BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of picture frames, and more specifically portable picture frames which allow artwork to easily be installed and removed.

2. Description of Related Art

[0002] After an artist completes a painting, drawing, or print they must create an elegant way to display their work of art. Typically, the artwork is completed on flexible piece of canvas or paper, which is then stretched around a frame and stapled or nailed to the frame. While not entirely permanent, stapling the art to the frame will make disassembly of the art from the frame difficult. With the art attached to the frame, transporting the art may be very difficult as the bulky frame must be transported with it.

[0003] After sometime, the frame may warp or the canvas may wrinkle. If the artist or owner of the art wishes to reframe the art, then they must remove all the staples. During stretching, the holes caused by the staples may grow and possibly create rips in the artwork. While the method of stapling the artwork to the frame may be cheap and sufficient, it may not be ideal for someone who is considering reframing the art in the future. To solve this problem, artwork may be attached to a splined frame, wherein the artwork is wrapped around the frame and retained by a spline on the rear-side of the frame.

[0004] However, splined frames still require special tools to stretch the canvas or other material before it is retained by the spline. Therefore, it would be difficult to quickly and properly mount the artwork on to the frame without the required tools and space. Again, transporting the art becomes a problem because the bulky frame must be transported with the art.

[0005] Based on the foregoing, there is a need in the art for a system to display art which allows a user or artist to quickly and properly remove and attach artwork to a frame. This would allow an artist or user to remove their valuable art from the frame to transport it safely. Then the artist or user could reattach their artwork when they arrive at an art show or whichever destination they wish to display their art. What might be further desired is a foldable or detachable frame which allows would allow for easy transportation.

SUMMARY

[0006] In an embodiment, a frame is provided. The frame includes a first long member and a second long member. The frame also includes a first short member coupled to each of the first long member and the second long member with a corner clip and a hinge. The frame further includes a second short member coupled to each of the first long member and the second long member with a corner clip and a hinge. The frame also includes a plurality of stretchers provided within the long members and short members. Each stretcher includes a ratcheting clip engaged with a gear disposed within a frame member to receive a portion of material of an artwork. Each gear is further engaged with a spring clip to force the gear against a wall of the frame and each gear is further formed to receive a tool to rotate the gear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows.

[0008] Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of the foldable art frame, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0009] Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the connecting components of an art frame, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] Fig. 3 is a front elevational view of the connecting components of an art frame, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the stretcher component, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0012] Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the stretcher component, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Fig. 6 is a front elevational view of the connecting components of an art frame, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Fig. 7 is a top plan view of the stretcher component, according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0015] Fig. 8 is a top plan view of the fast connect component, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Fig. 9 is a top plan view of the fast connect component, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Fig. 10 is a top plan view of the stretcher component, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0018] Fig. 11 is a top plan view of the foldable art frame, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Fig. 12 is a top plan view of various components which may be used for ratcheting functions in various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages may be understood by referring the figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements. The present invention, in various embodiments, provides a foldable frame which may be used for displaying art such as canvas or other material with a somewhat flexible or elastic character, in that the material making up the work of art may be stretched by components of the frame to properly display the work of art. Moreover, in some embodiments, the foldable frame may also be used to display works of art such as photographs which may not be flexible or elastic in the same manner as canvas, but may be suitable for display within a frame where the edges of the material of the work of art are fed into the frame and potentially ratcheted or otherwise adjusted into a suitable relationship with the frame.

[0021] In reference to Fig. 1, a preferred embodiment of the foldable art frame is shown. The art frame consists of two long frame members 1 and four shorter frame members 2. In the preferred embodiment, flexible corner hinges 3 are provided in each of the four corners of the frame. A flexible mid-portion hinge 4 is provided to connect the two smaller frame members 2 on either side of the frame. The flexible corner hinges 3 and flexible mid- portion hinges 4 are designed to keep the components of the frame together, and to provide a locking support when the frame is fully expanded, as shown in Fig. 1A. Likewise, the flexible hinges 3 and 4 provide for folding of the frame as shown in the following figures.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the hinges, frame members, and components are created from extruded aluminum. In another embodiment the hinges, frame members, and components may be plastic, wood, or another material, and may be produced using any method deemed suitable.

