a foil that is compatible with polystyrene. In one such embodiment, the foil layer 152A may comprise polystyrene.
In the exemplified embodiment, the foil layer 152A only covers the cap layer 151A on those portions of the outer frame 100 that are visible to a user when the frame assembly 1000 is mounted to a surface, such as a wall surface. Thus, the foil layer 152A, in the exemplified embodiment, forms a portion of the outer surface 155A of the outer frame 100A. As exemplified, the foil layer 152A covers the inner edge 108, the front surface, and the outer side surfaces of the outer frame 100A. This reduces materials costs by reducing the amount of foil used. Of course, in other embodiments, the foil layer 152A can cover and/or encase the entirety of the cap layer 151A or the core 150A.
Referring now to FIG. 8, an alternative construction of a divider 200A that can be used in the frame assembly 1000 instead of the divider 200 is illustrated. The divider 200A can be used in conjunction with the outer frame 100A or the outer frame 100 as discussed above. The structure of the divider 200A is identical to that of the divider 200 discussed above except with respect to its multi-layer construction and materials of construction as discussed in greater detail below. Thus, only those aspects of the divider 200A that differ from the divider 200 are discussed below with the understanding that the above discussion of the divider 200 (and its interaction in the frame assembly 1000) is applicable to the divider 200A. Thus, like numbers will be used for like components with the exception that the suffix “A” has been added to the reference numbers.
The divider 200A comprises a divider frame 204A and a divider member 201A. The divider member 201A comprises a base structure 251A and a foil layer 252A overlying the base structure 251A. In the exemplified embodiment, the foil layer 252A directly overlies the base structure 251A. In other embodiments, the foil layer 252A may indirectly overlie the base structure 251A in that one or more intervening layers may be provided between the foil layer 252A and the base structure 251A.
The base structure 251A provides the structural rigidity to the divider member 201A while the foil layer 252A provides the divider member 201A with the desired aesthetic appearance. In the exemplified embodiment, the foil layer 252 is only provided on the base structure 251A of the divider member 201A and not on the divider frame 204A. Moreover, in the exemplified embodiment, the foil layer 252A forms only those portions of the outer surface 255A of the divider member 201A that are visible when the frame assembly 1000 is assembled, such as the front surface 202CA, the end surfaces 216A-217A, and the side surfaces (not numbered). In other embodiments, the entirety of the base structure 251A can be encased in the foil layer 252A. If desired, the foil layer 252A may also be applied to the outer frame 204A.
In certain embodiments, the base structure 251A is formed of any of the materials discussed above for the divider 200 and is formed integrally with the divider frame 204A. In another embodiment, the base structure 251A can be formed out of the same material as the cap layer 151A discussed above for the outer frame 100A.
The foil layer 252A is a foil that provides the divider member 201A with a desired appearance, preferably an appearance that matches the appearance of the foil layer 152A of the outer frame 100A (or the appearance of the outer frame 100 when no foil layer 142A is used). One suitable foiling process uses heat and pressure to adhere the foil layer 252A to the base structure 251A. In certain embodiments, the desired aesthetic appearance imparted by the foil layer 252A is a wood grain appearance. In certain other embodiments, the desired appearance may be a metallic appearance, a colored appearance, a marbled appearance, a textured appearance, a ceramic appearance, a stone appearance, or the like. In one embodiment, the foil layer 252A is formed of or comprises a material that is compatible with the material of the base structure 251A (or intervening layer) to which it is directly applied. In one specific embodiment in which the base structure 251A is formed of polystyrene, the foil layer 252A is formed of a foil that is compatible with polystyrene. In one such embodiment, the foil layer 252A may comprise polystyrene.
In some embodiments, the base structure 251A (and the divider frame 204A if provided) is formed of thermoplastic using an injection molding process as discussed above for the divider 200. Thus, in certain embodiments, the base structure 251A can be formed of thermoplastics including, without limitation, polymers and copolymers of styrene (i.e., polystyrene), ethylene, propylene (i.e., polypropylene), olefins, butadiene, vinyl compounds and polyesters, such as polyethylene terephthalate. Of course, other polymers and other materials can be used in certain embodiments.
In certain embodiments of the frame assembly of the present invention, the materials of the outer frame 100A and the material(s) of the divider 200 or 200A are relatively selected to achieve certain manufacturing and/or price point objectives while at the same achieving a desired aesthetic and/or structural quality. In such embodiments, the foil layers may or may not be included.
In one certain embodiment, the frame assembly is formed such that: (1) the outer frame 100A is constructed so that the core 150A is formed of a first material and the cap layer 151A is formed of a second material; and (2) the divider member 201 (or the base structure 251A of the divider member 201A) is also formed of the second material. For purposes of simplicity, in certain instances, when it is said that the divider member 201A is formed of a material, it means that the base structure 252A is formed of that material. The cap layer 151A and the divider member 201 (or the base structure 251A of the divider member 201A) are formed of the same material. In one such embodiment, the first material has a first density while the second material has a second density that is greater than the first density. In one embodiment, the first material is a low density thermoplastic and the second material is a high density thermoplastic. In another embodiment, the first material can an expanded polymer and the second material can be a non-expanded polymer. In one embodiment, the expanded polymer is an expanded thermoplastic and the non-expanded polymer is a non-expanded thermoplastic. Examples of expanded thermoplastics include thermoplastic foams (open or closed cell) while examples of non-expanded thermoplastics include general purpose thermoplastics and high impact thermoplastics. One specific example of a thermoplastic foam is a polystyrene foam while one example of general purpose thermoplastic and high impact thermoplastic is general purpose polystyrene or high impact polystyrene. In addition to polystyrene for the aforementioned examples, any of the thermoplastics discussed above, such as polymers and copolymers of ethylene, propylene (i.e., polypropylene), olefins, butadiene, vinyl compounds and polyesters, can be used for the first and/or second materials.
In another certain embodiment, the frame assembly is formed such that: (1) the outer frame 100A is constructed such that the core 150A is formed of an expanded thermoplastic and the cap layer is formed of a non-expanded thermoplastic; and (2) the divider member 201 (or the base structure 251A of the divider member 201A) is also formed of a non-expanded thermoplastic. In one such embodiment, the cap layer 152A and the divider member 201 (or the base structure 251A of the divider member 201A) are formed of the same non-expanded thermoplastic. In another such embodiment, the cap layer 152A and the divider member 201 (or the base structure 251A of the divider member 201A) are formed of different non-expanded thermoplastics. Examples of expanded thermoplastics include thermoplastic foams (open or closed cell), such as polystyrene foam. Examples of non-expanded thermoplastics include general purpose thermoplastics and high impact thermoplastics, such as general purpose polystyrene or high impact polystyrene. In addition to polystyrene for the aforementioned examples, any of the thermoplastics discussed above, such as polymers and copolymers of ethylene, propylene (i.e., polypropylene), olefins, butadiene, vinyl compounds and polyesters, can be used for the first and/or second materials.
In yet another certain embodiment, the frame assembly is formed such that: (1) the outer frame 100A is constructed so that the core 150A is formed of a material having a first density and the cap layer 151A is formed of a material having a second density; and (2) the divider member 201 (or the base structure 251A of the divider member 201A) is formed of a material having a third density, wherein the first density is less than the second and third densities. In one such embodiment, the second and third densities are different. In another such embodiment, the second and third densities are the same. In one specific embodiment, the core 150A is formed of an expanded thermoplastic, such as polystyrene foam, while the cap layer is formed of a non-expanded thermoplastic, such as general purpose polystyrene or high impact polystyrene. The divider member 201 (or the base structure 251A of the divider member 201A), in certain embodiments, can be formed of general purpose polypropylene, general purpose polystyrene, high impact polystyrene or high impact polypropylene. Of course, other hard plastics and thermoplastics, as discussed above, can be used.
Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a frame assembly 2000 will be described in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The frame assembly 2000 is generally similar to the frame assemblies previously described herein except with regard to the differences specifically recited herein below. The components of the frame assembly 2000 will generally be numbered similarly to the components of the frame assembly 1000 except that the prefix “2” will be placed before each number. For similarly numbered features in the frame assembly 2000 relative to the frame assembly 1000, the discussion of the feature above with regard to the frame assembly 1000 is generally applicable and will not be repeated herein in the interest of brevity.
The frame assembly 2000 generally comprises an outer frame 2100, a divider 2200, a cover member 2500, a glazing 2300, a backer panel 2400, and a plurality of fasteners 2450. Thus, the main difference is that the frame assembly 2000 includes the cover member 2500 as an additional component separate from the other components. In some embodiments the frame assembly 2000 may comprise only the outer frame 2100, the divider 2200, and the cover member 2500, and the other components may be included with the frame assembly 2000 or omitted therefrom in various different embodiments. Thus, various combinations of the components may form a part of the frame assembly 2000 in different embodiments. Generally, the structure of the outer frame 2100 is similar to the structure of the outer frame 100 described above. Although there may be some variation in the profile or appearance, this is not of relevance to the invention described herein as the outer frame 2100 may have any desired profile or appearance. The outer frame 2100 includes a rabbet 2110 for retaining the other components therein similarly to that which has been described herein above.
As noted above, the main difference in the frame assembly 2000 relative to the frame assembly 1000 is in the addition of the cover member 2500 as a separate component from the divider 2200 that is coupled to the divider 2200. Specifically, as with the previous embodiment, the divider 2200 comprises a divider member 2201 and a divider frame 2204. In this embodiment, the cover member 2500 may be coupled to the divider 2200, and more specifically to the divider member 2201 of the divider 2200, to cover portions of the divider member 2201 that would otherwise be exposed in the assembled frame assembly 2000. Specifically, the divider 2200 may be formed of a material that is undesirable to be exposed to a user due to it looking cheap or having an appearance that does not match with the appearance of the outer frame 2100. The cover member 2500 may match in appearance with the outer frame 2100, and thus coupling the cover member 2500 to the divider member 2201 of the divider 2200 will ensure that the frame assembly 2000 has a desirable appearance and/or one that matches with the appearance of the outer frame 2100.
In one embodiment, the outer frame 2100 and the cover member 2500 may be formed of an extruded material, and more specifically of extruded aluminum. Furthermore, the divider 2200 may be formed in an injection molding process out of a plastic material (the divider member 2201 and the divider frame 2204 may be an integrally formed monolithic structure in some embodiments). The plastic material of the divider 2200 would provide an undesirable appearance if the divider 2200 (formed of plastic) were used with the outer frame 2100 (formed of aluminum). Thus, the cover member 2500 is included and may be coupled or adhered to the divider member 2201 of the divider 2200. The cover member 2500 preferably covers all surfaces of the divider member 2201 that would be exposed to a user if the cover member 2500 were not included and used. Thus, in certain embodiments the divider member 2200 may have exposed surfaces, which are the surfaces that are visible when the frame assembly 2000 is viewed from the front, and in the cover member 2500 may cover all of the exposed surfaces of the divider member 2200 to ensure that none of the divider member 2200 is visible in the frame assembly 2000.
In certain embodiments, the cover member 2500 may be coupled to the divider member 2201 using adhesive. However, the invention is not to be so limited and in other embodiments the cover member 2500 may be coupled to the divider member 2201 using mechanical fasteners, hook-and-loop, screws, nails, or the like. In still other embodiments, the cover member 2500 may be coupled to the divider member 2201 using mechanical interactions, such as a snap-fit coupling, an interference fit coupling, or the like. Thus, in some embodiments the cover member 2500 may be permanently coupled to the divider member 2201 (when using adhesive) and in other embodiments the cover member 2500 may be capable of being repeatedly coupled to and detached from the divider member 2201 (when using mechanical coupling techniques).
Referring to FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 13, the divider 2200 and the cover member 2500 will be described in more detail. As noted above, the divider 2200 comprises the divider frame 2204 and the divider member 2201. The structural details of the divider 2200 are identical to those of the divider 200 described above. Some of the details of the divider 2200 will be described again for clarity, but for features that are not described it should be appreciated that the description of the divider 200 is applicable.
Although the divider frame 2204 is illustrated as a rectangular shaped frame in the exemplified embodiment, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments. In some embodiments, the divider frame 2201 may take on any closed-geometry shapes (polygonal and non-polygonal). Furthermore, the divider frame 2201 need not be a closed-geometry in all embodiments, and in other embodiments the divider frame 2201 may be an open-geometry shaped structure, such that in some embodiments the divider frame 2201 and the divider member 2204 may collectively form an “H” shape, a “T” shape, or the like. In some embodiments, the invention may include only the divider member 2204 without also including the divider frame 2201, or the divider frame 2201 may be a small extension of the divider member 2204 located within the rabbet 2110 of the outer frame 2100 to maintain the divider member 2204 in position.
In the exemplified embodiment, the divider frame 2204 comprises a first or top member 2207, a second or bottom member 2208, a third or left-side member 2209, and a fourth or right-side member 2210. In some embodiments, the first and second members 2207, 2208 may be omitted and the divider frame 2204 may include only the third and fourth members 2209, 2210. The divider frame 2204 comprises an inner edge 2205 that defines a divider opening 2206. In the exemplified embodiment, the divider member 2201 extends from the third member 2209 to the fourth member 2210 across the divider opening 2206. Thus, the divider member 2201 is coupled to the inner edge 2205 of the third and fourth members 2209, 2210 of the divider frame 2204.
The cover member 2500 has a U-shaped cross-section and extends from a first end 2501 to a second end 2502. Specifically, the cover member 2500 has a main body 2505 having a front surface 2506 extending between the first and second ends 2501, 2502 and between third and fourth ends 2503, 2504. A first leg 2507 extends from the third end 2503 of the main body 2505 and a second leg 2508 extends from the fourth end 2504 of the main body 2505. The first and second legs 2507, 2508 extend along an entirety of the length of the main body 2505 between the first and second ends 2501, 2502. In the exemplified embodiment, the first and second legs 2507, 2508 extend in perpendicularly from the main body 2505. However, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and the first and second legs 2507, 2508 may extend at an oblique angle relative to the main body 2505 in other embodiments. The first and second legs 2507, 2508 may have some flexibility to permit the first and second legs 2507, 2508 to diverge from one another as the clip member 2500 is coupled to the divider member 2201 to ensure a tight fit. However, this is not required in all embodiments and the first and second legs 2507, 2508 may be rigidly coupled to the main body 2505.
Furthermore, in still other embodiments the first and second legs 2507, 2508 may be altogether omitted. However, the inclusion of the first and second legs 2507, 2508 may be desirable depending on the structure of the raised portion 2215 of the divider member 2201. Specifically, if the third and fourth walls 2218, 2219 of the raised portion 2215 are omitted, the first and second legs 2507, 2508 may also be omitted because they are not needed to cover the third and fourth walls 2218, 2219. In such an embodiment, the main body 2505 of the cover member 2500 may be coupled to the front surface 2202 of the raised portion 2215 (via adhesive or the like as described herein). However, when the third and fourth walls 2218, 2219 are included, the first and second legs 2507, 2508 of the cover member 2500 will be desirable to cover the third and fourth walls 2218, 2219 so that they are not exposed or visible in the fully assembled frame assembly 2000.
FIG. 12A illustrates the divider 2200 with the cover member 2500 separated therefrom. FIG. 12B illustrates the divider 2200 with the cover member 2500 coupled thereto. Specifically, in FIG. 12B the cover member 2500 is coupled to the divider member 2201, and more specifically to the raised portion 2215 of the divider member 2201. As can be seen, the cover member 2500 covers all of the exposed surfaces of the divider member 2201 so that in the assembled frame, no portions of the divider member 2201 are exposed. This is preferable so that the divider 2200 may be formed of a material that is cheaper than and does not match the outer frame 2100, and then the cover member 2500 may be formed of the same material as the outer frame so that the frame appears seamless when the cover member 2500 is coupled to the divider 2200.
Referring to FIGS. 12A-13 concurrently, as with the previous embodiments the divider member 2201 comprises a first connector section 2213 extending from the inner edge 2205 of the divider frame 2204 and a second connector section 2214 extending from the inner edge 2204 of the divider frame 2204. Due to the first and second connector sections 2213, 2214, the divider frame 2204 is able to be offset or recessed inwardly within the rabbet 2110 relative to the inner edge 2108 of the outer frame 2100 in the fully assembled frame assembly 2000 as discussed above with regard to the previous embodiments. The divider member 2201 also comprises the raised portion 2215 extending between the first and second connector sections 2213, 2214. The connector sections 2213, 2214 have front surfaces that are flush with the front surface of the divider frame 2204. The raised portion 2215 has a front surface 2202 that is raised relative to the front surfaces of the connector sections 2213, 2214 and the front surface of the divider frame 2204.
More specifically, the raised portion 2215 of the divider member 2201 comprises the front surface 2202 that is raised relative to the front surfaces of the first and second connector sections 2213, 2214, a first wall 2216 extending between the first connector section 2213 and the front surface 2202 of the raised portion 2215, and a second wall 2217 extending between the second connector section 2214 and the front surface 2202 of the raised portion 2215. The first and second walls 2216, 2217 extend upwardly away from the first and second connector sections 2213, 2214 towards the front surface 2202, and the front surface 2202 of the raised portion 2215 extends between the first and second walls 2216, 2217. In certain embodiments, the invention may be described such that the raised portion 2215 extends from a first end to a second end. In such embodiments, the first and second ends may be defined by the first and second walls 2216, 2217.
In the exemplified embodiment, the raised portion 2215 also comprises a third wall 2218 extending between the first and second walls 2216, 2217 and extending downwardly from the front surface 2202 of the raised portion 2215 towards the divider opening 2206 (and towards the display opening in the assembled frame) and a fourth wall 2219 extending between the first and second walls 2216, 2217 and extending downwardly from the front surface 2202 of the raised portion 2215 towards the divider opening 2206 (and towards the display opening in the assembled frame). In the exemplified embodiment, the third and fourth walls 2218, 2219 extend along the entire length (longer dimension) of the front surface 2202 of the raised portion 2215 and the first and second walls 2216, 2217 extending along a width (shorter dimension) of the front surface 2202 of the raised portion 2215. The first, second, third, and fourth walls 2216, 2217, 2218, 2219 may collectively form a closed-geometry wall or a flange that projects from the front surface 2202 of the raised portion 2215 towards the divider frame 2204.
As seen in FIGS. 12B and 13, the cover member 2500 is coupled to the divider member 2201 to as to cover the front surface 2202, the third wall 2218, and the fourth wall 2219 of the raised portion 2215. The cover member 2500 may cover the entirety of each of the front surface 2202 and the third and fourth walls 2218, 2219 or a portion thereof in different embodiments. In the exemplified embodiment, when the cover member 2500 is coupled to the divider member 2201, the main body 2505 of the cover member 2500 covers the front surface 2202 of the raised portion 2215, the first leg 2507 of the cover member 2500 covers the third wall 2218 of the raised portion 2215 (or a portion thereof), and the second leg 2508 of the cover member 2500 covers the fourth wall 2219 of the raised portion (or a portion thereof). Even if the cover member 2500 only covers a portion of the third and fourth walls 2218, 2219, the cover member 2500 covers a sufficient portion of the third and fourth walls 2218, 2219 so that the cover member 2500, and not the third and fourth walls 2218, 2219, is visible on the frame assembly 2000.
The raised portion 2215 extends from the first wall 2216 to the second wall 2217 along an axis A-A. In the exemplified embodiment, the raised portion 2215 has a U-shaped longitudinal cross-sectional shape and a U-shaped transverse cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, either the first and second walls 2216, 2217 or the third and fourth walls 2218, 2219 may be omitted with the raised portion 2215 still be capable of dividing the display opening as described in detail herein.
FIGS. 14 and 15 are cross-sectional views of the frame assembly 2000 and FIGS. 16 and 17 are close-up views of portions of the views shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, all of the components of the frame assembly 2000 are illustrated in their proper location in the frame assembly 2000. Specifically, the frame assembly 2000 comprises the outer frame 2100, the divider 2200, the cover member 2500, the glazing 2300, the backer panel 2400, and a plurality of fasteners 2450 that retain all of the aforementioned components in their desired locations. Specifically, as with the previously described embodiment, the outer frame 2100 comprises a rabbet 2110. The divider 2200, the glazing 2300, and the backer panel 2400 (as well as an article to be framed, not illustrated herein) are inserted into the rabbet 2110. The fasteners 2450 secure the divider 2200, the glazing 2300 and the backer panel 2400 within the rabbet 2110.
As best seen in FIG. 16, the cover member 2500 covers the entirety of the front surface 2202 of the raised portion 2215 and portions of the third and fourth sidewalls 2218, 2219 of the raised portion 2215. Although only portions of the third and fourth sidewalls 2218, 2219 are illustrated as being covered by the cover member 2500, in other embodiments the entireties of the third and fourth sidewalls (specifically the exposed surfaces thereof) may be covered by the cover member 2500. As best seen in FIG. 17, in the exemplified embodiment the first and second sidewalls 2216, 2217 of the raised portion 2215 as well as the first and second ends 2501, 2502 of the cover member 2500 abut against the inner edge 2108 of the outer frame 2100.
As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by referenced in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.
While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.

