REVERSIBLE WALL MOUNT FOR PHOTOGRAPHS

Abstract

REVERSIBLE WALL MOUNT FOR PHOTOGRAPHS Reversible wall mount for decorative panels such as photographs or paintings, comprising: - a fixing profile (3), shaped for fixing to a wall (11), - an outer frame (1), comprising a first outer upright (1a) and a second outer upright (1b) connected by outer crossbars, the first outer upright (1a) being fitted with hinge means (4) ensuring its permanent connection to said fixing profile (3) and allowing its relative rotation (R) between a closed position close to said fixing profile and an open position away from said fixing profile, - an inner frame (2), having two opposing main faces each shaped to receive and support a respective decorative panel (5, 6), comprising a first inner upright (2a) and a second inner upright (2b) connected by inner crossbars,and mounted rotatably for its reversal by pivoting (P) in the outer frame (1), along a pivot axis (II-II) which intersects the two outer cross members in a median zone. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 6,

Description

Title of the invention: REVERSIBLE WALL MOUNT FOR PHOTOGRAPHS TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a wall support for fixing a decorative plate such as a photograph or a picture to a wall, and relates more particularly to such a reversible wall support, that is to say, one that can support two decorative plates by showing one of the two decorative plates in a first presentation position while the other of the two decorative plates is hidden facing the wall, and by showing the other of the two decorative plates in a second presentation position while said one of the two decorative plates is hidden facing the wall.

[0002] In known wall-mounted bracket designs for attaching decorative panels, wall-fixing means, such as hooks, rings, or flexible ties, are arranged on the hidden rear face of the bracket. When a decorative panel is positioned on the front face of the bracket, these wall-fixing means are normally invisible, as they face the wall. However, these wall-fixing means remain permanently visible on the rear face of the bracket. Thus, simply turning the bracket over to reveal another decorative panel is not possible without exposing these fixing means, which then significantly detract from the aesthetic appearance of the device.

[0003] It is naturally possible to remove a first decorative plate from the outer face of the wall mount, and then to fix a new decorative plate to said outer face of the wall mount, carefully centering it in relation to the frame. However, this operation is delicate, especially when the decorative plate is large, so it cannot be considered, for example, during a photography exhibition.

[0004] This drawback exists particularly in the type of wall mount most commonly used to date for supporting a decorative plate such as a photograph, namely a float frame. In such a float frame, a peripheral frame has a peripheral front groove leaving a hollow space between the peripheral edge of the decorative plate and an outer part of the frame. Description of the invention

[0005] One problem posed by the present invention is to design a wall mount which, while remaining fixed to a wall, allows for the appearance of images with minimal... manipulations that are possible, either of the two decorative plates without having to remove them or put them back on the wall support.

[0006] Another problem proposed by the invention is that the means of fixing the wall support to the wall remain as invisible as possible in both presentation states of either of the decorative plates, in particular by remaining invisible on the apparent front face and on the apparent side edges of the wall support.

[0007] Preferably, the invention aims to design such a wall support which can support, without risk of excessive deformation, large decorative plates, for example 2 meters by 3 meters.

[0008] Preferably, the invention aims to design such a wall support which has the appearance of an American-style box.

[0009] To achieve these and other objectives, the invention proposes a reversible wall mount for a decorative plate such as a photograph or picture, comprising: - a fixing profile, equipped with means for fixing to a wall, - an outer frame, comprising a first outer upright and a second outer upright connected by a first outer crossbar and a second outer crossbar, the first outer upright being equipped with hinge means ensuring its permanent connection to said fixing profile and allowing its relative rotation between a closed position close to said fixing profile and an open position away from said fixing profile, - an inner frame, having two opposing main faces each shaped to receive and support a respective decorative plate, comprising a first inner upright and a second inner upright connected by a first inner crossbar and a second inner crossbar,and mounted for rotation within the outer frame, along a pivot axis that intersects the two outer crossbeams in a median zone, by means of two in-line pivots, each connecting an inner crossbeam to its respective outer crossbeam.

[0010] With such a wall-mounted support structure, the user can reverse the presentation, on the front face of the wall-mounted support, of two decorative panels carried by the same wall-mounted support, by performing simple rotations of the outer and inner frames. This involves first rotating the outer frame from its closed position near the mounting profile and the wall to an open position away from the mounting profile and the wall, then pivoting the inner frame to flip it within the outer frame along the pivot axis, and finally rotating the outer frame a second time from its open position away from the mounting profile and the wall to its closed position near the mounting profile and the wall. During these operations, the wall-mounted support remains supported and fixed to the wall by its mounting profile, so that the user can handle the frames in a single motion. hand, effortlessly and safely. The operations to be carried out are therefore particularly simple, easy, quick, without it being necessary to handle the decorative plates themselves, nor to detach and then reattach the wall support to the wall.

[0011] Advantageously, the hinge means can be shaped to permit a first relative rotation of at least 90° of said first outer upright with respect to said fixing profile.

[0012] This arrangement facilitates the rotation of the inner frame for its reversal in the outer frame, without risk of interference between the inner frame and the wall.

[0013] Preferably, it is provided that: - the hinges are of the invisible type and are recessed into the respective front faces of the first outer upright and the fixing profile, - the first outer upright includes a concealed housing into which the fixing profile is fully recessed in the closed position, - the outer frame has a maximum outer frame thickness, the inner frame has a maximum inner frame thickness, the maximum outer frame thickness is greater than the maximum inner frame thickness by a difference in thicknesses greater than or equal to a cumulative thickness of the two decorative plates to be supported.

[0014] The complete recessing of the fixing profile into the concealed housing of the first outer stile, in the closed position of the wall bracket, minimizes the gap between the inner frame and the wall. Simultaneously, the frame thicknesses chosen prevent any interference between the wall and the decorative plate located on the rear face of the wall bracket, near the wall. Furthermore, the concealed hinges and the complete recessing of the fixing profile into the concealed housing of the first outer stile render the fixing means essentially invisible, both on the front face of the wall bracket and on the side edge of the first outer stile.

[0015] Preferably, it can be provided that the fixing profile and said blackout housing occupy, in closed position, only a fraction, advantageously half the thickness of the first outer post, and / or only a fraction of the length of the first outer post.

[0016] Such an arrangement further reduces the visibility of the fixing profile on the lateral edge of the first outer stud, and simultaneously ensures good mechanical resistance of both the fixing profile and the first outer stud. Furthermore, when the concealment housing occupies only an intermediate fraction of the length of the first outer stud, the fixing profile can bear against faces of the concealment housing during its installation, thus contributing to the load-bearing forces on the moving parts of the wall support.

[0017] Preferably, the pivots can be provided with position adjustment means shaped to allow their position to be adjusted according to the length and / or width of the corresponding external cross member.

[0018] In this way, it is possible to center the inner frame within the outer frame, thus avoiding any interference between the inner and outer uprights of the inner frame during the rotation of the inner frame within the outer frame. This reduces the necessary clearance between the outer edge of the inner uprights and the inner edge of the outer uprights, making this necessary clearance even less noticeable.

[0019] In practice, it can be foreseen that, for each of the pivots, the position adjustment means include: - an internal fixing plate, which fits with lateral and / or longitudinal play into an internal recess provided in the inner face of a corresponding external cross member, - an external fixing plate, fitted with lateral and / or longitudinal play into an external housing provided corresponding to the internal housing in the external face of said corresponding external cross member, - a pivot axis fixed to one of the inner and outer fixing plates, - at least one clamping screw connecting the outer fixing plate to the inner fixing plate and capable by screwing to bring said plates together to press them on either side of a common bottom wall of the inner and outer housings and thus fix the position of the pivot on said corresponding outer cross member.

[0020] In a particular application, it is provided that the inner uprights and inner cross members of the inner frame each comprise a profile having an inner part and an outer part, the outer part having a thickness of outer part, the inner part having a thickness of inner part, the thickness of the outer part being less than the thickness of the inner part.

[0021] In this way, the wall support according to the invention is given an appearance of an American box, the reduced thickness of the outer part of the inner uprights and inner crossbars of the inner frame making it possible to create the peripheral groove between the peripheral edge of the decorative plate and the outer frame.

[0022] Preferably, in this case, the inner frame can be provided for to be symmetrical on either side of a plane of symmetry parallel to said inner uprights and inner crossbars.

[0023] In this way, the peripheral groove has the same depth in both orientations of the inner frame.

[0024] It should be noted that the transfer of support forces between the outer and inner frames is ensured solely by the pivots. It is therefore possible to give the outer part of the inner uprights and cross members a very thin profile, since this part does not bear any mechanical loads. This simultaneously allows for a reduction in the overall thickness of the wall support.

[0025] The reduction in cross-section of the internal uprights and internal crossbeams can be compensated by providing that the internal frame includes an internal plate integral with the internal uprights and internal crossbeams, thus maintaining a satisfactory rigidity of the internal frame despite this reduction in cross-section. SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of particular embodiments, made in relation to the accompanying figures, among which:

[0027] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a wall bracket according to a embodiment of the invention, in intermediate pivoting position of the inner frame in the outer frame;

[0028] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a perspective top view of the wall bracket of the [Fig.1], in the same position;

[0029] [Fig. 3] [Fig. 3] is a top view of the wall bracket of [Fig. 1] in the same position ;

[0030] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a rear perspective view of the outer frame of the support wall of the [Fig.l], with the fixing profile recessed in the blackout housing;

[0031] [Fig.5] The [Fig.5] is a top cross-sectional view of the wall support of the [Fig.1] in a first presentation position of a decorative plate;

[0032] [Fig.6] Fig.6 is a top cross-sectional view of the wall bracket of Fig.1. an open position allowing the decorative plates to be interchanged;

[0033] [Fig.7] Fig.7 is a top cross-sectional view of the wall bracket of Fig.1. a second position for presenting a decorative plaque;

[0034] [Fig.8] Fig.8 is a side view in median section of the wall support of the [Fig.l] in the second presentation position of a decorative plate;

[0035] [Fig.9] The [Fig.9] is a top view of an inner pivot fixing plate;

[0036] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a cross-sectional front view of the inner fixing plate pivot of the [Fig.9];

[0037] [Fig. 11] The [Fig. 11] is a top view of an outer pivot fixing plate;

[0038] [Fig. 12] The [Fig. 12] is a front cross-sectional view of the outer pivot fixing plate of the [Fig.1 1];

[0039] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is a perspective view of the outer pivot fixing plate of [Fig. 11]; and

[0040] [Fig. 14] The [Fig. 14] is a front view in section illustrating the assembly of the means for adjusting the position of a pivot. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED IMPLEMENTATION METHODS

[0041] When identical numerical references are used in several figures, embodiments or variants of the invention, these numerical references designate identical or similar elements in each of the figures, embodiments or variants.

[0042] Figures 1 to 4 illustrate the general structure of a reversible wall bracket according to the present invention. Such a wall bracket comprises an outer frame 1, an inner frame 2, and a fixing profile 3.

[0043] The fixing profile 3 is provided with fixing means for attaching it to a wall. In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 4], the fixing means comprise two through holes 3a and 3b, which open onto a rear face 3c intended to be applied against said wall. The fixing profile 3 can then be fixed to the wall by means of screws passing through the holes 3a and 3b and engaged in the wall.

[0044] Alternatively, the fixing profile 3 to the wall can be secured by gluing, screwing or any other means available to a person skilled in the art.

[0045] The outer frame 1 comprises a first outer upright la and a second outer upright 1b connected to each other by a first outer cross member le and a second outer cross member Id. The outer uprights la, 1b and the outer cross members le, Id surround a free interior space le in which the inner frame 2 is engaged. The first outer upright la is permanently connected to the fixing profile 3 by means of hinges 4 (visible in Figures 5 to 7) which allow the rotation of the first outer upright la and the outer frame 1 according to a relative rotation R around a longitudinal axis of rotation II, for example coinciding with a longitudinal edge of the fixing profile 3. Said relative rotation R preferably has an amplitude of at least 90°.

[0046] The inner frame 2 comprises a first inner upright 2a and a second inner upright 2b connected by a first inner crossbar 2c and a second inner crossbar 2d, and has two opposing main faces each shaped to receive and support respectively a first decorative plate 5 or a second decorative plate 6. As illustrated in figures 1 to 3, the inner frame 2 is pivotally mounted in the outer frame 1 along a pivot axis II-II which intersects in a median zone the two outer crossbars le and Id of the outer frame 1.

[0047] The inner frame 2 is held pivotally within the outer frame 1 by two pivots 7 and 8 (Figures 4 and 8) aligned along the pivot axis II-II and each connecting a cross member inner 2c or 2d to a respective outer cross member le or Id. In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.8], the pivots 7 and 8 are fixed respectively to the outer cross member le or the outer cross member Id, and each have a free end which truncates respectively in a receiving pot 9 or 10 provided in the respective inner cross member 2c or 2d.

[0048] The pivots 7 and 8, as well as the inner frame 2 and the outer frame 1, are arranged and shaped to allow free pivoting P of the inner frame 2 within the outer frame 1 for the complete rotation of the inner frame 2 within the outer frame 1, preferably leaving a minimal clearance between the respective cross members and uprights of the inner frame 2 and the outer frame 1. In practice, the inner frame 2 has external peripheral faces forming an assembly with symmetry about a plane passing through the pivot axis II-II. Similarly, the outer frame 1 has internal faces forming an assembly with symmetry about the same plane passing through the pivot axis II-II.

[0049] We now consider figures 5 to 8, which illustrate the general operation of the wall mount during its use.

[0050] In [Fig. 5], the wall bracket is in a first presentation position, making the first decorative plate 5 visible, while the second decorative plate 6 is not visible. The fixing profile 3 is fixed to a wall 11. The outer frame 1 is pressed against the wall 11, or in its immediate vicinity, and is held in position by the hinges 4 that connect it to the fixing profile 3. The inner frame 2, engaged in the outer frame 1 and parallel to it, is held in position by the pivots 7 and 8 that connect it to the outer frame 1. The inner frame 2 is in a first pivoting position about its pivot axis II-II, presenting the first decorative plate 5 outwards, while the second decorative plate 6 faces the wall 11.

[0051] In [Fig. 6], the wall bracket is in an intermediate position, making it possible to reverse the position of the decorative plates 5 and 6. To move to this intermediate position, the user caused a relative rotation R of the outer frame 1 with respect to the fixing profile 3 around the axis of rotation II, to bring it into a position substantially perpendicular to the wall 11. In this intermediate position, the user can rotate the inner frame 2 around its pivot axis II-II by a pivot P having an amplitude of 180°, thus completely reversing the inner frame 2 into the outer frame 1. The user can then cause a reverse relative rotation R of the outer frame 1 with respect to the fixing profile 3, and the wall bracket is then in the second presentation position illustrated in [Fig. 7].

[0052] In this second presentation position, the outer frame 1 is in the same position as in [Fig.5], while the inner frame 2 has been turned around, making the second decorative plate 6 visible facing outwards while the first decorative plate 5 is now invisible, facing towards the wall 11.

[0053] As illustrated in Figures 5 to 7, the hinge means 4 are of the invisible type, embedded in the respective front faces 12 and 13 of the fixing profile 3 and the first outer post la. Thus, in the presentation positions illustrated in Figures 5 and 7, the front face 13 of the first outer post la is in contact with or in the immediate vicinity of the front face 12 of the fixing profile 3, the hinge means 4 being completely concealed, embedded in their respective housings.

[0054] As can be seen in [Fig. 4], the first outer stile la includes a concealment recess 14 into which the fixing profile 3 is fully recessed in the closed position, i.e., in either of the presentation positions. The concealment recess 14 occupies half the thickness of the first outer stile la, its entire width, and only a fraction of its length. In practice, the concealment recess 14 can occupy approximately the middle half of the length of the first outer stile la.

[0055] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 to 8, the outer frame 1 has a maximum outer frame thickness El, the inner frame 2 has a maximum inner frame thickness E2, and the maximum outer frame thickness El is greater than the maximum inner frame thickness E2 by a difference in thicknesses greater than or equal to the cumulative thickness of the decorative plates 5 and 6. In this way, when the wall support is in either of the presentation positions illustrated in Figures 5 and 7, the decorative plate 5 or 6 facing the wall 11 can remain away from said wall 11, and it is thus possible to properly press the outer frame 1 against the wall 11 without risk of interference between the wall 11 and the decorative plate facing the wall 11.

[0056] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the pivots 7 and 8 are provided with position adjustment means, allowing the user to adjust their position according to the length and width of the corresponding external cross member le or Id.

[0057] For example, as illustrated in Figures 8 to 14, the means for adjusting the position of the pivot 8 relative to the outer cross member Id comprise an inner fixing plate 15 which fits with lateral and / or longitudinal clearance into an inner recess 16 provided in the inner face of the outer cross member Id, and an outer fixing plate 17 which fits with lateral and / or longitudinal clearance into an outer recess 18 provided opposite the inner recess 16 in the outer face of said outer cross member Id. The pivot 8 comprises a pivot axis which passes through a central hole 15a in the inner fixing plate 15 and a central hole 17a of the outer fixing plate 17, while being secured, for example by screwing, to one of the two fixing plates. At least one clamping screw connects the outer fixing plate 17 to the inner fixing plate 15, the head of the screw bearing on the outer face of the outer fixing plate 17, the shank of the screw passing through a hole 17b in the outer fixing plate 17 and screwing into a threaded bore 15b in the inner fixing plate 15 to secure the fixing plates 15 and 17 on either side of a common bottom wall 19 of the inner 16 and outer 18 housings. When the clamping screw is loosened, the user can slightly move the position of the pivot 8 to adjust the relative position of the inner frame 2 within the outer frame 1. Tightening the clamping screw then fixes the position of the pivot 8.

[0058] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 to 8, the inner uprights 2a and 2b and the inner crossbars 2c and 2d of the inner frame 2 each comprise a profile having an inner and an outer portion. For example, in [Fig. 8], the inner crossbar 2c is a profile having an inner portion 2c1 and an outer portion 2c2. The thickness EE of the outer portion 2c2 is less than the thickness 1E1 of the inner portion 2c1. Preferably, the inner frame 2 is symmetrical on either side of a plane of symmetry parallel to the inner uprights 2a, 2b and the inner crossbars 2c, 2d. These arrangements leave peripheral grooves free, such as the groove 20 between the peripheral edge of the decorative plate 6 and the outer frame 1. In this way, the wall bracket has a box-like appearance.

[0059] In this embodiment of Figures 5 to 8, the cross-section of the profiles forming the inner frame 2 is reduced by the reduction in thickness of the outer part (such as 2c2) of the profiles. To compensate for this reduction in thickness, which also reduces the mechanical strength of the inner frame 2, the inner frame 2 is reinforced by providing a central plate 21 made integral with the inner uprights 2a, 2b and the inner cross members 2c, 2d.

[0060] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the profiles forming the outer frame 1 and the inner frame 2 are straight. According to the present invention, however, outer and inner frames can be designed with profiles having different shapes. For example, the crossbars can be curved, provided they exhibit sufficient symmetry to allow the inner frame 2 to be folded back into the outer frame 1. Similarly, the uprights can be curved, provided they exhibit sufficient symmetry. Alternatively, the outer frame can be formed of uprights and crossbars that do not have a constant width, due to a non-straight shape of their outer face.

[0061] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments that have been explicitly described, but includes the various variants and generalizations contained within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Demands

1. Reversible wall mount for a decorative plate such as a photograph or picture, characterized in that it comprises: - a fixing profile (3), provided with fixing means (3a, 3b) allowing its attachment to a wall (11), - an outer frame (1), comprising a first outer upright (la) and a second outer upright (1b) connected by a first outer crossbar (le) and a second outer crossbar (Id), the first outer upright (la) being provided with hinge means (4) ensuring its permanent connection to said fixing profile (3) and allowing its relative rotation (R) between a closed position close to said fixing profile (3) and an open position away from said fixing profile (3), - an inner frame (2), having two opposing principal faces each shaped to receive and support a respective decorative plate (5, 6),comprising a first inner upright (2a) and a second inner upright (2b) connected by a first inner cross member (2c) and a second inner cross member (2d), and rotatably mounted for its reversal within the outer frame (1), along a pivot axis (II-II) which intersects the two outer cross members (1, Id) in a median zone, by means of two in-line pivots (7, 8) each connecting an inner cross member to a respective outer cross member.

2. Wall support according to claim 1, characterized in that the hinge means (4) are shaped to permit a first relative rotation (R) of at least 90° of said first outer upright (la) with respect to said fixing profile (3).

3. Wall bracket according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: - the hinges (4) are of the concealed type and are recessed into the respective front faces (12, 13) of the first outer upright (1a) and the fixing profile (3), - the first outer upright (1a) includes a concealed housing (14) into which the fixing profile (3) is fully recessed in the closed position, - the outer frame (1) has a maximum outer frame thickness (11), the inner frame (2) has a maximum inner frame thickness (12), the maximum outer frame thickness (El) is greater than the maximum thickness of the inner frame (E2) according to a difference in thicknesses greater than or equal to a cumulative thickness of the two decorative plates (5, 6) to be supported.

4. Wall support according to claim 3, characterized in that the fixing profile (3) and said blackout housing (14) occupy, in closed position, only a fraction, advantageously half of the thickness and / or width of the first outer post (la), and / or only a fraction of the length of the first outer post (la).

5. Wall support according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the pivots (7, 8) are provided with position adjustment means shaped to allow their position to be adjusted according to the length and / or width of the corresponding external cross member (le, Id).

6. Wall support according to claim 5, characterized in that, for each of the pivots (7, 8), the position adjustment means comprise: - an inner fixing plate (15), which fits with lateral and / or longitudinal play into an inner housing (16) provided in the inner face of a corresponding external cross member (Id), - an outer fixing plate (17), which fits with lateral and / or longitudinal play into an outer housing (18) provided in correspondence with the inner housing (16) in the outer face of said corresponding external cross member (Id), - a pivot axis (8) integral with one of the inner fixing plates (15) and outer fixing plates (17),- at least one clamping screw connecting the outer fixing plate (17) to the inner fixing plate (15) and capable, by screwing, of bringing said plates closer together to press them against both sides of a common bottom wall (19) of the inner (16) and outer (18) housings and thus fixing the position of the pivot (8) on said corresponding outer cross member (Id).

7. Wall support according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the inner uprights and inner cross members of the inner frame (2) each comprise a profile having an inner portion (2c1) and an outer portion (2c2), the outer portion having an outer portion thickness (EE), the inner portion having an inner portion thickness (El), the outer portion thickness outer part (EE) being less than the thickness of the inner part (El).

8. Wall support according to claim 7, characterized in that the inner frame (2) is symmetrical on either side of a plane of symmetry parallel to said inner uprights (2a, 2b) and inner crossbars (2c, 2d).

9. Wall support according to any one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the inner frame (2) comprises a central plate (21) integral with the inner uprights (2a, 2b) and the inner crossbars (2c, 2d).