Picture Frame Fixings

Abstract

A picture frame fixing for use in conjunction with a fastener having a shank and an enlarged head, the fixing having therein a keyhole-shaped slot comprising a large diameter portion dimensioned to permit passage therethrough of the head of the associated fastener, a narrower portion dimensioned to receive the shank of the fastener but narrower than the head of the fastener, and, intermediate the enlarged and narrower portions of the slot a narrow neck region the width of which is less than the corresponding dimension of the shank of the associated fastener such that during relative movement of the fixing and the fastener resilient deformation permits the shank to pass through the narrow neck to achieve a snap-fit in said narrower portion of said keyhole-shaped slot.

1 . A picture frame fixing for use in conjunction with a fastener having a shank and an enlarged head, the fixing having therein a keyhole-shaped slot comprising a large diameter portion dimensioned to permit passage therethrough of the head of the associated fastener, a narrower portion dimensioned to receive the shank of the fastener but narrower than the head of the fastener, and, intermediate the enlarged and narrower portions of the slot a narrow neck region the width of which is less than the corresponding dimension of the shank of the associated fastener such that during relative movement of the fixing and the fastener resilient deformation permits the shank to pass through the narrow neck to achieve a snap-fit in said narrower portion of said keyhole-shaped slot.  
   
   
       2 . A picture frame fixing according to  claim 1  wherein said neck region of said slot is bounded by one or more elements integral with the material of the fixing, and moveable relative thereto, by resilient flexure of the element.  
   
   
       3 . A picture frame fixing according to  claim 2  wherein the or each element is in the form of a resilient finger.  
   
   
       4 . Apparatus comprising a picture frame fixing according to  claim 1  in combination with a fastener having a shank and an enlarged head.  
   
   
       5 . Apparatus according to  claim 4  wherein said fastener is a hollow tubular rivet having said head defined by a flange at one end thereof.  
   
   
       6 . Apparatus according to  claim 4  wherein said fastener is a screw having a threaded shank region, a plain shank region, and a head of larger diameter than the plain shank region.  
   
   
       7 . Apparatus according to  claim 6  wherein said plain shank region is of larger diameter than said threaded shank region.  
   
   
       8 . Apparatus according to  claim 7  wherein said plain shank region has a circumferential groove for receiving said fixing.  
   
   
       9 . Apparatus according to  claim 4  wherein said fastener includes a washer which abuts the end of the plain shank region and defines with said head, a circumferential groove for receiving said fixing.  
   
   
       10 . A picture frame including a picture frame fixing according to  claim 1 .  
   
   
       11 . A picture frame including an apparatus according to  claim 4.