Picture frame assembly machine

Details Picture frame assembly machine Picture frame assembly machine

1999-08-13

2001-02-20

Smith, James G. (Department: 3723)

Tools

Wrench, screwdriver, or driver therefor

Machine

C081S057400

Reexamination Certificate

active

06189417

ABSTRACT:

This invention relates to a machine for assembling a picture frame or the like which consists of extruded metal frame sections.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A picture frame in common use today is made of extruded aluminum frame sections, each of which includes a receiving channel into which the legs of an L-shaped corner piece can be inserted. The corner piece includes two similarly shaped plates, which can be clamped to adjacent frame sections by tightening a screw in each leg. The screws are accessible through an elongated slot in the back of the frame section.
Heretofore, the assembly of such a frame was a manual process with the framer tightening the screws by hand after the frame sections were aligned. This is a relatively time consuming process and can become tiresome if many frames need to be assembled in a short period of time.
Moreover, when manually assembling a frame, the framer must have access to the back of the frame which means that while the frame is being tightened, he cannot see the position of the art work and mat board within the frame. This can lead to problems of alignment and may require corrective action on the part of the framer, further exacerbating the problems encountered by the framer.
The invention provides a machine which tightens the screws used to clamp the mitred sections of a conventional aluminum frame together. Moreover, the machine functions with the front of the frame (and thus the art work) facing the framer so that before the screws are tightened, the framer can make sure that the art work and mat boards are properly aligned.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A machine for assembling a conventional metal picture frame wherein at least one screw must be threaded into a corner piece to secure adjacent frame sections together, comprises a base on which a corner section of the frame can be supported, a pair of guide members on the base for engaging complementary openings of two adjacent frame sections, at least one screwdriver extending through the base at a position in which it is aligned with the screw when the openings of the two frame sections engage the guide members, and a motor or the like for rotating the screwdriver to tighten the screw.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4562756 (1986-01-01), Otsuki
patent: 41388199 (1993-05-01), None

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