Frame assembly

Abstract

A frame assembly used to display material includes a frame defining a display window, a backing board positioned in the display window, a transparent panel positioned in the display window, and a pliable mat interposed between the transparent panel and the backing board, the pliable mat having a cut-out to receive the display material and having a pliability sufficient to conform to a shape of the display material thereby fixing the display material in the cut-out.

1 . A frame assembly to display material, comprising: 
 a frame defining a display window;    a backing board positioned in the display window;    a transparent panel positioned in the display window; and    a pliable mat interposed between the transparent panel and the backing board, the pliable mat having a cut-out to receive the display material and having a pliability sufficient to conform to a shape of the display material thereby fixing the display material in the cut-out.    
   
   
       2 . The frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the pliable mat comprises an ethylene vinyl acetate sheet with a high coefficient of friction relative to a cellulose-based framing mat thereby frictionally fixing the position of the pliable mat relative to the transparent panel.  
   
   
       3 . The frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises more than one frame member joined at each end to define the display window.  
   
   
       4 . The frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the backing board comprises a semi-rigid foam core panel.  
   
   
       5 . The frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the transparent panel comprises a glass panel.  
   
   
       6 . The frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the transparent panel comprises a clear acrylic panel.  
   
   
       7 . The frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the pliable mat comprises an ethylene vinyl acetate sheet; and    the cut-out comprises a die-cut section removed from the ethylene vinyl acetate sheet.    
   
   
       8 . The frame assembly of  claim 7 , wherein: 
 the die-cut section defines a ledge being perpendicular to a front surface and a rear surface of the pliable mat; and    the display material contacts the ledge.    
   
   
       9 . The frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the ethylene vinyl acetate sheet comprises a closed cell structure thereby preventing moisture penetration.  
   
   
       10 . The frame assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a bonding agent bonding the pliable mat to the backing board.  
   
   
       11 . A display panel to display material secured by one or more penetrating fasteners, comprising: 
 a rigid backing board; and    an ethylene vinyl acetate sheet having a display surface and a rear surface, the rear surface being bonded to the backing board;    wherein the one or more fasteners penetrate the display surface thereby fixing the display material to the backing board.    
   
   
       12 . The display panel of  claim 11 , wherein the ethylene vinyl acetate sheet comprises a closed cell foam structure.  
   
   
       13 . The display panel of  claim 11 , wherein the ethylene vinyl acetate sheet comprises a high coefficient of friction relative to a cellulose-based material.  
   
   
       14 . The display panel of  claim 11 , wherein the ethylene vinyl acetate sheet comprises a neutral pH.  
   
   
       15 . A method of making a frame assembly that includes a frame with a display window, a transparent panel, a backing board, and a pliable mat, the method comprising: 
 adhering the pliable mat to the backing board;    positioning the transparent panel over the pliable mat; and    fixing the transparent panel and the backing board in the display window with the pliable mat facing a display side of the frame.    
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising: 
 die cutting the pliable mat to define a cut-out area.    
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising: 
 inserting a display object in the cut-out area from the display side of the frame.