U.S. patent application number 09/810758 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-01 for frame border corner connecting device for interconnecting a pair of frame border strips of a changeable frame to form a corner of the changeable frame.
Invention is credited to Geiberger, Christoph, Schwarz, Michael.
Application Number | 20010034989 09/810758 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 7940858 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010034989 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Geiberger, Christoph ; et
al. |
November 1, 2001 |
Frame border corner connecting device for interconnecting a pair of
frame border strips of a changeable frame to form a corner of the
changeable frame
Abstract
A frame border corner connecting device for interconnecting a
pair of selectively lockable frame border strips of a changeable
frame so as to thereby form a corner of the changeable frame is
provided. The frame border corner connecting device includes a base
element having respective sides to which each one of the frame
border strips is securable. The frame border corner connecting
device also includes a corner cover element movably mounted to the
base element for movement between an open position, in which the
corner cover element is clear of the path of movement of an item
being moved selectively into or out of the changeable frame, and a
closed position in which the corner cover element extends at least
partially into the path of movement of the item.
Inventors: |
Geiberger, Christoph;
(Wuppertal, DE) ; Schwarz, Michael; (Herne,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROBERT W. BECKER & ASSOCIATES
Suite B
11896 N. Highway 14
Tijeras
NM
87059
US
|
Family ID: |
7940858 |
Appl. No.: |
09/810758 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/287.1 ;
52/465; 52/656.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 1/0611 20130101;
A47G 1/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/287.1 ;
52/465; 52/656.1 |
International
Class: |
E04B 002/00; E04D
001/36; E04C 003/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 28, 2000 |
DE |
200 07 769.4 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A frame border corner connecting device for interconnecting a
pair of frame border strips of a changeable frame so as to thereby
form a corner of the changeable frame, the frame border strips
being movable between a closed item retaining position, in which
cover members of the frame border strips press against an item
disposed in the changeable frame to support the retention of the
item in the changeable frame, and an open item release position in
which the cover members have been moved out of the plane of the
frame for permitting release and exchange of an item in the
changeable frame, the frame border corner connecting device
comprising: a base element having respective sides to which each
one of the frame border strips is securable; and a corner cover
element movably mounted to the base element for movement between an
open position, in which the corner cover element is clear of the
path of movement of an item being moved selectively into or out of
the changeable frame, and a closed position in which the corner
cover element extends at least partially into the path of movement
of the item.
2. A frame border corner connecting device according to claim 1
wherein, in the closed position of the corner cover element, the
corner cover element extends at least partially over the cover
members of the pair of frame border strips so as to oppose movement
of the cover members out of their closed item retaining positions
and, in the open position of the corner cover element, the corner
cover element permits movement of the cover members of the pair of
frame border strips into their out of plane item release
positions.
3. A frame border corner connecting device according to claim 1,
wherein the corner cover element has the shape of a hollow cap.
4. A frame border corner connecting device according to claim 1,
and further comprising a detent and catch seat assembly having a
seat arm connected to one of the base element and the corner cover
element, and a seating structure on the other of the base element
and the corner cover element, the seat arm being releasably biased
to engage the seating structure upon the disposition of the corner
cover element in at least one of its open and closed positions to
thereby releasably secure the corner cover element in the
respective position.
5. A frame border corner connecting device according to claim 1,
wherein the corner cover element is movably mounted to the base
element by a means for guiding the corner cover element to move in
a translation movement between its closed and open positions.
6. A frame border corner connecting device according to claim 5,
wherein the means for guiding the corner cover element to move in a
translation movement includes a pair of guide segments mounted on
the base element extending in spaced parallel relation to one
another and each extending perpendicular to the plane of the
changeable frame and having a lengthwise slot formed therein, and
the corner cover element has a guide track which travels along the
lengthwise slots of the guide segments for guiding of the corner
cover element by the guide segments.
7. A frame border corner connecting device according to claim 6,
wherein the lengthwise slots of the guide segments each extend
transversely to the frame of the changeable frame.
8. A frame border corner connecting device according to claim 6,
and further comprising a detent and catch seat assembly having a
seat arm connected to one of the base element and the corner cover
element, and a seating structure on the other of the base element
and the corner cover element, the seat arm being releasably biased
to engage the seating structure upon the disposition of the corner
cover element in at least one of its open and closed positions to
thereby releasably secure the corner cover element in the
respective position, the seating structure being supported on the
corner cover element for movement therewith along a path located
intermediate the guide segments, and the seat arm being resiliently
biased to engage the seating structure during movement of the
seating structure into correspondence with the seat arm.
9. A frame border corner connecting device according to claim 1,
wherein the base element includes a pair of connectors, each
connector extending from a respective side of the base element and
being receivable in a corresponding receiving structure in the
respective one of the pair of frame border strips to thereby
interconnect the base element and the respective frame border
strips.
10. A frame border corner connecting device according to claim 1,
wherein the base element includes support surfaces, each for
supporting thereon a portion of a respective one of the pair of the
frame border strips.
11. A frame border corner connecting device according to claim 1,
wherein the base element includes an abutment surface for abutment
thereagainst by a respective one of the pair of the frame border
strips.
12. A frame border corner connecting device according to claim 1,
wherein the base element includes a backing support surface for
supporting thereon a portion of an item backing surface.
13. A frame border corner connecting device according to claim 1,
wherein the base element includes an opening for training a
changeable frame mounting element therethrough.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a frame border corner
connecting device for interconnecting a pair of frame border strips
of a changeable frame to form a corner of the changeable frame, the
frame border strips being movable between a closed item retaining
position, in which cover members of the frame border strips press
against an item disposed in the changeable frame to support the
retention of the item in the changeable frame, and an open item
release position in which the cover members have been moved out of
the plane of the frame for permitting release and exchange of an
item in the changeable frame.
[0002] Changeable frames of the type provided with cover members
that are snapped into and out of their closed positions are
frequently deployed to present, for display to viewers, items such
as posters, placards, advertising brochures, or the like. In these
conventional changeable frames, the item disposed in the changeable
frame for such display is clamped into its place in the changeable
frame by the snap lockable cover members and thereby retained in
the changeable frame. To exchange the item retained in the
changeable frame for a new item to be displayed, the cover members
are snapped out of their closed positions outwardly from the plane
of the changeable frame and the item can be readily removed from
the changeable frame. In order to construct such a changeable frame
from individual frame border strips, it is necessary to
interconnect the frame border strips to one another at the corner
regions of the changeable frame. One possible approach to this
involves cutting the frame border strips with mitered corners so
that simple connecting means such as, for example, angle pieces,
can be used to interconnect the mated mitered corners of the frame
border strips at a prescribed angle. This approach necessitates a
precise cutting of the frame border strips in order to maintain an
exact assembly of the changeable frame without the occurrence at
the connecting junction between the abutting frame border strips of
irregularities such as, for example, an offset or a gap.
[0003] Another approach simpler than the approach just noted is to
dimension the frame border strips at precisely the desired outer
dimensions and then to fit these frame border strips together with
an interconnecting element to form a changeable frame. One such
interconnecting element is described in German patent document G 84
16 300.3. The therein described interconnecting element is
configured as a single piece and is comprised of a corner element,
which is configured in correspondence with the frame border strip
bordering thereagainst, and two connection rails disposed
perpendicular to one another and projecting out of the support
surfaces which support the frame border strip. The two connection
rails are fixedly securable, via securement bolts, in slots formed
in the frame border strips. These connecting elements have the
disadvantage that, upon the completed assembly of the frame border
strips, the connecting elements extend permanently into those
openings in the frame border strips which become open in the open
position of the covering frame border strips, so that an item which
is to be disposed into the changeable frame must always be fitted
into the gap formed below each connecting element in order to place
the item into the changeable frame as desired.
[0004] A further variation of the above noted connecting element is
described in the German patent document G 88 06 432.8. This
document describes a connecting element for interconnecting a pair
of frame border strips of a changeable frame, the connecting
element being formed of two pieces. A base element is comprised of
two connecting rails configured as legs extending perpendicularly
to one another with each leg being receivable in a correspondingly
dimensioned bore in one of the frame border strips for securement
thereat via bolts. A covering is disposable on the connecting rails
and securable thereto via resiliently biased seating elements. The
appearance of the thus formed corner connection can be altered by
substitution of one covering for another covering and thus the
changeable frame can be accommodated to the particular preferences
of the user of the changeable frame. At the same time, it is
possible, in connection with the placement into the changeable
frame of a new item, such as, for example, a poster, placard, or
the like, to remove the covering beforehand and subsequently
remount the covering to the connecting elements. Such a removal of
the item securing structure is, to be sure, comparatively
complicated and the covering, once removed from the connecting
rails, is no longer connected to the changeable frame. This can
lead to the situation where a person who desires to place a new
item into the changeable frame may possibly inadvertently lose the
covering, whereby a new covering must be deployed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention offers an improvement over the known
art by providing a frame border corner connecting device for
interconnecting a pair of frame border strips of a changeable frame
to form a corner connection which, when incorporated into the
changeable frame, makes possible an uncomplicated placement of
items such as, for example, pictures, placards, posters, or the
like. Furthermore, the present invention provides a frame border
corner connecting device which enhances in a decorative manner the
appearance of the frame border strips which are assembled together
in forming the changeable frame.
[0006] The frame border corner connecting device, as configured to
provide the benefits of the present invention, has a corner cover
element mounted on the base element for movement between an open
position in which the corner cover element permits clear access to
the changeable frame for releasing and exchanging an item therein,
and a closed position in which the corner cover element extends at
least partially into the item removal path.
[0007] The corner cover element is movably mounted to the base
element in the following manner. The corner cover element is
mounted such that it can be moved between its open and closed
positions. The corner cover element remains mounted to the base
element in both of its open and closed positions such that a
separation of the corner cover element and the base element from
one another, as is required in the operation of known changeable
frames, is no longer required. As a result, the corner cover
element permits clear access to the changeable frame in its open
position--which is a position in which the frame border strips have
at the same time been moved outward from their item securing
positions--so that it is a particularly simple operation to place
items such as, for example, posters, placards, brochures, or the
like, into the changeable frame. Once the frame border strips have
been snapped back into their item retaining positions and the
corner cover element of the frame border corner connecting device
has been moved into its closed position, the item placed in the
changeable frame is thereupon retained by the clamping action of
the corner cover element and the corner cover element extends into
the item removal path of the changeable frame and thereby
additionally ensures the retention of the item in the changeable
frame. The movement of the corner cover element between its open
and closed positions can comprise a tipping movement, a swinging
movement, a shifting movement, or other similar movements.
[0008] In accordance with a further feature of the frame border
corner connecting device of the present invention, the corner cover
element partially covers, in its closed position, the cover members
of the frame border strips which border the base element, whereby,
in contrast, the corner cover element, in its open position, no
longer covers the cover members of the frame border strips. The
configuration of the frame border corner connecting device in this
manner reliably prevents an inadvertent unsnapping of the cover
members and, thus, an opening of the changeable frame. In order to
unsnap the cover members and thereby release the item retained in
the changeable frame such as, for example, a poster, placard, or
the like, the corner cover elements of frame border corner
connecting devices of the changeable frame, which interconnect
pairs of frame border strips in the corner regions of the
changeable frame, must first be moved into their open positions in
which these corner cover elements no longer cover the cover members
of the paired frame border strips. A configuration of the frame
border corner connecting device in this manner also offers
advantages in the assembly and construction of the changeable
frame. In view of the fact that the corner cover elements partially
overlie the cover members of the frame border strips which border
the frame border corner connecting devices, it is not necessary to
form the cover members in a particularly labor intensive manner in
order to still satisfy aesthetic appearance demands. Thus, the
cover members can merely be shortened such as, for example, by
sawing off the excess, without the need to improve, for the sake of
the visual appearance of the cover members, the finish of the cut
edge of the cover members. Instead, the cut edges of the cover
members produced in such a manner are covered in the closed
condition of the changeable frame by the corner cover elements and
are thus hidden to the viewer. The possibility also exists, in the
event that the widths of those regions which are covered in the
closed position of the corner cover element yet uncovered in the
open position of the corner cover element are selected to be
relatively large, to compensate for tolerance variations in the
cover members. A highly exact dimensional tolerance of the cover
members with respect to their lengths need not be maintained which
thereby contributes in a cost favorable manner to the finish work
on these cover members. In connection with a configuration of this
manner, it is advantageous if the corner cover element is
configured in the form of a hollow cap. The contours of the corner
cover element are specifically selected such that the contours
follow the curvature of the frame border strips which border the
frame border corner connecting device and are covered by the corner
cover element in the closed position thereof. This contributes, on
the one hand, to an attractive appearance and, on the other hand,
leads to an especially reliable securement of the changeable frame
against undesired opening of the cover members.
[0009] In accordance with another feature of the frame border
corner connecting device of the present invention, the frame border
corner connecting device includes a detent and catch detent and
catch seat assembly by means of which the corner cover element is
releasably lockable in its open and/or closed position. Such a
detent and catch seat assembly, when it has releasably locked the
corner cover element in its closed position, ensures that the
corner cover element can only be moved from its closed position to
its open position upon the application of a force on the detent and
catch seat assembly sufficient to overcome the retaining force
exerted by the detent and catch seat assembly in its seated
condition. The corner cover element is thus reliably held in its
closed position and an inadvertent movement of the corner cover
element into its open position is reliably prevented. If a
changeable frame is provided with the frame border corner
connecting device of the present invention which has a detent and
catch seat assembly which releasably locks the corner cover element
in its open position, the placement of an item into, or the removal
of an item from, the changeable frame is facilitated. Once the
corner cover element has moved into its open position, the detent
and catch seat assembly releasably locks the corner cover element
in this position so that a person attempting to remove an item
from, or place an item into, the changeable frame is not constantly
hampered by a corner cover element which tends to fall back into
its closed position. In a like manner as the releasable locking of
the corner cover element in its closed position, the corner cover
element, once it is releasably locked in its open position by the
detent and catch seat assembly, can only be moved from its open
position to its closed position by the application of a force on
the detent and catch seat assembly sufficient to overcome the
retaining force exerted by the detent and catch seat assembly in
its seated condition.
[0010] In accordance with yet further features of the frame border
corner connecting device of the present invention, the corner cover
element is movable in a translation movement from its closed
position into its open position. In this connection, the base
element of the frame border corner connecting device is provided
with a pair of guide segments extending in spaced parallel relation
to one another, each guide segment extending perpendicular to the
plane of the changeable frame and having a lengthwise slot formed
therein in which a guide track of the corner cover element travels
along for guiding of the corner cover element by the guide
segments. A frame border corner connecting device of this
configuration permits the corner cover element to be moved from its
open position into its closed position and vice versa with just a
simple push motion. The translation movement of the corner cover
element is effected by the cooperative guided movement of the guide
track of the corner cover element along the lengthwise slots formed
in the guide segments of the base element. It is to be understood
that the guide track can alternatively be formed on the base
element instead of being formed on the corner cover element and the
guide segments with their slots can be formed on the corner cover
element instead of being formed on the base element. Corresponding
end stop elements can be provided to limit the movement of the
corner cover element which is effected by the movement of the guide
track along the slots of the guide segments. These end stop
elements can be realized in a conventional manner through
cooperating stop surfaces formed on the two components moving
relative to one another. In this connection, it can be provided
that the corner cover element can be moved beyond, for example, a
stop element in the direction of its movement toward its open
position so that the corner cover element can be released from the
base element. A corner cover element can thus be removed from the
base element of a frame border corner connecting device and another
corner cover element substituted therefor. Such a substitution
process may be performed, for example, to exchange a defective
component but may also additionally be performed to substitute a
corner cover element having a different color, shape, or dimension.
This substitution capability affords the user of the frame border
corner connecting device of the present invention an increased
flexibility in individually configuring the changeable frame. In
order to move the corner cover element of the frame border corner
connecting device of the present invention over the greatest
possible distance in its movement between its open and closed
positions without, however, engendering movement to a large degree
of the frame border corner connecting device outwardly beyond the
outer dimensions of the changeable frame, the slots of the guide
segments can extend transversely to the plane of the changeable
frame.
[0011] In order to secure the corner cover element in a
predetermined position, a resiliently biased seat arm can be
disposed between the guide segments, which is configured to engage
a corresponding catch structure formed in the guide track of the
corner cover element once the seat arm and the catch structure are
aligned with one another at a predetermined relative position
between the corner cover element and the base element. The
predetermined positions can in particular include the open and
closed positions of the corner cover element. The catch structure
formed in the guide track of the corner cover element is preferably
configured as a slot into which a correspondingly dimensioned
projection of the seat arm moves upon alignment of the slot and the
projection.
[0012] In accordance with an additional feature of the frame border
corner connecting device of the present invention, the frame border
corner connecting device includes a pair of connectors extending
substantially perpendicularly to one another, each from a
respective side of the base element and being receivable in a
corresponding receiving structure in a respective one of the pair
of frame border strips which border the frame border corner
connecting device. In this manner, the base element of the frame
border corner connecting device can be secured to the bordering
frame border strips by insertion of the connectors into the
corresponding receiving structures of the frame border strips. In a
preferred configuration of these connectors, the connectors have a
T-shaped cross sectional profile and are receivable in
correspondingly shaped slots having undercuts on the frame border
strips.
[0013] In accordance with a further feature of the frame border
corner connecting device of the present invention, a stable
interconnection of the frame border strips with the frame border
corner connecting device can be ensured by providing support
surfaces on the base element, each for supporting thereon a portion
of a respective one of the pair of the bordering frame border
strips. Through such measures, a twisting of the frame border
strips is prevented. Moreover, the base element can include
abutment surfaces extending substantially perpendicular to the
plane of the changeable frames for abutment thereagainst of the
frame border strips. These abutment surfaces also contribute to an
improved securement of the frame border strips to the frame border
corner connecting device.
[0014] In accordance with yet an additional feature of the frame
border corner connecting device of the present invention, the base
element includes a backing support surface member which lies in the
plane of the changeable frame for supporting thereon a portion of
an item backing plate and/or an item disposed in the changeable
frame. If an item backing plate is used, this plate can be disposed
on the backing support surface members of the frame border corner
connecting devices and adhered thereto. In this manner, the frame
border corner connecting device of the present invention is
securely integrated into a stable overall changeable frame
configuration.
[0015] In accordance with a further feature of the frame border
corner connecting device of the present invention, the base element
includes an opening for training a changeable frame mounting
element therethrough. In this manner, a changeable frame having the
frame border corner connecting device of the present invention can
be mounted in an uncomplicated manner on a wall via, for example,
bolts, nails, or the like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The object and advantages of the present invention will
appear more clearly from the following specification in conjunction
with the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of
the frame border corner connecting device of the present invention
in its interconnected condition with the end segments of a pair of
frame border strips bordering thereagainst;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a changeable
frame having the one embodiment of the frame border corner
connecting device of the present invention and showing the corner
cover element thereof in its closed position;
[0019] FIG. 2a is a perspective side view of the portion of the
changeable frame shown in FIG. 2;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a changeable
frame having the one embodiment of the frame border corner
connecting device of the present invention and showing the corner
cover element thereof in its open position;
[0021] FIG. 3a is a perspective side view of the portion of the
changeable frame shown in FIG. 3;
[0022] FIG. 4a is a sectional view of the one embodiment of the
frame border corner connecting device of the present invention and
showing a frame border strip secured thereto;
[0023] FIG. 4b is a sectional view of the one embodiment of the
frame border corner connecting device of the present invention and
showing the corner cover element in its open position;
[0024] FIG. 5a is a perspective view of the base element of the one
embodiment of the frame border corner connecting device of the
present invention as seen from below;
[0025] FIG. 5b is a perspective view of the base element shown in
FIG. 5a as seen from above;
[0026] FIG. 6a is a perspective view of the corner cover element of
the one embodiment of the frame border corner connecting device of
the present invention as seen from below; and
[0027] FIG. 6b is a side perspective view of the corner cover
element shown in FIG. 6a.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0028] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of
the frame border corner connecting device of the present invention
with the associated bordering end segments of the frame border
strips 3 which comprise the borders of a changeable frame. The
frame border corner connecting device is comprised of two pieces: a
base element 1 and a corner cover element 2 movable relative to the
base element 1. The base element 1 is comprised of two
interconnecting tabs 4 extending substantially perpendicularly to
one another and each having projections 4a extending along the
sides thereof. Support surfaces 5, which border on the
interconnecting tabs 4, extend parallel to the plane of the
changeable frame. These support surfaces 5 are in turn each
respectively bordered by a stop surface 6 extending perpendicular
thereto. A support surface 7 extends perpendicular to a pair of
support surfaces 8 which are arranged perpendicular to each other.
A corner cover guide assembly 9 is formed on the base element 1
whose configuration is described in more detail later in connection
with FIGS. 5a and 5b. The frame border strips 3 which are connected
to the frame border corner connecting device 1 to form therewith a
corner of the changeable frame each comprise a base profile element
12, a stop surface 13, and a corner cover element 14. A lengthwise
slot 16 is formed in the base profile element 12 which includes
undercuts 17 and a support surface 15 is also formed on the base
profile element 12 which assists in providing backing support to a
frame back wall and/or an item to be supported in the changeable
frame for display such as, for example, a picture, a poster, a
placard, or the like.
[0029] To install the frame border corner connecting device 1, the
interconnecting tabs 4 of the base element 1 are inserted into the
corresponding lengthwise slots 16 of the base profile elements 12
of the frame border strips 3. As a result of this insertion
process, the projections 4a formed on the interconnecting tabs 4
are seated in the undercuts 17 of the slots 16. Additionally, the
undersides of the base profile elements 12 are seated during this
installation process onto the layout surface members 5 formed on
the base element 1 of the frame border corner connecting device.
This seating prevents a twisting of the frame border strips. The
frame border strips 3 are in abutment with the stop surface members
6 formed in the base element 1 of the frame border corner
connecting device once the frame border corner connecting devices 4
have been fully inserted into the slots 16. In the installed
position of the frame border corner connecting device 1 with the
frame border strips 3, the backing surface members 15 formed on the
base profile elements 12 are in co-planar, surface continuing
alignment with the support surfaces 7 formed on the base element 1
of the frame border corner connecting device. The completed
installation of four frame border corner connecting devices with
four extents of the frame border strips 3 each extending between a
respective pair of the frame border corner connecting devices
yields a changeable frame having a continuous, endless loop support
surface I comprised of the backing surface members 15 of the base
profile elements 12 as well as the support surfaces 7 of the base
elements 1 of the four frame border corner connecting devices on
which a frame back surface can be disposed. The frame back surface
can be fixedly secured, for example, by adhesive means onto the
base profile elements 12 or, respectively, the base elements 1. In
the event that a frame back surface is dispensed with, then, for
example, an item with sufficient stiffness can be disposed directly
on the support surface 7. This is possible, for example, with
placards comprised of stiff paper. To complete the full assembly of
the frame border corner connecting devices 1 with the associated
frame border strips 3, the corner cover element 2 of each frame
border corner connecting device is mounted to the base element 1
thereof. In this connection, a flange 11 of each corner cover
element 2 is seated into the guide rails 10 of the corner cover
element. The corner cover element is thus movably mounted to the
base element 1 in a manner by which the corner cover element can be
guided by the corner cover guide assembly 9 and its guide rails 10
between an open position and a closed position.
[0030] FIGS. 2, 2a, 3, and 3a each show a view of a portion of a
changeable frame having the one embodiment of the frame border
corner connecting device of the present invention. FIGS. 2 and 2a
are each enlarged perspective views of the one embodiment of the
frame border corner connecting device of the present invention with
the corner cover element 2 thereof in its closed position while
FIGS. 3 and 3a are each enlarged perspective views of the one
embodiment of the frame border corner connecting device of the
present invention with the corner cover element 2 thereof in its
open position. The portion of the changeable frame shown in these
figures of the drawings is connected to the adjacent frame border
corner connecting devices via the frame border strips 3 connected
to the base element 1 of the frame border corner connecting devices
as well as to the corner cover elements 2 thereof and collectively
these elements support a rigid frame back wall 18. The corner cover
element 2 shown in FIG. 2 is in its closed position and it can be
seen that, in this closed position of the corner cover element 2,
the cover members 14, as are shown in broken lines, are partially
overlapped by the corner cover element 2. It is thus not possible
in this closed position of the corner cover element 2 to open the
cover members 14 by swinging them outwardly and thereby permit free
removal of an item retained on the changeable frame. As seen in
FIGS. 3 and 3a, when the corner cover element 2 is in its open
position, the cover members 14 are not otherwise restricted from
being swung outwardly from their dispositions in the plane of the
changeable frame and can thus be so moved so as to permit free
removal of an item retained on the changeable frame. It can be seen
in particular in FIG. 3a that the corner cover element 2 in its
open position is disposed to the side of the changeable frame as
well as above the changeable frame. This disposition of the corner
cover element 2 relative to the changeable frame is achieved via a
guiding of the corner cover element 2 into its open position along
a path which is inclined with respect to the plane of the
changeable frame.
[0031] The sidewise and upward offset of the corner cover element 2
in its open position relative to the changeable frame can be seen
more emphatically in FIGS. 4a and 4b which show, respectively, the
corner cover element 2 in its closed position and its open position
along with the associated frame border strips 3. The inclined
guiding of the corner cover element 2 between its closed and open
positions can be clearly seen; this inclined guiding permits a
translational opening and closing movement of the corner cover
element 2 at an angle to the plane of the changeable frame.
Moreover, a detent and catch seat assembly 23, which is a part of
the guiding structure on the base element 1 which supports a seat
arm 20, can be seen in FIGS. 4a and 4b. The detent and catch seat
assembly 23 is supported on the base element 1 in a resiliently
biased manner. The seat arm 20 cooperates with the seat slots 19a
and 19b which are comprised in the guide rails of the corner cover
element 2 in that the seat arm 20 seats in a respective one of the
seat slots when the corner cover element 2 is in its closed or open
position. The seat arm 20 seats into the seat slot 19a when the
corner cover element 2 is in its closed position and the seat arm
seats into the seat slot 19b when the corner cover element 2 is in
its open position. Additionally, a projection is formed on the
guide rails of the corner cover element 2, which further guides the
movement of the corner cover element 2. The projection 21 contacts
a stop member 22 on the base element 1 when the corner cover
element 2 is moved into its closed position and thereby prevents a
further movement of the corner cover element 2 in its closing
direction. In the open position of the corner cover element 2, the
projection 21 forms, on the portion thereof bordering the seat slot
19b, an additional stop surface which is in contact with the seat
arm 20 of the detent and catch seat assembly 23. In this manner,
the movement of the corner cover element 2 in the direction from
its closed position toward its open position is constrained. The
application of a large force can, to be sure, cause the detent and
catch seat assembly 23 to be moved backwards against its resilient
bias, whereupon the projection 21 will also slide over the seat arm
20 and the corner cover element 2 will be uncoupled from the base
element 1. This uncoupling procedure can be carried out, for
example, in the event that the corner cover element 2 is to be
exchanged for another corner cover element. Thus, the possibility
is available, for example, to install a new corner cover element 2
on an existing base element 1. The new corner cover element 2 can
be, for example, a simple replacement corner cover element although
the new corner cover element can, as well, vary in color, form
and/or dimensions from the corner cover element 2 which is being
replaced. In this manner, the frame border corner connecting device
of the present invention offers an additional degree of freedom to
the user in configuring a changeable frame. In the normal use of
the changeable frame--that is, the simple opening and closing of
the changeable frame for exchanging a retained item for another
item to be retained such as pictures, posters, placards or the
like--the projection 21 prevents an uncoupling of the corner cover
element 2 from the changeable frame so that the corner cover
element 2 will not become lost. Due to the fact that the corner
cover element, which can be clearly seen in FIGS. 3, 3a, and 3b,
has been moved into its open position at an angle upwardly and
outwardly from the plane of the frame, the corner cover element
does not pose an obstacle for the opening and closing movements of
the cover members 14 nor for the item to be placed into the
changeable frame.
[0032] FIGS. 5a and 5b each are a perspective view of the base
element of one embodiment of the frame border corner connecting
device of the present invention as seen from, respectively, below
the base element or above the base element. The base element shown
in FIG. 5b has an alternate form of the interconnecting tabs 4
which are provided with teeth 4b. These teeth can be provided in
lieu of the smooth outer surfaces of the interconnecting tabs
previously described in order to provide an improved tractive hold
of the interconnecting tabs 4 when they are inserted into the
lengthwise slots in the base element.
[0033] The assembly of the corner cover guide assembly 9 will now
be described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 5a and 5b.
It can be seen that there are a pair of guide segments forming the
sides of the corner cover guide assembly 9 and extending
substantially perpendicular to the plane of the frame, with each
guide segment having a respective guide slot 26 formed therein. The
guide slots 26 are dimensioned in correspondence with the
dimensions of the guide rails 10 formed on the corner cover
element. It can be seen that the resilient biased detent and catch
seat assembly 23 with its seat arm 20 is located between the guide
segments extending perpendicular to the plane of the frame. The
detent and catch seat assembly 23 has a tongue-like configuration
and is connected at its small angle portion with the base element.
The resilient bias of the detent and catch seat assembly 23 is
provided in this one embodiment of the frame border corner
connecting device of the present invention by the elasticity of the
material selected for the base element 1. It can be further seen in
FIGS. 5a and 5b that openings 24 and 25 are provided through which
mounting elements such as bolts, nails, or the like can be extended
for securing a connecting element and, thereby, the changeable
frame on which such a connecting element is integrated, to a wall
or the like.
[0034] FIGS. 6a and 6b show views of the cap-like corner cover
element. The guide rails 10 with the seat slots 19a and 19b as well
as the projection 21 can be seen in particular in FIG. 6a. It can
also be seen in FIG. 6a how the guide rails 10 are connected via a
flange 11 to the corner cover element. The flange 11 has a wedge
shape such that the guide rails 10 extending along the flange 11
are inclined with respect to the plane of the frame at an
inclination corresponding to that of the guide slots 26. It can be
seen in FIG. 6b that the corner cover element 2 has an increasing
curvature extending from its edge which rises and then falls toward
a diagonal overlying the corner cover element. The side contours of
the corner cover element correspond to the outer contour of the
cover members of the frame border strips which border the frame
border corner connecting device so that these side contours of the
corner cover element lie on the cover members in the closed
position of the corner cover element. It is to be understood that
the form of the corner cover element can be correspondingly varied
when deployed with bordering frame border strips having cover
members of a different contour.
[0035] The components of the one embodiment of the frame border
corner connecting device of the present invention described herein
are formed of plastic. Thus, for example, the base element and the
corner cover element can be formed by plastic injection molding. It
is to be understood, however, that the components can be formed o
other material such as, for example, aluminum and a similar
metal.
[0036] The specification incorporates by reference the disclosure
of German priority document 200 07 769.4 of Apr. 28, 2000.
[0037] The present invention is, of course, in no way restricted to
the specific disclosure of the specification and drawings, but also
encompasses any modifications within the scope of the appended
claims.
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