Abstract:
A changeable frame for supporting flat surfaced items such as pictures, posters, placards or the like, is provided, which includes a plurality of frame border strips which collectively form the border of the changeable frame. Each frame border strip includes a base profile member and a cover member movable between a closed item retaining position in which an item is retained by the changeable frame and the cover member partially extends over and exerts a resilient biasing force against the item and an open position. Each frame border strip also includes a pivot arrangement for pivotally mounting the base profile member and the cover member to one another. The pivot arrangement includes a fulcrum formed on the base profile member which is contacted by a counter stop surface formed on the cover member to prevent an overpivot movement of the cover member beyond its predetermined pivot travel.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to a changeable frame for supporting flat surfaced items such as pictures, posters, placards or the like with frame border strips which form the borders of the changeable frame, whereby the frame border strips each includes a base profile member, a pivot element pivotally mounted via a pivot mounting to the base profile member, and a cover member that extends over the pivot element as a cover and, in a closed position in which an item is retained by the frame border strips in the changeable frame, partially extends over the item and resiliently biases an item retaining element against the item.  
           [0002]    Changeable frames of the type noted above are conventionally known and are a preferred application for advertising and marketing purposes. Such changeable frames offer the advantage over other conventional changeable frame configurations that they permit an exchange of the item retained in the changeable frame via a simple hand grip action. In this connection, as can be readily imagined, the pivot elements and the cover member covering these pivot elements are snapped outwardly out of the plane of the frame such that the item retained on the frame is released and can subsequently be removed out of the front of the frame. A new item such as, for example, an advertising placard, a new brochure, or the like can now be installed in the changeable frame in the same manner and can be clamped in the changeable frame via return movements of the pivot elements and the cover member to their closed item retaining positions.  
           [0003]    A frame of the type noted is described, for example, in DE 298 09 261. The changeable frame described in that prior art reference comprises three functional components—namely, a base profile member, a pivot element, and a frame border strip and is characterized by the fact that the frame border strip functions as a resiliently biasing member. According to this prior art reference, the noted functional components can be elaborated as separate components and, for the assembly of the frame border strip therewith, the components can be interconnectable with one another by, for example, friction fit elements. Alternatively, the components can be elaborated in an already assembled condition. This can be accomplished, for example, by coextrusion, whereby film hinge connections can be provided, for example, in the connection areas of the functional components.  
           [0004]    The changeable frames of the type just described, particularly in their elaboration in a manner in which the frame border strips are comprised of separate finished components releasably interconnectable with one another to form a frame, suffer from the disadvantage that, in connection with a frame opening pivot movement of the pivot element and the respective frame border strip which covers the pivot element, it cannot be precluded that there occurs an overpivot movement or, in other words, a pivot movement of the components beyond the predetermined frame opening pivot travel paths of these components. In the event of an overpivot movement, it can occur that the individual components, which are releasably interconnected to one another to form the frame border strip, separate from one another such that the border of the frame must be constantly re-assembled by repeat interconnection of the individual components to one another.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    The present invention offers a solution to the challenge of providing a changeable frame of the type hereinbefore noted which reliably prevents an overpivot movement of the pivoting components of the changeable frame beyond their predetermined frame opening positions. To furnish this solution, the pivot hinge assembly pivotally interconnecting the base profile member and the pivot element of the changeable frame of the present invention preferably includes a stop element, which prevents an overpivot movement.  
           [0006]    A stop element of the type comprised in the changeable frame of the present invention presents an especially simple and very effective solution for preventing an overpivot movement beyond the maximum predetermined pivot movement, which terminates at a predetermined frame opening position. This solution also ensures, in the event that the frame border strip is comprised of releasably interconnectable pieces, that the pivot and cover elements cannot come loose from the base profile member due to an overpivot movement.  
           [0007]    In accordance with one feature of the changeable frame of the present invention, the pivot arrangement between the base profile member and the pivot element advantageously comprises a fulcrum and a follower portion, whereby the fulcrum includes an arcuate convex outer surface portion and the follower portion includes an arcuate concave surface portion dimensioned in correspondence with, and operable to move in following movement along, the arcuate convex outer surface portion of the fulcrum.  
           [0008]    The just described configuration of the pivot arrangement represents a simple pivot connection that ensures the reliably guided pivot movement that is required in the pivoting of the pivot element. The follower portion engages and follows with its arcuate concave surface portion the arcuate convex outer surface portion of the fulcrum and a gliding relative movement between the arcuate concave surface portion and the arcuate convex outer surface portion occurs. This pivot arrangement serves at the same time as the pivot axis for a pivot movement of the pivot element between the two pivot movement end positions—namely, the one end position corresponding to the closed item retaining position of the frame border strip and the other end position corresponding to the open item releasing position of the frame border strip. In connection with such a pivot arrangement, an offset in the arcuate convex outer surface portion of the fulcrum can advantageously serve as a stop surface for contacting a counter stop surface formed by a transverse end portion which extends radially inwardly from the arcuate concave surface portion of the pivot element. The arcuate convex outer surface portion of the fulcrum has a reduced radius relative to the next following arcuate outer surface portion of the fulcrum such that the transition between the two arcuate outer surface portions forms the offset and the arcuate concave surface portion of the pivot element is guided along the reduced radius arcuate convex outer surface portion of the fulcrum during the pivot movement until the counter stop surface on the transverse end portion contacts the offset, whereupon further pivoting of the pivot element is prevented.  
           [0009]    One can achieve a still higher assurance that an overpivot movement of the pivot element will be prevented if another portion of the fulcrum opposite to the offset is configured as a projecting outer surface portion operable as a second stop surface for contacting a second counter stop surface formed at another end of the follower portion of the pivot element, whereby the locations of the second stop surface and the second counter stop surface are selected such they contact one another at the maximum predetermined pivot travel extent of the pivot element at the same time as the stop surface and the counter stop surface contact one another. The pivot element thus contacts the two respective stop surfaces with its two ends so that an overpivot movement of the pivot element can be reliably prevented even in the event of large pivot opening movement forces.  
           [0010]    The fulcrum can be formed on the base profile member and the follower portion can be formed on the pivot element although an opposite arrangement can also be configured—that is, the follower portion can be formed on the base profile member and the fulcrum can be formed on the pivot element.  
           [0011]    It is further recommended, in connection with the changeable frame of the present invention, that the cover member itself is connected to the base profile member at a pivot location, whereby a stop surface is provided on the base profile member which is contacted by a counter stop surface formed on the cover member contemporaneously with the contact of the counter stop surface of the pivot element with the associated stop surface of the base profile member. In this manner, a pivot movement of the pivot element effects a pivot movement of the cover member, which is connected to the pivot element, about the associated pivot location on the base profile member and the contact of the counter stop surface of the cover member with the associated stop surface on the base profile member offers further protection against an overpivot movement of the pivoting components of the changeable frame, as this stop action contact between the cover member and the base profile member has an additional movement limiting effect, if the pivot element contacts at least one of the associated stop surfaces on the base profile member.  
           [0012]    One can benefit from an advantage in terms of production and flexibility in the assembly of the frame border strips if, as is provided by a further feature of the changeable frame of the present invention, the cover member, the base profile member, and the pivot element are embodied as separately produced pieces and are releasably connectable with one another. This permits the production of separate cover members, base profile members, and pivot elements, which can be combined as desired with one another. Thus, it can be imagined that a single unit type base profile member can be provided with various pivot elements and cover members. This is advantageous, for example, if frames of differing outside dimensions are to be produced. The width of the cover member is accommodated based on optical aesthetic considerations to the frame dimensions. In the eye of a frame beholder, a small cover member used with a large frame—that is, a frame with an extended height and width—appears to be too small; the frame beholder has the impression that the proportions are not suited for each other. Also, a cover member that is too small may not securely retain an item in the frame. For this reason, it is necessary to provide larger frames with wider cover members. Conversely, a cover member which is too wide with respect to a relatively smaller frame appears to the eye of a frame beholder as over-dimensioned. Through the assembly of the frame border strip from separate pieces, the pivot element and the cover member connected thereto can be selected in consideration of the width of the base profile member which corresponds to the frame dimensions and used for the assembly of the frame border strip. Additionally, cover members of various configuration as regards the characteristics of the transparent properties thereof can be selected and combined as desired which contributes to a visible expansion of the range of configurations which can be used.  
           [0013]    Moreover, in accordance with another feature of the changeable frame of the present invention, the cover member is configured as a piece which is at least partially transparent. This opens up the possibility that the portion below the transparent portion of the cover member can be seen through the cover member. It can thus be provided, for example, that decorative elements can be provided which are arranged underneath the cover members in the closed position of the changeable frame and are visible through the transparent portions of the cover members. As an enhancement, means can be provided on the cover member for receiving the decorative elements. Also, the pivot elements can include such means. In this manner, one can benefit from a higher degree of flexibility in view of the variations of the optical appearances which an embodiment of the changeable frame of the present invention may have. Differently configured decorative elements such as, for example, printed decorative elements can be arranged as desired in the arrangements disclosed hereinabove and can be changed in a simple manner. Accordingly, for example, the impression of a wood frame can be brought forth by use of a decorative element having an imitation wood surface. It can also be imagined that variously colored, geometrically patterned decorative elements or similarly configured decorative elements can be used. At the same time, advertising imprints, for example, can be made visible through the transparent cover members.  
           [0014]    In accordance with a further advantageous feature of the changeable frame of the present invention, a lengthwise slot is provided on a side of the base profile member turned away from the cover member. This slot can be provided with one or several undercuts. A slot of this type can serve several purposes. For example, a fastening means for fastening of the changeable frame of the present invention to, for example, a wall or the like can be seated in the slot and thereby ensure the fastening of the changeable frame to the wall or the like. It can be imagined that functional elements can be fixedly seated in a slot of such a configuration which are configured to serve various purposes. For example, a correspondingly configured functional element can connect two changeable frames in a back-to-back manner. It is also imaginable that a functional element can be slotted into the slot formed in the base profile member which is configured with a hanger means or a fastening device for hanging or fastening the changeable frame to a mounting location. A functional element provided in the form of a hanger means can serve to mount the changeable frame, which is connected with the hanger means via the slot, to a wall, a support or stand, a room covering, or the like, with the assistance of known mounting means. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]    The object and advantages of the present invention will be explained in more detail with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 1 a  is a sectional view of one embodiment of the changeable frame of the present invention showing the changeable frame in its closed item retaining position; and  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1 b  is a sectional view of the one embodiment of the changeable frame of the present invention which is shown in FIG. 1 a  and showing the changeable frame in its open item releasing position. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0018]    In FIGS. 1 a  and  1   b,  the parts in one figure of the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals as the identical parts in the other figure of the drawings. FIG. 1 a  shows a sectional view of one embodiment of the changeable frame of the present invention in its closed item retaining position. The changeable frame of the present invention is bordered on all sides by a frame border strip  1 . The sectional view of the changeable frame in FIG. 1 a  shows the frame border strip  1  as well as a portion of the picture backing element  7  which is in engagement with the frame border strip  1 . The frame border strip  1  is substantially comprised of three components. These components are a base profile member  2 , a pivot element  3  movably connected to the base profile member  2 , and a cover member  4  extending in covering relationship over the base profile member  2  and the pivot element  3 .  
         [0019]    The base profile member  2  comprises, on the extent thereof extending along the interior border of the changeable frame, a layout surface  5  whose outer edge in the direction of the exterior border of the changeable frame is defined by a shoulder wall  6  extending substantially perpendicularly to the layout surface. The layout surface  5  operates to support the picture backing element  7 . The picture backing element  7  lies on the layout surface  5  and is adhered thereagainst by an adhesive strip  8 . The adhesive strip  8  comprises two opposed, self adhering oversurfaces. One of the self adhering oversurfaces of the adhesive strip  8  is adhered to the layout surface  5  and the other self adhering oversurface is adhered to that portion of the underside of the picture backing element  7  which overlies the layout surface  5 . The base profile member  2  includes a slot  9  extending lengthwise there along. Two undercuts  10   a,    10   b  are each formed in a respective side of the slot  9  in opposition to the other undercut. Two fulcrums  11 ,  14  are formed on the base profile member on its exterior edge. The fulcrum  11  is comprised of two segments each of which has an arcuate outer surface. The arcuate outer surfaces of the two segments of the fulcrum  11  have differing radii and two respective adjacent ends of the two arcuate outer surfaces are connected to one another by a stop surface  12  extending substantially radially to the arcuate outer surfaces. The fulcrum  11  encloses a hollow passage  13 . The fulcrum  14  is formed on the frame exterior edge of a stop surface  27  which extends generally radially outwardly from the fulcrum  11 . A stop surface  15  is formed along the connection of the fulcrum  11  to the underside of the stop surface  27 . The pivot element  3  is pivotably mounted at one end thereof on the fulcrum  11 .  
         [0020]    The pivot element  3  includes a follower portion  16  on its one end adapted for mounting the pivot element to the fulcrum  11  along the arcuate surface  17 . One end of the follower portion  16  has a radially inwardly angled leg  18  which follows the lesser radius arcuate outer surface of the pair of segments of the fulcrum  11 , which is formed on the base profile member  2 . The turned in leg  18  thus forms a counter stop surface  19  extending along the surface of the leg  18  facing the stop surface  12 . The opposite end of the follower portion  16  has a counter stop surface  28  formed thereon for engaging the stop surface  27  formed on the base profile member  2 . The pivot element  3  further includes, at an end thereof opposite to the end on which the follower portion  16  is formed, a fulcrum  20 . A socket  21  formed on the end of the cover member  4  pivotally receives therein the fulcrum  20  to thereby pivotally interconnect the end of the cover member  4  with the pivot element  3 .  
         [0021]    A follower portion  22  is formed on another end of the cover member  4  for following the fulcrum  14  formed on the base profile member  2 . Thus, it can be seen that the three core components of the frame border strip—namely, the base profile member  2 , the pivot element  3 , and the cover member  4 —are movably interconnected with one another via the various fulcrums and the follower portions. The cover member  4  comprises as well a counter stop surface  23  formed at the termination of the follower portion  22 , the counter stop surface  23  cooperating with the stop surface  15  formed on the base profile member  2 . A grip engagement portion  26  is formed on the cover member  4  adjacent the socket  21 .  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 1 b  shows the same sectional view of the frame border strip  1  as the frame border strip is shown in its closed item retaining position in FIG. 1 a  except that, in FIG. 1 b,  the frame border strip is shown in its open item releasing position—that is, the pivot element  3  and the cover member  4  are pivoted outwardly. It can be seen that, in this position, the counter stop surface  19  formed on the pivot element  3  is in contact with the stop surface  12  formed on the fulcrum  11 , the counter stop surface  28  formed on the pivot element  3  is in contact with the stop surface  27  formed on the base profile member  2 , and the counter stop surface  23  formed on the cover member  4  is in contact with the stop surface  15  formed on the base profile member. Further outward pivoting of the pivot element  3  and the cover member  4  in the frame border strip opening direction is thus foreclosed by the stop actions of the three stop surface-counter stop surface contacts. In this manner, an overpivot movement of the referenced pieces and a consequential loosening or release of the connections between the individual pieces is thereby foreclosed.  
         [0023]    It can be seen in FIG. 1 a  that the socket  21  formed on the cover member  4  presses against, and lies upon, the picture backing element  7  due to the locations of the pivot element  3  and the cover member  4  in the closed position of the frame border strip. In this manner, an item disposed upon the picture backing element  7  and which is to be retained in the frame such as, for example, a poster, a placard, or the like, is, together with a transparent cover which may be disposed over the item, held in its frame retained position by the pressing action of the counter socket  21 . This pressing action is reinforced by a resiliently biasing force which is exerted by the cover member  4 . The effective distance between the fulcrum  20  and the fulcrum  14  initially increases, due to the movement of the pivot element  3  and the cover member  4  during the frame opening movement from the closed position shown in FIG. 1 a  into the opening of the frame border strip shown in FIG. 1 a.  In this manner, the cover position shown in FIG. 1 b,  until the completion of the opening movement of the frame border strip into its open position shown in FIG. 1 b,  whereupon the distance between the fulcrums  14 ,  20  generally corresponds to the distance between the fulcrums in the closed position member  4 , which extends from the fulcrum  14  to the fulcrum  20  and is supported by the two fulcrums, is initially overextended or bent out of its normal shape during the initial portion of the opening movement of the frame border strip and thereafter returns to its normal shape as the frame border strip completes its opening movement into its open position. The cover member  4  is, therefore, comprised of a flexible material such as, for example, a plastic material, so that it translates its deformation due to the overextension into a potential resiliently biasing force. The deformation of the cover member  4  produces counter forces which are exerted as a resiliently biasing force acting to retain the moving pieces in the closed position of the frame border strip shown in FIG. 1 a  or, alternatively, acting to retain the moving pieces in the open position of the frame border strip shown in FIG. 1 b.    
         [0024]    The slot  9  shown in FIGS. 1 a  and  1   b,  together with the two undercuts  10   a  and  10   b,  can be used for various purposes. The configuration of the slot  9  with the two undercuts  10   a  and  10   b  permits the introduction of correspondingly dimensioned elements into the slot and the seating of projections into the undercuts. Such elements can be used, for example, to connect two frames together in back-to-back manner or to accommodate mounting elements for mounting the frame on a wall. Additionally, connecting elements can be introduced into the slot for configuring a corner connection as can be required for the assembly together of individual components of the frame border strip  1  into a fully assembled frame. In this connection, the individual frame border strips can be, for example, miter cut and thereafter fixedly mounted together through the insertion of right angled connection pieces into the slot  9  of the frame border strips  1  which border one another.  
         [0025]    In the one embodiment of the changeable frame of the present invention described herein, the base profile member  2 , the pivot element  3 , and the cover member  4  are configured as separate parts and are connected to one another by friction fit or snap fit to form the frame border strip  1 . This offers the advantage that the individual parts can be produced through comparatively cost favorable processes such as, for example, by extrusion, laid out together in correspondence with the desired length of the frame border strip  1 , and then inserted together by simple connection configurations to form the frame border strip  1 . This approach avoids the assembly of individual fulcrum connections as is necessitated, for example, in the use of film hinge connections and which can only be realized through resource demanding coextrusion processes. Moreover, various base profile members  2 , pivot elements  3 , and cover members  4  can be combined as desired to assemble a frame border strip of the present invention.  
         [0026]    The cover member  4  can be opaque, colored, or transparent. A transparent cover member offers the possibility of permitting the item which is overlaid by the cover member to be visible. Thus, for example, a decorative composition can be provided underneath a transparent cover member  4 , whereby the decorative composition is easy to exchange for another composition so as to thereby facilitate a simple and quick re-configuration of the changeable frame.  
         [0027]    One skilled in the art can imagine a multitude of further embodiments of the changeable frame of the present invention in addition to the one embodiment of the changeable frame of the present invention described herein which, as well, make use of the core concept of the present invention. Individual characteristics of the changeable frame described and/or illustrated herein can be combined in various ways with one another. The one embodiment of the changeable frame of the present invention has been described herein merely for the purpose of explaining the changeable frame of the present invention and is not to be understood as a limitation on the scope of the invention.  
         [0028]    The afore described one embodiment of the changeable frame of the present invention thus clearly shows that a changeable frame has been provided in accordance with the present invention which effectively prevents an overpivot movement of the pivoting components of the changeable frame beyond a predetermined outward opening position.  
         [0029]    The specification incorporates by reference the disclosure of German priority document 200 05 195.4 of Mar. 21, 2000.  
         [0030]    The present invention is, of course, in no way restricted to the specific disclosure of the specification and drawings, but also encompasses any modifications within the scope of the appended claims.