The present invention relates to apparatus for protecting an art work on an easel, and the invention also relates to an easel comprising the apparatus, and to a method for protecting an art work on an easel.

Easels are commonly used for supporting a canvas or other suitable medium during painting or drawing of a landscape, seascape, portrait or other artistic representation. On completion of a drawing, a painting or other artistic representation on a canvas or other suitable medium, the canvas or medium is removed from the easel, and in general, is placed on a suitable horizontal planar support in order to allow the painting or other representation to dry. Additionally, detailed art works and relatively large art works may take a number of sessions to complete, and between each session the art work may have to be removed from the easel. This is particularly so when the art work relates to a painting of a landscape or a seascape, which may require a number of sessions to complete the art work. Each time the art work is removed from the easel, it must be placed on a substantially horizontal planar surface, for example, a table or the like in order to allow the art work to dry. This is particularly inconvenient, and causes considerable problems when the art work is being prepared in an outdoor location where it is necessary for the artist to drive, cycle or indeed walk or use public transport to the location in which the art work is being painted. Each time on completion of the art work or at the end of a session, the art work must be removed from the easel for transportation. Since paints and oils used in art works take quite some time to dry, and in many cases may take up to four days to dry, an art work on being removed from an easel must be placed flat in a special art work transportation case in order to avoid smudging of the paint and oils of the art work, and to protect clothing of the artist and others, as well as car seats and car seat covers of a car in which the art work is being transported, from being stained by the wet paints and oils of the art work. The transferring of an art work between an easel and such a case is a time consuming task, and there is always a risk of the wet paints and oils of the art work being smudged during transfer of the art work from the easel to the case. This is undesirable. Alternatively, such art works may be placed flat in the boot of a car or on a back seat of the car. However, this is undesirable in that particles of dust and dirt in the boot of a car can contaminate the painting of the art work. There is therefore a need for apparatus and a method which addresses at least some of these problems, and there is also a need for an easel which addresses at least some of these problems.

The present invention is directed towards providing an apparatus for protecting an art work on an easel, and the invention is also directed towards providing a method for protecting an art work on an easel. Further, the invention is directed towards an easel.

According to the invention there is provided apparatus for protecting an art work on an easel, the apparatus comprising a cover for covering an art work accommodating location of the easel for protecting an art work therein, a pair of interengageable complementary formations for coupling the cover to the easel, a first one of the pair of interengageable complementary formations being configured for mounting on the easel, and a second one of the pair of interengageable complementary formations being located on the cover, and being configured to engage the first one of the pair of interengageable complementary formations with the cover in a closed state covering the art work accommodating location, and a securing means for securing the cover to the easel in the closed state.

In one aspect of the invention the interengageable complementary formations are releasably interengageable for disengaging the cover from the easel. Preferably, the interengageable

complementary formations are configured for permitting movement of the cover between the closed state and an open state exposing the art work accommodating location when the interengageable complementary formations are interengaged with each other. Advantageously, the interengageable complementary formations are configured for permitting pivotal movement of the cover between the closed state and the open state when the interengageable complementary formations are interengaged with each other.

In another aspect of the invention the interengageable complementary formations are configured for permitting pivotal movement of the cover relative to the easel through an angular distance of at least 90° between the closed state and the open state. Preferably, the interengageable complementary formations are configured for permitting pivotal movement of the cover relative to the easel through an angular distance greater than 90° between the closed state and the open state.

In one embodiment of the invention the first one of the interengageable complementary formations comprises one of a bar element and a tongue element pivotally engageable with the bar element, and the second one of the interengageable complementary formations comprises the other one of the bar element and the tongue element. Preferably, the tongue element of the interengageable complementary formations is releasably engageable with the bar element of the interengageable complementary formations. In one aspect of the invention the tongue element terminates in a distal end of arcuate shape to form a partly hook-shaped element. In another embodiment of the invention the first one of the interengageable complementary formations comprises the bar element, and the bar element is configured for mounting on the easel. Preferably, the bar element is configured for mounting on a transversely extending support ledge of the easel which defines a lower edge of the art work accommodating location. Advantageously, the bar element is configured for mounting adjacent a forward edge of the transversely extending support ledge. Ideally, the bar element is configured for mounting along the forward edge of the transversely extending support ledge of the easel spaced apart from the forward edge of the support ledge.

In another aspect of the invention the bar element is configured to extend substantially parallel to the forward edge of the transversely extending support ledge of the easel. Preferably, the bar element is configured to extend substantially the length of the forward edge of the transversely extending support ledge of the easel.

In another aspect of the invention the bar element is mounted on and spaced apart from a mounting bracket, and defines with the mounting bracket an engagement opening for engaging the tongue element therein, the mounting bracket being configured for mounting on the easel. Preferably, the bar element and the mounting bracket are configured so that the spacing between the bar element and the mounting bracket is such as to engage the tongue element with a relatively snug fit therein between the bar element and the mounting bracket. Advantageously, the mounting bracket extends the length of the bar to define the engagement opening as an elongated engagement slot.

In another embodiment of the invention the second one of the interengageable complementary formations comprises the tongue element, and the tongue element partly defines a bar accommodating opening for pivotally accommodating the bar element therein. Preferably, the tongue element defines an entry slot to the bar accommodating opening for accommodating the bar element into the bar accommodating opening of the tongue element. Advantageously, the tongue element is configured for mounting on the cover.