[0023] In reference to Fig. IB, the preferred embodiment of the foldable art frame is shown, wherein a user has provided a force to unlock the flexible corner hinges 3 and flexible mid-portion hinges 4 to collapse the frame. In reference to Fig. 1C, the foldable art frame is shown wherein the frame has been fully collapsed by a user. The collapsed frame of Fig. 1C will take up far less space and be easy to transport than the frame in the expanded state, as seen in Fig. 1A. Fig. ID and Fig. ID provide closeup views of hinge 3 and hinge 4, respectively.

[0024] One who is skilled in the art will appreciate that the hinge mid-portion hinge 4 could implemented in the long frame members 1 as well. In another embodiment, more than one mid-portion hinge 4 could be used to allow further folding of the frame.

[0025] In reference to Fig. 2, a frame connecting and locking method is shown, wherein a corner connector 15 is provided with a plurality of holes 16 to allow for attachment to the corner of a frame member via screws or other fasteners. In the embodiment, the corner connector 15 is further provided with two grooves 14. The two L-shaped large corner brackets 10 are inserted into the grooves 14, followed two L-shaped small corner brackets 12. The small corner brackets 12 are to be nested within the grooves 14 and on top of the large corner brackets 10.

[0026] In reference to Fig. 2D, an embodiment of the corner connector 15 is shown, wherein two large brackets 10 and two small brackets 12 have been inserted into the connector. In reference to Fig. 2E, an embodiment of the frame is shown, wherein two large brackets 10 and two small brackets 12 have been inserted into the grooves of two corner connectors 15 to complete a corner of the frame. Fig. 2F provides an exploded view of the components, further illustrating how the components may be combined in an embodiment.

[0027] In the preferred embodiment, after the brackets (10, 12) have been nested into a grooves 14, the locking screws 13 of the small bracket 12 will be screwed downward. The provided arrangement will cause the small bracket to move away from the large bracket until it makes contact with the top of the groove, locking the configuration in place. Two adjustment screws 11, provided in large bracket 10, may then be screwed downward to provide a further adjustment of pressure. The arrangement is provided to create and retain gapless connection between the corners of the frame. Furthermore, the arrangement provides an opposing the tension force of a stretched canvas on the frame.

[0028] In reference to Fig. 3, an embodiment of the corner connectors 15 are shown wherein corner clips (17, 18) are used to mate the corner connectors. In reference to Fig. 3 A, a female corner clip 17 and male corner clip 18 are shown, each having a latch 19 component with a plurality of teeth. The provided latch 19 is configured to mate with the groove of a corner connector. The female corner clip 17, is provided with an aperture to receive the protrusion of the male corner clip 18 to be locked in place when the required force is applied as the male clip 18 is inserted into the female clip 17, as illustrated in Fig. 3B.

[0029] In reference to Fig. 3C-3D, the corner clips (17,18) are shown inserted into one the inside groove 14 of a corner connector 15. Fig. 3D further illustrates a how two corner clips (17,18) may mate with one another after being inserted into the provided groove 14 of a corner connector 15. In another embodiment, the female clip 17 and male clip 18 may be mated and locked with one another prior to being inserted into the groove.

[0030] The corner clips (17, 18) are provided in as two clips (one male and one female) to allow them to be manufactured using a continuous extrusion to reduce the cost of manufacturing. However, it may be appreciated that a one piece, L-shaped, corner clip may be produced to reduce the number of parts, such as that shown in Fig. 3E.

[0031] In reference to Fig. 4, an embodiment of the stretcher is shown, wherein a cross-section of a frame member 20 is provided with a canvas spacer 21 to prevent the inner edge of the frame from contacting the art. In the embodiment, the frame member 20 is further provided with a stretching wall 22 which the art will be stretched around. The stretching wall 22 is further provided with a space to retain the stretching gear 23, such that the art can wrap around the stretching wall 22 and be feed between the stretching gear 23 and the wall 22. The configuration will allow a user to stretch the art by turning the stretching gear 23 using a tool to be inserted in the gear aperture 24. The stretchers may be integrated with the clips and hinges of the folding frame of Fig. 1, for example, or may be located in other parts of the folding frame to allow for stretching of a canvas, for example, in a frame when the frame is in an unfolded state. The stretchers may likewise be released to allow a canvas or other workpiece to be released from a frame when the frame is to be collapsed.

[0032] In the embodiment, shown in Fig. 4A, the gear aperture 24 is a hexagonal shape provided for use with a hex key or Allen wrench. In another embodiment, the gear aperture 24 may be a star, square, or other aperture to receive a tool, such as illustrated in Fig. 12.

[0033] In an embodiment, a ratcheting clip 25 is provided to retain the stretching gear

24 and prevent the gear from rotating backward. The ratcheting clip 25 is held in position by a spring clip 28 and frame clip 26. The spring clip 28 comprises of an elastic material, and is locked into teeth 27 provided on the frame member 20. The elasticity of the spring clip 28 provides a pressure to force the stretching gear 23 against the stretching wall 22. In an embodiment, the spring clip 28 may be replaced with a spring or a clip of a different shape which is able to provide the required tension force. The configuration prevents art, such as a canvas, from slipping out from between the gear and the wall.

[0034] In an embodiment, a locking clip 29 is provided to lock the mid-portion hinge

(4 of Fig. 1) to create a rigid support. In the preferred embodiment, the locking clip 29 may be clipped or slid onto a mid-portion hinge between two folding frame members. In another embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 4B, similar structures are used to provide similar functionality. While like structures have the same reference numbers based on the same functionality, different physical structures are used to provide a different type of interaction and to provide for a different manufacturing and assembly process.

[0035] In the preferred embodiment, the cross-section of the frame member 20 is uniform across its length. This allows for the stretching mechanism components to be installed at any point along the length of the frame member. In the embodiment, the frame may be fixed, foldable, or separable.

[0036] In reference to Fig. 5A, an embodiment of the stretcher is shown, wherein a cross-section of a frame member 30 is provided with a canvas spacer 31 to prevent the inner edge of the frame from contacting the art. In the embodiment, the frame member 30 is further provided with a stretching wall 32 which the art will be stretched around. The stretching wall 32 is further provided with a space to retain the stretching gear 33, such that the art can wrap around the stretching wall 32 and be fed between the stretching gear 33 and the wall 32. The configuration will allow a user to stretch the art by turning the stretching gear 33 using a tool to be inserted in the gear aperture 34.

[0037] In the embodiment, shown in Fig. 5, the gear aperture 34 is a hexagonal shape provided for use with a hex key or Allen wrench. In another embodiment, the gear aperture 24 may be a star, square, or other aperture to receive a tool.

[0038] In an embodiment, an elastic spring clip 35 is provided to retain the stretching gear 34 and prevent the gear from rotating backward with a ratcheting component 36. The spring clip 35 is further comprised of a spring component 37. The arrangement is provided such that the spring clip 35 with the stretching gear 33 can be compressed and fit between the stretching wall 32 and a retaining projection 38 provided on the frame member 30. The frame member is further comprised of a slide bar 39 to mate with the spring clip 35 to prevent upward movement. The configuration provides a tension between the stretching gear 33 and stretching wall 32 such that a canvas or any similar material can be feed into the stretching gear and retained in a stretched state.

[0039] In another embodiment as illustrated in Figs. 5B, 5C and 5D, a drive member

85 is used to drive a gear aperture 83 to stretch a workpiece 300 (e.g. canvas) along surface (stretching wall) 82. Spring clip 87 retains the stretching gear 83 along with clip 86, and protrusion 88 retains the spring clip 86, arresting its (clip 86) motion. Frame piece 80 is a surface of the frame, and protrusion 81 provides a curved surface along which workpiece 300 may smoothly pass.

[0040] In the preferred embodiment, the cross-section of the frame member 30 is uniform across its length. This allows for the stretching mechanism components to be installed at any point along the length of the frame member. In the embodiment, the frame may be fixed, foldable, or separable.

[0041] In reference to Fig. 6, an embodiment of a frame corner attachment method is shown. For reference, a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a frame member 20 is shown in Fig. 6A. In reference to Fig. 6B, an embodiment of a fast end connector 600 is shown having two latching components 605 to create a pressure locking mechanism. In an embodiment, each latching component will further comprise a plurality of teeth. The latching components are configured to attach and release the frame members quickly and without tools or additional components. The end connector 600 is provided to be inserted into two frame members 20 to create a connection at the corner of a frame. In an embodiment, the end connector 600 will be hidden from plain sight, as the miter cuts of the frame member will cover the clip.

[0042] In reference to Fig. 7 A, a variation of the stretching mechanism is shown, wherein a decorative portion of the frame member 40 is exposed. In the embodiment, a frame member 40 is provided with a stretching plate 42. A stretching gear 43 is provided between a ratcheting clip 45 and a tension clip 44. The arrangement is provided, such that a piece of artwork or canvas may be stretched around the stretching plate 42 and fed between the stretching gear 43 and ratcheting clip 45. The stretching gear 43 is then rotated by a user to stretch the art or canvas, and the ratchet clip 45 prevents the gear from rotating back due to the tension of the canvas. In an embodiment, the tension clip 44 may be depressed by a user to release the stretching gear 23 so the canvas may be removed.

[0043] In the embodiment of Fig. 7B, a similar structure is shown with different components providing the same functions as Fig. 7A. For example, stretching gear 43 is shown exploded away from workpiece 300 (e.g. a canvas) and surface 42 (e.g. a stretching plate). The similar functions provided by the different structures of Fig. 7B provide for a more manufacturable design in some instances than that of Fig. 7A, while preserving the functions provided. Figs. 7C and 7D further illustrate the design of Fig. 7 A, with the workpiece 300 shown in the process of being stretched across the frame in various configurations. Figs. 7E and 7F further illustrate alternate configurations with similar structures and functions, wherein the workpiece 300 may be stretched within the frame.

[0044] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 7A and 7B, the stretching gear 43 has a star shape and aperture, but the shape of the gear and aperture may be any shaped deemed suitable by one skilled in the art. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the frame may be fixed, foldable, or separable.

[0045] In reference to Fig. 8, a crossbar fast connect system is shown being utilized in variation. In reference to Fig. 8A, a crossbar fast connect 60 is shown attached to a crossbar 50. Crossbar 50 is retained in place by a serrated clip 63. The fast connect 60 is further provided with a release lever 61, which a user may depress to release the crossbar 50 from the clip 63. The fast connect 60 is further provided with a connection clip 62 to engage with a frame clip.

[0046] In reference to Fig. 8B, the fast connect is shown connected to a frame member 20 via a mate provided between the frame clip 26 and connection clip 62. The uniform cross section of the frame member 20 allows a user to place the fast connect 60 anywhere along the frame member. In the embodiment, the stretching mechanism is unable to be attached to the frame member in the same location as the fast connect, because the fast connect 60 and stretching mechanism utilize the same frame clip 26.

[0047] In reference to Fig. 8C, the fast connect is shown connected to a frame member 20. In the embodiment, the frame member 20 is arrange such that a stretching mechanism may be located in the same position as the fast connect, as shown.

[0048] In reference to Fig. 8D, a frame is shown where four crossbars 50 are connected to the frame members 20 via fast connects (not shown). In the embodiment, the crossbars 50 provide additional support for the frame. In the embodiment, the frame may be fixed, foldable, or separable. In reference to Fig. 8E, a cross section of a crossbar 50, wherein the fast connect is adapted to be inserted into the crossbar. The fast connects and crossbars may vary in shape, size, and angle to provide necessary support for the frame. [0049] In reference to Figs. 8F and 8G, a similar fast connect clip system is shown, using slightly different components to achieve the same function. Crossbar 50 is retained in place by a serrated clip 63. The fast connect 60 is further provided with a release lever 61, which a user may depress to release the crossbar 50 from the clip 63. The fast connect 60 is further provided with a connection clip 62 to engage with a frame clip.

[0050] In reference to Fig. 9, a variation of the fast connect 70 is shown. Wherein the fast connect 70 is further comprised of a connection clip 72 and release lever 71. The connection clip 72 is adapted to connect to a frame clip 76 to attach to a frame member. The fast connect variation is shown by itself in Fig. 9A, and attached to a frame member with a stretching mechanism in Fig. 9B and Fig. 9C. In reference to Fig. 9D, a frame member with a stretching mechanism is shown, wherein the fast connect variant has not been attached to the frame clip 76. In the embodiments shown in Fig. 9B- 9D, the cross sections of the frame members are uniform through the length of the frame members, therefore the fast connect variant 70 may be placed in any position along the length of the frame members as deemed necessary. In the embodiments, the frames may be fixed, foldable, or separable.

[0051] In reference to Fig. 10A, an embodiment of the stretching mechanism is shown, wherein the stretching mechanism is designed to attach to an existing or new frame member 100. In the embodiment, the stretching mechanism 105 functions in the same manner as the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, but is further provided with an attachment arm 110. In the embodiment, the attachment arm 110 has a general L-shape and is further provided with one or more through-holes 111 so screws or fasteners may be provided to attach the arm to the frame. In another embodiment, the attachment arm 110 may be adhered to the frame 100. In an embodiment, the stretching mechanism may contain an integrated groove system to receive an L-bracket 112 to create a corner connection. In the embodiment, the frame may be fixed, foldable, or separable. In an embodiment which utilizes a separable frame, a corner connection system (as shown in Fig. 2) may be attached to the frame and used to connect multiple frame members. Fig. 10B shows an alternate structure in another embodiment using similar components to achieve the same functions. Fig. 10B uses the clips of previous figures (E.g. Fig. 4) to achieve a similar structure shown in an exploded view.

[0052] In reference to Fig. 11, two embodiments of the frame are shown in a cross- section view. In the embodiment, the frame may be fixed, foldable, or separable. The frame member 200 is provided with a canvas spacer 201. The frame member 200 further comprises of a strip holder 205 to hold a staple strip 206. The staple strip 206 may be comprised of plastic, wood, or another material which can receive a staple or nail provided thought the art canvas or other material, to retain it in position. In an embodiment, the staple strip 206 may be replaced and removed. It will be appreciated that the staple stripe may be any shape, size, or material deemed suitable. In the embodiment, the frame may be fixed, foldable, or separable.

[0053] Fig. 12 provides racheting gears that may be used for adjusting a canvas in a variety of embodiments. As can be seen, a variety of different designs may be used to achieve different adjustment tolerances, smoothness of interaction with a canvas and other interactive qualities. These gears provide for alternative embodiments which may be useful in situations where different types of materials are used either in construction of the frame or in the workpiece (e.g. work of art) to be used with the frame. Item 1201 provides a smoother interface and star-shaped quality. Item 1202 provides a rougher interface with a workpiece. Item 1203 provides a spoke-like interface with a workpiece. Item 1204 provides a hexagonal shaped gear. Item 1205 provides another rougher interaction with a workpiece. Item 1206, item 1207 and item 1208 provide essentially octagonal gears which likewise engage the workpiece through various protrusions.

[0054] The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways. Systems and their components are not limited by to specific sizes, proportions, applications, configurations, materials, and methods of productions. Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein.