Abstract:
A system for mounting a frame (e.g., a mirror frame) allows the frame to be easily installed, securely mounted and readily replaced without damaging the mounting surface (e.g., the surrounding wall or mirror) or the frame. No tools are required to mount or unmount the frame. The mounting hardware is concealed within the frame.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The invention relates generally to mounting systems and, more particularly, to a system for mounting a frame. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Mirrors are a common fixture in homes and offices. For example, a mirror is frequently located above a sink in a bathroom. Most modern mirrors consist of a thin layer of metal (e.g., aluminum, tin) deposited on a sheet of glass. This layer is called the tain. Light enters the mirror and reflects off the tain so that a user looking in the mirror sees a reflected image of nearby objects. The tain may be covered by an additional layer that protects the tain from corrosion. 
         [0003]    Nonetheless, over time, the mirror can become cloudy, discolored or otherwise tarnished near its edges due to corrosion of the tain, for example, from exposure to cleaning solutions. Placement of a frame about the edges of the mirror can conceal these cloudy, discolored or tarnished portions of the mirror. A frame can also function as a decorative element for accenting the mirror. 
         [0004]    A conventional frame is applied to a mirror by gluing the frame around and/or on the mirror. In particular, an adhesive is used to secure the frame to a wall that the mirror is mounted on and/or directly to the mirror. Consequently, the frame cannot be readily replaced. Instead, removing the frame after it is glued to the wall and/or the mirror requires exerting a force on the frame sufficient to overcome the adhesive force of the glue. Exerting the force on the frame can result in the frame, the wall and/or the mirror being damaged. 
         [0005]    Because the conventional frame cannot be readily replaced, the frame may no longer match the decor of a room containing the mirror as the room&#39;s decor is changed. Consequently, there is a need in the art for a mirror frame mounting system that allows a mirror frame to be easily installed, securely mounted and readily replaced without damaging the mounting surface (e.g., the surrounding wall, the mirror) or the mirror frame. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    In view of the above, it is an exemplary aspect to provide a system for mounting a frame that allows the frame to be easily installed, securely mounted and readily replaced without damaging the mounting surface (e.g., the surrounding wall) or the frame. No tools are required to mount the frame. 
         [0007]    It is another exemplary aspect to provide a system for mounting a frame on a structure (e.g., a mirror). The system includes brackets that are semi-permanently attached to the mirror. The system also includes frame components. Each of the brackets includes one or more fasteners. Each of the frame components includes a groove accessible via its lower surface. The frame components can be attached to the brackets by pressing the frame components onto the brackets such that the fasteners on the brackets enter the grooves. The frame components can then be detached from the brackets by pulling the frame components off of the brackets such that the fasteners on the brackets exit the grooves. 
         [0008]    It is yet another aspect to provide an apparatus for mounting a frame component on a structure (e.g., a mirror). The apparatus includes a bracket for semi-permanently attaching to the structure. The bracket includes at least one fastener which is operable to interface with a groove in the frame component to detachably mount the frame component on the bracket. 
         [0009]    It is still another exemplary embodiment to provide a system for mounting a frame in which the mounting hardware is concealed within the frame. 
         [0010]    Numerous other advantages and features will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The above aspects and additional aspects, features and advantages will become readily apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a mirror frame mounting system, according to one exemplary embodiment. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a corner bracket assembly, according to one exemplary embodiment, of the mirror frame mounting system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIGS. 3A-3F  show a corner bracket, according to one exemplary embodiment, of the mirror frame mounting system of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of the corner bracket.  FIG. 3B  is a top or front plan view of the corner bracket.  FIG. 3C  is a bottom or rear plan view of the corner bracket.  FIG. 3D  is a cross-sectional view of the corner bracket of FIG.  3 C, along line A-A.  FIG. 3E  is a cross-sectional view of the corner bracket of  FIG. 3C , along line B-B.  FIG. 3F  is a side elevational view of the corner bracket. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a side bracket assembly, according to one exemplary embodiment, of the mirror frame mounting system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIGS. 5A-5F  show a side bracket, according to one exemplary embodiment, of the mirror frame mounting system of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of the side bracket. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5B  is a top or front plan view of the side bracket.  FIG. 5C  is a bottom or rear plan view of the side bracket.  FIG. 5D  is a lengthwise side elevational view of the side bracket.  FIG. 5E  is a cross-sectional view of the side bracket of  FIG. 5D , along line A-A.  FIG. 5F  is a widthwise side elevational view of the side bracket. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 6A-6E  show a corner frame, according to one exemplary embodiment, of the mirror frame mounting system of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of the corner frame.  FIG. 6B  is a top or front plan view of the corner frame.  FIG. 6C  is a bottom or rear plan view of the corner frame.  FIG. 6D  is a side elevational view of the corner frame.  FIG. 6E  is a cross-sectional view of the corner frame of  FIG. 6B , along line A-A. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 7A-7D  show a side frame, according to one exemplary embodiment, of the mirror frame mounting system of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of the side frame.  FIG. 7B  is a top or front plan view of the side frame.  FIG. 7C  is a lengthwise side elevational view of the side frame.  FIG. 7D  is a widthwise side elevational view of the side frame. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 8A-8E  show a side joint frame, according to one exemplary embodiment, of the mirror frame mounting system of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of the side joint frame.  FIG. 8B  is a top or front plan view of the side joint frame.  FIG. 8C  is a bottom or rear plan view of the side joint frame.  FIG. 8D  is a side elevational view of the side joint frame.  FIG. 8E  is a cross-sectional view of the side joint frame of  FIG. 8B , along line A-A. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 9A-9D  show a corner template, according to one exemplary embodiment, of the exemplary mirror frame mounting system of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of the corner template.  FIG. 9B  is a top or front plan view of the corner template.  FIG. 9C  is a bottom or rear plan view of the corner template.  FIG. 9D  is a side elevational view of the corner template. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 10A-10C  show a side template, according to one exemplary embodiment, of the exemplary mirror frame mounting system of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of the side template.  FIG. 10B  is a top or front plan view of the side template.  FIG. 10C  is a side elevational view of the side template. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    While the general inventive concept is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the general inventive concept. Accordingly, the general inventive concept is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein. 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , components of a mirror frame mounting system  100 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, are illustrated. The components of the mirror frame mounting system  100  include corner bracket assemblies  200 , side bracket assemblies  400 , corner frame assemblies and side frame assemblies. The corner bracket assemblies  200  are affixed to the corners of a mirror (not shown) and interface with the corner frame assemblies to removably attach the corner frame assemblies to the mirror, as described below. Similarly, the side bracket assemblies  400  are affixed to the sides of the mirror and interface with the side frame assemblies to removably attach the side frame assemblies to the mirror, as described below. 
         [0025]    In one exemplary embodiment, a corner template  900  is used to properly align each of the corner bracket assemblies  200  relative to the mirror and a side template  1000  is used to properly align each of the side bracket assemblies  400  relative to the mirror, as described below. 
         [0026]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the corner bracket assembly  200  includes a corner bracket  202  and a corner adhesive assembly  204 . 
         [0027]    The corner bracket  202  has a body  206  with an upper or front surface  208  and a lower or rear surface  210  (see  FIGS. 3A-3F ). The body  206  of the corner bracket  202  includes a pair of arms  212  that are generally perpendicular to one another. The arms  212  meet at a rounded corner  214  of the body  206 . In one exemplary embodiment, at least one rib  216  is formed on the body  206 . The rib  216  extends along the length of the body  206  to strengthen the body  206  (see  FIG. 3B ). The rib  216  can also act to reduce any undesired flexing of the arms  212  that may occur if the body  206  is thin. Other strengthening elements (e.g., a web  218 ) can be formed on the body  206 . 
         [0028]    Each of the arms  212  includes at least one fastener  220 . In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3F , the corner bracket  202  includes six fasteners  220 . Each fastener  220  includes at least one finger  222 . In one exemplary embodiment, each fastener  220  includes a first pair of adjacent fingers  222  extending above the upper surface  208  along a first side of the body  206  and a second pair of adjacent fingers  222  extending above the upper surface  208  along a second side of the body  206 . The first pair of adjacent fingers  222  is separated from the second pair of adjacent fingers  222  by a space  224  (see  FIG. 3D ). The space  224  allows the first pair of adjacent fingers  222  to flex toward the second pair of adjacent fingers  222  and vice versa. Each of the fingers  222  has a curved upper portion  226 . 
         [0029]    In one exemplary embodiment, the corner bracket  202  is made of plastic (e.g., ABS) and is formed through an injection molding process. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the corner bracket  202  can be made of any other suitable material and formed through any other suitable process. 
