WO2004078006A1

WO2004078006A1 - A frame assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2004078006A1
Application number: PCT/IB2004/050193
Authority: WO
Inventors: Julian Geoffrey Hilder
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-03-03
Filing date: 2004-03-03
Publication date: 2004-09-16
Anticipated expiration: 2005-09-03

Abstract

A frame assembly (10) comprises a frame member (12), an insert (14), the insert (14) being adapted to receive display media (18) by means of a receiving formation (16) on it's inner edge, and a first clamping member (20a). An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 3, 11 and 14, having a second clamping member (20b), which operates similarly to the first clamping member (20a), but in an opposite direction (in mirror image). An outer edge of the clamping member (20) is held between the frame member (12) and the insert (14). The clamping member (20) is movable between an open position (shown in Figure 2) in which display media (18) may be inserted or removed from the frame assembly (10), and a closed position (shown in Figure 1) in which the display media (18) is held against the receiving formation (16) of the insert (14) by the clamping member (20). Alternatively, the display media (18) may be held against the frame member (12) by the clamping member.

Description

A FRAME ASSEMBLY

TECHICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a frame assembly and more particularly, but not exclusively, to an extruded display frame assembly which allows for convenient replacement of display material.

BACKGROUND ART

The use of extrusions for display frames is well known. A number of these frames allow for the quick and convenient replacement of display material. These frames generally comprise four frame members in a rectangular shape, each frame member having an inner clamping member that can move between an open and closed position. The clamping members clamp display material onto a backing board or the frame member. The clamping members are biased either towards the open or the closed position by an overcentre mechanism. The overcentre mechanism may act against a leaf-type spring or the backing board itself.

When the clamping members are in their open position, the backing board is held in place by being attached to the frame member, or by being clamped between the clamping members and the frame. This has a disadvantage in that it allows the backing board to move around and allow the media to become misaligned to an extent.

The biasing action of the overcentre mechanism is achieved by means of the biasing member acting against an eccentric surface on the clamping member to bias it towards either the closed or the open position.

The above-mentioned prior art has a number of disadvantages. Firstly, individual spring type formations are costly, and assembly of the frame is time consuming and complicated. In addition, spring type formations require support from the frame member to be able to act against the clamping members.

Secondly, where the backing board is used as a biasing means, this results in the eventual collapse of those parts of the backing board that make contact with the clamping members. After a period of use, the clamping members lose their clamping action when the backing board collapses. In order to prolong the life of certain types of backing boards, such as cardboard and the like, the backing boards are cut diagonally, resulting in wastage.

The backing board may have to be replaced at regular intervals. There are also limitations on the type of material that may be used for the backing board, as it must be resilient. Generally an elastomeric material is preferred. Thirdly, where the backing board is used as a biasing means, the frame does not work without the backing board. In some instances, it may be preferable to use glass or other types of incompressible media with a backlight to illuminate it. Where a resilient backing board is required for the mechanism to work, this hinders the operation of the clamping mechanism.

For the purposes of this specification the words "display media" shall denote a backing board, any media that is desired to be displayed by the frame assembly, protective coverings for the media, or any combination of these.

If is an object of this invention to provide a frame assembly, which at least partially alleviates some of the abovementioned disadvantages, or offers an alternative to the known prior art frames.

For the purposes of this specification, the term "inner edge" refers to an edge facing towards the inside of a frame.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with this invention there is provided a frame assembly comprising a frame member; an insert having a receiving formation along its inner edge, the insert being adapted to receive display media; and a first clamping member, an edge of which is held between the frame member and the insert; the clamping member being moveable between an open position in which display media may be inserted or removed from the frame assembly, and a closed position in which the display media is held between the clamping member and the insert.

Further in accordance with this invention there is provided a frame assembly comprising a frame member; an insert having a receiving formation along its inner edge, the insert having a receiving formation adapted to receive display media; and a first clamping member, an edge of which is held between the frame member and the insert; the clamping member being moveable between an open position in which display media may be inserted or removed from the frame assembly, and a closed position in which the display media is held between the clamping member and the frame member.

In accordance with this invention there is provided a frame assembly comprising a longitudinal frame member; an insert having a receiving formation adapted to receive display media, the insert being adapted to be secured within the frame member to prevent movement in a transverse direction; and a first clamping member, an edge of which is held between the frame member and the insert; the clamping member being moveable between an open position in which display media may be inserted or removed from the frame assembly, and a closed position in which the display media is held between the clamping member and the insert.

Further in accordance with this invention there is provided a frame assembly comprising a longitudinal frame member; an insert having a receiving formation adapted to receive display media, the insert being adapted to be secured within the frame member to prevent movement in a transverse direction; and a first clamping member, an edge of which is held between the frame member and the insert; the clamping member being moveable between an open position in which display media may be inserted or removed from the frame assembly, and a closed position in which the display media is held between the clamping member and the frame member.

The insert may be secured to prevent movement in a transverse direction by means of complementary engagement formations on the insert and the frame member.

The complementary engagement formations may be configured and dimensioned to engage with each other in a snap-fit fashion.

In accordance with this invention there is provided a frame assembly comprising a longitudinal frame member; an insert having a receiving formation adapted to receive display media, the insert being adapted to be slidably received longitudinally into the frame member; and a first clamping member, an edge of which is held between the frame member and the insert; the clamping member being moveable between an open position in which display media may be inserted or removed from the frame assembly, and a closed position in which the display media is held between the clamping member and the insert. Further in accordance with this invention there is provided a frame assembly comprising a longitudinal frame member; an insert having a receiving formation adapted to receive display media, the insert being adapted to be slidably received longitudinally into the frame member; and a first clamping member, an edge of which is held between the frame member and the insert; the clamping member being moveable between an open position in which display media may be inserted or removed from the frame assembly, and a closed position in which the display media is held between the clamping member and the frame member.

The insert may be slidably received into the frame member by means of complementary engaging formations.

The complementary engaging formations may be in the form of a protrusion and a complementary slot.

The complementary engaging formations may be in the form of a plurality of protrusions and complementary slots. Further according to the invention, the frame assembly may include a second clamping member acting in an opposed fashion to the first clamping member.

The receiving formation may be adapted to receive and support an edge of the display media.

The insert may be adapted to locate an edge of the display media in an operational position in the frame assembly.

The receiving formation may be a slot type formation.

The receiving formation may be an L-shaped receiving formation.

The receiving formation may be located intermittently along an edge of the insert

The insert may be an extrusion.

The insert may be composed of a polymeric material, more preferably a plastics type material.

The insert may be rigid and/or incompressible.

The insert may be composed of aluminium or steel. The frame member may be composed of aluminium or polymeric type material.

The frame member may be an extrusion.

The frame member may be adapted to receive further accessories such as cable attachments, T- pieces, corner pieces, frame locking means, frame joining pieces and the like.

In particular, the frame member may have receiving formations adapted to receive Octanorm® locking devices and display accessories.

A further aspect in accordance with the invention is a display holder comprising at least two frame assemblies connected by connecting means.

The connecting means may comprise corner pieces, which are received into the frame members of each of the frame assemblies.

The display holder may be assembled together with another similar display holder, or with a display frame in such a manner that the display holder is a load-bearing component of the assembly. In accordance with another aspect of this invention there is included a kit including a frame member and/or insert and/or clamping member as described above.

The locking accessory may be an Octanorm® frame4ocking accessory.

These and other features of the invention are described in more detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to illustrate the invention an embodiment thereof is described hereunder purely as an example, without limiting the scope of the invention, wherein:

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a frame assembly according to the invention having only a first clamping member, showing the clamping member in a closed position;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a frame assembly according to the invention having only a first clamping member, showing the first clamping member in an open position; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a frame assembly according to the invention having a second clamping member, shown in the closed position;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a frame assembly according to the invention showing an alternative embodiment of the insert;

Figure 5 is an assembly view of a display holder according to the invention showing two frame assemblies held together by a connecting means;

Figure 6 is a cross sectional view of a frame assembly according to the invention showing an alternative embodiment of the insert;

Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of a frame assembly according to the invention showing an alternative embodiment of the insert.

Figure 8 is a cross sectional view of a frame assembly according to the invention showing an alternative embodiment of the insert Figure 9 is a cross sectional view of a frame assembly showing the connecting means adapted to connect to an Octanorm® locking accessory.

Figure 10 is a cross sectional view of a frame assembly according to the invention showing an alternative embodiment of the frame assembly.

Figure 11 is a cross sectional view of a frame assembly according to the invention showing an alternative embodiment of the frame assembly.

Figure 12 is a cross sectional view of a frame assembly according to the invention showing an alternative embodiment of the frame assembly.

Figure 13 is a cross sectional view of a frame assembly according to the invention showing an alternative embodiment of the frame assembly. Figure 14 is a cross sectional view of a frame assembly according to the invention showing an alternative embodiment of the frame assembly.

Figure 15 is a cross sectional view of a frame assembly according to the invention showing an alternative embodiment of the frame assembly.

BEST METHOD OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to the drawings, a frame assembly is generally indicated by reference numeral 10.

A frame assembly 10 comprises a frame member 12, an insert 14, the insert 14 being adapted to receive display media 18 by means of a receiving formation 16 on it's inner edge, and a first clamping member 20a. An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 3, 11 and 14, having a second clamping member 20b, which operates similarly to the first clamping member 20a, but in an opposite direction (in mirror image). References to clamping members will hereinafter be to reference numeral 20, and will apply equally to both the first and second clamping members 20a & 20b in the embodiments shown. An outer edge of the clamping member 20 is held between the frame member 12 and the insert 14. The clamping member 20 is movable between an open position (shown in Figure 2) in which display media 18 may be inserted or removed from the frame assembly 10, and a closed position (shown in Figure 1) in which the display media 18 is held against the receiving formation 16 of the insert 14 by the clamping member 20. Alternatively, the display media 18 may be held against the frame member 12 by the clamping member, as shown in Figure 7. In this case, the function of the receiving formation of the clamping member 20 would be merely to locate the display media 18.

When the clamping member 20 is moved between the open and closed positions, a biasing action is created by the resilience of the frame member 12, acting on a cam-type formation 22 (shown in Figure 1) at the outer edge of the clamping member 20, which acts to bias the clamping member 20 towards either the fully open or the fully closed position. Alternative clamping members are shown in Figures 10 to 14.

Figures 6 and 7 show alternative receiving formations to those shown in Figure 1, 2, 3, and 4. The receiving formations shown in Figures 6 and 7 are merely for locating and the display media.

Figure 8 shows how even a relatively thin piece of display media 18 may be located and held between the clamping member 20a and the insert 14. It is envisaged that the insert 14 will preferably be extruded, but may be injection-moulded as individual pieces. In the preferred embodiment, the insert 14 is inserted longitudinally into insert slots 24 in the frame member 12 in a sliding fashion when the frame assembly 10 is being assembled. In this manner, the insert 14 is adapted to be secured within the frame member 12 to prevent movement of the insert 14 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal frame member 12. However, it is envisaged that the inserts 14 may be clipped into the frame member 12 in an alternative embodiment by means of complementary engagement formations (not shown) on the insert 14 and the frame member 12. After being clipped into the frame member 12, the insert will be secured by the complementary engagement formations to prevent movement of the insert 14 in a transverse direction to the longitudinal frame member 12.

The inserts 14 are preferably made from plastic or nylon, but may be made of any material that can be extruded, including aluminium. The inserts 14 are preferably made of rigid plastic material.

It is an important advantage of the frame assembly 10 that it may function with a combination of display media such as a combination of a backing board and a paper poster, a piece of glass which would function as both a backing board and as the media to be displayed, and even with just a flexible poster by itself without any stiffener or backing board (as shown in Figure 8). A further advantage of the frame assembly is that it allows both a single sided or double sided configuration as shown in the diagrams. In addition, the insert and clamping member configuration may be incorporated into many different frame profiles. In this manner, the frame can be made stronger and more rigid, incorporating the frame assembly 10 and its ability to clamp various media sizes into larger display systems and structures, such as at exhibitions and the like.

Another important advantage of the frame assembly as described in this specification is that it extends limits that are prescribed by manufacturing practicalities. As an example, because of drag and friction forces acting on the extruding tool when the aluminium frame member is manufactured, manufacturers work on a 3 to 1 ratio between the length of the extruding tool to the width of the extruding tool. The use of an insert 14 allows additional configurations and sizes that would not otherwise have been possible, making the frame assembly flexible in purpose.

The insert 14 is preferably composed of a stiff plastic material, which retains its resilience, regardless of what type of media is displayed.

Typical use of the frame assembly would be to assemble four frame assemblies 10 in a rectangular shape, the frame assemblies 10 being joined at the corners by connecting means such as corner pieces 26 to form a display holder 30 (shown in Figure 5). Where an insert 14 is used which has a double-lipped receiving formation (as shown in Figure 2), it is envisaged that a stiff backing board (if one is required) would be inserted into the frame assembly 10 during assembly of the display holder 30. Flexible media may be clamped onto the stiff backing board and readily changed by lifting the clamping member 20, removing outdated media, and inserting new media.

Where the stiff backing board is also utilised as the media (for example where it is composed of glass or Perspex), this may be replaced easily if a single-lipped insert is used (as shown in Figure 10).

It is envisaged that the frame assemblies 10 could be rigidly connected, in order that the display holder 30 may become a load bearing part of a larger structure, which is an advantage when such frame assembles 10 are used at display stands, as it allows novel display configurations to be used.

Figure 9 shows a frame assembly that having connecting formations for connecting the frame assembly to a locking accessory. It is envisaged that this functionality will provide substantial benefits for the frame assembly as it allows the frame assembly or display holder to be incorporated into larger structures, especially other structures using the Octanorm® frame-locking mechanisms and accessories. The frame assembly 10 is adapted by means of connecting slots 28 (shown in Figures 1 , 2, and 3) to fit a range of accessories such as cable attachments, T- pieces, corner pieces, frame locking means, frame joining pieces and the like.

It will be appreciated that numerous embodiments of the invention may be performed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the consistory statements hereinabove. For example, various configurations of clamping members 20 could be used, to allow for various degrees of stiffness while clamping. Further, extra slots (not shown) may be incorporated into the frame assembly to allow the frame assembly 10 to be connected to or hung from other structures. The frame member 12 may have various shapes, profiles and configurations, allowing for different strengths and stiffness.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A frame assembly comprising a f ame member; an insert, the insert being adapted to receive display media in a receiving formation on its inner edge ; and a first clamping member, an edge of which is held between the frame member and the insert; the clamping member being moveable between an open position in which display media may be inserted or removed from the frame assembly, and a closed position in which the display media is held between the clamping member and the insert.

2. A frame assembly comprising a frame member; an insert, the insert being adapted to receive display media in a receiving formation on its inner edge ; and a first clamping member, an edge of which is held between the frame member and the insert; the clamping member being moveable between an open position in which display media may be inserted or removed from the frame assembly, and a closed position in which the display media is held between the clamping member and the frame member.

3. A frame assembly comprising a longitudinal frame member; an insert having a receiving formation adapted to receive display media, the insert being adapted to be secured within the frame member to prevent movement in a transverse direction; and a first clamping member, an edge of which is held between the frame member and the insert; the clamping member being moveable between an open position in which display media may be inserted or removed from the frame assembly, and a closed position in which the display media is held between the clamping member and the insert.

4. A frame assembly comprising a longitudinal frame member; an insert having a receiving formation adapted to receive display media, the insert being adapted to be secured within the frame member to prevent movement in a transverse direction; and a first clamping member, an edge of which is held between the frame member and the insert; the clamping member being moveable between an open position in which display media may be inserted or removed from the frame assembly, and a closed position in which the display media is held between the clamping member and the frame member.

5. A frame assembly according to claim 3 or 4 wherein the insert is secured to prevent movement in a transverse direction by means of complementary engagement formations on the insert and the frame member.

6. A frame assembly according to claim 5 wherein the complementary engagement formations are configured and dimensioned to engage with each other in a snap-fit fashion.

7. A frame assembly comprising a longitudinal frame member; an insert having a receiving formation adapted to receive display media, the insert being adapted to be slidably received longitudinally into the frame member; and a first clamping member, an edge of which is held between the frame member and the insert; the clamping member being moveable between an open position in which display media may be inserted or removed from the frame assembly, and a closed position in which the display media is held between the clamping member and the insert.

8. A frame assembly comprising a longitudinal frame member; an insert having a receiving formation adapted to receive display media, the insert being adapted to be slidably received longitudinally into the frame member; and a first clamping member, an edge of which is held between the frame member and the insert; the clamping member being moveable between an open position in which display media may be inserted or removed from the frame assembly, and a closed position in which the display media is held between the clamping member and the frame member.

9. A frame assembly according to claim 7 or 8 wherein the insert is slidably received longitudinally into the frame member by means of complementary engaging formations.

10. A frame assembly according to claim 9 wherein the complementary engaging formations are in the form of a protrusion and a complementary slot.

11. A frame assembly according to claim 9 wherein the complementary engaging formations are in the form of a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of complementary slots.

12. A frame assembly according to any of the preceding claims including a second clamping member acting in an opposed fashion to the first clamping member.

13. A frame assembly according to any of the preceding claims wherein The receiving formation may be adapted to receive and support an edge of the display media.

14. A frame assembly according to any of the preceding claims wherein the receiving formation is adapted to locate an edge of the display media in an operational position.

15. A frame assembly according to any of the preceding claims wherein the receiving formation is a slot type formation.

16. A frame assembly according to any of the preceding claims wherein the receiving formation is an L-shaped receiving formation.

17. A frame assembly according to any of the preceding claims wherein the receiving formation is located intermittently along an edge of the insert

18. A frame assembly according to any of the preceding claims wherein the insert is an extrusion.

19. A frame assembly according to any of the preceding claims wherein the insert is composed of a polymeric material, more preferably a plastics type material.

20. A frame assembly according to any of the preceding claims wherein the insert is

21. A frame assembly according to any of the preceding claims wherein the insert is incompressible.

22. A frame assembly according to any of claims 1 to 17 wherein the insert is composed of aluminium or steel.

23. A frame assembly according to any of the preceding claims wherein the frame member is composed of aluminium or polymeric type material.

24. A frame assembly according to any of the preceding claims wherein the frame member is an extrusion.

25. A frame assembly according to any of the preceding claims wherein the frame member is adapted to receive further accessories such as cable attachments, T- pieces, corner pieces, frame locking means, frame joining pieces and the like.

26. A frame assembly according to any of the preceding claims wherein the frame member has receiving formations adapted to receive locking devices and display accessories.

27. A frame assembly according to any of the preceding claims wherein the frame member has receiving formations adapted to receive Octanorm® locking devices and display accessories.

28. A display holder comprising at least two frame assemblies connected by connecting means.

29. A display holder according to claim 28 wherein the connecting means comprises corner pieces, which are received into the frame members of each of the frame assemblies.

30. A display holder assembly comprising a display holder as claimed in any of the preceding claims, connected to a similar display holder.

31. A display holder assembly comprising a display holder as claimed in any of the preceding claims, assembled in a structure wherein the display holder is a load-bearing component of the assembly.

32. A display holder assembly as described in claims 30 or 31 , including a securing mechanism for securing the assembly to a structure.

33. A kit including a frame member as described above.

34. A kit including an insert as described above.

35. A kit including a frame member as described above.