U.S. patent application number 11/080963 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-21 for corner protectors for framed artwork.
Invention is credited to Myers, Annette M..
Application Number | 20050155903 11/080963 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46304138 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050155903 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Myers, Annette M. |
July 21, 2005 |
Corner protectors for framed artwork
Abstract
A unitary protector for picture frames includes four padded
triangular corner pocket sections with an inner soft fabric and a
seam facing outwardly. The ends of four elasticized bands are sewn
to the outer durable fabric of the four corner sections at
approximately midway between the top and bottom of the corner
section. The seams and points of attachment of the elastic bands
are thus kept away from the delicate surface of the frame.
Additionally, the elastic bands are configured to evenly distribute
stresses.
Inventors: |
Myers, Annette M.; (Neptune
Beach, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mark J. Young
Unit 202
12086 Fort Caroline Road
Jacksonville
FL
32225
US
|
Family ID: |
46304138 |
Appl. No.: |
11/080963 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11080963 |
Mar 15, 2005 |
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10371250 |
Feb 20, 2003 |
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60358575 |
Feb 21, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/586 ;
206/591; 40/778; 40/787 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2581/055 20130101;
B65D 81/057 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/586 ;
206/591; 040/778; 040/787 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/30 |
Claims
Having thus described the present invention, what is claimed as new
and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is as follows:
1. A unitary protector device comprising: four, three-dimensional
triangular corner sections, each corner section being constructed
of an outer durable fabric; a middle polyester fiber batting
material; and, an inner soft fabric; said layers being sewn
together to create a corner section that has one 90 degree angle
and 2 acute angles that opens as a pocket with a top and bottom,
said top and bottom being configured to protect opposed sides of a
corner of a frame; and a seam facing outwardly, the shape of each
of said corner sections being adapted to fit over a corner of an
art frame; and four elasticized bands, each elasticized band having
two ends, each end being sewn to the outer durable fabric of one of
the two acute angles of each of the four corner sections at
approximately midway between the top and bottom of the corner
section, each elasticized band connecting two corner sections to
create one unitary protector device having four corner sections,
each corner section being connected to the next by an elasticized
band.
2. A unitary protector device according to claim 1, wherein the
unitary protector device is configured to remain attached to an art
frame having four corners solely by tension from the elasticized
bands when the four corner sections are positioned over the corners
of the art frame, placing one corner section of the protector
device over one art frame corner until each art frame corner is
covered with a corner section of the device; and wherein the seam
of each corner section is configured so as to not contact the art
frame.
3. A unitary protector device according to claim 1, wherein the
unitary protector device is configured to remain attached to an art
frame having four corners solely by tension from the elasticized
bands when the four corner sections are positioned over the corners
of the art frame, placing one corner section of the protector
device over one art frame corner until each art frame corner is
covered with a corner section of the device; and wherein each end
of the elasticized bands is sewn to the outer durable fabric and
configured so as to not contact the art frame.
4. A unitary protector device according to claim 1, wherein the
unitary protector device is configured to remain attached to an art
frame having four corners solely by tension from the elasticized
bands when the four corner sections are positioned over the corners
of the art frame, placing one corner section of the protector
device over one art frame corner until each art frame corner is
covered with a corner section of the device; and wherein each end
of the elasticized bands is positioned to evenly distribute stress
between the top and bottom of each corner section.
5. A unitary protector device according to claim 1, wherein the
unitary protector device is configured to remain attached to an art
frame having four corners solely by tension from the elasticized
bands when the four corner sections are positioned over the corners
of the art frame, placing one corner section of the protector
device over one art frame corner until each art frame corner is
covered with a corner section of the device; wherein each end of
the elasticized bands is sewn to the outer durable fabric and
configured so as to not contact the art frame; wherein the seam of
each corner section is configured so as to not contact the art
frame; and wherein each end of the elasticized bands is positioned
to evenly distribute stress between the top and bottom of each
corner section.
6. A unitary protector device according to claim 4, wherein the
corners are padded to protect the art frame.
7. A unitary protector device according to claim 5, wherein the
elastic bands are adapted to avoid damaging the art frame.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part and claims the
benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 10/371,250,
filed Feb. 20, 2003, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/358,575, filed Feb. 21, 2002, the entire
contents of which are incorporated herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to frames, and more
particularly, to a protective covering for the corners of frames
for pictures and other artwork.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Picture frames having highly polished and/or finished
surface layers, are generally subject to wear as the frame is
transported. Typically, the base material, often wood, selected for
construction of the frame is carefully chosen for its beauty. The
base is further provided with a delicate painted, stained or
varnished coating, which may be painstakingly applied in multiple
layers to enhance the aesthetic qualities of the end product.
[0004] During transportation, such as to art show, it is not
uncommon that the corners and other exposed portions of the frame
rub against items. The inevitable result of such contact between
the frame and other items over time is that the items will scratch,
mar, or otherwise impair the finish delicately imparted to the
wooden base.
[0005] Traditional frame corner protectors are usually single units
attached to each corner of the frame, are most often removable
objects, and are made of products that can cause wear and tear to
frames when they are removed and replaced again and again. These
known products are sometimes stapled or nailed to the back of
frames to avoid attaching and replacing; but the act of the
permanent attachment, in itself, damages the artwork. Additionally,
over time, these products will degrade to a point that replacement
is required.
[0006] Accordingly, a significant need exists in the art in
attempting to solve the problem of worn, marred, or scratched
finishes of frames (particularly corners) as they are handled and
transported over time. The solution must be cost-effective, easy to
use and delicate. As elastic and seams have been known to mar
delicate finishes, the solution must distance the corners of frames
from these potentially marring structures. Additionally, the
solution should evenly distribute stresses to minimize stress
concentrations and abrasion to delicate surfaces.
[0007] The invention is directed towards solving one or more of the
problems identified above.
SUMMARY
[0008] It is therefore an object of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention to provide a protective covering for the corners
of frames for pictures and other artwork.
[0009] It is therefore another object of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention to provide a protective covering for the
corners of frames for pictures and other artwork, whereby the
protective covering keeps seams and elastic from contacting the
corner.
[0010] It is therefore yet another object of a preferred embodiment
of the present invention to provide a protective covering for the
corners of frames for pictures and other artwork, whereby the
protective covering evenly distributes stresses at the corners.
[0011] To achieve these and other objects, a protective covering
configured to be attached to the corners of framed art is provided.
The covering offers protection against damage to the frames. The
present invention more particularly addresses the issues of damage
prevention, convenience of use and durability by providing a
unitary structure comprised of a plurality of corner protectors
joined by elastic bands. The elastic bands are adapted to evenly
distribute stresses at the corners. The bands are attached at the
outer surface of each corner to prevent damage to the corner from
the elastic attachment point. Additionally, each corner has seams
facing outwardly to protect delicate finishes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of
the present invention will become better understood with reference
to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying
drawings, where:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary implementation of a
protective cover according to principles of the invention prior to
attachment to artwork;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a front view of an exemplary implementation of a
protective cover according to principles of the invention attached
to artwork;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a cross-section of an exemplary implementation of
a protective cover according to principles of the invention
illustrating constructed materials of each fabric corner as it sits
when attached to the frames;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary implementation of a
protective cover according to principles of the invention attached
to a framed object;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a front view of a corner of an exemplary
implementation of a protective cover according to principles of the
invention prior to attachment to artwork, illustrating preferred
seam configuration and elastic attachment; and
[0018] FIG. 6 is a front view of a corner of an exemplary
implementation of a protective cover according to principles of the
invention prior to attachment to artwork, illustrating preferred
seam configuration and elastic attachment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Referring now to FIG. 1, the four triangular corners 12 are
padded pockets, which will provide protection to frame corners. The
lines 14 between the corners represent adjoining stretchable bands,
such as one-quarter inch elastic attached to the tips or ends of
each corner.
[0020] An exemplary embodiment of the invention includes four
separate, padded, fabric, triangular, 2-sided corners 12, with
outer seams (as discussed below), connected to each other at the
outer sides with one-quarter inch elastic to create a single
connected item. The assembled device is applied to cover the
corners of rectangular, framed artwork in such a way as to protect
the frame corners from becoming damaged. Each fabric corner cups or
envelopes each corner of a frame, thereby protecting opposed sides
(e.g., the front and back sides) of each corner of the frame. The
corner protectors are stabilized by the elastic running along the
frame to the next corner. Once attached to all four corners of the
frame, the tension from the elastic keeps the invention stationary
during transport. No further attachment is required such as
stapling or taping.
[0021] FIG. 2 conceptually shows an exemplary embodiment of the
invention as it appears when attached to a frame 16. Four padded
corners 12 releasably attach snuggly to the corners of the frame.
The elastic 14 is conceptually represented in a stretched fashion
as it stabilizes the padded corners to the frame.
[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, each corner is constructed by
layering three types of fabric together in a stacking fashion and
arranging the seam to face outward, away form the protected frame
corner. One layer is a padding, e.g., a 4-ounce polyester
fiber-fill batting material 20. A durable material, e.g., a strong
canvas type material 22, is laid to provide a strong outer layer.
An inner layer is a soft material which will come in contact with
the frame corners. Illustratively, a soft fleece 18 is placed face
down against the canvas material. The layers are stacked and
simultaneously cut into a prescribed triangular shape.
[0023] In an exemplary method of assembly, construction entails
machine sewing the three triangular layers together on the 90
degree corner side with a seam. The fabric layers of the triangle
are then turned inside out so that the right sides of the fabric
are turned outward. The triangle is then folded in half with the
inside fabric folded together. A seam is sewn along the raw edges
of the triangle. The triangle is configured to create an open,
three dimensional pocket or cup, which slips over the corner of a
frame, with the seam facing outward. Prescribed lengths of elastic
are cut and attached to the tips of the triangles so as to attach
each protective corner to the next corner until four corners are
completed to form one unit.
[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the soft inner layer (e.g.,
fleece) is the portion of the protector which comes in contact with
the frame. Illustratively, fleece such as the type used for
constructing nightwear, which is made of a very soft, fluffy pile,
may be used. Unlike other materials used in the manufacture of
frame protectors, this item does not need to be stapled, or
attached in a harsh way, to protect the frame. It is constructed of
soft fabric, which absolutely will not mar, rub or damage the frame
in any way when it is applied and removed. The ease and gentleness
of applying this product is such that the framed artwork can be
left in a hanging position on a wall or exhibit booth and the item
can be attached and detached effortlessly.
[0025] FIG. 3 provides a cross-section of an exemplary corner 12 as
it appears on a frame 16. Padded material 20 is provided on both
the front and back of the frame thus providing protection on both
sides. A delicate liner layer, such as a fleece liner 18 as
discussed above, comes in contact with the delicate finish of the
frame. An outer layer 22, located on the outside of the corner 12,
may be comprised of a more durable fabric to provide
durability.
[0026] FIG. 4 provides a view from an outer edge of a frame 16. The
elastic 14 releasably secures the protective corners covers to the
art frame. When in place, the elastic 14 is positioned along the
entire outer edge of the frame.
[0027] As seen most clearly in FIGS. 5 and 6, a cover according to
the principles of the invention comprises elastic banding 14 (or
other tensioning means) attached at a central portion of the outer
layer 22 to achieve a tensioned form fit of the cover with the
corners of the frame to be protected. The elastic banding 14 is
attached to the outer side of the corner protector to prevent
marring of the delicate frame finish. Additionally, the elastic
banding 14 is attached centrally along outer edges of the corners
to evenly distribute stress, thereby avoiding stress concentrations
which are conducive to abrasion, slippage, marring and premature
failure of the corner protectors.
[0028] Also as seen most clearly in FIGS. 5 and 6, a cover
according to the principles of the invention has seams facing
outwardly. The seams 50 and 60, which are formed when stitching the
layers of material together to form the corners covers 12, are
configured outwardly, away from the delicate finish of the frame.
Thus, the invention provides a corner cover having smooth interior
compartments for receiving frame corners to be protected.
Advantageously, by configuring the seams outwardly and attaching
the elastic bands to the outer layer, features that could otherwise
cause damage are kept away from the delicate surface of the
frame.
[0029] The invention is scalable. Protectors according to the
present invention may be of various sizes depending upon the
dimensions of the frame to which the protector is applied. A
protector according to the principles of the invention may be used
on a variety of frame sizes. As an example, the smallest size
available fits frames 11.times.14 thru 16.times.20 (inches).
[0030] While the invention has been described in terms of its
preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that
the invention can be practiced with modifications within the spirit
and scope of the foregoing detailed description. Such alternative
embodiments and implementations are intended to come within the
scope of the present invention.
* * * * *