## Claims

1. A frame assembly comprising:
an outer frame comprising an inner edge defining a display opening, the outer frame comprising a rabbet circumscribing the display opening;
a divider comprising:
a divider frame nested within the rabbet and having an inner edge; and
a divider member extending across the display opening to divide the display opening into at least a first display window and a second display window, the divider frame and the divider member being integrally formed;

a cover member coupled to the divider member;
wherein the divider member comprises a raised portion extending from a first end to a second end that protrudes into the display opening, the raised portion comprising a front surface, a first wall extending between the divider frame and the front surface at the first end, a second wall extending between the divider frame and the front surface at the second end, and a third wall and a fourth wall extending between the first and second walls and extending from the front surface towards the display opening;
wherein the cover member covers at least a portion of each of the front surface, the third wall, and the fourth wall of the raised portion of the divider member; and
wherein the outer frame and the cover member are formed of a first material and the divider is formed of a second material that is different than the first material.

2. The frame assembly according to claim 1 wherein each of the outer frame and the divider frame forms a closed-geometry.

3. The frame assembly according to claim 1 wherein the inner edge of the outer frame extends beyond the inner edge of the divider frame such that the inner edge of the divider frame is recessed into the rabbet relative to the inner edge of the outer frame.

4. The frame assembly according to claim 1 wherein the divider member comprises a first connector section extending from the inner edge of the divider frame towards the display opening, a second connector section extending from the inner edge of the divider frame towards the display opening, and the raised portion extending between the first and second connector sections, each of the first and second connector sections having a front surface that is flush with a front surface of the divider frame.

5. The frame assembly according to claim 4 wherein the front surface of the divider frame and at least a portion of the front surfaces of the first and second connector sections rest atop a floor of the rabbet.

6. The frame assembly according to claim 4 wherein the front surface of the raised portion is raised relative to the front surfaces of the first and second connector sections and the front surface of the divider frame, the first wall of the raised portion extends between the first connector section and the front surface of the raised portion and abuts a first portion of the inner edge of the outer frame, and the second wall of the raised portion extends between the second connector section and the front surface of the raised portion and abuts a second portion of the inner edge of the outer frame.

7. The frame assembly according to claim 1 wherein the cover member is coupled to the raised portion of the divider member via an adhesive.

8. The frame assembly according to claim 1 wherein the divider frame comprises a first member and a second member, and wherein the divider member is coupled to and extends between the first and second members of the divider frame.

9. The frame assembly according to claim 1 wherein the divider is formed by injection molding and wherein the outer frame is formed by a plurality of extruded outer frame members that are coupled together.

10. A frame assembly comprising:
an outer frame comprising an inner edge defining a display opening and a rabbet circumscribing the display opening;
a divider comprising:
a divider frame nested within the rabbet of the outer frame; and
a divider member having a front surface, the divider member extending across the display opening to divide the display opening into at least a first display window and a second display window; and

a cover member coupled to the divider member and covering the front surface of the divider member;
wherein the outer frame and the cover member are formed entirely of a first material and the divider is formed entirely of a second material that is different than the first material.

11. The frame assembly according to claim 10 wherein the first material is aluminum and the second material is plastic.

12. The frame assembly according to claim 10 wherein the divider member comprises a raised portion having a front surface, first and second sidewall surfaces extending from the front surface of the raised portion to the divider frame, and third and fourth sidewall surfaces extending from the front surface of the raised portion towards the display opening between the first and second sidewall surfaces, and wherein the cover member covers an entirety of the front surface of the raised portion and at least a portion of each of the third and fourth sidewall surfaces of the raised portion.

13. The frame assembly according to claim 10 wherein the divider is an integrally formed unitary first component and the cover member is an integrally formed unitary second component.

14. A frame assembly comprising:
an outer frame comprising an inner edge defining a display opening, the outer frame comprising a rabbet circumscribing the display opening;
a divider comprising:
a divider frame nested within the rabbet and having an inner edge; and
a divider member extending across the display opening to divide the display opening into at least a first display window and a second display window;

a cover member coupled to the divider member;
wherein the divider is an integrally formed unitary component comprising the divider frame and the divider member; and
wherein the outer frame and the cover member are formed entirely of a first material and the divider is formed entirely of a second material that is different than the first material.

15. The frame assembly according to claim 14 wherein the divider member comprises a raised portion extending from a first end to a second end that protrudes into the display opening, the raised portion comprising a front surface, a first wall extending between the divider frame and the raised portion at the first end, and a second wall extending between the divider frame and the raised portion at the second end, and wherein the cover member covers the front surface of the raised portion of the divider member.

16. The frame assembly according to claim 15 wherein the raised portion of the divider member further comprises a third wall extending between the first and second walls and extending from the front surface of the raised portion towards the display opening, and a fourth wall extending between the first and second walls and extending from the front surface of the raised portion towards the display opening, and wherein the cover member covers at least a portion of each of the third and fourth walls of the raised portion of the divider member.

17. The frame assembly according to claim 14 wherein the divider member comprises a raised portion extending from a first end to a second end that protrudes into the display opening, and further comprising a cover member coupled to the raised portion of the divider member.

18. The frame assembly according to claim 17 wherein the raised portion extends from the first end to the second end along a longitudinal axis, the raised portion having a U-shaped longitudinal cross-sectional shape and a U-shaped transverse cross-sectional shape, and wherein the cover member extends from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis, the cover member having a U-shaped transverse cross-sectional shape.