Framing

Abstract

Improvements in or relating to framing include a bracket suitable for, but not exclusively limited to, joining sections of picture frame together and a fixing screw suitable for fixing a bracket to a section of picture frame.

1 .- 2 . (canceled)  
   
   
       3 . A bracket for joining a first and a second section of picture frame, said bracket comprising a first limb for insertion into a re-entrant channel of the first picture frame section, and a second limb for insertion into a re-entrant channel of the second picture frame section abutting the first picture frame section in use, wherein at least one of said first and second limbs has a cavity therein, and wherein each of said first and second limbs has means defining an aperture therethrough for receiving a threaded screw.  
   
   
       4 . The bracket of  claim 3 , wherein each of said first and second limbs has a cavity therein.  
   
   
       5 . The bracket of  claim 4 , wherein the cavity is elongate.  
   
   
       6 . The bracket of  claim 3 , wherein each cavity of said first and second limbs comprises a domed portion of bracket material.  
   
   
       7 . The bracket of  claim 6 , wherein the domed portion is part spherical in profile.  
   
   
       8 . The bracket of  claim 6 , wherein the cavities are formed in such a way that the thickness of material of at least a part of each domed portion of the bracket is less than the thickness of material at those portions of the bracket not having any cavities.  
   
   
       9 . The bracket of  claim 8 , wherein the thickness of the material at those portions of the bracket not having any cavities is between 1.91 mm (0.075 inches) and 1.02 mm (0.040 inches).  
   
   
       10 . The bracket of  claim 9 , wherein the thickness of the material at those portions of the bracket not having any cavities is one of: 1.91 mm (0.075 inches), 1.50 mm (0.059 inches) or 1.22 mm (0.048 inches).  
   
   
       11 . The bracket of  claim 6 , wherein each of said first and second limbs is provided with an additional cavity comprising a countersink, through which the respective aperture of each of said first and second limbs passes.  
   
   
       12 . The bracket of  claim 11 , wherein said countersunk aperture passes through the domed portion.  
   
   
       13 . The bracket of  claim 11 , wherein each cavity is located in that face of the bracket, which is presented outwardly of the re-entrant channels in use.  
   
   
       14 . The bracket of  claim 11 , wherein each cavity is created under a domed portion of bracket material or other shaped formation of bracket material projecting inwardly of the re-entrant channel in use.  
   
   
       15 . The bracket of  claim 11 , wherein said first and second limbs are integral with one other.  
   
   
       16 . The bracket of  claim 15 , wherein, in use, said first and second limbs are disposed at right angles to each another.  
   
   
       17 . The bracket of  claim 16 , wherein a crease is provided between said first and second limbs to control the bias of the bracket, in use.  
   
   
       18 . The bracket of  claim 17 , wherein the crease is configured to assure a tight fitting front corner joint by forcing the front corners of the frame sections tightly together.  
   
   
       19 . The bracket of  claim 3 , wherein said first and second limbs are integral with one another and the respective cavities of said first and said second limbs are continuous with each other.  
   
   
       20 . The bracket of  claim 3 , wherein said aperture of each of said first and second limbs passes through the cavity of each of said first and second limbs.  
   
   
       21 . The bracket of  claim 3 , wherein the means defining said aperture of each of said first and second limbs is disposed at or adjacent that cavity edge furthest from the join, in use, between the first and second sections of picture frame.  
   
   
       22 . The bracket of  claim 3 , wherein each of the first and second limbs has a cavity therein comprising a countersink and each aperture of each of said first and second limbs passes through the respective countersink, which, in use, accommodates a head of the respective screw.  
   
   
       23 . The bracket of  claim 22 , further comprising, in association with each means defining said aperture, a respective headed screw.  
   
   
       24 . The bracket of  claim 23 , wherein the diameter of each countersink is greater than the diameter of the head of the associated screw, and the depth of each countersink is such that substantially the whole of the thickness of the head of the associated screw can be accommodated within the countersink.  
   
   
       25 . The bracket of  claim 3 , wherein each limb is provided with one or more additional cavities, which may be any one or more of: countersinks, domed portions of bracket material.  
   
   
       26 . The bracket of  claim 3 , wherein each limb is provided with one or more additional means defining apertures for receiving respective screws.  
   
   
       27 . The bracket of  claim 26 , wherein either each means defining said aperture is threaded to receive a thread of the respective screw, or each means defining said aperture is plain and capable of receiving a self-tapping screw.  
   
   
       28 . The bracket of  claim 26 , wherein either each means defining said aperture is formed with at least one radial extension; or wherein each means defining said aperture is formed with two diametrically opposite radial extensions.  
   
   
       29 . The bracket of  claim 3 , wherein the bracket is formed from any one of: steel; cold rolled, hot rolled, mild, hard, low carbon, high carbon steel; stainless steel; a steel alloy; a work-hardened steel alloy; synthetic materials; injection molded synthetic materials; plastic materials; or injection molded plastic materials.  
   
