Frame for transparency film

Claim 1

A unitary frame for mounting a film transparency having a given width defined by spaced parallel sides, a leading end, and a trailing end, said frame comprising: first and second frame members integrally connected to each other for movement between a film transparency loading position and an operative position wherein said frame members are adapted to enclose and support a film transparency; said first frame member includes means defining a recessed portion having a width substantially equal to the width of the transparency, an aperture, and a border surrounding said aperture, said border including spaced parallel sides having a maximum width therebetween substantially equal to the width of the film transparency, said parallel sides being adapted to support the parallel sides of the film transparency, said first frame member further includes a pair of longitudinally extending flanges having a length substantially less than that of said parallel sides of said border, said flanges further extend toward each other from opposite sides of said recessed portion and are spaced above said parallel sides of said border so as to define therewith a pair of open-ended guides having a maximum lateral spacing therebetween substantially equal to the given width of the film transparency, whereby during end-wise insertion of a film transparency, its leading end may engage portions of said parallel sides of said border which extend forwardly of said open-ended recesses and thereafter be directed along said parallel sides into the open end of each of said guides thereby locating the transparency in alignment with said aperture; and said second frame member includes a section having an aperture therein, said section being adapted to be received within said recessed portion of said first frame member, with said apertures located in alignment when said first and second frame members are in said operative position, thereby substantially enclosing the transparency.