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. In another embodiment, the materials of the outer frame and divider are selected to achieve low cost production with improved visual characteristics.

Description:
[0001]    The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/540,304 filed Sep. 28, 2011, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    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 
       [0003]    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 it 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. 
         [0004]    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 in which the user can convert said frame assembly 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 
       [0005]    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. 
         [0006]    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. 
         [0007]    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. 
         [0008]    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 haying 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. 
         [0009]    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. 
         [0010]    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. 
         [0011]    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. 
         [0012]    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. 
         [0013]    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. 
         [0014]    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. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The present invention will be described in detail below with respect to the drawings, in which: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a frame assembly in accordance with embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the frame assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the frame assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      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; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4B  is a cross-sectional view of the divider of  FIG. 4A  taken along view IX-IX of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the divider of  FIG. 4A ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional view of the frame assembly of  FIG. 1  taken along view IV-IV of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6B  is a cross-sectional view of the frame assembly of  FIG. 1  taken along view X-X of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of an outer frame in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of a divider in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of a frame assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the preset invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0027]    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. 
         [0028]    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. 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-3  and  6 A 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. 
         [0030]    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. 
         [0031]    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. 
         [0032]    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. 
         [0033]    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 . 
         [0034]    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. 
         [0035]    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 . 
         [0036]    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 . 
         [0037]    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. 
         [0038]    In the exemplified embodiment, the fasteners  450  are rotatably secured to the rear surface  402  of the hacker 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 . 
         [0039]    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. 
         [0040]    When the hacker 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 . 
         [0041]    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  102  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. 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4A ,  48  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. 
         [0043]    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  206 A,  206 B. 
         [0044]    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 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. 
         [0045]    In one embodiment, the raised portion  215  of the divider member  201  has a height H 1  measured from the front surfaces  202 A,B of the first and second connector portions  213 ,  214  and a front surface  202 C of the raised portion  215 . The height H 1 , in certain embodiments, is substantially equal to the height H 2  of the inner edge  108  of the outer frame  100  ( FIG. 6A ). As a result, the top surface  202 C 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. 
         [0046]    The divider frame  204  comprises a front surface  202 D and a rear surface  203 . Conceptually, the front surfaces  202 A-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  202 A-B of the first and second connector portions  213 ,  215  are substantially flush with the front surface  202 D of the divider frame  204 . 
         [0047]    Referring now to FIGS.  1  and  6 A-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 reas 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  202 D 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. 
         [0048]    More specifically, when viewed from the front of the flame 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 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  202 C and the side surfaces (not numbered). 
         [0049]    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 . 
         [0050]    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  202 A,  202 B 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 flame  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. 
         [0051]    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 haying 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. 
         [0052]    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. 
         [0053]    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. 
         [0054]    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. 
         [0055]    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. 
         [0056]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , an alternative construction of an outer frame  100 A that can be used in the frame assembly  1000  instead of the outer frame  100  is illustrated. The Outer frame  100 A can be used in conjunction with the divider  200  discussed above or the divider  200 A discussed below. in still other embodiments, the outer frame  100 A can be used without either of the dividers  220 ,  200 A. The structure of the outer frame  100 A 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  100 A 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  100 A. Thus, like numbers will be used for like components with the exception that the suffix “A” has been added to the reference numbers. 
         [0057]    The outer frame  100 A (and each of its frame components  104 A- 107 A) comprises a core  150 A, a cap layer  151 A, and a foil layer  152 A. In certain embodiments, the cap layer  151 A can be omitted while in other embodiments the fold layer  152 A may be omitted. The cap layer  151 A overlies the core  150 A. In the exemplified embodiment, the cap layer  151 A directly overlies the core  150 A without any intervening layers. However, in alternate embodiments, the cap layer  151 A may indirectly overlie the core  150 A with one or more intervening layers disposed therebetween. In the exemplified embodiment, the foil layer  152 A indirectly overlies the core  150 A and directly overlies the cap layer  151 A. in other embodiments, the cap layer  151 A is omitted and, thus, the foil layer  152 A directly overlies the core  150 A. In still other embodiments, other intervening layers, in addition to the cap layer  151  can be disposed between the cap layer  151 A and the foil layer  152 A. 
         [0058]    In the exemplified embodiment, the cap layer  151 A does not completely encase the core  150 A. Rather, the cap layer  151  only overlies those portions of the core  150 A that are visible from the rear, front and sides when the outer frame  100 A is assembled to form a frame assembly  1000 . In other embodiments, however, the cap layer  151 A may cover less of the core  150 A than exemplified. In still other embodiments, the cap layer  151 A can encase the entirety of the core  150 A. 
         [0059]    In certain embodiments, the cap layer  151 A provides the outer frame  100 A with rigidity that may not be provided by the core  150 A. The foil layer  152 A provides the outer frame  100 A with a desired aesthetic (discussed in greater detail below). In certain embodiments, the cap layer  151 A 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  152 A is not necessary. For example, certain general purpose polymers and/or high impact polymers can be used to form the cap layer  151 A and provide a suitable smooth finish in white or black. 
         [0060]    In certain embodiments, the cap layer  151 A and the core  150 A can be formed simultaneously using a co-extrusion process. In other embodiments, the core  150 A can be formed first and the cap layer  151 A can be subsequently added to the core  150 A. In such an embodiment, the core  150 A can be formed by extrusion and the cap layer  151 A can be added to the core  150 A via a subsequent extrusion process. Of course, other formation techniques can be utilized. In one specific embodiment, the core  150 A can be formed of an expanded polymer including without limitation a polymer foam, while the cap layer  151 A is formed of a non-expanded polymer, including without limitation a general purpose polymer or a high impact polymer. In one embodiment, the core  150 A is formed of an expanded polystyrene while the cap layer  151 A is formed of a non-expanded polystyrene. More specifically, in one such embodiment, the core  150 A is formed of a polystyrene foam while the cap layer  151 A is formed of a general purpose polystyrene. Of course, other polymer materials (other than polystyrene) can be used to form the expanded polymer core  150 A and the non-expanded polymer cap layer  151 A. 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. 
         [0061]    In certain embodiments, the core  150 A and/or the cap layer  151 A is covered with the foil layer  153 A using a foiling process. One suitable foiling process uses heat and pressure to adhere the foil layer  152 A to the cap layer  151 A or the core  150 A. The foil layer  152 A provides the outer frame  100 A 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  152 A is formed of or comprises a material that is compatible with the material of the cap layer  151 A or the core  150 A to which it is directly applied. In one specific embodiment in which the cap layer  151 A is formed of polystyrene, the foil layer  152 A is formed of a foil that is compatible with polystyrene. In one such embodiment, the foil layer  152 A may comprise polystyrene. 
         [0062]    In the exemplified embodiment, the foil layer  152 A only covers the cap layer  151 A 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  152 A, in the exemplified embodiment, forms a portion of the outer surface  155 A of the outer frame  100 A. As exemplified, the foil layer  152 A covers the inner edge  108 , the front surface, and the outer side surfaces of the outer frame  100 A. This reduces materials costs by reducing the amount of foil used. Of course, in other embodiments, the foil layer  152 A can Cover and/or encase the entirety of the cap layer  151 A or the core  150 A. 
         [0063]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , an alternative construction of a divider  200 A that can be used in the frame assembly  1000  instead of the divider  200  is illustrated. The divider  200 A can be used in conjunction with the outer frame  100 A or the outer frame  100  as discussed above. The structure of the divider  200 A 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  200 A 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  200 A. Thus, like numbers will be used for like components with the exception that the suffix “A” has been added to the reference numbers. 
         [0064]    The divider  200 A comprises a divider frame  204 A and a divider member  201 A. The divider member  201 A comprises a base structure  251 A and a foil layer  252 A overlying the base structure  251 A. In the exemplified embodiment, the foil layer  252 A directly overlies the base structure  251 A. In other embodiments, the foil layer  252 A may indirectly overlie the base structure  251 A in that one or more intervening layers may be provided between the foil layer  252 A and the base structure  251 A. 
         [0065]    The base structure  251 A provides the structural rigidity to the divider member  201 A while the foil layer  252 A provides the divider member  201 A with the desired aesthetic appearance. In the exemplified embodiment, the foil layer  252  is only provided on the base structure  251 A of the divider member  201 A and not on the divider frame  204 A. Moreover, in the exemplified embodiment, the foil layer  252 A forms only those portions of the outer surface  255 A of the divider member  201 A that are visible when the frame assembly  1000  is assembled, such as the front surface  202 CA, the end surfaces  216 A- 217 A, and the side surfaces (not numbered). In other embodiments, the entirety of the base structure  251 A can be encased in the foil layer  252 A. if desired, the foil layer  252 A may also be applied to the outer frame  204 A. 
         [0066]    In certain embodiments, the base structure  251 A is formed of any of the materials discussed above for the divider  200  and is formed integrally with the divider frame  204 A. in another embodiment, the base structure  251 A can be formed out of the same material as the cap layer  151 A discussed above for the outer frame  100 A. 
         [0067]    The foil layer  252 A is a foil that provides the divider member  201 A with a desired appearance, preferably an appearance that matches the appearance of the foil layer  152 A of the outer frame  100 A (or the appearance of the outer frame  100  when no foil layer  142 A is used). One suitable foiling, process uses heat and pressure to adhere the foil layer  252 A to the base structure  251 A. in certain embodiments, the desired aesthetic appearance imparted by the foil layer  252 A 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  252 A is formed of or comprises a material that is compatible with the material of the base structure  251 A (or intervening layer) to which it is directly applied. In one specific embodiment in which the base structure  251 A is formed of polystyrene, the foil layer  252 A is formed of a foil that is compatible with polystyrene. In one such embodiment, the foil layer  252 A may comprise polystyrene. 
         [0068]    In some embodiments, the base structure  251 A (and the divider frame  204 A 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  251 A 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. 
         [0069]    In certain embodiments of the frame assembly of the present invention, the materials of the outer frame  100 A and the material(s) of the divider  200  or  200 A 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. 
         [0070]    In one certain embodiment, the frame assembly is formed such that: (1) the outer frame  100 A is constructed so that the core  150 A is formed of a first material and the cap layer  151 A is formed of a second material; and (2) the divider member  201  (or the base structure  251 A of the divider member  201 A) is also formed of the second material. For purposes of simplicity, in certain instances, when it is said that the divider member  201 A is formed of a material, it means that the base structure  252 A is formed of that material. The cap layer  151 A and the divider member  201  (or the base structure  251 A of the divider member  201 A) 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. 
         [0071]    In another certain embodiment, the frame assembly is formed such that: (1) the outer frame  100 A is constructed such that the core  150 A 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  251 A of the divider member  201 A) is also formed of a non-expanded thermoplastic. In one such embodiment, the cap layer  152 A and the divider member  201  (or the base structure  251 A of the divider member  201 A) are formed of the same non-expanded thermoplastic in another such embodiment, the cap layer  152 A and the divider member  201  (or the base structure  251 A of the divider member  201 A) 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 polypropylene), olefins, butadiene, vinyl compounds and polyesters, can be used for the first and/or second materials. 
         [0072]    In yet another certain embodiment, the frame assembly is formed such that: (1) the outer frame  100 A is constructed so that the core  150 A is formed of a material having a first density and the cap layer  151 A is formed of a material having a second density; and (2) the divider member  201  (or the base structure  251 A of the divider member  201 A) 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  150 A 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  251 A of the divider member  201 A), 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. 
         [0073]    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. 
         [0074]    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 ma 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.