In another embodiment of the invention the second one of the interengageable complementary formations comprises a pair of the tongue elements mounted on the cover and spaced apart from each other. Preferably, the tongue elements are located spaced apart along a first end edge of the cover.

In another aspect of the invention the first end edge of the cover comprises a lower end edge thereof. In one embodiment of the invention an end wall extends from the cover adjacent a second end edge opposite to and spaced apart from the first end edge of the cover and engageable with the easel above an upper edge of the art work accommodating location when the cover is in the closed state for spacing the cover from an art work in the art work accommodating location. In another embodiment of the invention a pair of spaced apart side walls extend from the cover adjacent respective opposite side edges thereof, the side walls extending along respective opposite side edges of the art work accommodating location when the cover is in the closed state. Preferably, the side walls extend along the cover from the end wall thereof, and define respective opposite side edges of the art work accommodating location when the cover is in the closed state.

In another embodiment of the invention the cover comprises a front protective panel of area greater than the area of the art work accommodating location. Preferably, the cover comprises a substantially rigid material. In one embodiment of the invention the securing means is mounted on the cover adjacent the second end edge thereof, and is configured for engaging an upper portion of the easel. Preferably, the securing means is configured for engaging an upper portion of a tower of the easel. Advantageously, the securing means is configured to releasably engage the upper portion of the easel. Ideally, the securing means comprises a securing strap secured to the cover adjacent the second end edge thereof for releasably engaging the upper portion of the easel. Preferably, the securing strap releasably embraces the upper portion of the easel.

In one aspect of the invention one end of the securing strap terminates in a releasable fastening means for releasably engaging the other end of the securing strap with the upper portion of the easel engaged within the strap. Preferably, the fastening means comprises a buckle.

In another embodiment of the invention at least one leg is coupled to the cover for supporting the cover in the open state extending outwardly from the easel. Preferably, a pair of legs are provided coupled to the cover at spaced apart locations for supporting the cover in the open state extending outwardly from the easel. Advantageously, each leg is located adjacent the second edge of the cover. Preferably, each leg comprises a ground engaging leg. In one aspect of the invention each leg is pivotally coupled to the cover, and is pivotal between a support state supporting the cover in the open state and a folded state lying substantially parallel to and adjacent the cover. Preferably, each leg comprises at least two telescoping members, one of which telescopes into the other of the telescoping members. Advantageously, a retaining means is provided for retaining the telescoping members of each leg at a desired telescoped position relative to each other.

In another aspect of the invention a handle is provided on one of the easel and the cover.

In one embodiment of the invention the apparatus further comprises a rear protective panel configured for locating in the art work accommodating location behind the art work therein.

Preferably, the rear protective panel comprises a substantially rigid material. Advantageously, the rear protective panel is of area substantially similar to the area of the art work.

The invention also provides an easel defining an art work accommodating location for supporting an art work therein and apparatus according to the invention coupled to the easel, the cover of the apparatus being operable in the closed state for protecting the art work in the art work accommodating location.

Additionally the invention provides an easel defining an art work accommodating location for supporting an art work therein, the easel comprising apparatus for protecting an art work on the easel in the art work accommodating location, the apparatus comprising a cover for covering the art work accommodating location of the easel for protecting the art work therein, a pair of interengageable complementary formations for coupling the cover to the easel, a first one of the pair of interengageable complementary formations being mounted on the easel, and a second one of the pair of interengageable complementary formations being located on the cover and being configured to engage the first one of the pair of interengageable complementary formations with the cover in a closed state covering the art work accommodating location, and a securing means for securing the cover to the easel in the closed state.

In one aspect of the invention the interengageable complementary formations are releasably interengageable for disengaging the cover from the easel. Advantageously, the interengageable complementary formations are configured for permitting movement of the cover between the closed state and an open state exposing the art work accommodating location when the interengageable complementary formations are interengaged with each other.

In another aspect of the invention the interengageable complementary formations are configured for permitting pivotal movement of the cover between the closed state and the open state when the interengageable complementary formations are interengaged with each other. Preferably, the interengageable complementary formations are configured for permitting pivotal movement of the cover relative to the easel through an angular distance of at least 90° between the closed state and the open state. Advantageously, the interengageable complementary formations are configured for permitting pivotal movement of the cover relative to the easel through an angular distance greater than 90° between the closed state and the open state. In one aspect of the invention the easel comprises a substantially transversely extending support ledge. Preferably, the transversely extending support ledge defines a lower edge of the art work accommodating location. Advantageously, the transversely extending support ledge is configured to support an art work thereon in the art work accommodating location. In one embodiment of the invention the first one of the interengageable complementary formations comprises one of a bar element and a tongue element pivotally engageable with the bar element, and the second one of the interengageable complementary formations comprises the other one of the bar element and the tongue element. In another aspect of the invention the tongue element of the interengageable complementary formations is releasably engageable with the bar element of the interengageable complementary formations.

In one aspect of the invention the tongue element terminates in a distal end of arcuate shape to form a partly hook-shaped element.

In another aspect of the invention the first one of the interengageable complementary formations comprises the bar element, and the bar element is mounted on the easel. In one embodiment of the invention the bar element is mounted on the transversely extending support ledge of the easel. Preferably, the bar element is mounted adjacent a forward edge of the transversely extending support ledge. Advantageously, the bar element extends along the forward edge of the transversely extending support ledge of the easel and spaced apart from the forward edge of the support ledge.

In another aspect of the invention the bar element extends substantially parallel to the forward edge of the transversely extending support ledge of the easel. Preferably, the bar element extends substantially the length of the forward edge of the transversely extending support ledge of the easel.

In another aspect of the invention the bar element is mounted on and spaced apart from a mounting bracket, and defines with the mounting bracket an engagement opening for engaging the tongue element therein, the mounting bracket being configured for mounting on the easel. Preferably, the bar element and the mounting bracket are configured so that the spacing between the bar element and the mounting bracket is such as to engage the tongue element with a relatively snug fit therein between the bar element and the mounting bracket. Advantageously, the mounting bracket extends the length of the bar to define the engagement opening as an elongated engagement slot.

In another embodiment of the invention the second one of the interengageable complementary formations comprises the tongue element, and the tongue element partly defines a bar accommodating opening for pivotally accommodating the bar element therein.

In one aspect of the invention the tongue element defines an entry slot to the bar accommodating opening for accommodating the bar element into the bar accommodating opening of the tongue element.

Preferably, the tongue element is mounted on the cover.

In another embodiment of the invention the second one of the interengageable complementary formations comprises a pair of the tongue elements mounted on the cover and spaced apart from each other.

Preferably, the tongue elements are located spaced apart along a first end edge of the cover.

In one aspect of the invention the first end edge of the cover comprises a lower end edge thereof.

In another embodiment of the invention a clamping means is mounted on the easel and co-operates with the support ledge for retaining the art work in the art work accommodating location clamped between the clamping means and the support ledge. Preferably, the clamping means is adjustably mounted on the easel. Advantageously, the clamping means defines an upper edge of the art work accommodating location.

In one embodiment of the invention an end wall extends from the cover adjacent a second end edge opposite to and spaced apart from the first end edge of the cover and is engageable with the easel above the upper edge of the art work accommodating location when the cover is in the closed state for spacing the cover from an art work in the art work accommodating location.

In another embodiment of the invention a pair of spaced apart side walls extend from the cover adjacent respective opposite side edges thereof, the side walls extending along respective opposite side edges of the art work accommodating location when the cover is in the closed state. Preferably, the side walls extend along the cover from the end wall thereof and define respective opposite side edges of the art work accommodating location when the cover is in the closed state.

In another embodiment of the invention the end wall engages the easel above the clamping means.

In one embodiment of the invention the cover comprises a front protective panel of area greater than the area of the art work accommodating location. Preferably, the cover comprises a substantially rigid material.

In another embodiment of the invention the securing means is mounted on the cover adjacent the second end edge thereof, and is engageable with an upper portion of the easel. Preferably, the securing means is engageable with the upper portion of the easel at a location above the clamping means.

Advantageously, the securing means is engageable with an upper portion of a tower of the easel. Ideally, the securing means is releasably engageable with the upper portion of the easel.

In one embodiment of the invention the securing means comprises a securing strap secured to the cover adjacent the second end edge thereof for releasably engaging the upper portion of the easel. Preferably, the securing strap releasably embraces the upper portion of the easel.

In one aspect of the invention one end of the securing strap terminates in a releasable fastening means for releasably engaging the other end of the securing strap with the upper portion of the easel engaged within the strap. Preferably, the fastening means comprises a buckle.

In one embodiment of the invention the cover defines with the easel the art work accommodating location.

In another embodiment of the invention a shoulder strap is coupled to one of the easel and the cover. Preferably, the shoulder strap is coupled to the easel. Advantageously, the shoulder strap is releasably coupled to the one of the easel and the cover. Further the invention provides a method for protecting an art work on an easel, the method comprising coupling a cover to the easel for covering an art work accommodating location of the easel for protecting an art work therein, the cover being coupled to the easel by a pair of interengageable complementary formations, mounting a first one of the pair of interengageable complementary formations on the easel, and locating a second one of the pair of interengageable complementary formations on the cover and engaging the second one of the interengageable complementary formations with the first one of the pair of interengageable complementary formations, and urging the cover into a closed state covering the art work accommodating location, and securing the cover to the easel in the closed state thereof by a securing means. The advantages of the invention are many. By virtue of the fact that the apparatus according to the invention protects the art work on an easel, the art work can be allowed to remain on the easel on completion of the art work, or at the end of a session during which the art work is being painted, and furthermore, can be transported in place on the easel without the need for removal of the art work from the easel. Additionally, by virtue of the fact that the art work is protected on the easel by the apparatus, the easel with the art work located thereon can be placed in the boot of a car or in any other location, and the apparatus protects the art work from any danger of the paint being contaminated with dust or other particulate matter in the boot of a car or indeed in any other location in which the art work is being transported on the easel. Further, the apparatus protects the oils and/or paint on the art work from being smudged, and also prevents clothing of an artist or other person coming into contact with the oils and/or paint on the art work while the art work is being carried on the easel, which would otherwise result in staining of the clothing of the artist or others. The apparatus also prevents staining of car seats, seat covers and the boot of a car by wet oils and/or paint on an art work when the art work is located on the easel and protected by the apparatus and is being transported in a car on a seat or the boot of the car. W

10

A further advantage of the invention is achieved when a shoulder strap is provided coupled to one of the apparatus and the easel since the provision of the shoulder strap allows the easel with the art work located thereon and protected by the apparatus to be carried over the shoulder of the artist.

5

A further advantage of the apparatus according to the invention is that it is particularly suitable for retrofitting to an easel.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments 10 thereof, which are given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of an easel according to the invention comprising apparatus also according to the invention for protecting an art work on the easel,

15 Fig. 2 is a front perspective view of the easel and the apparatus of Fig. 1 with the apparatus in a different state to that of Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is a rear elevational view of the easel and the apparatus of Fig. 1 with the apparatus in the state of Fig. 2, and the easel in a different state to that of Fig. 1,

20

Fig. 4 is a rear perspective view of the easel and the apparatus of Fig. 1 with the easel and the apparatus in the state of Fig. 2,

Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of the easel and the apparatus of Fig. 1 with the easel and the 25 apparatus in the state of Fig. 2,

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5 of the easel and a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 1 with the easel and the apparatus in the state of Fig. 1,

30 Fig. 7 is a top plan view of a portion of the easel and the apparatus of Fig. 1 with the apparatus in the state of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional end elevational view of a detail of the easel and the apparatus of Fig. 1,

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional end elevational view of the detail of Fig. 8 of the easel and the apparatus of Fig. 1 in a different state to that of Fig. 8,

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the easel and the apparatus of Fig. 1 in use,

Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an easel according to another embodiment of the invention comprising apparatus also according to another embodiment of the invention for protecting an art work on the easel,

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the easel and a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 12,

Fig. 14 is a side elevational view of the easel and the apparatus of Fig. 12,

Fig. 15 is another side elevational view of the easel and the apparatus of Fig. 12 with the apparatus in a different state to that of Fig. 12,

Fig. 16 is a side elevational view of the easel and the apparatus of Fig. 12 with the easel in a different state to that of Fig. 12 and apparatus in the state of Fig. 15,

Fig. 17 is an end elevational view of a detail of the apparatus of Fig. 12,

Fig. 18 is a view similar to Fig. 17 of the detail of Fig. 17 of the apparatus of Fig. 12 in a different state to that of Fig. 17,

Fig. 19 is an end elevational view of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 12, and Fig. 20 is a rear elevational view of another detail of the apparatus of Fig. 12. Referring to the drawings, and initially to Figs. 1 to 11, there is illustrated an easel according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 , for supporting an art work 2 in an art work accommodating location 4 on the easel 1. Such an art work 2 may comprise a canvas 5 mounted on a frame 6 on which a landscape, seascape, portrait or other artistic representation is to be painted or drawn. Apparatus also according to the invention and indicated generally by the reference numeral 7 for protecting the art work 2 in the art work accommodating location 4 of the easel 1 comprises a cover 9 which is releasably and pivotally coupled to the easel 1. The cover 9 is pivotal relative to the easel 1 in the directions of the arrows A and B between a closed state illustrated in Figs. 2 to 5 defining with the easel 1 the art work accommodating location 4 and protecting the art work 2 on the easel 1 in the art work accommodating location 4, and an open state illustrated in Figs. 1 and 7 with the cover 9 extending generally forwardly outwardly from the easel 1 , and exposing the art work accommodating location 4, and in turn the art work 2. The cover 9 in the open state is disengageable and removable from the easel 1.

Before describing the apparatus 7 in detail, the easel 1 will first be described. The easel 1 in this embodiment of the invention comprises a table top easel comprising a base frame 10 adapted for mounting on a table top or other suitable surface (not shown), and a support frame 12 for supporting the art work 2 thereon. The support frame 12 is pivotally coupled to the base frame 10 and is pivotal between selectable functional states extending in selectable generally upwardly rearwardly inclined directions for supporting the art work 2 thereon as illustrated in Figs. 4 to 6 and a folded state illustrated in Fig. 3 with the support frame 12 lying substantially parallel to the base frame 10 for facilitating carrying of the easel 1 when not in use. The base frame 10 comprises a pair of spaced apart side members 1 joined by a pair of spaced apart cross-members 15. The support frame 12 comprises a pair of spaced apart side members 17 joined by a lower cross-member 18 and a spaced apart upper cross-member 19. An intermediate member 20 extends between the lower and upper cross-members 18 and 19 centrally between the side members 17. A tower element 22 is slideably carried on the intermediate member 20 and is slideable upwardly and downwardly for adjusting the height of the tower element 22 relative to the support frame 12. A guide recess 24 in the upper cross-member 18 slideably guides the tower element 22 upwardly and downwardly along the intermediate member 20. An elongated guide slot 25 extending longitudinally along the intermediate member 20 slideably engages a screw 27 extending from the tower element 22 also for guiding the tower element 22 upwardly and downwardly along the intermediate member 20. A wing nut 29 on the screw 27 secures the tower element 22 to the intermediate member 20 at a desired relative position relative to the support frame 12.

The support frame 12 is pivotally mounted on the base frame 10 by a pair of mounting brackets 30 which are mounted on the respective side members 14 of the base frame 10. A pair of pivot pins 32 carried in the mounting brackets 30 pivotally engage corresponding bores (not shown) extending through the side members 17 of the support frame 12 at the lower end thereof, so that the support frame 12 is pivotal about the pivot pins 32 between the folded state and any desired one of the selectable functional states. A pair of support struts 35 extend between respective side members 14 of the base frame 10 and respective side members 17 of the support frame 12 for supporting the support frame 12 in a desired one of the functional states. Pivot pins 36 pivotally couple the support struts 35 at one end thereof to the side members 14 of the base frame 10, and screws 37 extending from the support struts 35 at the other end thereof slideably engage corresponding guide slots 38 for facilitating adjustment of the functional state of the support frame 12, in other words for adjusting the rearward angular inclination of the support frame 12 relative to the base frame 10. Wing nuts 39 on the screws 37 secure the support struts 35 to the side members 17 of the support frame 12 with the support frame 12 in a desired functional state. Additionally, the guide slots 38 are of sufficient length to permit the support frame 12 to be pivoted from the functional state to the folded state.

A transversely extending support element 42 is mounted on and extends between the side members 17 of the support frame 12 adjacent the lower end thereof. A support ledge 43 extends forwardly from the support element 42 and extends transversely along the support element 42 for supporting the art work 2 on the easel 1 in the art work accommodating location 4. The support ledge 43 terminates in a transversely extending forward edge 44 and defines a support surface 45 on which the art work 2 is supported, extending between the support element 42 and an upwardly extending lip 40 adjacent the forward edge 44.

A clamping means, which in this embodiment of the invention comprises a clamping member 46 is rigidly mounted on the tower element 22 for engaging an upper edge of the art work 2 for clamping the art work 2 between the support ledge 43 and the clamping member 46 for in turn retaining the art work 2 securely in the art work accommodating location 4. By adjusting the tower element 22 upwardly and downwardly relative to the intermediate member 20, the clamping member 46 is brought into and out of engagement with the top edge of the art work 2. When the clamping member 46 has been adjusted to tightly clamp the art work 2 between the clamping member 46 and the support ledge 43, the wing nut 29 is tightened for securing the tower element 22 to the intermediate member 20 of the support frame 12. The clamping member 46 defines an upper edge of the art work accommodating location 4, while the support ledge 43 defines a lower edge of the art work accommodating location 4. Turning now to the apparatus 7, the cover 9 of the apparatus 7 is releasably and pivotally coupled to the easel 1 by a pair of interengageable complementary formations, a first one of which formations comprises a bar element 48 of steel which is secured to the transversely extending support ledge 43, and a second one of which formations comprises a pair of tongue elements 49 of steel which are secured by screws 51 to the cover 9 at spaced apart locations along a first end edge, namely, a lower end edge 50 of the cover 9. The tongue elements 49 terminate in partly hook-shaped portions 47 adjacent their distal ends 41 , which releasably and pivotally engage the bar element 48, so that the cover 9 is pivotal between the closed state and the open state. In this embodiment of the invention the cover 9 is pivotal through an angle greater than 90°, in this case an angle of approximately 120° between the closed state and the open state.

The partly hook-shaped portion 47 of each tongue element 49 extends for an angular distance of approximately 90° and partly defines a bar accommodating opening 52 for pivotally engaging the bar element 48 for pivoting the cover 9 between the closed state and the open state. The distal end 41 of the partly hook-shaped portion 47 of each tongue element 49 defines with the tongue element 49 an entry slot 53 into the bar accommodating opening 52 for accommodating the bar element 48 into and out of the bar accommodating opening 52 for releasably engaging the tongue elements 49 with the bar element 48, for in turn facilitating removal of the cover 9 from the easel when not required. By virtue of the fact that the partly hook-shaped portions 47 of the tongue elements 49 extend for an angular distance of approximately 90°, the tongue elements 49 are disengageable from the bar element 48 when the cover 9 is in the open state by urging the tongue elements 49 upwardly from the bar element 48.

The bar element 48 is of circular transverse cross-section and of U-shaped construction and is mounted on an elongated mounting bracket 54 of steel and angle shape cross-section. The mounting bracket 54 is mounted on the support ledge 43 along the forward edge 44 thereof. The bar element 48 is bent at 57 to form an elongated central member 55 and a pair of end members 56, which extend from the central member 55 and which are welded to the mounting bracket 54 adjacent respective opposite ends thereof. The central member 55 of the bar element 48 extends substantially the length of the mounting bracket 54, and defines with the mounting bracket 54 an engagement opening, which in this case is an elongated engagement slot 59 within which the tongue elements 49 are engaged. The width d1 of the engagement slot 59 between the bar element 48 and the mounting bracket 54 is such that the tongue elements 49 are a reasonably snug fit in the engagement slot 59 between the bar element 48 and the mounting bracket 54, in order to prevent disengagement of the tongue element 49 from the bar element 48 when the cover 9 is in the closed state. In other words, when the cover 9 is in the closed state, the tongue elements 49 are retained between the bar element 48 and the mounting bracket 54 with the hook-shaped portions 47 of the tongue elements 49 located beneath the bar element 48, with the bar element 48 co-operating with the hook-shaped portions 47 to prevent upward movement of the tongue elements 49 relative to the bar element 48. The mounting bracket 54 extends substantially the length of the transversely extending support ledge 43. Screws 58 secure the mounting bracket 54 to the support ledge 43.

The cover 9 comprises a front protective panel 60 of a rigid material, for example, timber, such as plywood, high density fibreboard, chipboard or the like, to which the tongue elements 49 are secured along the lower end edge 50 thereof. An end wall 61 of timber extending along a second end edge, namely, an upper end edge 62 of the front protective panel 60, which is opposite to the lower end edge 50, is engageable with an upper portion 63 of the tower element 22 just above the clamping member 46 when the cover 9 is in the closed state for spacing the front protective panel 60 from the tower element 22, and in turn from the art work 2 in the art work accommodating location 4. A pair of side walls 64 of timber extend along respective opposite side edges 65 of the front protective panel 60 from the end wall 61 to the lower end edge 50, so that the front protective panel 60 and the side walls 64 of the cover 9 define with the easel 1 the art work accommodating location 4 when the cover 9 is in the closed state. A tower accommodating recess 67 is formed in the end wall 61 for engaging the upper portion 63 of the tower element 22 for centrally locating the cover 9 on the tower element 22 in the closed state.

A securing means for securing the cover 9 in the closed state on the easel 1 comprises a securing strap 69 secured to the end wall 61 of the cover 9 in the tower accommodating recess 67 by screws 70. The securing strap 69 embraces and extends around the upper portion 63 of the tower element 22 for securing the cover 9 thereto. The securing strap 69 terminates at one end in a releasable fastening means, namely, a buckle 72, and at the other end in a series of longitudinally spaced apart eye openings 73 for receiving a pin 74 of the buckle 72 for releasably securing the securing strap 69 around the upper portion 63 of the tower element 22, and in turn for releasably securing the cover 9 to the tower element 22 in the closed state.

A rear protective panel 78 also of a substantially rigid material, for example, timber, plywood, high or medium density fibreboard, chipboard or the like is provided for locating behind the art work 2 in the art work accommodating location 4 between the support ledge 43 and the clamping member 46 for protecting the rear of the art work 2 in the art work accommodating location 4. Thus, when the rear protective panel 78 is located behind the art work 2 and the cover 9 is in the closed state, the cover 9 defines with the easel 1 and the rear protective panel 78 the art work accommodating location 4 within which the art work 2 is located and protected by the rear protective panel 78 and the cover 9.

5

In this embodiment of the invention a shoulder strap 79 is releasably secured to the easel 1 for facilitating carrying of the easel 1 with the art work 2 located therein and protected by the cover 9 in the closed state and the rear protective panel 78. The shoulder strap 79 terminates at its respective opposite ends in releasable hooks 80 which are releasably engageable with eye brackets 81 secured to the respective side l o members 17 of the support frame 12 of the easel 1.

A handle 76 is secured to the upper cross-member 19 of the easel 1, which may be gripped when the easel 1 with the cover 9 in the closed state is being carried by the shoulder strap 79 with the shoulder strap over one of the shoulders of an artist. Alternatively, the handle may be provided on the front 15 protective panel 60 of the cover 9.

In use, if an art work 2 is supported on the easel 1 in the art work accommodating location 4 and protected therein by the rear protective panel 78 and the cover 9 in the closed state, when it is desired to either remove the art work 2 from the easel 1 or to continue painting the art work 2, the securing strap 69 is

20 opened, thereby disengaging the tower element 22, and the cover 9 is pivoted about the central member 55 of the bar element 48 in the direction of the arrow B from the closed state to the open state. The cover 9 is then disengaged from the bar element 48 by urging the tongue elements 49 upwardly relative to the central member 55 of the bar element 48 in order to disengage the tongue elements 49 from the bar element 48. The cover 9 is then removed from the easel 1. The rear protective panel 78 is also removed

25 from the art accommodating location 4 of the easel 1. The easel 1 is then ready for use, and painting of the art work 2 may continue, or the art work 2 may be replaced by another art work, which can then be painted.

When painting of the art work 2 has been completed or the painting session has ended, the rear protective 30 panel 78 is engaged in the art work accommodating location 4 between the support frame 12 and the art work 2. The cover 9 is then engaged with the easel 1 by engaging the tongue elements 49 with the central member 55 of the bar element 48. With the cover 9 in the open state, and the tongue elements 49 located above the central member 55 of the bar element 48, the partly hook-shaped portions 47 of the tongue elements 49 are engaged in the engagement slot 59 between the central member 55 of the bar element 48 and the mounting bracket 54. With the partly hook-shaped portions 47 of the tongue elements 49 engaged in the engagement slot 59 and the tongue elements 49 resting on the central member 55 of the bar element 48, the cover 9 is then pivoted upwardly in the direction of the arrow A from the open state to the closed state for engaging the upper portion 63 of the tower element 22 in the tower accommodating recess 67, and with the securing strap 69 embracing the tower element 22. The securing strap 69 is then secured around the tower element 22 by the buckle 72, for in turn securing the cover 9 in the closed state on the easel 1 with the art work 2 located in the art work accommodating location 4 between the rear protective panel 78 and the cover 9 in the closed state and protected therein. The support frame 12 is folded from the functional state to the folded state. The easel with the art work 2 thereon protected by the cover 9 and the rear protective panel 78 can then be carried on one's shoulder by the shoulder strap 79, or can be placed in the boot of a car, on the back seat of a car or in any other suitable or desired location with the art work 2 protected. Referring now to Figs. 12 to 20, there is illustrated an easel according to another embodiment of the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 90, which also comprises apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 91, for protecting an art work (not shown) in an art work accommodating location 4 of the easel 90. The apparatus 91 is substantially similar to the apparatus 7 of the easel 1 described with reference to Figs. 1 to 11, and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals.

In this embodiment of the invention the easel 90 is a box easel, however, where components of the box easel 90 are similar or correspond to the components of the easel 1 described with reference to Figs. 1 to 11, such similar or corresponding components are identified by the same reference numerals. The easel 90 comprises a drawer housing 100 and three ground engaging legs, namely, a pair of forward ground engaging legs 101 and a rear ground engaging leg 102, all of which extend downwardly from the drawer housing 100. The forward and the rearward ground engaging legs 101 and 102 are pivotally coupled to the drawer housing 100, and are pivotal from a support state illustrated in Figs. 12 to 15 supporting the drawer housing 100 and a folded state illustrated in Fig. 16 lying substantially parallel to the drawer housing 100 and adjacent thereto. Each of the forward and rear ground engaging legs 101 and 102 comprise inner and outer telescoping elements 105 and 106, with the inner telescoping elements 105 slideable inwardly and outwardly of the outer telescoping elements 106. Clamping screws (not shown) engage threaded bores (also not shown) in the outer telescoping elements 106 for releasably engaging the inner telescoping elements 105 for retaining the inner and outer telescoping elements 105 and 106 in desired relative positions for supporting the drawer housing 100 of the easel 90 substantially horizontally.

A support panel 109 for supporting the art work 2 thereon is hingedly coupled to the drawer housing 100 and is pivotal between a functional state illustrated in Figs. 12 to 15 for supporting the art work 2 thereon, and a folded state illustrated in Fig. 16 lying substantially parallel to the drawer housing 100. A pair of telescoping struts 110 pivotally coupled to the drawer housing 100 and to the support panel 109 at respective opposite sides thereof support the support panel 109 in the functional state with the support panel 109 at a selectable upwardly rearwardly inclined angle relative to the drawer housing 100. A transversely extending support ledge 112 which is similar to the support ledge 43 of the easel 1 extends outwardly from the support panel 109 for supporting the art work 2 thereon. A telescoping tower element 114 extends upwardly through and from the support panel 109 and carries a clamping member 115 which is engageable with an upper edge of an art work 2 for clamping the art work 2 between the clamping member 115 and the support ledge 112 with the art work 2 supported on the support panel 109 in the art work accommodating location 4. By urging the tower element 114 upwardly and downwardly in the support panel 109, the clamping member 115 is brought into and out of engagement with the art work 2, in the art work accommodating location 4.

The telescoping struts 110 facilitate pivoting of the support element 109 between the folded state and any number of the selectable rearwardly inclined functional states.

The transversely extending support ledge 112 and the clamping member 115 define respective lower and upper edges of the art work accommodating location 4 of the easel 90. A support strut 120 extending between the rear ground engaging leg 102 and the drawer housing 100 reinforces the rear ground engaging leg 102 in the support state. A drawer 121 is slideably mounted in the drawer housing 100 for accommodating artists' requisites, for example, paints, brushes and the like.

Such easels as the easel 90 will be well known to those skilled in the art, and further description should not be required.

Turning now to the apparatus 91 , as mentioned above, the apparatus 91 is substantially similar to the apparatus 7. In this embodiment of the invention the mounting bracket 54 is secured to the support ledge 112 along a forward edge 122 thereof by the screws (not shown). The tongue elements 49 are releasably engaged on the central member 55 of the bar element 48 as already described, and the cover 9 of the apparatus 91 is pivotal between the open state and the closed state. Additionally, in this embodiment of the invention the partly hook-shaped portions 47 of the tongue elements 49 extend an angular distance of approximately 110° for a function to be described below.

In this embodiment of the invention a pair of spaced apart ground engaging legs 125 are pivotally coupled to and extend downwardly from the front protective panel 60 of the cover 9 for supporting the cover 9 in the open state illustrated in Figs. 12 and 14 extending forwardly outwardly from the easel 90. The cover 9 may be used in the open state supported on the ground engaging legs 125 for supporting artists' requisites, for example, brushes, paints, a palette on which paint may be mixed, and indeed, in certain cases, the cover 9 may be used as a palette for mixing paints.

A pair of mounting brackets 126 secured to the front protective panel 60 at spaced apart locations adjacent the upper end edge 62 pivotally carry the ground engaging legs 125 on pivot pins 127, so that the ground engaging legs 125 are pivotal between a support state illustrated in Figs. 12 and 14 extending downwardly from the cover 9 in the open state, and a folded state extending substantially parallel to the front protective panel 60 of the cover 9 and adjacent thereto as illustrated in Figs. 15 and 16. Clips 131 secured to the front protective panel 60 releasably retain the legs 125 in the folded state adjacent the cover 9. Each ground engaging leg 125 comprises three tubular telescoping members 128, which are slideable inwardly and outwardly relative to each other between a retracted state illustrated in Figs. 15 and 16 and an extended state illustrated in Figs. 12 and 14 for supporting the cover 9 in the open state, and also for facilitating adjustment of the length of each ground engaging leg 125. A retaining means, namely, retaining screws 130 are engageable in threaded bores in the outer ones of the telescoping members 128 for engaging and securing the corresponding inner ones of the telescoping members 128 in desired positions relative to each other.

Returning now to the co-operating action between the tongue elements 49 and the bar element 48, in this embodiment of the invention as well as the tongue elements 49 and the bar element 48 co-operating for retaining the cover 9 in the closed state, the tongue element 49 and the bar element 48 co-operate for retaining the cover 9 in the open state. By virtue of the fact that the partly hook-shaped portion 47 of the tongue elements 49 extend for a distance of approximately 110°, and by virtue of the fact that the width d1 of the engagement slot 59 between the central member 55 of the bar element 48 and the mounting bracket 54 is just greater than the thickness d2 of the tongue elements 49, when the cover element 9 is in the open state, distal ends 133 of the partly hook-shaped portions 47 of the tongue elements 49 extend sufficiently beneath the bar element 48 to prevent disengagement of the partly hook-shaped portions 47 of the tongue elements 49 from the bar element 48. In other words, when the cover 9 is extending substantially horizontally, the distal end 133 of the partly hook-shaped portion 47 of the tongue elements 49 extend downwardly an angular distance of approximately 20" below the horizontal around the bar element 48. By virtue of the fact that the tongue elements 49 are a snug fit in the engagement slot 59, it has been found that the 20" angular portion of the partly hook-shaped portion 47 which extends beneath the horizontal is sufficient for preventing upward disengagement of the tongue elements 49 from the bar element 48. Additionally, the entry slot 53 which is defined between the distal end 133 of the partly hook- shaped portion 47 of the tongue element 49 and the tongue element 49 is sufficient to allow

disengagement of the tongue elements 49 from the bar accommodating openings 52 defined by the partly hook-shaped portions 47 of the tongue elements 49 by urging the cover 9 through an angle of approximately 20° about the bar element 48 so that the tongue elements 49 are disengageable from the bar element 48 by urging the tongue elements 49 upwardly for disengaging the engagement slot 59 and in turn the bar element 48 for removal of the cover 9 from the easel 90.

Use of the cover 9 of the apparatus 91 with the easel 90 is substantially similar to use of the apparatus 7 with the easel 1 , with the exception that when it is desired to use the easel 90 with the cover 9 in the open state, the ground engaging legs 125 are disengaged from the clips 131 with the cover 9 in the open state, and are pivoted downwardly from the folded state to the support state. The length of the ground engaging legs 125 are then adjusted, so that the cover 9 is located substantially horizontally extending forwardly outwardly from the easel 90. When it is desired to disengage the cover 9 from the easel 90, the cover 9 is pivoted downwardly about the bar element 48 through an angle of approximately 20°. The tongue elements 49 are then urged upwardly to disengage the engagement slot 59 and in turn the bar element 48, and the cover 9 is then removed from the easel 90. Otherwise, the easel 90 and the apparatus 91 and their respective uses thereof are similar to the use of the apparatus 7 and the easel 1.

While the cover and the rear protective panel have been described as being of a timber material, the cover and the rear protective panel may be of any suitable material, for example, plastics material, metal material, for example, aluminium material, sheet metal material or the like.

While the cover has been described as comprising side and end walls, while the side and end walls are desirable, they are not in all cases essential.

Additionally, while the cover has been described as being pivotally connected to the easel, while this is desirable, it is not essential. Needless to say, while the cover has been described as being coupled to the easel by specific interengageable complementary formations, any other suitable interengageable complementary formations may be provided for coupling the cover to the easel. Indeed, it will be appreciated that while the cover has been described as being releasably coupled to the easel, the cover may be non-releasably coupled to the easel. Additionally, while one of the interengageable complementary formations has been described as comprising a pair of tongue elements with partly hook-shaped distal ends, any other suitable element or elements engageable with the bar element could be provided, for example, a slightly arcuate element, a completely hook-shaped tongue element, a straight tongue element or any other suitable element. It is also envisaged that instead of providing a pair of tongue elements, more than two tongue elements could be provided, and it is also envisaged that a single elongated tongue element which would extend along the bar element, either completely along the bar element or partly along the bar element could be provided.

While the cover has been described as being provided for use with two particular types of easels, the cover may be adapted to be used with any other suitable type of easel.

While the shoulder straps have been described as being releasably secured to the easel, while it is desirable that the shoulder straps be releasably secured to the easel, this is not essential. The shoulder straps may be permanently secured to the easel, or indeed may be dispensed with altogether.

Furthermore, it is envisaged that the shoulder straps may be secured either releasably or otherwise to the cover.

It is also envisaged that instead of providing two tongue elements extending from the cover for engaging the bar element, one elongated tongue element which would extend substantially the length of the bar element could be provided for engaging the bar element.

It is also envisaged that instead of providing one single bar element, a pair of spaced apart bar elements could be provided, one bar element being provided for engaging each tongue element.