Patent Publication Number: US-2023148768-A1

Title: Frame and frame system

Description:
FIELD 
     A frame for selectively receiving a flexible substrate therein is provided. A frame system may comprise the frame and at least one connector to connect the frame with one or more additional frames. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Frames for pictures and the like are well-known. The prior art frames, however, are usually individual, unconnected structures. The individual frames do not lend themselves to connection with one another so that a display of several frames together seems disjointed and is not aesthetically pleasing. 
     There are some frames that are connected to one another, but these are fixed connections that do not permit the frames to be rearranged and/or swapped out with one another. In addition, the prior art connected frames do not lend themselves to easily changing the pictures in the frames. Instead, the entire connected system must be removed from its setting, such as on a wall, in order to change a single picture. 
     In view of the disadvantages associated with the prior art, it would be advantageous for a frame to be selectively connectable to other frames to form a display in which the images in the frames can be readily changed. It would also be advantageous for a single frame to permit for simple and easy replacement of pictures and the like held by the frame. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a frame may have a plurality of perimeter walls. The perimeter walls may at least partially bound at least one window. The perimeter walls may have an inner perimeter surface comprising at least one inner groove. The perimeter walls may also have an outer perimeter surface comprising a plurality of outer slots. 
     In another aspect, a frame system may have at least one connector selectively adapted to fit within at least one of the outer slots. The at least one connector may have a body portion and at least one tab portion. The at least one tab portion may be cantilevered from the body portion. 
     In another aspect, a frame system may have a first frame. The first frame may have a plurality of perimeter walls. The perimeter walls may at least partially bound at least one window. The perimeter walls may also have an inner perimeter surface comprising at least one inner groove adapted to receive a first flexible substrate therein. The perimeter walls may also have an outer perimeter surface comprising a plurality of outer slots. The frame system may also have a second frame. The second frame may have a plurality of perimeter walls. The perimeter walls may at least partially bound at least one window. The perimeter walls may also have an inner perimeter surface comprising at least one inner groove adapted to receive a second flexible substrate therein. The perimeter walls may also have an outer perimeter surface comprising a plurality of outer slots. The frame system may also have at least one connector having a first tab adapted to fit in one of the plurality of outer slots of the first frame. The connector may also have a second tab adapted to fit in one of the plurality of outer slots of the first frame to selectively connect the first frame and second frame together. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above, as well as other advantages, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic top view of one embodiment of a frame; 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic bottom view of the frame from  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic end view of the frame from  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a schematic side view of the frame from  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a schematic top view of another embodiment of a frame; 
         FIG.  6    is a schematic bottom view of the frame from  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a schematic end view of the frame from  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a schematic side view of the frame from  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a schematic side view of a frame and a substrate with the substrate in a first condition along line  9 - 9  in  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  10    is a schematic side view of the frame and substrate from  FIG.  9    with the substrate in a second condition; 
         FIG.  11    is a schematic side view of the frame and substrate from  FIG.  9    with the substrate in a third condition; 
         FIG.  12    is a schematic side view of a machine to process substrates; 
         FIG.  13    is a schematic top view of a substrate with an embodiment of sections; 
         FIG.  14    is a schematic top view of a substrate with another embodiment of sections; 
         FIG.  15    is a schematic view of a frame system; 
         FIG.  16    is a schematic view of another frame system; 
         FIG.  17    is a schematic view of another frame system; 
         FIG.  18    is a schematic view of a collection of frames; 
         FIG.  19    is a top schematic view of a detail of two connected frames in a frame system; 
         FIG.  20    is a side schematic view of a detail of two connected frames in a frame system; 
         FIG.  21    is a top view of one embodiment of a first connector; 
         FIG.  22    is a side view of the first connector of  FIG.  21   ; 
         FIG.  23    is an end view of the first connector of  FIG.  21   ; 
         FIG.  24    is a top view of one embodiment of a second connector; 
         FIG.  25    is a side view of the second connector of  FIG.  24   ; 
         FIG.  26    is an end view of the second connector of  FIG.  24   ; and 
         FIG.  27    is another end view of the second connector of  FIG.  24   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     It is to be understood that device may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions, directions or other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     Turning now to  FIGS.  1 - 4   , one embodiment of a frame  30  is schematically depicted. The frame  30  may have a plurality of perimeter walls  32 . In some cases, the perimeter walls  32  may define a boundary, such as an outer boundary  34 , of an individual frame  30 . Thus, the perimeter walls  32  may substantially contribute to the overall shape of the frame  30 . In some cases, the perimeter walls  32  may define a square or rectangular overall shape of the frame  30 , but other polygons and other shapes with curved or curvilinear surfaces may be used as well. 
     In the non-limiting example of a square or rectangular frame  30 , there may be such as four perimeter walls  32 . These walls  32  may be such an upper wall  36 , a lower wall  38  and first and second side walls  40 ,  42 . In some cases, the perimeter walls  32  may consist of the upper wall  36 , the lower wall  38  and the first and second side walls  40 ,  42 . 
     The perimeter walls  32  may have a substantially polygonal cross-sectional shape, which may be appreciated in  FIGS.  3  and  4   . In the depicted embodiments, the perimeter walls  32  may have a generally square or rectangular cross-section substantially along their lengths, but other cross-sectional shapes may be used in whole or in part along the lengths with the polygonal shapes or without the polygonal shapes. 
     In some cases, the perimeter walls  32  may have at least one slot  44  located therein. The at least one slot  44  may be located in an outer perimeter surface  46  of at least one of the perimeter walls  32 . The outer perimeter surface  46  may be such as the outermost surface associated with the perimeter walls  32  and frame  30 . In other embodiments, the perimeter walls may be free of slots  44 . 
     The at least one slot  44  may extend inwardly, through the outer perimeter surface  46 , and into a body portion  48  of the perimeter wall  32  in which it is located. The at least one slot  44  may have an opening  50  in the outer perimeter surface  46  and an inner cavity  52 . The opening  50  and the inner cavity  52  may be connected to one another, and may define the same cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape may be polygonal. In one instance, the cross-sectional shape of the slot opening  50  in the perimeter wall  32  may be such as square or rectangular to define a cubic shape for the inner cavity  52 . While one shape of a slot  44  is mentioned, other shapes may be used as well. For example, a round hole may be used. 
     In some embodiments, an upper surface  54  of the inner cavity  52  may have a recess  56 , such as shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   . The recess  56  may extend toward an upper surface  55  of the perimeter wall  32  in which the cavity is located. The recess  56  may have a general hemispherical shape that extends into the upper surface  55 . 
     In some embodiments, there may be at least one slot  44  in each of the outer perimeter surfaces  46  of each of the perimeter walls  32 . Each of the slots  44  may have substantially the same shape and extend into its respective perimeter wall  32  the same distance. In the embodiment, depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 4   , there may be three slots  44  in the upper wall  36 , three slots  44  in the lower wall  38  and three slots  44  in both the first and second side walls  40 ,  42 . The slots  44  in each respective perimeter wall  32  may be equally spaced from one another, but in some cases, slots  44  in a perimeter wall  32  may not be equally spaced from slots  44  in adjacent perimeter walls  32 . 
     In one example, the slots  44  in the upper wall  36  may be spaced along the outer perimeter surface  46  of the wall  36 , such that a central slot  58  may be equally spaced from first and second outer slots  60 ,  62 . The central slot  58  may be located at generally a midpoint  64  of the upper wall  36 , while the first and second outer slots  60 ,  62  may be located in first and second end portions  66 ,  68  of the upper wall  36 . The lower wall  38  may have the same slot number and pattern, thus in some embodiments, the perimeter wall  38  may be a mirror image of the upper wall  36 . 
     Similarly, looking, for example, at the first side wall  40 , the slots  44  in the first side wall  40  may be spaced along the outer perimeter surface  46  of the wall  40  such that a central slot  58  may be equally spaced from first and second outer slots  60 ,  62 . The central slot  58  may be located at generally a midpoint  64  of the first side wall  40 , while the first and second outer slots  60 ,  62  may be located in first and second end portions  66 ,  68  of the first side wall  40 . The second side wall  42  may have the same slot number and pattern, thus in some embodiments, the second side wall  42  may be a mirror image of the first side wall  40 . 
     In the example described above, the first and second outer slots  60 ,  62  in two adjacent perimeter walls  32  may not be spaced apart the same distance as the outer slots  60 ,  62  in any perimeter wall  32  are spaced from the central slot  58  in the same wall  32 . In some embodiments, the first and second outer slots  60 ,  62  in adjacent perimeter walls  32  may be spaced closer together than the spacing between the first and second outer slots  60 ,  62  and the central slots  58  in a particular wall  32 . It may be preferred, however, that the spacing between first and second outer slots  60 ,  62  in adjacent perimeter walls  32  is substantially the same distance among the perimeter walls  32 . 
     The extent to which the slots  44  may extend into the respective perimeter walls  32  may be the same or vary among the walls  32 . In one embodiment depicted in the figures, the slots  44  extend inwardly into their respective perimeter walls  32  the same amount. The slots  44  may extend for example between approximately 20-80% into the width of the perimeter wall  32  in which they are located. In a preferred embodiment, the slots  44  may extend approximately 40-60% into the width of the perimeter wall  32  in which they are located. 
     The slots  44  may also be substantially centered between the upper surface  55  and a lower surface  69  of the perimeter walls  32 , as may be appreciated from  FIGS.  3  and  4   . These same figures also depict one embodiment where the slots  44  have a substantially constant height within the perimeter walls  32 . 
     In some embodiments, at least one channel  70  may extend from at least one of the slots  44 . In what may be a desirable embodiment, each slot  44  may have at least one channel  70 . The channels  70  may of the same or similar size, shape and length. The channels  70  may extend from a lower surface  72  of a slot inner cavity  72  within a perimeter wall  32 , continuously through the perimeter wall  32  with what may be a substantially constant cross section, to a respective lower surface  69  of each perimeter wall  32 . The channels  70  may extend substantially transverse the primary direction of the slots  44  and they may extend parallel the outer perimeter surfaces  46  of the perimeter walls  32 . The channels  70  may thus extend all substantially parallel one another. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of the perimeter walls  32  has an inner perimeter surface  74 . The inner perimeter surface  74  may be located inboard and opposite the outer perimeter surface  46 . Preferably, each perimeter wall  32  has an inner perimeter surface  74 . It in such an embodiment, the inner perimeter surface  74  of the upper wall  36  may face and extend generally parallel the inner perimeter surface  74  of the lower wall  38 . Similarly, the inner perimeter surfaces  74  of the first and second side walls  40 ,  42  may extend generally parallel one another; the inner perimeter surfaces  74  of the first and second walls  40 ,  42  may extend generally transverse the inner perimeter surfaces  74  of the upper and lower walls  36 ,  38 . In some designs, the inner perimeter surfaces  74  may together form a rectangular or square shape. The perimeter of the inner perimeter surfaces  74  may cover a smaller distance than the perimeter of the outer perimeter surfaces  46 . 
     In some embodiments, at least one inner perimeter surface  74  of at least one perimeter wall  32  may have a groove  76  formed therein. It may be that the inner perimeter surfaces  74  each of the first and second side walls  40 ,  42  may have a groove  76  formed therein. The grooves  76  in both side walls  40 ,  42  may be the same size, shape and length or they may differ from one another. It may be preferred that the respective grooves  76  extend into and along the first and second side walls  40 ,  42  to the same extent. 
     In one embodiment, the grooves  76  may extend into the inner perimeter surfaces  74  outwardly toward the outer perimeter surfaces  46 . The grooves  76  may extend approximately 5-30% of the width of each perimeter wall  32  into each wall  40 ,  42 . The grooves  76  may have a height that may be substantially the same as the height of the slots  44  in the walls  32 , such as seen in  FIGS.  3  and  4   . In some cases, the grooves  76  may be located equidistant from the upper and lower surfaces  55 ,  69  of the first and second side walls  40 ,  42 . The grooves  76  and the slots  44  may be coplanar with one another within the walls  40 ,  42 . 
     In some cases, the grooves  76  may extend substantially the length of the inner perimeter surfaces  74 . The extension may also be continuous with the same cross-sectional shape, such as square or rectangular, along the length of the grooves  76 . 
     It may be that the inner perimeter surfaces  74  of the upper and lower walls  36 ,  38  do not have the same or similar grooves  76  formed therein. Instead, it may be that the inner perimeter surfaces  74  of the upper and lower walls  36 ,  38  may be substantially planar without any such grooves  76   
     In some embodiments, a frame  30  may have at least one inner wall  78 . The inner wall  78  may have a substantially constant cross-section along its length. In some cases, the cross-sectional shape may be such as a polygonal, such as square or rectangular, but other shapes may be used as well. 
     The inner wall  78  may extend from an inner perimeter surface  74  of one perimeter wall  32  to another inner perimeter surface  74  of another perimeter wall  32 . In a non-limiting example, the frame  30  may have a first inner wall  80  that extends from the inner perimeter surface  74  of the upper wall  36  to the inner perimeter surface  74  of the lower wall  36 . The first inner wall  80  may extend generally perpendicularly from the inner perimeter surfaces  74  of the upper and lower walls  36 ,  38 . The first inner wall  80  may extend generally parallel the first and second side walls  40 ,  42 . 
     The frame may also have a second inner wall  82  that extends from the inner perimeter surface  74  of the first side wall  40  to the inner perimeter surface  74  of the second side wall  42 . The second inner wall  82  may extend generally perpendicularly from the inner perimeter surfaces  74  of the first and second side walls  40 ,  42 . The second inner wall  82  may extend generally parallel the upper and lower walls  36 ,  38 . 
     In some embodiments, the inner walls  78  may consist of the first inner wall  80  and the second inner wall  82 . In other embodiments, the inner walls  78  may comprise the first inner wall  80  and the second inner wall  82 , and there may be additional inner walls  78 . 
     From the foregoing, it may be appreciated that in some embodiments, the first and second inner walls  80 ,  82  may extend substantially transverse one another. In some embodiments as well, the first and second inner walls  80 ,  82  may intersect one another. The intersection may occur such as at a center portion, or midpoint  84 , of the frame  30 . 
     In some cases, the first inner wall  80  may extend along a first axis  86 , where the perimeter walls  32  may be symmetrical about the first axis  86 . The second inner wall  82  may extend about a second axis  88 , where the perimeter walls  32  may also be symmetrical about the second axis  88 . 
     The inner walls  78  and the perimeter walls  32 , arranged as described above, may form one or more windows  90  in the frame  30 . The windows  90  may have substantially the same size and shape as one another, which may be generally square or rectangular. The windows  90  define openings in the frame  30  that extend continuously, without interruption, from the upper surface  55  of the perimeter walls  32  to the lower surface  69  of the perimeter walls  32 . 
     In some embodiments, the first inner wall  80  may be coaxial with the central slot  58  in the upper and lower perimeter walls  36 ,  38 . In other words, the first axis  86  is coaxial with the first inner wall  80  and the central slots  58  in the upper and lower perimeter walls  36 ,  38 . In such embodiments, it may be also that the second inner wall  82  may be coaxial with the central slot  58  in the first and second side walls  40 ,  42 . In other words, the second axis  88  is coaxial with the second inner wall  82  and the central slots  58  in the first and second side walls  40 ,  42 . 
     In some embodiments, upper surfaces  92  of the first and second inner walls  80 ,  82  may not be coplanar with the upper surfaces  55  of the perimeter walls  32 . This results in the upper surfaces  92  of the first and second inner walls  80 ,  82  being at least partially recessed with respect to the upper surfaces  55  of the perimeter walls  32 . In these same embodiments, lower surfaces  94  of the first and second inner walls  80 ,  82  may be coplanar with the lower surfaces  69  of the perimeter walls  32 . 
     The frame  30 , including the perimeter walls  32  and the inner walls  80 ,  82 , may be one piece, integrally formed and unitary in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the perimeter walls  32  and the inner walls  80 ,  82  may be separately formed, in whole or in or in part, and then separately joined. The walls  32 ,  80 ,  82  may be joined such as through mechanical fasteners, adhesives and/or male/female-type couplings (e.g., dowels, biscuits, or dovetailing). 
     The frame  30  and/or the walls  32 ,  80 ,  82  may be constructed of wood, polymers, metals, fiberglass and/or composite materials in whole or in part. 
     A flexible substrate  96 , whose static or usual position is substantially planar, may be located within the frame  30  such that a rear surface  98  of the substrate  96  is at least partially supported by at least one of the first and second inner walls  80 ,  82 , as shown in  FIG.  11   . In addition, a first side edge portion  100  of the substrate  96  may be selectively located within one of the grooves  76 . The other, opposite second side edge  102  of the substrate  96  may be selectively located within the opposite groove  76 . In order to locate the second side edge  102  of the substrate  96  into the opposite groove  76 , the substrate  96  may be selectively bent, or flexed, so that the substate  96  can be aligned with the second groove  76 , as may be appreciated from  FIGS.  9 - 10   . Once aligned with the second groove  76 , the substrate  96  can be permitted to flatten where it moves into the second groove  76 . 
     The frame in  FIGS.  1 - 4    may be suited to hold substrates  96  such as approximately 8×10 inch pictures. Of course, while substrates  96  of one size are mentioned by way of example, the frame  30  may be sized and shaped to accommodate substrates  96  of different sizes and shapes as well. 
     By way of one example how frames  30  of different sizes can be used,  FIGS.  5 - 8    depict another embodiment of a frame  30  that is similar to the frame in  FIGS.  1 - 4   . Reference numbers for the like features from  FIGS.  1 - 4    are used in  FIGS.  5 - 8   . The frame  30  in  FIGS.  5 - 8    may be suited for substrates  96  that may be such as approximately 5×7 inches. In such a case, the frame  30  may have the same components noted above in the discussion of  FIGS.  1 - 4   . For example, the frame  30  in  FIGS.  5 - 8    may have a plurality of slots  44  in the frame  30 , but there may be such as one slot  30  in each of the outer perimeter surfaces  46  of the upper wall  36 , the lower wall  38 , and the first and second side walls  40 ,  42 . The slots  30  may be aligned along the first and second axis  86 ,  88 , respectively, of the frame  30 . 
     One embodiment of the substrate  96  may be such as styrene. Styrene is known to be a tough plastic material that is low cost, readily available, odorless and non-toxic. It is known as a substrate  96  for printing and imaging. Sheets of styrene may be formed of different thickness, shapes and sizes. In one embodiment, such a sheet may be approximately 1/32-⅛ inch thick, but other thicknesses may be used. The sheet may also be approximately 32×25 inches but here also other sizes may be used. 
     Such a sheet may be formed through a number of different devices and/or processes, one of which is schematically depicted in  FIG.  12   . In such a case, a roll  104  of a substrate material  96  may be provided. The substrate material  96  may be fed off of the roll  104  and into a machine  106  that can selectively cut the lengths of the substrate  96  off of the roll  104 . The machine  106  may also be adapted to have one or more slitting devices  108 . A slitting device  108  may be such as one or more rollers or die(s) with sufficient sharpness to score or at least partially cut the substrate  96 . While rollers are mentioned, fixed blades may also be used. 
     The slitting devices  108  may be located to selectively slit the substrate  96  at least along its length and/or width. By way of one example, the substrate  96  may be slit along at least some of the lines depicted in  FIG.  13   . 
     In some cases, slitting may be different than cutting. Cutting may mean that the substrate  96  is divided into two or more separated, unconnected pieces when the cutting step is complete. In some cases, a cutting tool (not shown) extends entirely through the substrate  96  to create a cut. Slitting may mean that the slitting device  108  only extends partially through substrate  96 . A slitting step or operation may have the slitting device  108  slit an outer surface  110  of the substrate  96 , such as upper surface  112  of the substrate  96 , and also the slitting device  108  may extend into the substrate  96  a predetermined depth, which may be a fixed depth. Preferably, the slitting device  108  does not extend entirely through the substrate  96 . In some embodiments, the slit substrate  96  may remain one-piece. 
     The slits  114  in the substrate  96  may function like hinges allowing the substrate  96  to be selectively folded onto itself about the hinges. It has been found that by folding the substrate  96  along the slits  114 , and folding the substrate sections onto themselves, that the substrate  96  can be reduced in size to the largest section. This is advantageous as the substrate in its original form can then be folded down to a standard shipping envelope size, such as 9×12 inches, 10×13 inches or 11×14 inches. By using a standard size shipping envelope costs can be reduced for both the envelope and shipping costs should the slit substrate  96  need to be transported and/or mailed. 
     As noted above, the substrate  96  may be divided into sections  116 . One or more of the sections  116  may be imaged with one or more images by a printer or the like. The sections  116  may be of different sizes and shapes, or they may be all the same size and shape. 
     In one embodiment, depicted in  FIG.  13   , a substrate  96  is divided into sections  116 . The sections  116  may be sized such as 11×14 inches, 8×10 inches, 5×7 inches, 2×3 inches, 3×4 inches and 3×2 inches by way of example. Additional sections  116 , such as those located about the border, may also be formed. It may be appreciated that different rollers or dies may be used to create sections of different sizes and shapes. 
       FIG.  14    depicts another embodiment of a substrate  96  divided into sections  116 . The substrate  96  may be such as a 24×21 inch sheet. In this example, the substrate  96  may have two 8×8 inch sections, two 8×10 inch sections and four 5×7 inch sections.  FIG.  14    demonstrates that substrates  96  of various sizes may be used for different section sizes and layouts and/or that the substrate  96  may be slit into different section sizes and layouts. 
       FIG.  12    also depicts one embodiment where individual substrates  96  that have been slit may be stacked on one another. The substrates  96  may be stacked such as on a pallet  118  or the like to locate the substrates  96  in a single location that may be moved, such as by a forklift or the like, from the machine. Advantageously, the slit substrates  96  lay flat on one another, which saves space. 
     The individual sections  116  of a slit substrate  96  may be broken apart from one another by repeatedly folding the sections  116  with respect to one another until the hinge fatigues and breaks. It may also be possible to simply pull the individual sections  116  from one another and they will separate along the hinges. 
     In one embodiment, the substrate  96  may be imaged before it is slit. In some embodiments, each of the sections  116  may contain an image located thereon. The image may be located on the substrate  96  by laser and/or ink jet type imaging. The images may be the same as one another, or they may be different. The image system, such as an inkjet printer, in combination with software, may properly locate, size and orient the image for the correct section  116  on the substrate  96 . It may also be possible to image the substrate  96  after it is slit. 
     The individual imaged sections  116  may be located into one of the frames  30  depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 8   . Preferably, an imaged section  116  of approximately 8×10 inches is located in the frame  30  in  FIGS.  1 - 4   , and an imaged section of approximately 5×7 inches is located in the frame  30  in  FIGS.  5 - 8   , as described above. The images sections  116  from the substrate  96  of other dimensions can be located in like sized frames. 
     The frames  30  depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 8    may be used on their own, or they may be used as part of a frame system  120 . Exemplary, non-limiting examples of frame systems  120  are depicted in  FIGS.  15 - 18   . From  FIG.  18    it can be appreciated that the individual frames  30  do not have to be connected together. In other words, the perimeter walls  32  of one frame  30  do not have to be connected to the perimeter walls  32  of another frame  30 . Instead, the individual frames  30  can be located on a wall or the like, or located on a table or the like. Connectors, as described below, may be used to connect the frames  30  to the wall. 
       FIGS.  15 - 17    show optional arrangements of the individual frames  30  where the frames  30 , and more particularly the perimeter walls  32  of individual frames  30  are connected together. While certain arrangements of the individual frames  30  arranged on a wall are depicted, other arrangements, which may include a greater or fewer number of frames  30  and/or which may position the frames  30  in different orientations and locations with respect to one another may be used. 
     The frames  30  may be connected together with first connectors  122 . The first connectors  122  may be used to connect a frame  30  of any size together with another frame  30  of any size; the first connectors  122  may be universal to the various frames  30 . 
       FIGS.  21 - 23    depict one embodiment of a first connector  122 . The first connector  122  may have a body portion  124 . The body portion  124  may be generally polygonal in shape, such as, but not limited to, generally cubic or rectangular. In such shapes, the body portion  124  may have an upper surface  126 , a lower surface  128 , and four side surfaces  130 . 
     In some embodiments, at least one tab portion  132  may extend from the body portion  124 . The tab portion  132  may extend from any of the above-noted surfaces  126 ,  128  or  130 , but it may be desirable to have the at least one tab portion  132  extend from at least one of the side surfaces  130 . The at least one tab portion  132  may be of any shape or size but it may be preferred to have the tab portion  132  be generally polygonal in shape, such as, but not limited to, generally cubic or rectangular. The at least one tab portion  132  may be cantilevered from the side surface  130 . Of course, the tab portion  132  shape should match the shape of the slot  44 . Thus, for example, if the slot  44  is round the tab portion  132  should be round as well. 
     The tab portion  132  may have an upper surface  134 , a lower surface  136  and four side surfaces  138 . One of the side surfaces  138  may be connected to the body portion  124 . The upper surface  134  may extend generally parallel to the upper surface  126  of the body portion  124 , but the two upper surfaces  126 ,  134  do not have to be coplanar with one another. Similarly, the lower surface  136  may extend generally parallel to the lower surface  128  of the body portion  124 , but here also the two lower surfaces  128 ,  134  do not have to be coplanar with one another. In such an embodiment of the tab portion  132  as described above, the tab portion  132  may only extend a portion of a length and a height of the body portion  124 . 
     The tab portion  132  may be separately formed and then attached to the body portion  124 , such as by adhesive, mechanical fasteners, male/female coupling, and/or welding. The tab portion  132  may also be integrally formed, one piece and unitary with the body portion  124  so that no additional joining materials or steps is required. 
     The tab portion  132  may have an upstanding peak  140  located on the upper surface  134 . The upstanding peak  140  may be located anywhere on the upper surface  134 , but it may be preferred to generally center the upstanding peak  140  on the upper surface  134 . 
     The upstanding peak  140  may have a generally half hemisphere shape. The upstanding peak  140  may have a complementary shape to the recess  56  in the slot  44  so as to selectively fit therein. By locating the upstanding peak  140  in the slot  44 , it may assist in selectively securing the first connector  122  to the perimeter wall  36 . 
     In most cases, the peak  140  will not reach the upper surface  126  of the body portion  124  but instead, it will terminate below the upper surface  126 . While one shape and size are mentioned for the peak  140 , other shapes and sizes may be used. Further, while a single peak  140  is mentioned, it may be possible to use additional peaks  140 . 
     The embodiment depicted in the figures may have a blind hole  142  extending from the lower surface  136  of the tab portion  132 . The blind hole  142  may be axially aligned with the upstanding peak  140 . The blind hole  142  may generally have the same approximate width, or diameter, as the upstanding peak  140 . 
     In some embodiments, the first connector  122  may have two tab portions  132 . The two tab portions  132  may extend from opposite side surfaces  138  of the first connector  122 . The two tab portions  132  may be substantially the same in terms of their size, shape, features and functionality. While two tab portions  132  are mentioned, a greater or fewer number of tab portions  132  may be associated with the first connector  122 . 
     The tab portions  132  may be complementary in size and shape to the outer slots  44 . A tab portion  132  may be selectively located in a slot  44  of a perimeter wall  32  of a frame  30 . A side surface  130  of the body portion  124  surrounding the tab portion  132  may directly abut the outer perimeter wall  32  when the tab portion  132  is located in the slot  44 . 
     The upstanding peak  140  on the tab portion  132  may form a friction fit with the slot  44 . The friction fit alone may be sufficient to selectively secure the tab portion  132  into the slot  44 . In other embodiments, a fastener  144 , such as a screw or the like, may be located through the channel  70  in the perimeter wall  32  and into the blind hole  142  to secure the first connector  122  and the perimeter wall  32  together selectively. 
     In the same or similar fashion, another tab portion  132  of the same first connector  122  may be located in a slot  44  of a perimeter wall  32  of another frame  30 . In this manner two frames  30  may be selectively connected together. The first connector  122  may be connected to any of the perimeter walls  32  of the two frames  30  as shown in  FIGS.  15 - 17   . Top and side detail views of a first connector  122  connecting two perimeter walls  32  are shown in  FIGS.  19  and  20   . 
     By being connected together, the two frames  30  take on a different aesthetic than unconnected frames  30 . By way of one example, the connected frames  30  provide the appearance of a one-piece work of art verses individual frames  30  that have been located adjacent one another. 
       FIGS.  24 - 27    also depict a second connector  146 . The second connector  146  may be substantially the same as the first connector  122  except for the following features. First, the second connector  146  may only have a single tab portion  148 . Second, the second connector  146  may have a through channel  150  extending from an upper surface  152  continuously through to a lower surface  154  of the second connector  146 . The through channel  150  may have a constant circular cross-section from the upper surface  152  to the lower surface  154 . 
     The single tab portion  148  on the second connector  146  may have a complementary shape to the slots  44  on an outer perimeter surface  46  of a frame  30 . This permits the tab portion  148  of the second connector  146  to be selectively located within an slot  44 . The side wall  156  of the body portion  158  surrounding the tab portion  148  may directly abut the outer perimeter wall  32  when the tab portion  148  is located in the slot  44 . An upstanding peak  160  on the tab portion  148  may form a friction fit with the slot  44 . The friction fit alone may be sufficient to selectively secure the tab portion  148  into the slot  44 . In other embodiments a fastener (not shown), such as a screw or the like, may be located into the through channel  150  and into a substrate, such as a wall or the like to secure the frame  30  to the substrate. The second connector  146  located in various frames can also be seen in  FIGS.  15 - 17   . A detail view of the second connector  146  located in a perimeter wall  32  is provided in  FIG.  19   . 
     In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the present device has been described in what is considered to represent its preferred embodiments. However, it should be noted that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope.