Patent Publication Number: US-2023157464-A1

Title: Snap-fit framing system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional Pat. Application 17/388,762, filed Jul. 29, 2021, which is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Pat. Application 63/059,249, filed Jul. 31, 2020, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein as if expressly set forth in its respective entirety herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure is directed to a frame for displaying an object, such as a photograph or artwork, and more particularly, relates to a snap-fit framing (frame) system or assembly. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Frames have been used for many years to hold and display an object, such as artwork, a photo, etc. Traditionally, frames were formed of wood pieces that are attached to together at the corners of the frame. This type of construction and assembly was time consuming and costly. There is therefore a need for an alternative frame that is easy to assembly and provides additional features that improve the quality of the framed article and the framing experience. 
     SUMMARY 
     A frame system according to one embodiment includes a hollow outer frame element that includes a plurality of recesses formed along inner faces of walls of the outer frame element. The outer frame element further includes a plurality of ribs formed along the inner face and an inner landing that protrudes inwardly into a center opening of the outer frame element. The frame system also includes a back plate configured for insertion into the center opening. The back plate includes a plurality of locking ribs for reception within the plurality of recesses to generate a snap-fit attachment of the back plate to the hollow outer frame element. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
         FIG.  1    is a rear and side perspective view of a framed article in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG.  2    is a rear view of the framed article; 
         FIG.  3    is a rear perspective view of a first part (outer frame element) of the framed article with an image substrate being disposed within the outer frame element; 
         FIG.  4    is a rear perspective of the outer frame element without the image substrate; 
         FIG.  5    is a rear elevation view of the outer frame element without the image substrate; 
         FIG.  6    is an enlarged view of a wall segment of the outer frame element taken along the circle in  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a rear elevation view of a second part (back plate) of the framed article without the kickstand; 
         FIG.  8    is a rear perspective view of the back plate; 
         FIG.  9    is a rear elevation view of the back plate showing the kickstand secured thereto; 
         FIG.  10    is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  11    is an enlarged view of an end portion taken along the circle of  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  12    is another enlarged view of another cross-section of the back plate; 
         FIG.  13    is yet another enlarged view of another cross-section of the back plate; 
         FIG.  14    is a side elevation view of the assembled frame article with a kickstand in an attached position; 
         FIG.  15    is a cross-sectional view thereof; 
         FIG.  16    is an enlarged view of the kickstand taken along the circle of  FIG.  15   ; 
         FIG.  17    is a front perspective view of the back plate; and 
         FIG.  18    is a perspective view of a disengagement tool. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS 
     In accordance with the present disclosure, as illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 17   , a framing system or assembly (kit)  100  is shown and described and is configured to create a framed article that can be displayed either on a wall or can stand upright on a flat surface, such as a table or desk. The framed article is configured to display an image that is part of an image substrate  20  ( FIG.  3   ) that is held and displayed within the framing system  100 . The image substrate  20  is typically a rigid substrate on which an image is displayed. While the image substrate  20  is illustrated in  FIG.  11    as a single layer, it will be appreciated that the image substrate  20  can include more than one layer, such as a rigid backing layer and a photo layer or the like. The image displayed can take any number of different forms including a paper clipping, a photo, artwork including a painting, or other artistic expression. 
     As described herein, the framing system  100  provides an easy to use and easy to assemble kit that allows a user to assemble the frame and position and retain the image substrate  20  therein. The framing system  100  has other accessories to allow it to be displayed in different ways, such as hanging on a wall or displayed on a flat table surface, etc. 
     The framing system  100  has two main parts, namely, an outer frame element (first part)  200  and a back plate  300  (second part) that mates with the outer frame element  200  to form the assembled frame. As described herein, the outer frame element  200  and the back plate  300  are attached to one another with a mechanical fit and more particularly, can snap-fittingly mate with one another. 
     The outer frame element  200  is a hollow piece that has a main body that defines a hollow center opening  205 . The outer frame element  200  can have any number of different shapes and sizes based on the intended shape and size of the framed article  10 . The main body of the outer frame element  200  has a plurality of (e.g., four) interconnected walls  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208 . The illustrated main body has a square shape and therefore, each of the interconnected walls  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208  can be in the form of a rail or the like. Each of the walls  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208  has an outer surface  201  and an inner surface  203 . The illustrated outer surface  201  represents the portion of the frame system  100  that is readily visible and therefore, it can be smooth or it can have a decorative finish (and thus is not limited to being a smooth surface). 
     Outer Frame Element  200   
     The outer frame element  200  includes a plurality of recesses  220  that are formed along the inner surface  203 . As illustrated, there can be two recesses  220  formed along each of the walls  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208 . For example, one recess  220  can be formed near one end of the respective wall, while the other recess  220  can be formed near the other end. The recesses  220  can be centrally located along the respective walls  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208  or the recesses  220  can be located closer to a rear edge  211  of the respective wall. The rear edge  211  is the edge that faces rearward when the frame system  100  is displayed in an intended manner. As shown in  FIG.  11   , the recess  220  can have a forward beveled edge and a flat rear edge, with the forward beveled edge being further from the rear edge  211  compared to the flat rear edge of the recess  220  which can be thought of as defining a shoulder. 
     The outer frame element  200  also includes a plurality of protrusions (e.g. ribs) that are formed along the inner surface  203 . As shown in  FIG.  5   , the plurality of protrusions comprises two or more sets of different protrusions formed along each of the walls  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208 . For example, a set of first protrusions (ribs)  240  is provided; a set of second protrusions (ribs)  250  is provided; and a set of third protrusions (ribs)  260  is provided. Each first protrusion  240  is formed along the inner surface  203  and extends upwardly from an inner landing  210  that extends around the inner surface  203 . 
     The first protrusions  240  are elongated structures each having a first length. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two first protrusions  240  that are spaced along the length of each wall  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208 . The first protrusions  240  extend towards but do not reach the rear edge  211 . As shown, all of the first protrusions  240  associated with each of the walls  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208  can be located between the two recesses  220  formed along the respective wall  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208 . The first protrusions  240  are integrally formed along the inner surface of the walls  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208 . 
     The second protrusions  250  are elongated structures each having a second length. In the illustrated embodiment, there are six second protrusions  250  that spaced along the length of each wall  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208 . The second protrusions  250  extend towards but do not reach the rear edge  211 . As shown, all of the second protrusions  240  associated with each of the walls  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208  can be located between the two recesses  220  formed along the respective wall  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208 . The second protrusions  250  are integrally formed along the inner surface  203  of the walls  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208 . 
     The second length is less than the first length and therefore, the first protrusions  240  are longer and extend further up the inner face of the walls  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208  compared to the second protrusions  250 . 
     The inner landing  210  has a channel or groove  212  formed therein. The channel  212  preferably extends completely around the inner landing  210 . The second protrusions  250  can have curved inner surfaces as shown in  FIG.  6    and  FIG.  6    also shows that the second protrusions  250  extend a greater distance into the channel  212  compared to the first protrusions  240 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  4 - 6   , the third protrusions  260  can be formed along the inner landing  210  and are spaced from the inner surface  203 . The second protrusions  250  can be in the form of bumps or elongated protrusions and extend in the direction toward the rear edge  211  much like the first and second protrusions  240 ,  250 . Like the second protrusions  250 , the third protrusions  260  extend into the channel  212 . The third protrusion  260 , like the second protrusion  250 , can have a rounded (curved) surface. The second protrusions  250  and third protrusions  260  can generally have a pill shape or partial pill shape as shown. 
     The third protrusions  260  have third lengths that are less than both the first lengths of the first protrusions  240  and the second lengths of the second protrusions  250 . As best shown in  FIG.  4   , all of the protrusions  240 ,  250 ,  260  extend outwardly from the inner landing  210 . The third protrusions  260  are located on one side (inner side) of the channel  212  and the first protrusions  240  and the second protrusions  250  are located on the other side (outer side) of the channel  212 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, there are two third protrusions  260  per each wall  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208 . The two third protrusions  260  can be centrally located and be formed between a pair of second protrusions  250 . 
     As described herein, the three sets of protrusions  240 ,  250 ,  260  have different functionality. 
     Each of the walls  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208  preferably has the same pattern of first, second and third protrusions  240 ,  250 ,  260 . 
     As described herein, the third protrusions  260  also serves as a surface against which the image substrate  20  is seated as shown in  FIG.  3    in which the third protrusions  260  are not visible since they lie below the image substrate  20 . One feature of the inner surfaces of the second protrusions  250  is to locate the outer edge of the image substrate  20 . As shown in  FIG.  3   , when the image substrate  20  is inserted into the outer frame element  200 , the outer edge of the image substrate  20  contacts and seats against the second protrusions  250 . In other words, the second protrusions  250  serves to align the image substrate  20  within the framing system  100 . The tops of the second protrusions  250  also serve as secondary stops that prevent the back plate  300  from being pushed into the outer frame element  200  (in a direction toward the image substrate  20 ). 
     As also described herein, the first protrusions  240  act as bumper guards and they prevent the back plate  300  from shifting inside of the outer frame element  200 . In addition, the first protrusions  240  help keep the snap-fit attachment intact between the outer frame element  200  and the back plate  300 . 
     As mentioned, the back plate  300  is configured to be inserted into and mate with the outer frame element  200  and more particularly, according to one embodiment, a snap-fit connection is achieved between the outer frame element  200  and the back plate  300  as described herein. 
     The outer frame element  200  can be formed of any number of suitable materials including suitable plastics (e.g., injection molded plastics). 
     Back Plate  300   
     The back plate  300  serves as the rear part of the frame assembly  100  that is located behind the image substrate  20  and the engagement of the back plate  300  to the outer frame element  200  serves to capture and hold the image substrate  20  between the back plate  300  and the outer frame element  200 . 
     As mentioned, the back plate  300  attaches to the outer frame element  200  and closes off the back of the frame system  100 . As also described herein, the image substrate  20  is disposed and held between the back plate  300  and the outer frame element  200  and more particularly, the user places the image substrate onto the inner landing  210  and then attaches the back plate  300  to the outer frame element  200 , thereby capturing the image substrate  20  therebetween. 
     As shown, the back plate  300  is inserted into the hollow opening of the outer frame element  200  with locking features of the back plate  300  engaging locking features of the outer frame element  200  to form a snap-fit. The back plate  300  has a complementary shape to the outer frame element  200  and therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the back plate  300  is square shaped. 
     As best shown in  FIGS.  7  and  8   , the back plate  300  has a first wall  302 , a second wall  304 , a third wall  306 , and a fourth wall  308  that are all interconnected to one another. Between the first wall  302 , the second wall  304 , the third wall  306 , and the fourth wall  308 , an inner wall  310  is provided and extends between these walls. The inner wall  310  is thus designed to completely seal off the inner space between the walls  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308 . The inner wall  310  has a front face that faces and contacts the image substrate  20  and an opposite rear face of the inner wall  310  faces away from the inner wall  310 . 
     Along the inner wall  310  there is a raised platform  320  that protrudes outwardly (rearwardly) from the inner wall  310 . The raised platform  320  has a center portion  322  and a plurality of leg portions  324  that extend from the center portion  322  to each of the walls  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308 . Each of the leg portions  324  is defined by a curved (sloped) edge  326 . In the illustrated embodiment, there are four leg portions  324  and thus, four curved edges  326 . Between each curved edge  326  and one respective corner of the back plate  300 , there is a corner space  350  that has a wedge shape. 
     Within the center portion  322  of the raised platform  320  there can be a raised pad  325  that provides a surface on which mounting hardware can be secured. The mounting hardware is generally illustrated in  FIG.  1    at element  50 . The mounting hardware  50  can take any number of different forms that are configured to attach the back plate  300  to a support surface, such as a wall. For example, the mounting hardware  50  can take the form of a square of double-sided tape or it can be in the form of a metal element (metal layer or plate). Preferably, the mounting hardware seats flush against the raised pad  325 . 
     As shown the raised pad  325  can have a square shape with the corners of the raised pad  325  being located close to the curved edges  326  of the raised platform  320 . The raised pad  325  thus serves to centrally locate the mounting hardware on the rear of the back plate  300 . 
     At the interface between each leg portion  324  and the side wall  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308 , there is an opening (mounting opening)  400  that is configured to receive a fastener or a stand to assist in mounting the framed article to a wall or the like or to allow the framed article to stand upright on a flat surface, such as a table. The opening  400  has an inner edge  402  that is curved and an opposite outer edge  403  in the form of a concave notch that is formed in one of the walls  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308 . A fastener, such as a nail, can be received within the concave notch as a way to hang the framed article on the fastener. The fastener can be inserted into a wall for hanging the framed article onto the wall. The use of opening  400  to receive a kickstand for allowing the framed article to stand upright on a table is described herein. 
     As previously mentioned, the back plate  300  snap-fittingly attaches to the outer frame element  200  and therefore includes locking features that mate with complementary locking features of the outer frame element  200 . For example, the back plate  300  includes a plurality of corner guides  360  best shown in  FIG.  8   . The corner guides  360  are in each corner and are L-shaped in that one wall of the corner guide  360  is located along one wall of the back plate  300   and the other wall of the corner guide  360  is located along the other wall of the back plate  300  that defines the corner. Each of the walls  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308  of the back plate  300  terminates in a forward edge  315 . The walls of the corner guide  360  extend beyond the forward edge  315  in that the walls of the corner guide  360  have greater length (height) than the other sections of the walls  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308 . The corner guide  360  is configured to be received within the channel  212  formed in the landing  210  as shown in  FIG.  12   . There are therefore four corner guides  360  in the illustrated back plate  300 . As also shown in  FIG.  12   , the image substrate  20  lies partially over the channel  212  with the corner guide  360  being adjacent and in contact with the image substrate  20  since the corner guide  360  is disposed within the channel  212  and can be in contact with the floor of the channel  212 .  FIG.  12    shows that the corner guide  360  disposed between the outer edge of the image substrate  20  and the respective outer wall  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208 . 
     An additional locking feature of the back plate  300  comprises a plurality of locking ribs  370  that are configured to be received into and engage the recesses  220  that comprise the complementary locking features of the outer frame element  200 . More particularly, the locking ribs  270  snap-fittingly mate with the recesses  220  to interlockingly couple the back plate  300  to the outer frame element  300 . 
     Each locking rib  370  comprises a flexible rib that is defined between two slots  371  formed in the wall  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308  to allow the locking rib  370  to flex. At a forward end of the locking rib  370  an outwardly directed lip  375  is formed. The lip  375  is integrally formed with the rest of the locking rib  370 . As best shown in  FIG.  11   , the lip  375  has a complementary shape as the recess  220  in that it includes a beveled edge that seats against the beveled surface of the recess  220  and a flat edge that seats against the flat surface of the recess  220 . In  FIG.  11   , the locking rib  370  is snap-fittingly received into one respective recess  220 . The reception of the locking ribs  370  into corresponding recesses  220  results in a secure snap-fit being achieved between the outer frame element  200  and the back plate  300 . 
     There are two locking ribs  370  located along each side wall  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308  and in particular, the two locking ribs  370  are located near or at the ends of the respective wall  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308 . Thus, in each corner of the framed article, there is one corner guide  360  disposed between two locking ribs  370 . This leads to the main securement between the outer frame element  200  and the back plate  300  being located in the corners of the framed article. 
     As shown in the figures, including  FIG.  11   , the locking rib  370  has a local area of increased thickness and in particular, the local area can be in the form of a rail  371  or other protrusion that bulges slightly outward from the rest of the locking rib  370 . It will be appreciated that each of the two locking ribs  370  that define each corner has one rail  371 . As shown in  FIG.  11   , the rail  371  does not extend the entire height of the locking rib  370 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  8   , there is a center tab  380  that is located along the wall  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308 . The center tab  380  also extends beyond the forward edge  315 . The center tab  380  is located between the two locking ribs  370  located along the same wall  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308 . The center tab  380  is designed, in combination with the third protrusions  260 , to prevent an outward bowing of the framed article after assembly (i.e., outward flexing of the outer frame element  200 ). The center tab  380  opposes the third protrusion  260 . More specifically, each center tab  380  is disposed outside of and in contact with one respective pair of the third protrusions  260 . The center tabs  380  are thus located between the third protrusions  260  and the walls  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208  of the outer frame element  200  and since the center tab  380  is significantly more rigid than the hollow outer frame element  200 , the center tabs  380  which are located outside (along the outer face) of the outer frame element  200  prevents any deformation and outward bowing of the hollow outer frame element  200 . 
     Assembly of Frame System  100   
     As mentioned, the frame system  100  is assembled to achieve a mechanical (snap-fit) between the outer frame element  200  and the back plate  300 . 
     First, the image substrate  20  is placed within the hollow outer frame element  200  and rests on the inner landing  210  that is formed along the inner periphery of the outer frame element  200 . The rear plate  300  is then inserted into the center opening  205  of the hollow outer frame element  200 . The corner guides  360  are received within the channel  212  formed in the landing  210  as shown in  FIG.  12    and the rigid center tabs  380  are positioned outside of and adjacent the third protrusions  260 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  17   , a plurality of raised platforms  329  are provided along the inner face of the back plate  300  on which the image substrate  20  rests. As shown, there are four platforms  329  on which the four corner regions of the image substrate  20  rests to ensure proper positioning and proper support of the image substrate  20  (the raised platforms  329  provide proper backing and push the image substrate  20  forward). The raised platforms  329  can be generally wedge shaped or triangular shaped as shown. 
     The snap-fit between the outer frame element  200  and the back plate  300  is achieved by inserting the locking ribs  370  into the (locking) recesses  220 . As shown in the figures, this results in the image substrate  20  being captured between the outer frame element  200  and the back plate  300 . The corner guides  360  serve also as a self-aligning feature for the image substrate  20 . 
       FIGS.  9 - 13    illustrate the details of how the outer frame element  200  snap-fits with the back plate  300  and the relative position of the image substrate  20 . 
     Kickstand 
     In yet another aspect of the present disclosure best shown in  FIGS.  14 - 16   , a kickstand  500  can be provided. As mentioned, the back plate  300  includes a plurality of corner spaces  350  ( FIG.  9   ). One of the corner spaces  350  serves as a kickstand storage space. Within the corner space  350 , there is a post  355  that protrudes upwardly from the floor of the corner space  350  as shown in  FIG.  8   . The post  355  has an undercut  357  formed therealong. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the kickstand  500  has a curved body with a first end  502  and an opposite second end  504 . The first end  502  is a flat surface that is positioned along the support surface, such as a table. As shown in  FIG.  16   , the body of the kickstand  500  also includes an opening  510  with a slot  511  that extends from the opening  510  to the second end  504 . The opening  510  receive the post  355  resulting in a snap-fit between the post  355  (due to the undercut  357  thereof) and the kickstand  500  for temporary storage of the kickstand  500 . When the user is ready to use the kickstand  500 , the kickstand  500  is removed from the post  355 . 
     The kickstand  500  also includes a slot  520  that defines a pair of locking snap-fit elements (e.g., locking tabs or catches)  530 . The snap-fit elements  530  are located and the end of two flexible prongs  540  that protrude outwardly from the second end  504 . These flexible prongs  540  are intended to be received within one opening  400  formed in the back plate  300  to achieve a snap fit between the kickstand  500  and the back plate  300 . As mentioned, the opening  400  has opposing edges to which the snap-fit element  530  can engage in a snap-fit manner. The flexible poring  540  allow for the snap-fit elements  530  to be initially received into the opening  400  and then flex outwardly into complementary locking edges formed in the opening  400 . 
     The snap-fit elements  530  of the two flexible prongs  540  engage the edges of the opening  400  to cause a snap-fit engagement between the kickstand  500  and the back plate  300 . As mentioned, when the kickstand  500  is inserted into the opening  400 , the first end  502  faces downward and seats against the flat support surface (table surface). 
     Since there are four openings  400 , the kickstand  500  can be inserted into any one of the four openings  400 . 
     Disengagement Tool  600   
     In one aspect of the present invention shown in  FIG.  18   , a disengagement tool  600  can be used to easily disengage the outer frame element  200  from the back plate  300 . As shown, the disengagement tool  600  can be in the form of a curved card-like structure and more particularly, can comprise a 90 degree body defined by a two legs  602 ,  604 . The shape and size of the tool  600  are selected in view of the dimensions of the frame assembly  100 . 
     The 90 degree disengagement tool  600  is inserted into a space  605  ( FIG.  11   ) that is formed between the locking rib  370  and one of the respective walls  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208  when the lip  375  is engaged with the recess  220  which results in the outer frame element  200  and the back plate  300  being coupled and engaged with one another. When the tool  600  is pressed down into the space  605  it encounters the rails  371  of the two locking ribs  370  that are formed at 90 degree angles and further movement of the tool  600  and increased contact with the rails  371  causes inward flexing of the locking ribs  370  and disengagement of the lips  375  from the respective recesses  220 , thereby freeing the respective corner of the framing system  100 . 
     The disengagement tool  600  has two legs that are formed at 90 degrees since for the corner of the framing system  100  will not easily disengage unless both side walls of the corner disengage at the same time. If the disengagement tool  600  only had one leg and was inserted into only one space  605 , the corner will not easily disengage. As a result, the disengagement tool  600  has two legs and has a card-like construction. 
     As mentioned, to use the disengagement tool  600 , the user simply inserts the bottom edge of the tool  600  into the space  605  and then pushes down until the bottom edge of the tool  600  contacts and rides over the two rails  371  causing inward flexing of the locking ribs  370  to disengage the locking ribs  370  from the recesses  220 . 
     Once one corner of the framing system  100  becomes disengaged, the entire outer frame element  200  can be fairly easily removed. Alternatively, each corner of the framing system  100  can be disengaged using the disengagement tool  600 . 
     It is to be understood that like numerals in the drawings represent like elements through the several figures, and that not all components and/or steps described and illustrated with reference to the figures are required for all embodiments or arrangements. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not precludes the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. 
     The subject matter described above is provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. Various modifications and changes can be made to the subject matter described herein without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims.