U.S. patent application number 11/561829 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-23 for artwork assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Jon Peters. Invention is credited to Jon Peters.
Application Number | 20070193099 11/561829 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38426679 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070193099 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Peters; Jon |
August 23, 2007 |
Artwork Assembly
Abstract
An artwork assembly and method is disclosed for providing a
reveal between a dimensional support medium and a frame.
Inventors: |
Peters; Jon; (Red Bank,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DEMONT & BREYER, LLC
100 COMMONS WAY
HOLMDEL
NJ
07733
US
|
Assignee: |
Peters; Jon
Red Bank
NJ
|
Family ID: |
38426679 |
Appl. No.: |
11/561829 |
Filed: |
November 20, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60776074 |
Feb 23, 2006 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
40/768 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 1/06 20130101; A47G
2001/0661 20130101; A47G 2001/0677 20130101; B44C 5/02
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
40/768 |
International
Class: |
A47G 1/06 20060101
A47G001/06 |
Claims
1. An artwork assembly comprising: a dimensional support medium
having an art-bearing surface and a lip, wherein said lip depends
from a marginal region of said dimensional support medium; and a
frame, wherein said frame receives said support medium and, when so
received, said lip creates a reveal between said art-bearing
surface and said frame.
2. The artwork assembly of claim 1 wherein said dimensional support
medium has a thickness in a range of about one-half inch to about
two and one-half inches.
3. The artwork assembly of claim 1 wherein said dimensional support
medium is selected from the group consisting of stretched canvas,
wood block, and medium density fiberboard.
4. The artwork assembly of claim 1 wherein said lip is an integral
portion of said dimensional support medium.
5. The artwork assembly of claim 1 wherein said lip is a discrete
element that is attached to said dimensional support medium.
6. The artwork assembly of claim 1 further comprising a fastening
system, wherein said fastening system detachably couples said
dimensional support medium to said frame.
7. The artwork assembly of claim 6, wherein said fastening system
comprises tenons and rabbets.
8. A method for forming an artwork assembly, wherein the method
comprises: providing a frame; providing a dimensional support
medium having an art-bearing surface; and forming a lip at a
marginal region of said dimensional support medium, wherein said
frame and lip are dimensioned and arranged to create a reveal when
said dimensional support medium and lip are received by said
frame.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein the operation of forming a lip
further comprises attaching a flange to said dimensional support
medium.
10. The method of claim 8 wherein the operation of forming a lip
further comprises removing material from said dimensional support
medium.
11. The method of claim 8 further comprising providing a fastening
system by which said dimensional support medium is detachably
coupled to said frame.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the operation of providing a
fastening system comprises: providing tenons, wherein said tenons
are coupled to said dimensional support medium; and forming
rabbets, wherein said rabbets are formed in said frame.
13. An artwork assembly comprising: a frame having an inside
perimeter; a backing board, wherein said backing board is disposed
within said frame and is set back from a front surface of said
frame; a dimensional support medium having an art-bearing surface
and a back surface, wherein said dimensional support medium and
said frame are dimensioned such that when said dimensional support
medium is received within said frame, a reveal is formed between
said art-bearing surface and said frame; and a fastening system for
detachably coupling said support medium to said back-board.
14. The artwork assembly of claim 14 wherein a first part of said
fastening system is disposed on said back surface of said support
medium and a second part of said fastening system is disposed on
said backing board.
15. The artwork assembly of claim 15 wherein said fastening system
comprises swatches of hook and loop fastener.
16. The artwork assembly of claim 14 further comprising a plurality
of set-offs, wherein said set-offs determine the size of said
reveal.
17. The artwork assembly of claim 16 wherein said set-offs are
attached to said back surface of said dimensional support medium,
and wherein said set-offs extend a distance beyond a perimeter of
said dimensional support medium, and further wherein said distance
is substantially equal to a size of said reveal.
18. The artwork assembly of claim 14 further comprising springs,
wherein said springs are disposed in holes within said frame, and
wherein said springs provide at least one of the following
functions: (a) center said dimensional support medium within said
frame; and (b) fasten said dimensional support medium to said
frame.
Description
STATEMENT OF RELATED CASES
[0001] This case claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application 60/776,074, which was filed on Feb. 23, 2006 and is
incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to artwork and its
presentation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Artists typically paint on stretched canvas. It is often
desirable to display these "works on canvas" in a frame. If the
framing is done professionally, the framed work will usually
incorporate a "reveal." The reveal, which is a small gap between
the canvas and the surrounding frame, generally provides an
attractive presentation that complements the artwork.
[0004] Several approaches are known in the prior art to form a
reveal in a framed work on canvas. These approaches have their
drawbacks, especially from the perspective of an artist wishing to
frame his or her work for display and sale.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,136 discloses the use of "mounting
devices" to frame a work on canvas. To use the mounting devices,
the canvas is placed in the center of a frame. The frame and canvas
are sized so that there will be a gap between the canvas and the
inner perimeter of the frame. The mounting devices, which in some
embodiments include a rigid rod having mounting brackets at each
end, are then positioned so that they span the gap between the
frame and canvas. In some embodiments, one mounting device is
positioned near each corner of the frame/canvas. Each mounting
device is then attached to the frame and the stretched canvas using
the brackets via nails or screws.
[0006] This framing technique is alignment-sensitive and tedious.
In particular, it requires that the canvas is perfectly centered
within the frame. It also requires attaching the mounting devices
to the frame at four locations and to the canvas at four locations.
With two screws per bracket at each end of the mounting device,
sixteen screws must be installed to frame a canvas. If the canvas
is not properly centered, then all mounting devices must be
detached, the canvas and frame must be re-centered, and the
mounting devices re-attached. Depending upon the size of the frame
and, concomitantly, the amount of real estate available for
accepting screws, there might be a very limited ability to
re-position the mounting members and screws, if needed.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,112 discloses a frame for use with works
on canvas, works on paper, and printed works. The salient features
of the frame are an inner frame that receives the artwork and an
outer frame that serves a purely aesthetic purpose. There is a gap
(i.e., reveal) between the inner frame and the outer frame. The
inner frame comprises four "walls" that are intended to snugly
receive the canvas. According to the patent, this inner wall or
inner frame disappears from view, effectively merging with the side
walls of the stretched canvas. As a consequence, all that is
discernable to a viewer is the canvas, the reveal, and the outer
frame.
[0008] This patent discloses that the frame is preferably made of
aluminum, plastic, or of another extrudable material, due
presumably to the complexity of the frame design. This might be
acceptable for a hobbyist, but not for a professional, who is
likely to prefer a high-quality wood frame.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,112 discloses that to prepare a work on
canvas for framing, mounting elements must first be attached to
each of the four stretcher bars over which the canvas is stretched.
The mounting blocks can be, for example, wood, which is nailed or
screwed to the side of each stretcher bar.
[0010] The mounting blocks are received by a channel that is formed
by two "lips" that the extend from the inner frame. If the mounting
blocks are not properly positioned (i.e., level and at the proper
height) on the side of each stretcher bar, the work on canvas will
either not fit into the frame, or it will be lopsided such that the
surface of the canvas will not be flush with the front surface of
the inner frame.
[0011] It is apparent that both of the framing systems described
above require a fairly high level of skill to properly align and
install the various framing elements. If an artist who lacks such
skill attempts to frame a work on canvas using the aforementioned
systems, the outcome is more likely to detract from the art than
complement it.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention provides a way to frame a dimensional
support medium, such as stretched canvas, without some of the
disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, some embodiments of
the invention provide a dimensional support medium (with an
art-bearing surface) that is physically adapted to "automatically"
form a reveal when coupled to a frame.
[0013] The present invention is described in terms of two primary
illustrative embodiments. These embodiments are distinguished by
the thickness of the dimensional support medium being framed and
the differences in the configuration of the artwork assembly that
consequently result. Notwithstanding such differences, in both of
these embodiments, a reveal is created by simply coupling the
dimensional support medium to the frame.
[0014] In a first embodiment, the dimensional support medium has a
thickness greater than about 1/4 inch, and more typically in the
range of about 1/2 to 21/2 inches. Typical examples of support
mediums included within this size range include stretched canvas,
wood block, medium density fiberboard ("MDF"), other stable
materials, and canvas or paper mounted onto wood, MDF, foam core,
or other stable materials. Those skilled in the art will recognize
that large-size pieces of relatively dense support mediums, such as
wood and MDF, will be quite heavy. These dimensional support
mediums are therefore more suitable for use as painting surfaces
for relatively smaller works of art (e.g., less than 30
inches.times.30 inches). Stretched canvases are, however,
significantly lighter than solid wood or MDF and are often used as
a painting surface for very large works of art.
[0015] In accordance with the first embodiment, a lip depends from
a marginal region of the dimensional support medium.
[0016] The dimensional support medium couples to a frame. In some
embodiments, the outer dimensions of the lip are slightly smaller
than the inside dimensions of the frame so that the support medium
fits, with minimal clearance, within the frame. When the frame and
dimensional support medium are so configured, the lip
"automatically" creates a gap--the reveal--between the frame and
the sides of the dimensional support medium.
[0017] A fastening system detachably couples the dimensional
support medium to the frame. The frame is typically somewhat deeper
than the dimensional support medium to accommodate this.
[0018] In some embodiments, the dimensional support medium and
frame are sold together as a kit or "artwork assembly." In some of
these embodiments, the lip, fastening system and dimensional
support medium are preassembled. As a consequence, nothing is
required of the artist, after creating a work of art on the
art-bearing surface of the dimensional support medium, other than
to simply insert the support medium into the frame and engage the
fastening system. Doing so will provide a framed work of art with a
reveal that separates the art from the frame.
[0019] In some other embodiments, the dimensional support medium,
lip and fastening system can be provided together in the kit with a
frame, but unassembled or partially assembled. In such embodiments,
the artist simply attaches the lip to the dimensional support
medium. In preferred embodiments, alignment fiducials, predrilled
holes, or the like are provided to simplify the alignment task and
avoid any potential for misalignment. The fastening system can be
pre-coupled to the lip or this task can be left for the artist.
[0020] The first embodiment therefore provides the artist with a
relatively thicker dimensional support medium with art-bearing
surface that "automatically" creates a reveal, by virtue of the
lip, when coupled to a suitably-sized frame. This is quite
desirable and offers a significant advantage over the prior art,
wherein a specially-designed frame or auxiliary mounting devices
are required to create a reveal.
[0021] In this regard, the specially-designed frame of U.S. Pat.
No. 6,305,112 effectively limits the artist's choice of framing
materials to extruded materials (e.g., aluminum, plastic, etc.).
Furthermore, while many artists have the ability to create
beautiful and captivating works of art, they often do not possess
the carpentry skills required to frame a work on canvas in a way
that complements it using either of the prior-art framing
techniques discussed above. Although an artist could send the
artwork to a framer, this represents a significant expense that
might either increase an artist's costs (thereby decreasing the
profit on a sale) or impact the salability of their works (by
forcing a higher selling price). On the other hand, the first
embodiment of the present invention provides the artist with a
trivially-easy system for obtaining a professional-looking framing
job that complements a work on a relatively thicker dimensional
support medium, such as a work on canvas, wood block, MDF, or the
like.
[0022] In a second embodiment in accordance with the present
invention, the dimensional support medium has a thickness that is
about 1/4 inch or less. Typical examples of support mediums
included within this range include masonite and hardwood
panels.
[0023] As in the first embodiment, the dimensional support medium
couples to a frame. In some embodiments, the frame incorporates a
backing board. The backing board is disposed within the region that
is defined by the perimeter of the frame. The backing board is set
back an appropriate distance from the front of the frame to receive
the dimensional support medium.
[0024] To couple the dimensional support medium to the frame, a
fastening system is used. The fastening system advantageously
enables the dimensional support medium to be easily removed from
the backing board and frame. Furthermore, when the dimensional
support medium is coupled to a frame using the fastening system, a
reveal is formed.
[0025] In some embodiments, the fastening system comprises small
swatches of hook-and-loop fasteners (i.e., Velcro.RTM. brand) that
are disposed in complementary locations on both the back of the
dimensional support medium and the front surface of the backing
board. When the dimensional support medium is pressed against the
backing board, the hook-and-loop fasteners engage, thereby coupling
the dimensional support medium to the frame.
[0026] Other fastening systems and/or centering systems, as will
occur to those skilled in the art after reading the present
disclosure, can suitably be used to couple the dimensional support
medium to the frame and facilitate formation of the reveal.
[0027] In some embodiments, the dimensional support medium is
simply centered by eye within the frame to create the reveal and
will remain in place due to the hook-and-loop fasteners, etc. This
approach is best suited to relatively smaller dimensional support
mediums (e.g., 12.times.12 or less).
[0028] In some other embodiments, set-offs are attached to the
dimensional support medium. The set-offs extend beyond perimeter of
the dimensional support medium. When the dimensional support medium
is inserted into the frame, it "automatically" centers and a reveal
is formed.
[0029] In the second embodiment, the frame and support medium are
sold as a kit or "artwork assembly." Similar to the first
embodiment, to frame a work that is created on the dimensional
support medium, and to form a reveal in the framed work, the
dimensional support medium is simply inserted into the frame such
that the fastening system engages.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] FIG. 1 depicts a top perspective view of an artwork assembly
in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present
invention. A "reveal" is formed between the inner edge of the frame
and the outer edge of a dimensional support medium.
[0031] FIG. 2A depicts a perspective view of a first embodiment of
a dimensional support medium, flange, and lip for use in
conjunction with the artwork assembly of FIG. 1.
[0032] FIG. 2B depicts an exploded view of an alternative
embodiment of a flange/lip for use in conjunction with the
illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 2C depicts a sectional view of a further implementation
of a dimensional support medium, wherein the dimensional support
medium includes integral lips that are suitable for use in
conjunction with the artwork assembly of FIG. 1.
[0034] FIG. 3 depicts a sectional view of the dimensional support
medium of FIG. 2A as coupled to a frame, which is one
implementation of the artwork assembly of FIG. 1.
[0035] FIG. 4 depicts a back view of the artwork assembly that is
depicted in FIG. 3. This view depicts an embodiment of a fastening
system for coupling the dimensional support medium to the
frame.
[0036] FIG. 5 depicts a side view of a frame member of the frame of
the artwork assembly of FIG. 4. This Figure depicts a slot or
rabbet that is formed in the frame member, wherein the rabbet
receives a tenon, such as shown in FIG. 4, to couple the
dimensional support medium to the frame.
[0037] FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of a second embodiment of
a dimensional support medium for use in conjunction with the
artwork assembly of FIG. 1.
[0038] FIG. 7 depicts a front perspective view of a frame,
including a backing board, for use in conjunction with the
dimensional support medium depicted in FIG. 6.
[0039] FIG. 8A depicts a sectional view of the frame and backing
board of FIG. 7 along the line A-A.
[0040] FIG. 8B depicts, via a sectional view, the dimensional
support medium of FIG. 6 coupled to the frame and backing board of
FIGS. 7 and 8A. This Figure depicts a second implementation of the
artwork assembly of FIG. 1.
[0041] FIG. 9 depicts a view of the bottom surface of the support
medium of FIG. 6, wherein, in some embodiments, set-offs are
coupled to the bottom surface at the midpoint of each side.
[0042] FIG. 10 depicts a sectional view of the second
implementation of the artwork assembly, as depicted in FIG. 8B,
with the addition of set-offs, as depicted in FIG. 9.
[0043] FIG. 11A depicts a partial view of a frame for use in
conjunction with the second embodiment of the dimensional support
medium, where a spring-biasing element is used to both create a
reveal and detachably couple the dimensional support medium to the
frame.
[0044] FIG. 11B depicts the frame of FIG. 11A, wherein the
dimensional support medium is received by the frame.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] FIG. 1 depicts artwork assembly 100 in accordance with the
illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The artwork
assembly comprises frame 102 and dimensional support medium 110
that includes major surface 112.
[0046] Frame 102 is composed of four frame members 104A, 104B,
104C, and 104D that are attached to one another. Spline joints,
wedges, nails, screws, and/or glue are typically used to attach the
frame members to one another. The frame members are preferably, but
not necessarily, made from wood, usually from species such as
maple, cherry, mahogany, or walnut. In some alternative
embodiments, the frame members are made of different materials,
including, without limitation, metal or plastic.
[0047] Major surface 112 of the dimensional support medium is the
surface to which paint, charcoal, ink, etc., is applied, to create
a work of art. This surface is hereinafter referred to as
"art-bearing surface 112." It is to be understood that this moniker
is used to refer to surface 112 whether it bears art or is, as yet,
un-worked.
[0048] In the embodiment that is depicted in FIG. 1, art-bearing
surface 112 of the dimensional support medium is substantially
co-planar with front face 106 of frame 102. As described in further
detail later in this specification, in some other embodiments, the
art-bearing surface is recessed relative to front face 106. In yet
still further embodiments, art-bearing surface 112 projects forward
of front face 106.
[0049] Innermost perimeter 108 of frame 102 is dimensioned to be
slightly larger than perimeter 114 of the dimensional support
medium so that reveal 116 is formed therebetween. The reveal has a
substantially uniform size; that is, it does not significantly vary
in size from location to location around art-bearing surface 112.
As a matter of aesthetics, reveal 116 has a width that is typically
in the range of about one-eighth to about one-half of an inch, but
can be any size.
[0050] Artwork assembly 100 adopts one of two primary "internal"
configurations as a function of the thickness of the dimensional
support medium being framed.
[0051] More particularly, in a first configuration, the dimensional
support medium has a thickness that is greater than about 1/4 inch.
While the invention imposes no upper limit as to the thickness of
the dimensional support medium, most such mediums will be no
thicker than about 21/2 inches or so. Examples of support mediums
greater than about 1/4 inch, and more typically within the range of
about 1/2 to 21/2 inches include, without limitation, stretched
canvas, wood block, medium density fiberboard ("MDF"), other stable
materials, and canvas or paper mounted onto wood, MDF, foam core,
or other stable materials.
[0052] The artwork assembly has a second configuration when the
dimensional support medium has a thickness of about 1/4 inch or
less. Typical examples of support mediums in this size range
include masonite and hardwood panels.
FIRST EMBODIMENT
Dimensional Support Mediums that are Thicker than about One-Quarter
of an Inch
[0053] FIGS. 2A through 5 depict the configuration of artwork
assembly 100 when the dimensional support medium has a thickness
that is greater than about one-quarter of an inch.
[0054] Referring now to FIG. 2A, dimensional support medium 210 and
flange 218 are shown. The flange is attached to the lower major
surface (i.e., the surface opposite to art-bearing surface 112) of
dimensional support medium 210. Flange 218 is sized so that it
projects beyond dimensional support medium 210, thereby forming lip
220.
[0055] In some embodiments, the flange is a piece of material
having the same shape as dimensional support medium 210 (e.g.,
square, rectangular, etc.), but is slightly larger. In such
embodiments, the dimensional support medium is centered on the
flange. Since the flange is larger than dimensional support medium
210, a marginal region of flange 218 extends slightly beyond the
perimeter of the dimensional support medium, thereby creating the
aforementioned lip 220.
[0056] In some other embodiments, the flange is in the form of a
frame, such as depicted via exploded view in FIG. 2B. Flange 219
has substantially the same shape as dimensional support medium 210.
The outer perimeter P.sub.o of frame-like flange 219 is slightly
larger than the perimeter of dimensional support medium 210 so that
lip 220 is formed. The inner perimeter P.sub.i of frame-like flange
219 is slightly smaller than the perimeter of dimensional support
medium 210, thereby providing an overlapping region wherein the
flange can be attached to the dimensional support medium.
[0057] In the embodiments that are depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the
flange is a discrete element, and therefore must be attached to
dimensional support medium 210 using glue, nails, screws, or the
like.
[0058] In some embodiments, flange 218/219 is formed from wood. In
some further embodiments, the flange is formed from MDF. In yet
further embodiments, other materials, such as plastics, etc., are
used to form the flange. Those skilled in the art, in view of the
present teachings, will be able to design and manufacture flanges
from a variety of suitable materials for use in conjunction with
dimensional support medium 210.
[0059] In some other embodiments, such as shown via a
cross-sectional view in FIG. 2C, lip 220 is an integral part of
dimensional support medium 210. In other words, for such
embodiments, there is no flange, per se. Rather, lip 220 is formed
by selectively removing material (e.g., wood, MDF, etc.) near the
perimeter of dimensional support medium 210.
[0060] FIG. 3 depicts a sectional view of dimensional support
medium 210 with discrete flange 220, as depicted in FIG. 2A, when
coupled to a frame. This assemblage of elements represents one
embodiment of artwork assembly 100.
[0061] As depicted in FIG. 3, lip 220 is dimensioned so that when
positioned within frame 302, lip 220 abuts the inner edges of the
main portion of each frame member, extending underneath overhanging
portion 322. As long as lip 220 is wider than overhanging portion
322, reveal 116 is formed between perimeter 114 of dimensional
support medium 210 and innermost perimeter 108 of frame 302.
[0062] It will therefore be appreciated that by appropriately
sizing dimensional support medium 210 and flange 218 for a frame
having a specific size, reveal 116 of a desired width is
"automatically" formed.
[0063] Flange 218/219 has a thickness that is typically in the
range of about 3/16 to about 6/16 of an inch. Lip 220 has a width
(i.e., the distance that the flange projects beyond the perimeter
of dimensional support medium 210) that is typically in the range
of about 3/16 to about 10/16 of an inch. For a particular width of
lip 220, reveal 116 is determined by the amount that overhanging
portion 322 projects beyond the inside edge. Typically, the
overhang is the range of about 2/16 to about 6/16 of inch. So, for
example, if lip 220 has a width of 1/4 inch and overhanging portion
322 projects by 1/8 inch, reveal 116 will be 1/4-1/8=1/8 inch.
[0064] FIGS. 4 and 5 depict an embodiment of a fastening system for
detachably coupling dimensional support medium 210 to frame 302.
FIG. 4 depicts a back view of the artwork assembly, where four
tongues or tenons 424 are attached, via screws 426, to the back of
flange 218 at the mid-point of each side thereof.
[0065] To couple dimensional support medium 210 to frame 102,
tenons 424 are rotated from a position in which they are
substantially parallel to respective frame members to a position in
which they are substantially orthogonal to the frame members, as
shown. When in the orthogonal orientation, tenons 424 engage
rabbets (e.g., slots, etc.) that are formed at complementary
locations in frame members 304A, 304B, 304C, and 304D. FIG. 5
depicts, via an inner side view, rabbet 530 formed in frame member
304D.
[0066] In some alternative embodiments, a four-way lock mechanism
is used. This mechanism extends four tongues, fingers, bolts, etc.,
into holes that are formed at complementary locations along the
inside perimeter of the frame. Those skilled in the art, after
reading the present disclosure, will be able to select, design,
build, and use the depicted fastening system or other fastening
systems that are suitable for detachably coupling dimensional
support medium 210 to frame 102.
[0067] In embodiments in which art-bearing surface 112 is to be
substantially co-planar with surface 106 of frame 302, the
structure of artwork assembly is simplified if the thickness or
depth of overhanging portion 322 is substantially equal to the
thickness of dimensional support medium 210 (when a discrete flange
is used to create lip 220).
[0068] More particularly, if these thicknesses are equal, then
upper surface of lip 220 will abut lower surface 323 of overhanging
portion 322 (see, e.g., FIG. 3). In such a case, lower surface 323
provides a supporting or biasing surface for use in conjunction
with tenons 424. In other words, as tenons 424 are rotated into
position within rabbets 530, lip 220 is compressively sandwiched
between surface 323 of overhanging portion 322 and the tenons,
thereby retaining dimensional support medium 210.
[0069] Of course, if dimensional support medium 210 is thicker than
overhanging portion 322, and if it is desired that art-bearing
surface 112 and surface 106 be co-planar, then a spacer can be
situated between lip 220 and overhanging portion 322.
[0070] Based on the foregoing considerations, rabbet 530 is
disposed at an appropriate offset, O, from front face 106 of frame
102 to situate art-bearing surface 112 as desired. That is, offset
O is selected, as desired, to:
[0071] (i) align art-bearing surface 112 with front face 106 of
frame 102; or
[0072] (ii) recess art-bearing surface 112 relative to front face
106 of the frame; or
[0073] (iii) project art-bearing surface 112 forward relative to
front face 106 . . .
as a function of the thickness of overhanging portion 322 and the
thickness of dimensional support medium 210.
[0074] It is important to understand that the foregoing
complexities are not addressed by the artist; rather, they resolved
by the supplier of the elements of the artwork assembly. That is,
an artist simply purchases, as a kit, dimensional support medium
210 and frame 302. In some embodiments, the kit will include an
appropriate supply of spacers to enable the artist to make his or
her own decision as to the relationship of art-bearing surface 112
to front 106 of frame 302.
[0075] Also depicted in FIG. 4 is art-hanging hardware 428 for use
in hanging the artwork assembly on a wall. In the embodiment that
is depicted in FIG. 4, flange 218 is recessed relative to the back
of frame 302. Doing so enables art assembly 100 to hang flush
against a wall.
SECOND EMBODIMENT
Dimensional Support Mediums that are about One-Quarter of an Inch
or Less
[0076] FIG. 6 depicts dimensional support medium 610 that has a
thickness that is about 1/4 inch or less. Typical examples of
support mediums included within this range include masonite and
hardwood panels.
[0077] FIG. 7 depicts a front perspective view of frame 602 that
incorporates backing board 632. FIG. 8A depicts a sectional view of
FIG. 7 through the line A-A. FIG. 8B depicts a sectional view
similar to FIG. 8A, except that dimensional support medium 610 is
coupled to backing board 632.
[0078] Referring now to FIGS. 7, 8A, and 8b, backing board 632 is
set back an appropriate distance from front surface 106 of frame
602 to receive dimensional support medium 610. Backing board 632 is
attached to frame 602 by glue 738 or other means. As a function of
individual taste, this set back is such that when the dimensional
support medium is received by frame 602, art-bearing surface 112
is:
[0079] (1) substantially planar with front surface 106 of frame
602; or
[0080] (2) recessed relative to front surface 106 of frame 602;
or
[0081] (3) forward of front surface 106 of frame 602.
[0082] Like the first embodiment, dimensional support medium 610 is
coupled to the frame using a fastening system. Dimensional support
medium 610 and frame 602 are appropriately sized so that when the
dimensional support medium is coupled to a frame using the
fastening system, reveal 114 is formed.
[0083] In some embodiments, the fastening system enables
dimensional support medium 610 to be easily removed from backing
board 632. In the illustrative embodiment, a portion of the
fastening system is located on the back of dimensional support
medium 610 and another complementary portion of the fastening
system is located on the front of backing board 632.
[0084] In the embodiment that is depicted in FIGS. 7, 8A, and 8B,
the fastening system comprises small swatches 636 of hook-and-loop
fastener (i.e., Velcro.RTM. brand) that are disposed in
complementary locations on both the back of dimensional support
medium 610 and the front surface of backing board 632.
[0085] For a relatively small-sized dimensional support medium 610
(e.g., about 12 inches.times.12 inches, etc.), a small square of
hook-and-loop fasteners can be adhered to the four corners of the
front surface of backing board 632 (as depicted in FIG. 7) and to
the four corners of the back surface of the dimensional support
medium. For larger dimensional support mediums, additional swatches
of hook-and-loop fastener should be positioned at
appropriately-spaced intervals. For example, in some embodiments, a
patch can be placed every nine to twelve inches over the front
surface of the backing board and the back surface of dimensional
support medium 610.
[0086] When dimensional support medium 610 is pressed against
backing board 632, the hook-and-loop fasteners engage in familiar
fashion, thereby coupling the dimensional support medium to the
frame. FIG. 8B depicts hook-and-loop fasteners 746 that are
disposed on the back surface of dimensional support medium 610
engaging hook-and-loop fasteners 636 that are disposed on the front
surface of backing board 632.
[0087] The thickness of the swatches of hook-and-loop fasteners 636
and 746 must be accounted for when determining the amount by which
backing board 632 is set back from front surface 106 of frame 602.
For example, assume that art-bearing surface 112 and front surface
106 of frame 602 are to be co-planar. Further assume that the
thickness of dimensional support medium 610 is 1/4 of an inch and
the thickness of each swatch of hook-and-loop fastener is 3/16
inch. To create a co-planar arrangement, backing board 632 must be
set back by about:
1/4 inch (dimensional support medium)+2.times. 3/16 inch (each
swatch)=5/8 inches.
[0088] Backing board 632 is provided with openings 634. The
openings enable force F to be applied to the back of dimensional
support medium 610 to dislodge it from backing board 632. More
particularly, a finger can be inserted into one or more of openings
634. The inserted finger will contact the back of dimensional
support medium 610. Pushing the finger forward to apply a
relatively small amount of force Fto the dimensional support medium
will cause the sets of hook-and-loop fasteners to decouple from one
another, thereby freeing dimensional support medium 610 from
backing board 632.
[0089] In some embodiments, dimensional support medium 610 is
simply centered by eye within frame 602 to create reveal 116
between perimeter 114 of dimensional support medium 610 and the
inner perimeter 108 of frame 602.
[0090] FIG. 9 depicts an alternative embodiment wherein optional
set-offs 918 for forming a uniform-sized reveal are coupled to the
back surface of dimensional support medium 610. Portion 920 of each
set-off 918 projects beyond the perimeter of the dimensional
support medium, effectively creating the "lip" as used for the
first embodiment of the dimensional support medium (i.e.,
dimensional support medium 210). Set-offs 918 further simplify the
process of centering dimensional support medium 610 within frame
602 to create reveal 116. It is notable that while in the
embodiment that is depicted in FIG. 9, four set-offs 918 are used,
the same benefit can be obtained using only two set-offs 918, as
long as the two set-offs are positioned on adjacent sides of
dimensional support medium 610.
[0091] FIG. 10 depicts a sectional view similar to FIG. 8B, except
that FIG. 10 illustrates the use of set-offs 918, as depicted in
FIG. 9. Those skilled in the art, after reading the present
disclosure, will be able to design and implement alternative
embodiments of set-offs for use with embodiments of the invention
that incorporate dimensional support medium 602.
[0092] It will be appreciated that, as an alternative to disposing
set-offs 918 on dimensional support medium 610, they can be
disposed on the inside surface of at least two adjacent frame
members. In such embodiments, the set-offs advantageously have a
different form factor than set-offs 918. For example, they can be
implemented as a small "bump," formed from rubber or felt. One side
of the bump is adhered to the inside edge of the frame members that
form frame 602.
[0093] In a further embodiment, rather than coupling the set-offs
to the dimensional support medium or the frame, a temporary spacer
(e.g., akin to the spacers that used to create uniform spacing
between tiles when they are being set to create a tiled floor or
wall, etc.) is disposed against the inside surface of at least two
adjacent frame members.
[0094] In yet some additional embodiments, a spring can be situated
in each frame member at its midpoint. To do this, a hole is drilled
from the inside edge of each frame member. A spring is inserted
within each hole. The spring is sized such that, in its relaxed,
uncompressed state, it extends inward into the open region within
the frame. As long as the springs are uniform (i.e., similar spring
constant and size), a uniform reveal will be created. Furthermore,
if the spring provides a suitable biasing force, the springs can
serve as the fastening system as well. In such embodiments, the
aforementioned swatches of hook-and-loop fastener are not
required.
[0095] FIG. 11A depicts a partial view of frame 602 and FIG. 11B
depicts a partial view of frame 602 and dimensional support media
610. In this embodiment, spring 1150 is disposed partially within
hole 1148 in each frame member (only the spring for frame member
604D is depicted). The free end of the spring is terminated with a
small metal hemisphere 1052 (e.g., half of a "B-B," etc.). The
round, smooth surface of hemisphere 1052 facilitates insertion of
dimensional support medium 610 into frame 602.
[0096] FIG. 11A depicts spring 1150 and hemisphere 1152 before
dimensional support medium 610 is inserted into frame 602. FIG. 11B
depicts the position of spring 1150 and hemisphere 1152 after the
dimensional support medium is inserted into the frame.
[0097] As can be seen from FIG. 11B, to receive dimensional support
medium 610, spring 1150 compresses into frame member 604D. The
energy required to compress the spring is now in the form of
potential energy, which biases hemisphere 1152 against dimensional
support medium 610. It will be appreciated that surrounded by at
least four springs 1150 and depending hemispheres 1152, the
dimensional support medium is "automatically" centered and retained
in position.
[0098] It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments
are merely illustrative of the present invention and that many
variations of the above-described embodiments can be devised by
those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the
invention. For example, in this Specification, numerous specific
details are provided in order to provide a thorough description and
understanding of the illustrative embodiments of the present
invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, however, that
the invention can be practiced without one or more of those
details, or with other methods, materials, components, etc.
[0099] Furthermore, in some instances, well-known structures,
materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to
avoid obscuring aspects of the illustrative embodiments. Reference
throughout the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment"
or "some embodiments" means that a particular constituent, feature,
structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment(s) is included in at least one embodiment of the
present invention, but not necessarily all embodiments.
Consequently, the appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment,"
"in an embodiment," or "in some embodiments" in various places
throughout the Specification are not necessarily all referring to
the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular constituents,
features, structures, materials, or characteristics can be combined
in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It is therefore
intended that such variations be included within the scope of the
following claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *