Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
36~
The present invention relates to an improved
poster frame and display holder for various types of replaceable
posters, pictures and similar advertising materials. The
frame and holder can be used in many various areas, such
as on buses, taxis cabs, and similar mobile installations,
as well as on fixed mounts such as on building walls at service
stations, on posts and the like. The poster display device
is neat, trim and aesthetic and capable of being used either
indoors or outdoors. The device secures a poster or other
message sign within its borders and allows replacement thereof
in a quick and easy manner.
The present invention is an improvement over
the invention disclosed and claimed in U.S. Patent No. 4,145,~28
and assigned to the assignee of the present invention. In
that patent a display holder is set forth having a plurality
of frame sections. Each of the sections are made essentially
of two extruded portions which are pivoted together, the
extruded portions being of any material which can be economically
extruded, such as aluminum. The extruded frame sections
are biased by means of an unbent metal leaf spring to cocci
and to releasable clamp posters or similar display items
in the frame. The invention as disclosed and claimed in
U.S. Patent No. 4,145,828 was itself an improvement over
U.S. Patent No. 3,310,901 which employed a cantilever action-
type metal leaf springs with S-shaped hooks at one end to
bias together the two parts of the frame.
According to the present invention there is
provided a closure device which has a first member and a
second member rotatable about an axis and movable with respect
to the first member between relatively open and relatively
closed positions. Resilient biasing means is integrally
attached to both the first member and the second member for
connecting them together, and the first member, second member
` and the biasing means are made of extruded plastic material
and are integrally formed together at the time of extrusion.
The first and second members include relatively rigid material
and the biasing means, which provides a force urging the
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second member toward -the closed position, comprises a relatively
softer material and is elastic and resilient.
According to one aspect of the invention, the
first member and the second member define a longitudinal
dimension parallel to the axis and the biasing means is fully
coextensive with the longitudinal dimension and is substantially
enclosed by the first and second members when disposed in
the closed position.
More specifically, the invention is a display
holder having a plurality of longitudinal frame sections
forming a polygonal frame structure for receiving and clamping
a display piece in the display holder. The first member
being in the form of a base member and the second member
being in the form ofamovable cover member, the cover member
having holding means for securing the display piece in place.
It may be seen, therefore, that the present
invention is capable of providing a poster frame and display
holder which is less expensive to manufacture and lighter
in weight than the poster frames described in the above named
patents. The poster display device of the present invention
also is made from a plastic material, is essentially one-piece,
and is capable of providing economical frames with relatively
small widths (e.g. one-half inch or smaller).
In a specific embodiment, the front portion
has an outwardly facing surface on which a decorative simulated
metal or simulated wood laminate can be secured. The back
portion is formed with an upstanding flange having a pivot
ponytail formation thereon The front portion is formed with
an inwardly directed flange at a first end thereof and with
a second inwardly directed flange at a second end thereof
which includes a cup shaped formation adapted to engage the
pivot ponytail on the back portion and form a hinge. The elongated
biasing section is coupled between the downwardly directed
front flange and the upstanding flange, and forms an integral
part of the one piece extrusion. The length of the elongated
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biasing member is such that when the pivot ponytail and cup
shaped formation are joined to form a hinge, the biasing
member is placed under compression causing it to bow towards
the front portion. The biasing member thus provides clamping
forces between the front and back portion. In one preferred
embodiment the resilient biasing section includes living
hinges disposed intermediately along the length thereof
which facilitate changing or removing posters.
In another embodiment the extruded member serves
to clamp the display piece in place from the back side of
the display piece against a separate frame member.
It is an object of the present invention to
provide a unique and beneficial poster frame and display
holder for use in various applications. It is another object
to provide a highly durable, weather resistant poster frame
and display holder which can be used indoors and outdoors
and which will provide a reliable and pleasing appearance
throughout its lifetime.
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Yet antiwar object it to provide a display holder and poster frame which
can be eco~ucally manufactured from relatively inR2~Ensive materiels
Still ar~J~h~r deject is to provide a poster display fraying
device which retains the effective clamping action d the inventions of
U.S. Patents Nubs. 3,310,901 and 4,145,828, and yet which can ye made more
exx~xlmically in smaller sizes.
Clara objects, features, and advantages of the invention will
k~xx~ne apparent from the ~ollcwing description of the invention when viewed
in accordance with the accompanying drawings.
GRIEF DEscRlprlcN OF THE Dungs
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Figure 1 is a front view of on improved display holder in
accordance with the invention;
Figure 2 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 2-2 in
Figure l;
Figure pa is a cross sectional view of the e~bcd i t of Figure 2
Chinook hinge member disassembled;
Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of the
invention '
Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of yet another embodiment of
the invention;
Figures S through 10 illustrate the invention in operation;
Figure 11 is a cross sectional view of a further embodiment of -
the invention;
Figure 12 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of Figure
ll,shcwing hinge member disassembled;
Figures 13-18 illustrate the invention of Figure 11 in operation;
Figure 19 is a cross sectional view of a back-loading embodiment
..
of the invention;
Figure 20 is a cross-section~1 view of still a further e~kndinent
of the invention; and
Figure aye is a cr~ss-sectional vie of the embodiment of Figure
;20 showing hinge nrnbeYs disassembled,
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Description of THE EM2CDIMENTS
As illustrated on Figure 1, the improved display holder and
poster frame, generally designated by the reference numeral 10, is made up
of a plurality of frame seasickness 12. For a square ox rectangular-shaped
Ester four frame sections 12 are normally provided. Ike frame sections
are neutered 45 degrees at their ends and fastened together to form a
bc~-type fry. A backing Norway of cardboard, fiberboard, or petal is
provided and the frame is secured on or around its edges forming the
complete poster framing d~vi ox . As shown in Figure 2, each of the sections
12 is made essentially of two pDrticns 14 and 16 being part of a c~T~nDn
extrusion which are pivoted together as at 17. The portions 14 and 16 of
each section 12 are cut to the desired length and mitered 45 degrees at
their opposite ends for abutting and planar assembly with one another to
outline the frclme 10. As will key understood, the frame 10 can be square or
rectangular, although it is also possible for the frame 10 to have any
desired polygonal shape with an appropriate number of sections 12 mitered
at appropriate angles. Allah, it is possible for each of the front or cover
extrusions 14 to be comprised of a number of extruded pieces of shorter
length.
The frame 10 preferably has associated with it a rigid backing
member 18 which can be mode of plastic, Masonite aluminum or another
suitable material. The sections 12 are positioned around the edges of the
backing member 18 handheld in place around its edges by the sections 12 as
with pop rivets, for example, to form the oDmpleted display holder. A
poster 19 or other display member is positioned on the backing member 18
Toe back extruded portion 16 can be fastened in any conventional means to a
rigid or supporting member, such as a post, will, support frame for a
vehicle, or the like. It is also understood that the use of a backing
umber 18 is not necessary; the frame 10 Gould be mounted on a flat surface
forming its own backing member, or the poster 19 oDuld be made of a rigid
or stiff retrial without the need for a bask m g number
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The portions Al and 16 are Dre~erably made of a plastic
material which can be efficiently and economically extruded, and
which will present an attractive and durable structure for an in-
definite length of time. Suitable materials include polypropylene,
vinyl, and rigid polyvinyl chloride.
Adjacent sections 12 of the frame are held and fastened to-
getter as by Glenn section to section, by gluing to the backing
member 18, or by means of L-shaped corner braces as taught in U. S.
Relent Jo. 3,310,901. The outer or front portion 14 of each frame
section is formed with a decorative outer surface 15 and is assembled
to the back portion 16 by means of a hinge assembly denoted generally
by reference numeral 17. The outer surface 15 preferably is relative-
lye flat, but can have any decorative or ridged surface. If it is
relatively flat, then it is easier to apply a simulated metal (e. g.
Mueller) or simulated wood laminate to it,
The hinge assembly is comprised of a cylindrical hinge or
pivot ponytail formation 30 extending outwardly by bridge element 32
from an upstanding flange 34 disposed on back portion 16 and a
corresponding cup shaped Formation 36 fowled on the back panel 38 of
portion 14. The edges of the cup 36 may extend more than 180 degrees
about the pivot 30 in which case the two sections 14 and 16 are snapped
together after extrusion to form hinge assembly 17. The edges of cup
36 may alternatively extend less than 180 degrees about the pivot 30
to form hinge assembly 17. As shown by dashed outlines of Figure 2,
the hinge assembly 17 allows the cover portion 14 to pivot relative
to the back portion 16. Wren the cover portion 14 is in the position
show in solid lines in Figure 2, it holds the poster 19 in position
in the frame against the backing member 18. when it is desired to
remove or replace the poster lo, the cover portion 14 is rotated or
pivoted to the dashed outline position 14' permitting the removal of
the poster. The rotation of portion 14 is limited by stop end 39 of
cup shaped formation 36; when the portion 14 is swung to its fully
open position (14')
*trade mark
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the end 39 rests against hri~ge element 32 (as shown by dashed outline
position 39' in Figure 23.
E~i~nxded portion 14 was a formed side panel or flange 42 thereon
with a longitudinal recess 44 formed in it. the recess 44 is prcvidæ 50
that the portion 14 may he grasped in manipulation to open or close it
relative to portion 16. m e end 46 of side Panel 42 is adapted to rest on
the poster I and cleanup it in place in the display holder.
The upstanding flange 34 is formed with a lip 48 projecting
orthogonally inwardly towards the outer of frame 10. The upstanding
flange and lip 48 form a recess 50 adapted to engage the backing member lo
around its outer edge hid no any tough edges of the backing umber Lip 48
terminates with an ear 52 which provides a stop surf ox or guide surface
useful for positioning the poster 19 and keeping it from going too far into
the frame. The bridge 32 is attached to upstanding flange 34 and projects
generally outwardly from the venter of frame 10, forming a downwardly
directed dogleg and terminating in pivot ponytail 30. Bridge element 32
includes a knee portion 54 disposed generally opposite to the pivot ponytail
36.
It will be understood that the structure thus described is
extruded of a relatively rigid plastic material such as a vinyl material,
including polyvinyl chloride. The invention also comprises an elongated
biasing or spring portion denoted generally by reference numeral 60, which
is extruded of a relatively resilient material such as estate polyurethane,
or ox a softer vinyl material. m e elongated biasing portion 60 is
integral with and coupled generally between the end 46 of side panel 42 and
knee portion 54~ The union between biasing portion 60 and end 46 forms a
transition A between the relatively rigid material of side panel 42 and thy
relatively resilient, flexible material of biasing portion 600 the union
k~tween biasing portion 60 and the knee 54 of bridge 32 forms a transition
B between the relatively rigid bridge and the relatively resilient,
flexible biasing portion. Preferably the unions worming transitions A and
B are formed during the extrusion process, in other words, the biasing
I
portion 60 is of the Amy cue piece extrusion which forms the front part 14
and the back part 16. If desired, transition A nay be formed, as Chicano in
Fig. 2, Jo that corner 47 (which contacts poster 19 when the frame is
closed) is of the softer material of biasing portion 60. this provides
more friction between corner 47 and poster 19 to hold poster 19 in place.
Figure pa Schick the one pie ox extrusion before hinge 17 is
assembled. As can be teen, the frame section is extruded with the front
and rear portions essentially in their pen positions, but without the
pivot ponytail formation 30 and cup shaped formation 36 being nested
together. The biasing portion 60 is extruded in a slightly bowed or
arcuate configuration, although it can also be extruded in an essentially
flat configuration. The running length of biasing portion 60 and bridge
32, as measured Fran a central point A' along interface A to point C at the
center of pivot ponytail 30, is made longer than the linear distance between
point A' and point C. Thus when hinge 17 is assembled by snapping the cup
shaped formation 36 onto the pivot ponytail formation 30, the biasing portion
is caused to bow inwclrdly towards the frame front portion 14 a
significant extent (or ~Irther if extruded in a slightly bowed condition),
as Chicano in Figure 2. This sho~cPns the radius of curvature of portion 60
causing it to exert an inward and outward over-oenter force to stackable
retain the movable frame front portion 14 in either its closed or its Cowan
positions. In either position, the biasing portion 60 urges the front
extrusion 14 in a direction to maintain its integral cup shaped hinge
formation 36 snugly against the integral pliantly formation 30 of the back
extrusion 16.
