Flat pack picture framing system

Abstract

A system of framing pictures or artwork which can be manufactured and packaged flat for shipping and storage, then assembled and disassembled easily by the end user, consisting of a rigid back plate (1) and window (3), and a flexible side panel (2) to wrap around the backplate (1) and form the frame element of the invention. The method of assembly and dis-assembly allows the user to easily collapse the frame if required for flat storage.

Description

Technical field to which the invention relates: R.42(1)(a)

[0001] The present invention relates to a flat-packed picture framing system, to be assembled by the end-user for mounting and displaying the end-user's images photographs or artwork.Indication of background art: R.42(1)(b)

[0002] A conventional picture frame comprises of lengths of shaped solid timber, joined together to form a rectangle, and fitted inside with a combination of glass and timber panels to hold and protect the end-user's pictures or artwork. This method of assembly encloses a lot of empty space within the frame, increasing the volume of product which must be stored and shipped, which is both financially and environmentally detrimental. WO 97 / 12532 A1 discloses a frame obtained out of a roll of smooth or corrugated cardboard.Technical problem to be solved: R.42(1)(c)

[0003] The objective of the present invention is to provide a lightweight picture framing system which can be stored and shipped in a flattened state, thereby saving space and weight for shipping and storage, then easily assembled and disassembled by the end-user.Disclosure of the invention: R.42(1)(c)

[0004] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a flat-packed picture framing system according to claim 1. The Side Panel is manufactured from a solid yet flexible material, such as plywood, in such a manner that it can wrap around the perimeter of the Back Plate and Window, engaging retaining tabs in the Back Plate as it does so, and connect back onto itself using the Fastener, thereby retaining the Back Plate and Window within the Side Panel. The fastener is designed such that it can be easily un-fastened, allowing the end user to easily disassemble the frame for storage and transport.Brief Description of Drawings: R.42(1)(d)

[0005] Fig.1 is an isometric view in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig.2 is a perspective detail view describing the initial connection detail between the rigid flat back plate and the flexible flat side panel. Fig.3 is a perspective detail view describing how the flexible side panel wraps around the rigid flat back plate during assembly, thus engaging the tabs around the perimeter of the rigid flat back plate. Fig.4 is a detail view showing the fastener connecting the Side Panel to itself to complete the assembly process. Fig.5 is a component list in flat form. Description of at least one way of carrying out the invention: R.42(1)(e)

[0006] The rigid flat back plate 1 is flat, cut from timber, plywood or other consistent rigid flat material, and can be circular as illustrated, or any other shape that allows the flexible flat side panel 2 to bend around the outer perimeter of the rigid flat back plate 1. The tabs around the outer perimeter of the shape correspond in both size and spacing, to slots in the flexible flat side panel 2.

[0007] The flexible flat side panel 2 is flat, cut from timber, plywood, or any other consistent flexible flat material. The slots along the bottom edge correspond in size and spacing of the tabs in the outer perimeter of rigid flat back plate 1. Depending on the size and shape of rigid flat back plate 1, flexible flat side panel 2 may consist of more than one element to fully encircle the perimeter of rigid flat back plate 1. The holes or slots at each end flexible flat side panel 2 to connect to the other end of itself, or for multiple instances of flexible flat side panel 2 to be connected sequentially to allow the creation of larger assemblies.

[0008] Rigid flat window 3 is flat, cut from bio-plastic, plastic, glass or other consistent flat material. The inner diameter of rigid flat window 3 corresponds to the inner diameter of rigid flat back plate 1. The tabs around the outer perimeter of rigid flat window 3 correspond in both size and spacing, to the appropriate slots in the flexible flat side panel 2.

[0009] Referring to the Drawings, specifically Fig.2 and Fig.3, the end-user will stack together the rigid flat back plate 1 and rigid flat window 3 (confining their personal image or artwork between the two parts), aligning the perimeter tabs on both parts. The end-user connects the starter slot in flexible flat side panel 2, to the starter tab in the rigid flat back plate 1. Working around the perimeter the end-user sequentially fits the tabs around the perimeter of rigid flat back plate 1 into the corresponding slots in flexible flat side panel 2, until rigid flat back plate 1 is completely encircled.

[0010] The end-user will then apply Fastener 4 through the holes in the ends of flexible flat side panel 2 to hold the entire assembly together.

[0011] Dis-assembly follows the same process in reverse.

[0012] Although the drawings and description explained in relation to the preferred embodiment are based on a circular design, it is to be understood that other shapes and modifications may be made as long as they fall witin the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flat-packed picture framing system, to be assembled by the end-user for mounting and displaying the end-user's images or photographs comprising: - a rigid flat Back Plate (1) having a perimeter and tabs around the perimeter and protruding from the outer edge of the perimeter, - a flexible flat Side Panel (2) shaped to wrap fully around the perimeter of rigid flat Back Plate (1), the flexible flat Side Panel (2) having slots along a bottom edge, the slots corresponding in size and spacing of the tabs in the outer perimeter of rigid flat Back Plate (1), the flexible flat Side Panel (2) further having holes on each end, - a rigid flat Window (3) shaped to match the rigid flat Back Plate (1) and further having tabs around an outer edge of its perimeter, said tabs corresponding in both size and spacing to the appropriate slots in the flexible flat Side Panel (2) - a mechanical Fastener (4), wherein the flat-packed picture framing system having a disassembled state and an assembled state; in the assembled state: - the rigid flat Back Plate (1) and the rigid flat Window (3) are stacked together with their respective tabs being aligned, - the flexible flat Side Panel (2) is wrapped around the rigid flat Back Plate (1) and the rigid flat Window (3), the tabs around the perimeter of rigid flat Back Plate (1) and the rigid flat Window (3) fitting into the corresponding slots in the flexible flat Side Panel (2), and - the flexible flat Side Panel (2) is connected back onto itself by the mechanical Fastener (4) which is inserted through the holes in the ends of the flexible flat Side Panel (2) and therefore holding the entire assembly together.

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