   
       30 . A screw for fixing a bracket to a section of picture frame, the screw comprising a shank having a first end configured to receive screw driving means, and a second end which, in use, directly or indirectly abuts the picture frame, wherein said second end is substantially planar and extends perpendicularly from the shank such that the diameter of the second end is equal to or greater than approximately 0.160 inches (4.06 mm).  
   
   
       31 . The screw of  claim 30 , wherein the second end of the screw has a diameter of less than or equal to approximately 6.35 mm (0.250 inches); or wherein the second end of the screw has a diameter of approximately 4.57 mm (0.180 inches).  
   
   
       32 . The screw of  claim 30 , wherein the second end of the screw is flat to within 0.127 mm (0.005 inches); or wherein the second end of the screw is flat to within 0.025 mm (0.001 inches).  
   
   
       33 . The screw of  claim 30 , wherein the first end of the screw is headless, and the screw is a setscrew; or wherein the first end of the screw is headed.  
   
   
       34 . The screw of  claim 30 , wherein a central recess is provided in the second end of the screw.  
   
   
       35 . The screw of  claim 34 , wherein the recess is one of: circular, conical or spherical, or it has parallel or angular sidewalls.  
   
   
       36 . The screw of  claim 34 , wherein the recess has a diameter of between 3.81 mm (0.150 inches) and 1.27 mm (0.050 inches).  
   
   
       37 . The screw of  claim 30 , wherein the second end of the screw forms a ring of width equal to or less than approximately 0.25 mm (0.010 inches).  
   
   
       38 . The screw of  claim 30 , wherein the screw is formed from steel.  
   
   
       39 . A pressure plate comprising a first limb for insertion into a re-entrant channel of a first picture frame section, and a second limb for insertion into a re-entrant channel of a second picture frame section abutting the first picture frame section in use, wherein the pressure plate has a cavity therein.  
   
   
       40 . The pressure plate of  claim 39 , wherein the cavity is defined by a domed portion of bracket material.  
   
   
       41 . The pressure plate of  claim 40 , wherein the domed portion is part spherical in profile.  
   
   
       42 . The pressure plate of  claim 40 , wherein the domed portion comprises an elongate recess.  
   
   
       43 . The pressure plate of  claim 39 , wherein the cavity is located in that face of the pressure plate which is presented inwardly of the re-entrant channels in use.  
   
   
       44 . The pressure plate of  claim 39 , wherein the cavity is located in the pressure plate such that, in use, a screw abuts the outer face of the cavity.  
   
   
       45 . The pressure plate of  claim 39 , wherein each of said first and second limbs has a cavity therein.  
   
   
       46 . The pressure plate of  claim 45 , wherein each limb is provided with one or more additional cavities.  
   
   
       47 . The pressure plate of  claim 39 , wherein the cavities are formed in such a way that the thickness of material of at least a part of each domed portion of the pressure plate is less than the thickness of material at those portions of the pressure plate not having any cavities.  
   
   
       48 . The pressure plate of  claim 39 , wherein, in use, said first and second limbs are disposed at right angles to each another.  
   
   
       49 . A pressure plate comprising a first limb for insertion into a re-entrant channel of a first picture frame section, and a second limb for insertion into a re-entrant channel of a second picture frame section abutting the first picture frame section in use, wherein the pressure plate comprises a body and a cranked portion which is disposed adjacent the body.  
   
   
       50 . The pressure plate of  claim 49 , wherein the pressure plate has a cavity therein.  
   
   
       51 . The pressure plate of  claim 49 , wherein the thickness of the material of the pressure plate is between 0.41 mm (0.016 inches) and 1.07 mm (0.042 inches); or wherein the thickness of the material is 0.71 mm (0.028 inches).  
   
   
       52 . The pressure plate of  claim 51 , wherein each of the first and second picture frame sections has a front and a rear face and, in use, the cranked portion extends angularly from the body, towards the rear face of the first and second picture frame sections.  
   
   
       53 . The pressure plate of  claim 52 , wherein the cranked portion is angled such that, in use, the pressure plate bears against the base of the re-entrant channel and the bracket fits snugly between the cranked portion and the flanges of the re-entrant channel.  
   
   
       54 . The pressure plate of  claim 49 , wherein the cranked portion is integral with the body portion.  
   
   
       55 . The pressure plate of  claim 49 , wherein the first and second limbs are disposed at right angles to each other, thereby creating an apex portion therebetween.  
   
   
       56 . The pressure plate of  claim 55 , wherein the cranked portion is defined at said apex portion.  
   
   
       57 . The pressure plate of  claim 55 , wherein the cranked portion is stepped in profile, and the plane of the tip of the apex portion is parallel to the plane of the body.  
   
   
       58 . The pressure plate of  claim 49 , wherein the first and second limbs are preferably integral with one another.  
   
   
       59 . The pressure plate of  claim 49  formed from steel or hardened high carbon steel.  
   
   
       60 . A bracket for joining a first and a second section of picture frame, said bracket comprising a first limb for insertion into a re-entrant channel of the first picture frame section, and a second limb for insertion into a re-entrant channel of the second picture frame section abutting the first picture frame section in use, wherein at least one of said first and second limbs has a cavity therein, and wherein each of said first and second limbs has means defining an aperture therethrough for receiving a threaded screw; and 
 a pressure plate comprising a first limb for insertion into a re-entrant channel of a first picture frame section, and a second limb for insertion into a re-entrant channel of a second picture frame section abutting the first picture frame section in use, wherein the pressure plate has a cavity therein.    
   
   
       61 . A bracket for joining a first and a second section of picture frame, said bracket comprising a first limb for insertion into a re-entrant channel of the first picture frame section, and a second limb for insertion into a re-entrant channel of the second picture frame section abutting the first picture frame section in use, wherein at least one of said first and second limbs has a cavity therein, and wherein each of said first and second limbs has means defining an aperture therethrough for receiving a threaded screw; and 
 a pressure plate comprising a first limb for insertion into a re-entrant channel of a first picture frame section, and a second limb for insertion into a re-entrant channel of a second picture frame section abutting the first picture frame section in use, wherein the pressure plate comprises a body and a cranked portion which is disposed adjacent the body.    
   
   
       62 . The bracket of  claim 61 , wherein, in use, at least a part of the cranked portion of the cranked pressure plate abuts a portion of the bracket.  
   
   
       63 . A bracket for joining a first and a second section of picture frame, said bracket comprising a first limb for insertion into a re-entrant channel of the first picture frame section, and a second limb for insertion into a re-entrant channel of the second picture frame section abutting the first picture frame section in use, wherein at least one of said first and second limbs has a cavity therein, and wherein each of said first and second limbs has means defining an aperture therethrough for receiving a threaded screw; and 
 a screw for fixing a bracket to a section of picture frame, the screw comprising a shank having a first end configured to receive screw driving means, and a second end which, in use, directly or indirectly abuts the picture frame, wherein said second end is substantially planar and extends perpendicularly from the shank such that the diameter of the second end is equal to or grater than approximately 0.160 inches (4.06 mm).    
   
   
       64 . A hanging bracket assembly for mounting a picture frame, the hanging bracket assembly comprising a hanging means, and a body for insertion into a channel of a picture frame, said body having means defining an aperture for receiving a screw, wherein said body also comprises a cavity through which said aperture passes.  
   
   
       65 . The hanging bracket assembly of  claim 64 , wherein said cavity comprises a domed portion of bracket material.  
   
   
       66 . The hanging bracket assembly of  claim 64 , wherein said means defining said aperture is configured to receive a threaded screw or said means defining said aperture is configured to receive a self-tapping screw.  
   
   
       67 . The hanging bracket assembly of  claim 64 , wherein said means defining said aperture is formed with at least one radial extension.  
   
   
       68 . The hanging bracket assembly of  claim 64 , wherein said body is formed from one of: mild steel, high carbon steel, stainless steel, a steel alloy or a work hardened material.  
   
   
       69 . The hanging bracket assembly of  claim 64 , wherein said cavity comprises a countersink and said aperture passes through said countersink.  
   
   
       70 . The hanging bracket assembly of  claim 64 , wherein the hanging means comprises means defining an aperture for mounting the hanging bracket assembly on a projecting nail or support lug.  
   
   
       71 . A system comprising a pair of hanging bracket assemblies each according to  claim 64 , wherein the means defining said apertures of each are used to anchor the ends of an attached cord or wire, which is configured to engage a projecting nail or support lug.  
   
   
       72 . A bracket for joining a first and a second section of picture frame, said bracket comprising a first limb for insertion into a re-entrant channel of the first picture frame section, and a second limb for insertion into a re-entrant channel of the second picture frame section abutting the first picture frame section in use, wherein at least one of said first and second limbs has a cavity therein, and wherein each of said first and second limbs has means defining an aperture therethrough; 
 a screw for fixing the bracket to a section of the picture frame, the screw comprising a shank having a first end configured to receive screw driving means, and a second end which, in use, directly or indirectly abuts the picture frame, wherein said second end is substantially planar and extends perpendicularly from the shank;    a first pressure plate comprising a first limb for insertion into a re-entrant channel of the first picture frame section, and a second limb for insertion into a re-entrant channel of the second picture frame section abutting the first picture frame section in use, wherein the first pressure plate has a cavity therein;    a second pressure plate comprising a first limb for insertion into a re-entrant channel of the first picture frame section, and a second limb for insertion into a re-entrant channel of the second picture frame section abutting the first picture frame section in use, wherein the second pressure plate comprises a body and a cranked portion which is disposed adjacent the body; and    a hanging bracket assembly for mounting the picture frame, the hanging bracket assembly comprising a hanging means, and a body for insertion into a channel of the picture frame, said body having means defining an aperture for receiving a screw, wherein said body also comprises a cavity through which said aperture passes.