Minimal Framing Apparatus and Method

Abstract

A frame for mounting artwork includes an upper set of substrates including an upper first substrate and an upper second substrate, wherein each of the upper first and second substrates include an inner surface and an outer surface. An inner surface of the upper first substrate includes one or more positively-aligned magnets in corresponding one or more cavities, and an inner surface of the upper second substrate includes one or more positively-aligned magnets in corresponding one or more cavities. The artwork is positioned between the inner surface of the upper first substrate and the inner surface of the upper second substrate during use.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A frame for mounting artwork comprising:
 an upper set of substrates including an upper first substrate and an upper second substrate, wherein each of the upper first and second substrates include an inner surface and an outer surface;   wherein an inner surface of the upper first substrate includes one or more positively-aligned magnets in corresponding one or more cavities;   wherein an inner surface of the upper second substrate includes one or more positively-aligned magnets in corresponding one or more cavities;   wherein the artwork is positioned between the inner surface of the upper first substrate and the inner surface of the upper second substrate during use.   
     
     
         2 . The frame of  claim 1 , further comprising a lower set of substrates including a lower first substrate and a lower second substrate, wherein each of the lower first and second substrates include an inner surface and an outer surface;
 wherein an inner surface of the lower first substrate includes one or more positively-aligned magnets in corresponding one or more cavities;   wherein an inner surface of the lower second substrate includes one or more positively-aligned magnets in corresponding one or more cavities;   wherein the artwork is positioned between the inner surface of the lower first substrate and the inner surface of the lower second substrate during use.   
     
     
         3 . The frame of  claim 2 , further comprising mounting hardware secured to an outer surface of the upper second substrate. 
     
     
         4 . The frame of  claim 3 , further comprising mounting hardware secured to an outer surface of the lower second substrate. 
     
     
         5 . The frame of  claim 1 , wherein the upper set of substrates are free from adhesive. 
     
     
         6 . The frame of  claim 1 , wherein the upper set of substrates are comprised of wood. 
     
     
         7 . The frame of  claim 1 , wherein the upper set of substrates are comprised of plastic. 
     
     
         8 . The frame of  claim 1 , wherein each of the one or more positively-aligned magnets and each of the one or more negatively-aligned magnets have a thickness that is less than a thickness of the corresponding cavity. 
     
     
         9 . A method for manufacturing a frame comprising the steps of:
 providing first and second substrates comprised of wood;   providing first and second positively-aligned magnets and first and second negatively-aligned magnets, each magnet having a magnet parameter;   drilling first and second cavities on an inner surface of the first substrate, wherein each of the first and second cavities has a parameter smaller than the magnet parameter;   drilling first and second cavities on an inner surface of the second substrate, wherein each of the first and second cavities has a parameter smaller than the magnet parameter;   drying the first and second substrates to a moisture content that is less than an ambient moisture content;   positioning the first and second positively-aligned magnets in the first and second cavities on an inner surface of the first substrate;   positioning the first and second negatively-aligned magnets in the first and second cavities on an inner surface of the first substrate; and   allowing the moisture content of the first and second substrates to return to the ambient moisture content.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the first and second positively-aligned magnets are press-fit into the first and second cavities of the inner surface of the first substrate, and wherein the first and second negatively-aligned magnets are press-fit into the first and second cavities on the inner surface of the first substrate. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the ambient moisture content is between about 10% and about 12%. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the step of drying the first and second substrates comprises drying the first and second substrates to a moisture content of between about 6% and about 8%. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the magnet parameter is a magnet diameter, and wherein the parameter is a diameter. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the magnet parameter is a magnet thickness, and wherein the parameter is a thickness.