         [0030]    The corner adhesive assembly  204  is used to affix the corner bracket  202  to the mirror. The corner adhesive assembly  204  includes at least one piece of double-sided adhesive tape  228 . In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the corner adhesive assembly  204  includes five pieces of double-sided adhesive tape  228 . The corner bracket assembly  200  is formed by adhering one side of the double-sided adhesive tape  228  to the corner bracket  202 . By using the double-sided adhesive tape  228 , no tools are required to install the corner brackets  202 . 
         [0031]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the side bracket assembly  400  includes a side bracket  402  and a side adhesive assembly  404 . 
         [0032]    The side bracket  402  has a body  406  with an upper or front surface  408  and a lower or rear surface  410  (see  FIGS. 5A-5F ). The body  406  of the side bracket  402  includes at least one fastener  412 . In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 5A-5F , the side bracket  402  includes one fastener  412 . Each fastener  412  includes at least one finger  414 . In one exemplary embodiment, each fastener  412  includes a first pair of adjacent fingers  414  extending above the upper surface  408  along a first side of the body  406  and a second pair of adjacent fingers  414  extending above the upper surface  408  along a second side of the body  406 . The first pair of adjacent fingers  414  is separated from the second pair of adjacent fingers  414  by a space  416  (see  FIGS. 5B ,  5 E- 5 F). The space  416  allows the first pair of adjacent fingers  414  to flex toward the second pair of adjacent fingers  414  and vice versa. Each of the fingers  414  has a curved upper portion  418 . 
         [0033]    In one exemplary embodiment, the side bracket  402  is made of plastic (e.g., ABS) and is formed through an injection molding process. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the side bracket  402  can be made of any other suitable material and formed through any other suitable process. 
         [0034]    The side adhesive assembly  404  is used to affix the side bracket  402  to the mirror. The side adhesive assembly  404  includes at least one piece of double-sided adhesive tape  420 . In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the side adhesive assembly  404  includes one piece of double-sided adhesive tape  420 . The side bracket assembly  400  is formed by adhering one side of the double-sided adhesive tape  420  to the side bracket  402 . By using the double-sided adhesive tape  420 , no tools are required to install the side brackets  402 . 
         [0035]    The corner frame assembly includes a corner frame  600  (see  FIGS. 6A-6E ) and a corner foam  602  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0036]    The corner frame  600  has a body  604  with an upper or front surface  606  and a lower or rear surface  608 . The body  604  of the corner frame  600  has a generally square shape with four sides  610  (see  FIG. 6B ). Two of the sides  610  are adjacent to one another and include a recess  612 . The other two sides  610  are adjacent to one another and lack the recess  612 . A groove  614  extends through the body  604  of the corner frame  600 . In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 6C-6D , the groove  614  bends at 90 degrees to correspond to the two sides  610  that lack the recess  612 . Ends of the groove  614  terminate at the sides  610  with the recesses  612 . 
         [0037]    A width of the groove  614  is wider near the upper surface  606  of the body  604  than near the lower surface  608  of the body  604 , such that walls  616  of the groove  614  have a predefined slope. In one exemplary embodiment, an opposing pair of the walls  616  forms an angle of 30 degrees relative to one another (see  FIG. 6E ). The groove  614  of the corner frame  600  is operable to interface with the fasteners  220  of the corner bracket  202  to connect the corner frame  600  to the corner bracket  202 , as described below. The lower surface  608  of the body  604  of the corner frame  600  includes a lip portion  618  and an outer portion  620  with the groove  614  located between the lip portion  618  and the outer portion  620  (see  FIGS. 6C and 6E ). 
         [0038]    In one exemplary embodiment, the corner frame  600  is made of wood or woods based board (e.g., MDF). One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the corner frame  600  can be made of any other suitable material. The wood may be shaped, as known in the art, to have a desired decorative appearance. The wood may be treated, such as through application of a paint, laminate, stain, etc. Various foils may be applied to the wood to give the corner frame  600  a metallic appearance. 
         [0039]    The corner foam  602  is shown in  FIG. 1 . In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the corner foam  602  includes one continuous piece of foam having a 90 degree angle and having a shape and length that generally corresponds to a shape and length of the corner frame  600 . One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the corner foam  602  can comprise more than one piece of foam. The corner frame assembly is formed by attaching one side of the corner foam  602  to the lower surface  608  of the corner frame  600 . In particular, the corner foam  602  is attached to the outer portion  620  of the lower surface  608  of the body  604 . In one exemplary embodiment, an adhesive is used to attach the corner foam  602  to the corner frame  600 . In addition to, or instead of, the adhesive, staples can be used to attach the corner foam  602  to the corner frame  600 . 
         [0040]    The side frame assembly includes a side frame  700  (see  FIGS. 7A-7D ) and a side foam  702  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0041]    The side frame  700  has a body  704  with an upper or front surface  706  and a lower or rear surface  708 . The body  704  of the side frame  700  has a generally rectangular shape with two substantially parallel short sides  710  and two substantially parallel long sides  712  (see  FIG. 7B ). The short sides  710  of the body  704  have a profile that corresponds to a profile of the recesses  612  in the corner frame  600 . The long sides  712  of the body  704  of the side frame  700  can have various lengths, which is represented by the gaps  714  in  FIGS. 7B and 7C . 
         [0042]    A groove  716  extends through the body  704  of the side frame  700 . In one exemplary embodiment, the groove  716  is generally straight and extends the length of the long sides  712  of the body  704  with ends that terminate at the short sides  710  of the body  704 . A width of the groove  716  is wider near the upper surface  706  of the body  704  than near the lower surface  708  of the body  704 , such that walls  718  of the groove  716  have a predefined slope. In one exemplary embodiment, an opposing pair of the walls  718  forms an angle of 30 degrees relative to one another (see  FIG. 7D ). The groove  716  of the side frame  700  is operable to interface with the fasteners  412  of the side bracket  402  to connect the side frame  700  to the side bracket  402 , as described below. The lower surface  708  of the body  704  of the side frame  700  includes a lip portion  720  and an outer portion  722  with the groove  716  located between the lip portion  720  and the outer portion  722  (see  FIG. 7D ). 
         [0043]    In one exemplary embodiment, the side frame  700  is made of wood or wood-based board (e.g., MDF). One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the side frame  700  can be made of any other suitable material. The wood may be shaped, as known in the art, to have a desired decorative appearance. The wood may be treated, such as through application of a paint, laminate, stain, etc. Various foils may be applied to the wood to give the side frame  700  a metallic appearance. 
         [0044]    The side foam  702  is shown in  FIG. 1 . In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the side foam  702  includes one continuous piece of foam having a length that generally corresponds to a length of the side frame  700 . One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the side foam  702  can comprise more than one piece of foam. The side frame assembly is formed by attaching one side of the side foam  702  to the lower surface  708  of the side frame  700 . In particular, the side foam  702  is attached to the outer portion  722  of the lower surface  708  of the body  704 . In one exemplary embodiment, an adhesive is used to attach the side foam  702  to the side frame  700 . In addition to, or instead of, the adhesive, staples can be used to attach the side foam  702  to the side frame  700 . 
         [0045]    Because mirrors come in a variety of sizes, it is not practical to make side frames  700  sized to fit the various mirror sizes. Instead, according to one exemplary embodiment, the side frames  700  come in a variety of standard lengths (e.g., 4 foot, 6 foot, 8 foot) that can be modified to a desired length. For example, if a mirror has a side that requires a side frame  700  with a 10 foot length, two evenly sized side frames  700 , each having a 5 foot length (i.e., 10 foot/2), could be used. Thus, the 6 foot (or 8 foot) standard length side frames  700  can be cut down to the 5 foot lengths. 
         [0046]    In one exemplary embodiment, a side joint assembly is placed between each pair of adjacent pair of side frames  700  to conceal the mating ends of the side frames  700 , as described below. If the side joint assembly is used, a length of the side joint assembly should be taken into account when determining the length of the side frames  700 . 
         [0047]    The side joint assembly includes a side joint frame  800  (see  FIGS. 8A-8E ) and a side joint foam (not shown). 
         [0048]    The side joint frame  800  has a body  802  with an upper or front surface  804  and a lower or rear surface  806 . The body  802  of the side joint frame  800  has a generally square shape with four sides  808  (see  FIG. 8B ). Two of the sides  808  are opposed to one another and include a recess  810 . The other two sides  808  are opposed to one another and lack the recess  810 . A groove  812  extends through the body  802  of the side joint frame  800 . In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 8C-8D , the groove  812  is generally straight and has ends that terminate at the sides  808  with the recesses  810 . 
         [0049]    A width of the groove  812  is wider near the upper surface  804  of the body  802  than near the lower surface  806  of the body  802 , such that walls  814  of the groove  812  have a predefined slope. In one exemplary embodiment, an opposing pair of the walls  814  forms an angle of 30 degrees relative to one another (see  FIG. 8D ). The groove  812  of the side joint frame  800  is operable to interface with the fasteners  412  of the side bracket  402  to connect the side joint frame  800  to the side bracket  402 , as described below. The lower surface  806  of the body  802  of the side joint frame  800  includes a lip portion  816  and an outer portion  820  with the groove  812  located between the lip portion  816  and the outer portion  820 . 
         [0050]    In one exemplary embodiment, the side joint frame  800  is made of wood or wood-based board (e.g., MDF). One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the side joint frame  800  can be made of any other suitable material. The wood may be shaped, as known in the art, to have a desired decorative appearance. The wood may be treated, such as through application of a paint, laminate, stain, etc. Various foils may be applied to the wood to give the side joint frame  800  a metallic appearance. 
         [0051]    The side joint foam is similar to the side foam  702  described above and shown in  FIG. 1 . The side joint foam includes at least one piece of foam. The side joint frame assembly is formed by attaching one side of the side joint foam to the lower surface  806  of the side joint frame  800 . In particular, the side joint foam is attached to the outer portion  820  of the lower surface  806  of the body  802 . In one exemplary embodiment, an adhesive is used to attach the side joint foam to the side joint frame  800 . In addition to, or instead of, the adhesive, staples can be used to attach the side joint foam to the side joint frame  800 . 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIGS. 9A-9D , the corner template  900  has a body  902  with an upper or front surface  904  and a lower or rear surface  906 . The body  902  of the corner template  900  includes a pair of arms  908  that are generally perpendicular to one another. The arms  908  meet at a rounded corner  910  of the body  902 . A corner wall  912  is formed at the rounded corner  910  and extends above the upper surface  904  of the body  902 . At least one side wall  914  is formed on each of the arms  908  of the body  902 , wherein the side walls  914  extend above the upper surface  904  of the body  902 . In one exemplary embodiment, a space  916  separates the corner wall  912  from each adjacent side wall  914 . 
         [0053]    The corner template  900  also includes a lip  918  that extends below the lower surface  906  of the body  902 . The lip  918  forms a lower corner  920  having a 90 degree angle corresponding to the generally perpendicular arms  908 . 
         [0054]    In one exemplary embodiment, the corner template  900  does not include the lip  918  but is otherwise identical to the corner template  900  shown in  FIGS. 9A-9D . By not including the lip  918 , the corner template  900  can be used on a mirror in which an obstruction (e.g., an adjacent wall) near a corner of the mirror would prevent the lip  918  of the corner template  900  from fitting over the corner of the mirror. Instead, the body  902  of the corner template  900  can be used to align the corner template  900  with the corner of the mirror directly on a top surface of the mirror. 
         [0055]    As shown in  FIGS. 10A-10C , the side template  1000  has a body  1002  with an upper or front surface  1004  and a lower or rear surface  1006 . The body  1002  of the side template  1000  includes a pair of arms  1008  that each extend from and are generally perpendicular to an inner edge  1010  of the body  1002 . A side wall  1012  is formed on each of the arms  1008  of the body  1002 , wherein the side walls  1012  are generally parallel to one another. The side walls  1012  extend above the upper surface  1004  of the body  1002 . A space  1014  is formed between the side walls  1012  and adjacent to the inner edge  1010  of the body  1002 . 
         [0056]    The side template  1000  also includes a lip  1016  that extends along an outer edge  1018  of the body  1002  of the side template  1000 . The lip  1016  is generally parallel to the inner edge  1010  of the body  1002 . The lip  1016  extends below the lower surface  1006  of the body  1002 . 
         [0057]    In one exemplary embodiment, the side template  1000  does not include the lip  1016  but is otherwise identical to the side template  1000  shown in  FIGS. 10A-10C . By not including the lip  1016 , the side template  1000  can be used on a mirror in which an obstruction (e.g., an adjacent wall) near a side of the mirror would prevent the lip  1016  of the side template  1000  from fitting over the side of the mirror. Instead, the outer edge  1018  of the body  1002  of the side template  1000  can be used to align the side template  1000  with the side of the mirror directly on a top surface of the mirror. 
         [0058]    In view of the above, installation of a mirror frame on a mirror using the mirror frame mounting system  100  will now be described. In one exemplary embodiment, four corner bracket assemblies  200  are attached to the corners of the mirror. In particular, the double-sided adhesive tape  228  affixed to the lower surface  210  of the corner bracket  202  is used to adhere the corner bracket  202  to the mirror. 
         [0059]    As noted above, the corner template  900  can be used to position the corner bracket assembly  200  on the mirror to insure that the corner bracket  202  adheres at the proper location on the mirror and in the proper orientation relative to the corner of the mirror. 
         [0060]    The corner template  900  is placed on the top surface of the mirror such that a corner of the mirror is received in the lower corner  920  of the corner template  900  and sides of the mirror adjacent to the corner of the mirror abut the lip  918  of the corner template  900 . In this manner, the corner template  900  is properly positioned relative to the mirror and can be used to position the corner bracket assembly  200  on the mirror. 
         [0061]    Once the corner template  900  is properly positioned on the mirror, the rounded corner  214  of the corner bracket  202  is placed against the corner wall  912  of the corner template  900 . Furthermore, at least a portion of the arms  212  of the corner bracket  202  are placed against the side walls  914  of the corner template  900 . The spaces  916  on the corner template  900  accommodate the fasteners  220  (i.e., the curved upper portions  226  of the fasteners  220 ) therein. So positioned, the corner bracket  202  can be adhered to the mirror using the double-sided adhesive tape  228  affixed to the lower surface  210  of the body  206  of the corner bracket  202 . The corner template  900  can then be moved away from the mounted corner bracket assembly  200  and to a different corner of the mirror to position another corner bracket assembly  200  on the mirror. 
         [0062]    In one exemplary embodiment, at least four side bracket assemblies  400  are attached to the sides of the mirror. In particular, the double-sided adhesive tape  420  affixed to the lower surface  410  of the side bracket  402  is used to adhere the corner bracket  402  to the mirror. 
         [0063]    As noted above, the side template  1000  can be used to position the side bracket assembly  400  on the mirror to insure that the side bracket  402  adheres at the proper location on the mirror and in the proper orientation relative to the side of the mirror. 
         [0064]    The side template  1000  is placed on the top surface of the mirror such that a side of the mirror, on which the side frame  700  is to be mounted, abuts the lip  1016 . In this manner, the side template  1000  is properly positioned relative to the mirror and can be used to position the side bracket assembly  400  on the mirror. 
         [0065]    Once the side template  1000  is properly positioned on the mirror, the body  406  of the side bracket  402  is received within the space  1014  of the side template  1000 . So positioned, the side bracket  402  can be adhered to the mirror using the double-sided adhesive tape  420  affixed to the lower surface  410  of the body  406  of the side bracket  402 . The side template  1000  can then be moved away from the mounted side bracket assembly  400  and to another portion on this side, or a different side, of the mirror to position another side bracket assembly  400  on the mirror. 
         [0066]    The corner bracket  202  can include enough fasteners  220  to interface with the groove  614  of the corner frame  600  and the grooves  716  of the two side frames  700  adjacent to the corner frame  600 . Consequently, in one exemplary embodiment, the corner frames  600  and side frames  700  are mounted on the mirror using only the corner bracket assemblies  200 . 
         [0067]    As the length of the side frames  700  increases, however, it may be necessary or otherwise beneficial to use one or more side bracket assemblies  400  on one or more sides of the mirror to further or solely support the side frames  700 . Furthermore, the side bracket assemblies  400  are needed to support the side joint assemblies, if the side joint assemblies are used. 
         [0068]    With the corner bracket assemblies  200  and any side bracket assemblies  400  adhered to the top surface of the mirror, the corner frames  600  and the side frames  700  (as well as any side joint frames  800 ) can be mounted on the mirror via the corner bracket assemblies  200  and the side bracket assemblies  400 . 
         [0069]    Each corner frame  600  is pressed onto a corresponding corner bracket  202  such that the fingers  222  of the corner bracket  202  are received in the groove  614  of the corner frame  600 . The space  224  between the opposed fingers  222  on the corner bracket  202  allows the opposed fingers  222  to flex toward one another to facilitate the fingers  222  entering the groove  614 . Because the width of the groove  614  is wider near the upper surface  606  than the lower surface  608  of the body  604  of the corner frame  600 , the fingers  222  begin to unflex as they enter the groove  614 . As a result, when the corner frame  600  is pressed onto the corner bracket  202 , the curved upper portions  226  of the fingers  222  of the corner bracket  202  exert a force on the walls  616  of the groove  614  to pull the corner frame  600  down onto the corner bracket  202  and firmly hold the corner frame  600  on the corner bracket  202 . 
         [0070]    As the corner frame  600  is mounted on the corner bracket  202 , the corner foam  602  attached to the outer portion  620  of the body  604  of the corner frame  600  is compressed between the body  604  and the top surface of the mirror. The corner foam  602  has a tendency to uncompress which forces the lip portion  618  of the body  604  of the corner frame  600  firmly against the top surface of the mirror and the lower surface  608  of the body  604  of the corner frame  600  away from the top surface of the mirror. 
         [0071]    As a result, the corner frame  600  completely conceals the underlying corner bracket  202 , while the lip portion  618  rests firmly on the top surface of the mirror in an aesthetically pleasing manner. The corner frame  600  can also be readily removed from the corner bracket  202  by lifting the corner frame  600  off of the corner bracket  202 , which again causes the opposed fingers  222  to flex toward one another to facilitate the fingers  222  exiting the groove  614 . 
         [0072]    Each side frame  700  is pressed onto a corresponding side bracket  402  such that the fingers  414  of the side bracket  402  are received in the groove  716  of the side frame  700 . As noted above, in one exemplary embodiment, the side frame  700  can be pressed onto a corner bracket  202  in addition to or instead of the side bracket  402 . The space  416  between the opposed fingers  414  on the side bracket  402  allows the opposed fingers  414  to flex toward one another to facilitate the fingers  414  entering the groove  716 . Because the width of the groove  716  is wider near the upper surface  706  than the lower surface  708  of the body  704  of the side frame  700 , the fingers  414  begin to unflex as they enter the groove  716 . As a result, when the side frame  700  is pressed onto the side bracket  402 , the curved upper portions  418  of the fingers  414  of the side bracket  402  exert a force on the walls  718  of the groove  716  to pull the side frame  700  down onto the side bracket  402  and firmly hold the side frame  700  on the side bracket  402 . 
         [0073]    As the side frame  700  is mounted on the side bracket  402 , the side foam  702  attached to the outer portion  722  of the body  704  of the side frame  700  is compressed between the body  704  and the top surface of the mirror. The side foam  702  has a tendency to uncompress which forces the lip portion  720  of the body  704  of the side frame  700  firmly against the top surface of the mirror and the lower surface  708  of the body  704  of the side frame  700  away from the top surface of the mirror. 
         [0074]    As a result, the side frame  700  completely conceals the underlying side bracket  402 , while the lip portion  720  rests firmly on the top surface of the mirror in an aesthetically pleasing manner. The side frame  700  can also be readily removed from the side bracket  402  by lifting the side frame  700  off of the side bracket  402 , which again causes the opposed fingers  414  to flex toward one another to facilitate the fingers  414  exiting the groove  716 . 
         [0075]    Furthermore, with the side frame  700  mounted, each short side  710  of the body  704  of the side frame  700  is received in a recess  612  of an adjacent corner frame  600  or a recess  810  of an adjacent side joint frame  800 . A profile of the recess  612  or  810  will generally correspond to a profile of the short sides  710  of the side frame  700 . In this manner, the edges of the short sides  710  of the side frames  700  are concealed from view, which contributes to the aesthetic appearance of the overall frame. 
         [0076]    The above description of specific embodiments has been given by way of example. From the disclosure given, those skilled in the art will not only understand the general inventive concept and its attendant advantages, but will also find apparent various changes and modifications to the structures and methods disclosed. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the frame could comprise four side frames and no corner frames. As another example, the corner brackets and/or side brackets can have any projection suitable for interfacing with the groove on the lower surface of the frame. As yet another example, the groove could be formed as discontinuous grooves instead a single continuous groove in each of the frame components. It is sought, therefore, to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the general inventive concept, as defined by the appended claims, and equivalents thereof.