Referring to Figures 5 through 10, the spring Aztec of biasing
portion 60 is illustrated aver a typical operating range. In Figure 5 the
frclme section is shown without poster clipped in pow. file biasing
potion 60 is bred inwardly towards the frame front portion 14. A
explais~d cove this inward bowing causes biasing portion 60 to exert
forces I font Portia 14 urging it unto its closed pOSitit~la In
Figure 6 the frost pi n 16 it Cowan King rotated towards the Cowan
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position shown in Figure 7. As the frame us being opened the biasing
portion 60 b~xx~nes even more significantly bowed with an even shorter
radius of curvature, as Cowan in Figure 6. Isles increased bowing my ye
accounted for by noting that the linear distance between the ends of
biasing portion 60 as at A and B has decreased expressing biasing portion
60) a the point A' follows its rotational trajectory about the point C.
In the position shown by Figure 6 the biasing portion 60 continues to exert
a do end force tending to close the frame.
At some paint at or near the frame's open position, biasing
portion 60 snaps into an cll~twardly bowed position, as shown in Figure 7.
In the a~twardly bud position, biasing potion 60 exerts forces tending
to hold front portion 14 in its relatively open position thereby
pollinating poster 19 or the like to be positioned within tile frame.
Ike closing sequence is shown in Figures 8 through in. As the
front portion 14 is dually rotated towards the closed position against
the biasing fortes, biasing portion 60 becomes more significantly outwardly
bred. Father rotation towards the closed position, shown in Figure 9,
causes more significant bowing of biasing portion 60. In Figure 9 it will
be seen that biasing portion 60 b gas somewhat S-shaped in longitudinal
cross session At some point at or near the final closed position, Chicano
in no 10, biasing portion 60 snaps back into its inwardly bowed
position. Zen this occurs the biasing forces produced I biasing portion
60 tend to hold 'eke fryer in its closed position, thereby clamping poster
19 in plate. With particular reference to Figure 9 it will be seen that
biasing portion 60 is capable of eonti3cting ear 52, and possibly also
poster 19. Such contact, although not essential or rewired, can provide
an impetus or nutria for biasing portion 60 snapping awoke into the inwardly
bud position of Figure 10.
nether oddment of invention is Chicano in Figure 3. In
this embodiment the biasing potion 60, as well us the front portion 14 arid
back portion 16, aye extruded ox relatively rigid plush Again the fryer
Tao extra in their Jc~en" position as Chicano in solid
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I
Hines. the font portico 14 nod back portion 16 e joined with a fle)dble
living hinge 70 Dade of thinner portion of the plastic material.
Issues, the biasing pi n 60 is cQ3pled to thy err 46 of front pie 42
my Irons of a Ed flexible living ) ire 72, art coupled to the
upstanding flange 34, as at B, neons of yet antler fl~cible living
hinge 74. Preferably, all of the three living hinges are made of the sans
twirl. tether biasing prewash 60 is nude fun a rigid or soft
material, it f~ctico~s as it the first endowment to exert an inward and
coward over-{~lter for ox to stably ret n the n w cable frame section
portions in either their closed or open positions.
It will also be appreciated that in this embodiment of Figure 3
the living hinge 70 may alternatively be replaced Ruth the pivot ponytail and
integral cup shaped formation as described in connection with the first
embodiment. The living hinges 72 and 74 old remain, however, at the
connection of the biasing portion to the front piece 42 and to the
upstanding flange 34.
Still another embodiment is shown in Figure 4. This eddy i t
employs the pivoting hinge mechanism 17 of the first embodiment and is
extruded as two pieces, although the living hinge 70 of the second
embodiment may be substituted for the hinge mechanism 17 in which case a
one pie ox extrusion would be used. The biasing portion 60 is coupled as
at A to the end 46 of side panel 42 and is extruded of semi rigid plastic
material form m g an integral part of the front excision. The biasing or
spring portion 60 as exit m dyed is slightly arcuate and terminates in a free
standing rounded end portion 80. Toe upstanding flange 34 is formed with a
longitudinal, arc shaped groove 82 adapted to pivotal engage end portion
80 upon assembly. the arcuate portion of groove 82 extends approximately
90 degrees and is positioned to allow movement of the end 80 of biasing
section 60 over a 30 degree arc as the over portion 14 is opened and
closed, while prevent m g the end 80 from being displaced therefrom. m us
the biasing portion 60 exerts on inward and outward over-oPnter pharaoh to
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stably retain the mcveable frame n partaken in either its closed or
its pen position.
Another entxxl~ment, illustrated in Figures 11 thrcwgh 18, employs
living hinges disposed intermediately along the length of the elongated
biasing section to facilitate clanging or removing posters by prcJvicling a
more positive snapping action. As shown in Figllre 11, each of the frame
suctions 112 is made essentially of two portions 114 and 116 being part of
a common extrusion which are pivoted together as at 117. m e portions 114
and 116 of each section 112 are cut to the desired length and mitered 45
degrees at their opposite ends for abutting and coplanar assembly with one
anther to outline the frame. As will be understood, the frame can be
square or rectangular, although it is also possible for the frame to have
any desired polygc~al shape with an appropriate number of sections 112
mitered at appropriate angles. Also, it is possible for each of the front
or cover extrusions 114 to be cx~nprised of a n~nber of e~truc3ed pieces of
shorter length.
The frame preferably has associated with it a rigid backing
member 118 which can be made of plastic, Masonite aluminum or another
suitable material. The sections 112 are positioned around the edges of the
backing member 118 and held in pie ox around its edges by the sections 112
as with pop rivets, for example, to form the completed display holder. A
poster 119 or other display member is positionec3 on the backing m~nber 118
The back extruded portion 116 can be fastened in any conventional mean to
a rigid or supporting umber such as a post, wall, support frame for a
vehicle, Or the like It is also understood that the use of a backing
member 118 is not necessary; the frame could be mounted on a flat surface
forming its awn backing Myra, or the poster 119 could be made of a rigid
or stiff material without the need for a backing number.
the portions 114 and 116 are preferably made of a plastic
material which can be efficiently and ecx~KYmica11y extruded, and which will
present an attractive end durable structure for an indefinite length of
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tire. Suitable materiels include polypropylene, vinyl, end rigid polyvinyl
chloride.
Ad7jaoent Eons 11? of the fry are held and fastener' together
us by gl7~eir7g section to Zion, by gluing to the backing mender lob, or
by means of Shaped corner brazes taught in; U.S. Patent No. 3,310,901,
ye disclos7lre of which is incorporated herein by reference. me cuter or
front portion 114 of each France section is formed with a decorative outer
surface 115 a is assented to toe Deck portion 116 yo-yo Irons of a hinge
asset lye denoted generally by reference numeral 117. eye outer surface 115
preferc~71y is relatively flat, but can have any decorative or ridged
surface. If it is relatively flat, then it is easier to apply a sweated
metal (e.g. Liar or striated wood laminate to it.
queue hinge asse~71v is c~nprised of a cylindrical hinge or pivot
ponytail formation 130 extending outwardly by bridge element 132 from an
upstandmg flange 134 dispose on back portion 116 and a corresponding cup
shape formation 136 formed on the hack panel 138 of portion 114. 'me
edges of the cup 136 may extend more than 180 degrees about the pivot 130
in which case the two sections 114 and 116 are snapped together after
extrusion to form hinge azalea 117. Ike edges of cup 136 my
alternatively extend less than 180 degrees abc7ut the pivot 130 to form
hinge assenibly 117. As shown by dashed outlines of Figure 11, the hinge
assailable 117 allows the cover portion 114 to pivot relative to the back
portion 115. Hun the cover portion 114 is in tune position shown in solid
lines in Figure 11, it holds the poster 119 in position in the frame
against the backing Norway 118. Zen it is desired to rqTeve or replace
the poster 119, the cover portion 114 is rotated or pivoted to the dashed
outline position 114' parenting the real of the poster Lowe optician
of portion 14 is limited by stop end 139 of cup shapec7 forn~7tion 136, when
the portion 114 us swwlg to its fully Cowan position (114') tl7e end 139
rests against bridge el~nent ï32 (as Sweeney by disowned a~7tline position 139'
in figure 2).
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End portion 114 has n formed side panel or flange 142
t n with a long Issues 144 formed in it. the recess 144 is
provided so that the portion 114 may be grasped in n~nipulation to open or
d owe it relative to portion 116. the end 146 of side panel 142 is adapted
to rest on the poster 119 and clasp it in place in the display holder.
Ike upstanding flange 134 it formed with a lip aye projecting
orthogonally inwardly towards the venter of frame. m e upstanding flange
and lip aye form a recess 150 adapted to enrage the backing nabber 118
around its outer edge. Lip 148 ales with an ear 152 which provides a
stop surf ox or guide surface useful for positioning the poster 119. The
bridge 132 is attached to upstanding flange 134 and projects generally
outwardly frump the center of frame, forming a dc~rwardly directed dogleg
and terminating in pivot ponytail 130. Bridge elen~nt 132 includes a knee
portion 154 disposed generally apposite to the pivot ponytail 136.
It will be understood that the structure thus described is
extruded of a relatively rigid plastic material such as a vinyl material,
including polyvinyl chloride. the invention also oppresses an elongated
biasing or spring portion denoted generally by reference numeral 160, which
is extruded of a relatively resilient material such as estate polyurethane,
or of a softer vinyl material. m e elongated biasing portion 160 is
integral with and copied generally between the end 146 of side panel 142
and knee portion 154. the union between biasing portion 160 and end 146
forms a transition A between the relatively rigid material of side panel
142 and the relatively resilient, flexible material of biasing portion 160.
The union between biasing portion 160 and the knee 154 of bridge 132 forms
a transition B between the relatively rigid bridge and the relatively
resilient, flexible biasing portion. Preferably the unions forming
transitions A and are formed during the extrusion process, in other
words, the biasing portion 160 it of the same aye piece extrusion which
form the front part 114 and the back pelt 116. If desired, transition A
my he formed, as shown on Fig. 11, ad what oDrner 147 (which contacts
poster 119 when the frame is closed) it of the softer material of biasing
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portion 160. Iris provides more friction bobbin oDrner 147 end pouter 119
to hold poster I in ply.
easing pcrtiDa ~60 is formed with living hinge 170 located
intermediate along the loath of portion 160 at a distance D from
transition B; where D is less than 50~ and preferably approximately 20~-40~
of the length of biasing portion 160. A second living hinge 172 is formed
in portion 160 approximately adjacent transition A, coupling intermediate
portion 171 ox biasing potion 160 to end portion 173 thereof and to side
portion 142. Living hinge 170 ensures that biasing portion 160 Casey
outwardly wren the frame is opened, as will be understood with reference to
Figure 15. Living hinge 172 coats with hinge 170 to further ensure that
the biasing portion 160 boys outwardly when opened. Hinge 172 is disposed
apart from transition A to minimize the tendency for the members at
transition A to separate.
Figure 12 shows one piece extrusion before hinge 117 is
assembled As can be seen, the frame section is extruded with the front
and rear portions essentially in their open positions, but without the
pivot ponytail formation 130 and cup shaped formation 136 being nested
together. The biasing portion 160 is extruded in a slightly bower or
arcuate configuration, although it can also be extruded in an essentially
flat configuration The m inning length of biasing portion 160 and bridge
132, as measured from a central point A' along interfa ox A Jo point C at
the center of pivot ponytail 130, is made longer than the linear distance
between point A' and point C. Thus when hinge 117 is assembled by snapping
the cup shaped connation 136 onto the pivot ponytail formation 130, the
biasing portion 160 is caused to bow inwardly tcwa~ds the frame front
portion 114 a significant extent (or further if eta Ted in a slightly
bowed condition), as shown in Figure 11. this shortens the radius of
curvature of portion 160 causing it to exert an inward and outward
ower-oenter for ox to stably retain the movable frame front portion 114 in
either its closed or its open positions. In either position, the biasing
portion 160 urges the front Tahitian 114 in a dip lion by maintain its
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integral cup shaped hinge formation 136 snugly against the in-
tegral ponytail formation 30 of the back extrusion 116.
Referring to Figures 13 through 18, the spring action of
biasing portion 160 is illustrated over a typical operating range.
In Figure 13 the frame section is shown without a roster clipped
in place. The biasing portion 160 is bowed inwardly towards the
frame front portion 114. As explained above this inward bowing
causes biasing portion 160 to exert forces on the front portion
114 urging it into its closed position. In Figure 14 the front
portion 116 is shown being rotated towards the open position
shown in Figure 15. As the frame is being opened the biasing
portion 160 becomes even more significantly compressed or bowed
with an even shorter radius of curvature, as shown in Figure 14.
This increased bowing may be accounted for by noting that the
linear distance between the ends of biasing portion 160 as at A
and B has decreased (compressing biasing portion 160) as the
point A' follows its rotational trajectory about the point C. In
the position shown by Figure 14 the biasing portion 160 continues
to exert a downward force tending to close the frame.
on At some point at or near the frame's open Position, biasing
portion 160 snaps into an outwardly bowed position, as shown in
Figure 15. Living hinges 170 and 172 cocci to facilitate the out-
ward snapping action. In the outwardly bowed position, biasing
portion 160 exerts forces tending to hold front portion 114 in its
relatively open position, thereby permitting poster ll9 or the
like to be positioned within the frame.
The closing sequence is shown in Figures 16 through 18~ As
the front Portion 114 is manually rotated towards the closed
position against the biasing forces, biasing portion 160 becomes
compressed as seen in Figure 16. Further rotation towards the
closed position, shown in Figure 17, causes more significant come
press ion of biasing portion 160. In Figure 17 it will be seen
that biasing portion 160 becomes somewhat M-sha~ed or cydloidal
in longitudinal cross section. At some point at or near the final
closed position, shown in Figure 18, biasing portion 160 snaps back
into its inwardly bowed position facilitated by hinges 170 and 172.
Lyon
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this occurs the biasing forces produced by biasing portion 160
tend to hold the frame in its closed position, thereby clamping
poster 119 in place.
In the above described embodiments, the Duster frame in-
mention serves as a front loading poster frame, and the outer
surfaces 15 of front portions 14 can be made decorative to
improve the appearance of the poster frame. In an alterna-
live, back-loading embodiment shown in Figure 19, the poster
frame of the invention serves to clam the display piece in Place
from the backside of the display piece against a separate frame
member. Referring to Figure 19, the separate frame member 180,
shown in cross section, may be formed with a shaped or decorative
outwardly facing front surface 182 to improve the appearance of
the frame. Frame member 180 may be fashioned from conventional
picture frame stock, in a wide variety of materials, including
wood, plastic, and metal. Frame member 180 is routed or formed to
include a first rabbit 184 defining a holding surface 186 in a
plane parallel to and adjacent the display piece, and a securing
surface 188 generally perpendicular thereto. A second rabbit 190
is routed or formed in the frame member 18n rearwardly of and
generally in stair step relation to rabbit 184. Generally speaking
rabbit 184 provides a means for attaching the poster frame clamping
member of the invention to the frame member 180 and also receives
and holds the display piece while rabbit 190 provides clearance
space in which clamping member 200 is partially disposed. As used
herein, it will be understood that the display piece may comprise
a picture, poster 194 or the like, and in certain applications may
also include a protective glass or clear plastic layer 192, sand-
wicked against picture or poster 194, which in turn may be sandwiched
against a layer of corrugated material 196. A rigid backing member
98 is sandwiched behind corrugated material 96 which serves to
distribute the clampillg forces generated by the spring loaded poster
frame member 200 against the display piece, thereby clamping the disk
play piece firmly in place against holding surface 186.
The spring loaded poster frame member or clamping member 200 may
be constructed generally according to any of the above-described front
-15-
hi / Jo
loading en~xxl~rents ~nth the following mDdificaticns. With refrain ox to
Figure 19 it will be seen that section 202 tithe oDunterpalt of section 12
in the front loading entxxl~ment~ includes a right angular flange 204 or
Corey jeans used to secure member 200 to number 180, as by stapling with
staples 106 into surf ox 188. In addition section 202 includes cuF-shaped
formation 203 for pivotal engagement with ponytail formation 205 oared on
section 207. Section 207 (the c~nterpart of section 10 in *he front
loading en~Kxl~ment) includes bias portion 260 which may include living
hinges it lately along the length thereof according to the en~x~diment
illustrated in Figures 11 through 18. In the alternative clamping member
200 may be constructed so that cup-shaped formation 203 is disposed an
section 207 and ponytail formation 205 is formed on section 202.
In operation "number 200 f~mc~ions substantially the same as was
illustrated and described in connection with Figlu-es 5 through 10 or
Figures 13 through 18 Poster frame member 200 may be opened to allow the
display pie ox and backing me~bex or members to be removed and replaced.
Member 200 may then key snapped shut to clasp the display piece in place
whereupon section 207 is either flush with or slightly recessed with
respect to the backside 208 of member 180. The entire frame assembly may
then be hung on a wall, or attached to some other securing surface.
Another endowment of the invention is shown in Figure 20. mix
frame section embodiment 220 has an upper member 232, a lower member 238
and employs the pivoting h m go mechanism 222 of the embodiment shown in
Figure 19 and the bias portion 224 with living hinges of the emkodi~ent
shown in Figures 11-18~ Ike lower 1l3~ber 238 has flange 22~ which
incorporates a cup-shaped formation 228 for mating and pivotal engagement
with ponytail formation 230 formed on upper member 232. It is thought that
having the pintle-and-cup stricture made in the manner shown in Figure 20
Rand Figure 19~, rather than the pintle-and-cup structure of Figures 2 and
4-18, would minimize any possible interference of adjacent frame members
220 in toe mitered corners and would also create Jane savings in neutral
cysts due Jo use of less material fish I
, ,
1 - I -
I
,
the embodiment 220 employs a bias portion 224 which preferably
includes living hinges 234 inte~Tr31iately along the length thereof in a
similar nailer to the entxxl~nEnt illustrated in Figure 11-18. The
materials used for the member 232 and 238 and for the bias portion 224 are
the same as those described above with reference to Figures 11-18~ In this
regard, the members 232 and 238 are preferably mode of rigid polyvinyl
chloride and the bias portion 224 is preferably made of estate
polyurethane, although the invention is net limited to these particular
materials.
When the em~xx~nent 220 is prcduoed, it preferably is extruded in
the shape shown in Figure aye and then assembled and snapped together to
form the cross-sectional shape Chicano in Figure 20. (This is similar to the
manner in which the frame sections Sheehan in Figures pa and 12 are
extruded). The fewer wrier 238 of fryer section 220 is preferably flat
and thus adapted to be secured to a frame backing Burr 240. If toe
backing ~rber 240 is Ned of a plastic type n~terial similar to the frame
suction 220, then the France sections forming the frame can be secured
thereto by ultrasonically welding. In this manner, no corner keys, brazes
or the like are needed to secure the frame sections together and a more
anesthetically pleasing frame as viewed Fran to back can be secured. yo-yo
eliminating the corner braces, a less expensive construction is also
possible.
In aeration, the ~bodin~ent 220 motions substantially the same
as was illustrated and described in connection with Figures 5-10 or Figures
13-18 and does not have to be repeated here in detail. In general poster
frame section 220 may be upend to allow the display piece (and backing
m3rber or Myers if aF~>ropriate) to be removed and replaced. Tuber 220
is then snowed shut lo> clasp tube display piece in place
While a specific errbodinent of the invention has been illustrated
and described, it Rowley be understood that this endowment is provided by
way of clue only End that the Sheehan is rut to be o~nstr~ed as being
limited thereto, but only my to ode of the fr~llcwinq clown.
-- 17
