Frame Profile, Arrangement with a Frame Profile and a Spacer and Frame for Holding an Object

European Patent Office application number EP24170162.2 was filed Apr. 15, 2024, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.

The invention relates to a frame profile, an arrangement with a frame profile and a spacer and a frame for holding an object, in particular a picture frame. A frame profile according to the generic term of claimis known, for example, from DE 29 2004 012 715 U1.

It is generally known that frames for holding or enclosing objects, such as pictures, photos, art prints or three-dimensional objects, have several composite frame profiles that form, for example, a base frame. The base frame conventionally has an inward-facing collar, which is used to hold a transparent pane, e.g. made of glass or plastic. An object to be held and presented is then arranged behind it.

It is often desirable for there to be a gap or free space between the object and the transparent pane in order to be able to accommodate three-dimensional objects in the frame, for example. For example, a frame is known from DE 29 2004 012 715 U1 mentioned at the beginning, which has an insert frame to realize a distance between the pane and the object. The insert frame is inserted into a base frame consisting of frame profiles and serves as a spacer between the pane and the object. The thickness of the insert frame defines the distance between the pane and the object.

The insert frame consists of individual slats that are joined together in their corner areas to form the insert frame. The insert frame is then inserted loosely into the base frame and rests against an inner side of the frame profiles. In order to create a distance between the pane and the object in the frame according to DE 29 2004 012 715 U1, a pre-assembled insert frame is used as a spacer. This is complex and cost-intensive.

It is also known from the state of the art to insert individual strips loosely into a base frame in order to provide a gap between the pane and the object. Although this saves the connection of the individual strips to an insert frame, it does mean that the individual strips can move, for example when the frame profiles or the frame are mounted.

The invention is therefore based on the task of specifying a frame profile for a frame which enables a spacer to be securely fixed in order to realize a distance between a transparent pane element and an object to be held and by means of which a simply constructed and inexpensive frame, in particular a picture frame, can be produced. Furthermore, the invention is based on the task of providing an arrangement and a frame.

According to the invention, the above-mentioned problem with regard to the frame profile is solved by the subject matter of claim. With regard to the arrangement and the frame, the above-mentioned problem is solved by the subject matter of claim(arrangement) and claim(frame), respectively.

Specifically, the problem is solved by a frame profile for a frame for holding an object, in particular a picture, which extends in a longitudinal direction and has at least one side wall and at least one collar with a abutment surface for a transparent pane element. The collar extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the frame profile. The collar is connected to a longitudinal side of the side wall. The frame profile has at least one holding element for holding a spacer, which is arranged on the longitudinal side of the side wall and is adapted in such a way that at least one receiving channel open to the collar, in particular to the abutment surface, is formed between the holding element and the longitudinal side of the side wall.

The invention has the significant advantage that the holding element arranged on the longitudinal side of the side wall provides a retaining device for a spacer which, on the one hand, enables the spacer to be positively received by the receiving channel and thus secured against falling out or loosening. On the other hand, the holding element fulfills a guiding function for the spacer through the receiving channel, which is open towards the collar, in particular upwards. For example, this enables a relative movement of the spacer in relation to the abutment surface. This has the advantage that the distance between the spacer and the abutment surface of the collar can be quickly and easily changed, set and/or adjusted. Transparent pane elements of different thicknesses can therefore be arranged between the spacer and the abutment surface, which considerably improves the variability of the frame profile.

Furthermore, the invention has the advantage that in a frame composed of at least four frame profiles, in particular a picture frame, the spacer arranged on the inside of the holding element is held securely. There is thus no need for additional fastening means to hold the spacer(s) on the frame profile. This is a decisive advantage, particularly for large-format frames, as the spacer profile cannot sag. In addition, an inner frame can be formed from several, in particular four, spacers without the need for connecting means to connect the individual spacers. The holding element of the respective frame profile allows the spacers to be combined to form the inner frame. This has the advantage that, on the one hand, the number of parts is reduced, which lowers complexity and costs. On the other hand, the special design of the holding element makes it particularly easy to assemble the spacer and the entire frame.

The frame profile according to the invention extends in a longitudinal direction. In other words, the frame profile is elongated. The frame profile can be formed in one piece, for example in one part, or in several parts. Preferably, the frame profile is designed as an extruded profile, which has a profile cross-section that is preferably constant over its entire length. Other profile types are possible.

The side wall and the collar are connected to each other as described above, with the collar projecting from the longitudinal side of the side wall. Preferably, the collar protrudes essentially vertically from the longitudinal side of the side wall. The collar preferably forms an end, provided at a head end of the frame profile. It is possible that the collar is offset from one/the head end of the side wall. Preferably, however, the collar is flush with the head end of the side wall.

Like the collar, the holding element is also arranged on the longitudinal side. This means that the collar, and in particular the abutment surface for the transparent pane element, and the holding element are arranged on the same longitudinal side of the side wall. The holding element preferably extends in the longitudinal direction of the frame profile. The holding element preferably extends over the entire length of the frame profile.

In use, the described longitudinal side of the side wall forms an inner side of the side wall that faces the center of a/the frame. Since the holding element is arranged on the longitudinal side, in this case the holding element is arranged inside the frame. The longitudinal side of the side wall is preferably straight.

As already mentioned, the holding element together with the longitudinal side of the side wall forms a receiving channel for receiving or retaining the spacer. The receiving channel is formed between the longitudinal side of the side wall and the holding element. The receiving channel is therefore limited on the one hand by the longitudinal side of the side wall and on the other hand by the holding element, whereby the receiving channel is open towards the collar. The longitudinal side of the side wall and the holding element enable a positive fit by engaging the spacer in order to hold it. Furthermore, the longitudinal side of the side wall and the holding element preferably form a guide device for guided displacement of the spacer towards or away from the collar, in particular the abutment surface of the collar. In other words, the receiving channel is preferably designed such that the spacer can be displaced in a direction leading towards the collar, in particular the abutment surface, or in a direction leading away from the collar, in particular the abutment surface.

The receiving channel is preferably open at at least one longitudinal end of the frame profile. This allows the spacer to be inserted in the longitudinal direction of the frame profile and simplifies installation. The receiving channel preferably extends in the longitudinal direction of the frame profile. The receiving channel preferably extends over the entire length of the frame profile.

The frame profile is preferably used to form frames where it is essential to maintain a distance between a transparent pane element and an object to be held or presented. For example, three-dimensional objects, such as thick passe-partouts or even pictures with textures, can be accommodated in this way. Furthermore, the distance between the pane and the picture offers the viewer a particularly impressive depth effect.

The frame profile is preferably used to create picture frames. However, the frame profile is not limited to picture frames as an area of application. The transparent pane element can be at least one pane of glass. Alternatively, the transparent pane element can be a transparent plastic pane, e.g. made of acrylic or polystyrene. It is possible to arrange several transparent pane elements, e.g. made of glass and/or plastic, one on top of the other.

In a preferred embodiment, the holding element comprises at least one base section, which forms a first stop for the spacer in a direction leading away from the collar. In other words, the base section preferably delimits the receiving channel in the direction away from the collar. The base section of the holding element and the abutment surface of the collar can define a displacement movement of the spacer. As a stop, the base section limits the sliding movement of the spacer in the direction away from the collar.

In a further preferred embodiment, the holding element comprises at least one wall section, which is spaced from the longitudinal side of the side wall to form the receiving channel and preferably has a retaining surface extending parallel to the longitudinal side of the side wall for laterally retaining the spacer. In other words, the wall section of the holding element has a distance from the longitudinal side of the side wall that corresponds to the width of the receiving channel. The wall section of the holding element and the longitudinal side of the side wall are opposite each other. Preferably, the wall section of the holding element and the longitudinal side of the side wall run parallel. The advantage here is that a spacer engaging in the receiving channel remains securely attached to the holding element by the lateral retaining surface without falling out of the receiving channel on its own. Among other things, the retaining surface prevents the spacer from detaching from the holding element. This ensures a secure lateral hold.

Preferably, the base section delimits the receiving channel in the direction leading away from the collar. Additionally or alternatively, the wall section preferably delimits the receiving channel transversely to the longitudinal direction. The receiving channel forms a pocket extending in the longitudinal direction for receiving the spacer. The advantage here is that an engaging spacer can be guided and/or fixed in the receiving channel in a positionally stable manner. The holding element can be essentially L-shaped, particularly in cross-section.

In a preferred embodiment, the holding element has at least one web that extends transversely to the longitudinal direction and forms a second stop for the spacer in a direction leading towards the collar. This limits the displacement movement in the direction of the collar or the abutment surface for the transparent pane element. The web thus defines the displacement movement in the direction of the collar or the abutment surface. In addition to the stop function, the web serves to ensure that the spacer sits securely on/in the holding element. The web is preferably arranged on a side of the wall section facing away from the receiving channel. Preferably, the web is arranged in use in an interior space of the spacer. Further preferably, the web bridges a distance (transverse to the longitudinal direction) between an inner side of the spacer and the wall section of the holding element. The web therefore stabilizes the position or alignment of the spacer.

It is advantageous if the frame profile is provided with at least one support section which extends transversely to the longitudinal side of the side wall and is connected thereto, wherein the holding element is arranged between the collar and the support section. The support section preferably comprises a surface which is opposite the holding element on the longitudinal side of the side wall. The support section enables the support, e.g. of a spring element, to pretension a spacer engaging in the receiving channel in the direction of the support surface of the collar.

According to a secondary aspect, the invention relates to an arrangement with at least one frame profile according to the invention and at least one spacer, in particular a strip, which engages at least partially in the receiving channel of the frame profile and is mounted in the receiving channel so as to be displaceable in a direction leading towards the abutment surface of the collar and vice versa, in particular steplessly. The distance between the spacer, which defines a distance between a transparent pane element and an object to be held, in particular to be presented, and the support surface for the transparent pane element can thus be quickly and easily adjusted. Furthermore, this enables the use of pane elements of different thicknesses. Reference is also made here to the advantages explained in connection with the frame profile. Furthermore, the arrangement can alternatively or additionally have individual features or a combination of several features mentioned above in relation to the frame profile.

In a preferred embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, the spacer positively engages around the holding element of the frame profile. The spacer can engage around the wall section and the web of the holding element, at least in sections, so that there is a positive connection. Additionally or alternatively, the spacer can engage positively in the holding element of the frame profile. The advantage here is that a particularly secure fit of the spacer on the holding element is achieved.

Preferably, the spacer has at least one first leg, which is arranged at least in sections in the receiving channel, wherein the first leg preferably has a length which essentially corresponds to a depth of the receiving channel. In a state arranged in the receiving channel, the first leg preferably runs parallel to the longitudinal side of the side wall of the frame profile. The first leg therefore preferably forms an engagement leg with which the spacer engages in the receiving channel. The spacer can be arranged in the receiving channel by tilting or pivoting in and/or pushing in the first leg.

The spacer preferably has at least one second leg which extends transversely to the longitudinal direction. The second leg comprises a counter abutment surface for the transparent pane element, which is located opposite at a distance from the abutment surface of the collar. The second leg thus preferably forms an abutment leg in order to hold at least one pane element arranged between the abutment surface of the collar and the abutment leg, in particular by clamping. Preferably, the abutment surface of the collar and the counter abutment surface of the second leg are parallel.

Furthermore, the spacer preferably has at least one third leg that extends transversely to the longitudinal direction and cooperates with the web of the holding element to limit the displacement path of the spacer. In this way, the spacer grips the holding element, which prevents the spacer from detaching from the holding element on its own. The web and the third leg serve to limit the displacement movement in a direction towards the collar, in particular towards the abutment surface of the collar.

In a preferred embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, the first leg extends parallel to the longitudinal side of the side wall, the second leg projects perpendicularly from the first leg and the third leg is spaced from the second leg in a direction away from the collar, with a connecting leg connecting the second and third legs. This embodiment makes it possible to insert the spacer into the receiving channel, for example by pivoting and/or pushing it in, whereby on the one hand the first leg is positively received in the receiving channel and on the other hand the wall section and the web of the holding element are gripped. A spacer designed in this way enables a particularly secure arrangement on/in the holding element.

The spacer is particularly preferably an elongate hollow profile strip, which has a slot-shaped opening along its entire length. The slot-shaped opening is preferably formed between the first and third legs of the spacer. The advantage here is that the spacer can be pivoted laterally into the receiving channel and/or pushed in in the longitudinal direction of the frame profile. Assembly is therefore simplified.

It is advantageous if the arrangement comprises at least one spring element that is supported on the frame profile, in particular the support section, and introduces a spring force into the spacer for clamping a transparent pane element in the direction of the abutment surface of the collar of the frame profile. The spring element can be a resilient plate element. Other spring elements are possible.

Preferably, the spring element is supported on the one hand on the support section of the frame profile and on the other hand is in pressure contact, in particular detachable pressure contact, with the third leg of the spacer. The spring element ensures that the spacer with its counter abutment surface is always in contact with the at least one transparent pane element in such a way that the latter is fixed between the spacer and the collar of the frame profile.

According to a further subsidiary aspect, the invention relates to a frame for holding an object, in particular a picture frame, with at least one arrangement according to the invention. The frame preferably comprises at least four of the aforementioned arrangement. In other words, the frame preferably has four frame profiles and four spacers inserted into the receiving channels of the frame profiles, which together form a circumferential frame, in particular a four-sided circumferential frame. The frame profiles form an outer frame and the spacers form an inner frame, which is positively connected to the outer frame. The spacers are structurally separated from each other. In other words, the spacers are not firmly connected to each other, but can only be in loose contact with each other at their longitudinal ends. Preferably, the spacers are profile strips that are inserted into the receiving channels of the frame profiles.

With regard to the frame, reference is made to the advantages explained in connection with the frame profile or the arrangement. Furthermore, the frame may alternatively or additionally have individual features or a combination of several features mentioned above in relation to the frame profile or the arrangement.

shows a partial section of a frameaccording to the prior art. The framehas a total of four frame profiles′, spacers′, a pairof transparent pane elements and a flat object, which is arranged for presentation in the frame. In order to realize a distance between the pairof pane elements and the flat object, in the example one of the spacers′ is loosely arranged on an inner longitudinal side′ of the frame profile′. The spacer′ is designed as an insert strip.shows the basic structure of a frameaccording to the prior art.

show an arrangementwith a frame profileand a spaceraccording to a preferred embodiment example according to the invention. The arrangementis preferably part of a frame (not shown) comprising four such arrangements. The arrangementis preferably used to form picture frames or frames for the presentation of three-dimensional objects. Other possible applications are conceivable.

The frame profileshown inand the spacerare shown in cross-section. The frame profileextends (not visible) in a longitudinal direction. In other words, the frame profileis elongated. The frame profile, as shown in, is formed in one piece. In other words, the frame profileis monolithic. Preferably, the frame profileis an extruded profile.

The frame profilehas a side walland a collar. The side wallis shown upright in. The side wallruns in the longitudinal direction of the frame profileand is thin-walled. The side wallhas a longitudinal sidewhich, in use, is curved inwards, in particular towards the center of the frame. The side wallcomprises a head endat which the collaris formed.

The collar extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the frame profileand is connected to the longitudinal sideof the side wall. The collarhas a first sectionand a second sectionwhich merge directly into one another. The first sectionruns perpendicular to the longitudinal sideand the second sectionruns parallel to the longitudinal sideof the side wall. The collaralso has a abutment surfacefor a transparent pane element, in particular a glass or plastic pane, for example made of acrylic or polystyrene. The abutment surfaceof the collaris oriented in such a way that it is transverse with respect to the longitudinal side.

The side wallalso has a foot end, which is opposite the head end. A support sectionof the frame profileis arranged at the foot endof the side wall. The support sectionextends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the frame profileaway from the longitudinal sideand is connected thereto. The support sectionand the collarare arranged on the same longitudinal sideof the side wall. The support sectionhas a support surface, which serves as an abutment for spring elements, not shown, for pretensioning the spacer. The spring elements will be discussed later.

As can be seen in, the frame profilehas a holding elementfor holding the spacer. The holding elementis arranged on the longitudinal sideof the side wall. Furthermore, the holding elementis arranged between the collar, specifically the abutment surfaceof the collar, and the support section.

The holding elementcomprises a base sectionand a wall section. The base sectionextends vertically from the longitudinal sideof the side walland merges into the wall section. The wall sectionextends from the base sectionin a direction Rtowards the collar. The wall sectionruns parallel to the longitudinal sideof the side wall. Consequently, the wall sectionis perpendicular to the base section.

At this point, it should be noted that the spaceris moved either in the direction Rtowards the collaror in the direction Raway from the collar. The directions R, Rrun parallel to the longitudinal sideof the side wall. The spaceris moved towards or away from the abutment surfaceof the collarin order to adjust or set the distance between the spacerand the abutment surface.

In, it can be seen that the wall sectionis spaced from the longitudinal sideof the side walltransversely to the longitudinal direction of the frame profile. The holding elementis thus designed in such a way that a receiving channelopen to the collaris formed between the holding elementand the longitudinal sideof the side wallfor partially receiving the spacer.

The wall sectioncomprises a retaining surfacewhich runs parallel to the longitudinal side. The retaining surfaceforms a lateral boundary of the receiving channel. The base sectionforms a first stopfor a first legof the spacer, which limits a displacement movement of the spacerin a direction Raway from the collar. Furthermore, the base sectionforms a boundary of the receiving channelin the direction Raway from the collar.

The holding elementalso has a web, which is designed to protrude from the wall sectiontransversely to the longitudinal direction of the frame profile. In other words, a webis arranged on a side of the wall sectionfacing away from the receiving channeland extends transversely to the wall section. The webstands vertically on the side of the wall sectionfacing away from the receiving channel. The webis arranged between the base sectionand a free longitudinal endof the wall section. The free longitudinal endof the wall sectionfaces the collar.

Furthermore, the webhas an underside, which forms a second stopfor a third legof the spacer. The undersideof the webis a side of the webfacing away from the collar.

As already mentioned, the spacerhas a first leg, which is displaceably arranged in the receiving channel. As shown in, the first legis positively received in the receiving channel, so that independent detachment of the spacerfrom the holding elementis prevented. In other words, the first legof the spacerengages positively in the receiving channelin such a way that the spaceris continuously displaceable in the direction Rleading towards the collarand/or in the direction Rleading away from the collar.

show the state of the spacerarranged in the receiving channel. In a state not shown, in which the spaceris separated from the frame profile, it is possible to insert the first legof the spacerinto the receiving channelthrough an openingformed between the abutment surfaceof the collarand the free longitudinal endof the wall section. This can be done by pivoting or tilting in the spacer.