AU2017100443A4 - Acrylic Gallery Frame - Google Patents

Abstract

2017901313 A system of framing and presenting artworks on paper which will eliminate the problems associated with traditional moulding and glass presentation systems, namely, expense, weight and fragility. The system employs a single acrylic sheet (1) which has been spray painted or coloured (2) to give the illusion of a complete traditional frame. An extremely light weight but rigid foam core box (8) is adhered to the back of the painted acrylic (2) sheet to form a holder for the artwork. A sheet of acid-free core-board or similar sheeting is adhered to a tightly fitting backing board to provide a secure acid-free environment (14, 15). The laminated backing sheets provide an opportunity for an extremely strong hanging system (10, 11, 12 & 13). w (D z -q o-J

Description

Editorial Note 2017100443 24 Apr 2017 2017100443

There are only 14 pages of description. 2017901313 2017100443 24 Apr 2017 1.

TITLE OF INVENTION

FIELD

ACRYLIC GALLERY FRAME

PICTURE FRAMING

BACKGROUND

[0001] Traditional framing of artworks on paper has not changed significantly over the past century or more. Traditional framing has consisted of the artwork being hinge-mounted on to a suitable acid-free sheet and backing board; a card matt-board is cut to provide an opening to view the artwork and provide a space between the image and the glass. The work is then glazed and a picture frame moulding is cut and joined to surround the assembly. The backing, matt-board assembly and glazing are usually permanently fixed, by nails or staples, to back of the frame. The resulting frame has been expensive, fragile and heavy.

[0001a] Framing in this manner has made producing artworks on paper uncompetitive with painting directly onto stretched canvas. Artworks in oil and acrylic mediums on canvas are light, robust and in modern times galleries and consumers require no consideration of framing other than a hanging device. Artist working on paper continually face the conundrum and extra cost of displaying, transporting and hanging their works.

[0001b] Currently there are no practical alternatives to the conventional framing methods for works of art on paper that would be universally, aesthetically acceptable for most commercial and domestic applications.

[0002] Given this historical context and the failings of the available acrylic framing alternatives, outlined herein, it has become necessary to develop a framing system that is attractive, light yet still afforded the artwork full protection. 2017901313 2. 2017100443 24 Apr 2017

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0003] This Acrylic Gallery Frame differs from other acrylic framing systems on the market in a number of significant ways.

[0004] PRIOR OR BACKGROUND ART. Acrylic frames currently available, do not attempt to compete in the same market as traditional framing styles. Usually, acrylic frames are seen as occupying a different niche in the framing market. They could be described as "minimalist" framing, typically offering none of the decorative elements of traditional framing. The known acrylic framing market generally occupies the bottom of the total framing market. Occasionally some elements of traditional framing are used in the known art of the acrylic framing.

[0005] ORDINARY SKILL IN THE ART It would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that there is little prior art surrounding the "Acrylic Gallery Frame" described herein. The invented framing system sets out to compete directly with both common systems. It offers many advantages over traditional framing and many over the known art of acrylic framing.

[0006] Most acrylic frames on the market require metal devices to sandwich the artwork between acrylic sheets or acrylic sheeting and a backing board. The most common methods are; [0007] A decorative bolt (commonly referred to as a stand-off bolt) is bolted through two acrylic sheets usually placed in the corners to sandwich the artwork in place; or 3. 2017100443 24 Apr 2017 [0008] A spring clip, also known as Swiss clip or frameless clip, is anchored to a backing board with a visible metal tag wrapping around the side of the sandwich, clipping on to the front of the acrylic sheet; or [0009] A less common, complicated system, of sprung straps using similarly employing visible metal tags wrapping around the sides, as above; or [0010] Permanently setting the artwork in an acrylic block is also done, but is unacceptable from a conservation perspective. 4. 2017901313 2017100443 24 Apr 2017

BREIF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION AND DRAWINGS

[0011] The Acrylic Gallery Framing system sets out to mimic traditional framing and it is possible to convince the viewer that (at least initially) the artwork has been traditionally framed. It is strong, light and conservatively protects the artwork and images are easily interchanged.

It is to be understood that the features illustrated in and described with reference to the drawings are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the invention.

[0012] FIGURE 1 is a view of the back of the acrylic sheeting suggesting possible placement of painted elements such as a frame, matt-board and fillet.

[0013] FIGURE 2 illustrates a cut-out foam core-board frame and it's adhesion points onto the back of the painted acrylic sheet.

[0014] FIGURE 3 shows the location of the above mentioned core-board frame.

[0015] FIGURE 4 illustrates the final location and orientation of a piece of artwork.

[0016] FIGURE 5 shows the construction of a laminated backing board and the placement and installation of the hanging ribbons sandwiched between the backing boards.

[0017] FIGURE 6 illustrates the backing board's placement in the picture holder.

[0018] FIGURE 7 is a side view of the assembled frame near completion.

[0019] FIGURE 8 illustrates how the final frame could possibly appear on completion. 2017901313 5. 2017100443 24 Apr 2017

TECHNICAL PROBLEMS

[0020] The problem was to design and make a strong, very light and relatively inexpensive system of framing artworks on paper, without the problems associated with the use of glass and wooden or metal frames. These traditional framing elements contribute most to the weight and fragility of conventional framing.

[0021] Technical issues to overcome include:

Research and develop materials that resulted in the lightest possible paper framing system. The primary objective of minimising the weight of any frame would affect many other potential advantages of the said framing system.

[0022] Use materials that are readily accessible and relatively inexpensive when compared to traditional framing materials. The invention had to be able to satisfy potential customer's presentation expectations without the need to carry a large range of moulding, matt-board and glass options to satisfy those tastes.

[0023] Use materials which afford the framed artwork superior protection from physical damage. Whist this might seem obvious, the system needed to perform well from a conservation and transportation point of view.

[0024] to create the illusion of a traditional frame suitable for most modern interiors using spray painted design elements that mimic the traditional framing elements of frame, matt-board/s and filets. This was deemed important for the commercial success of the invention. 2017901313 6. 2017100443 24 Apr 2017 [0025] to overcome issues related to suitable paints that adhere exceptionally well to plastics and create the realistic illusions required.

This adhesion was of paramount importance as all other elements of the invention depended on the quality of bond between the paint and the acrylic. Acrylic is generally considered to have a high surface tension and is often difficult to permanently paint.

[0026] Traditional foam-core board hanging devices are designed to take the weight of little more than the core-board itself. They are typically an angled gang nail which penetrates and compromises the surface of the core board and with modest force can be torn away from the board. The challenge was to invent a hanging system to overcome some of the intrinsic limitations of foam core-board (namely its fragility) yet able to carry a weight well in excess of the completed gallery frame. It is essential that the assembly be able to accommodate the hanging requirements of art gallery curators and art show organisers. Universally, these organisations require the frame to have "O" or "D" rings attached.

[0027] Aim to devise a system that does not require elaborate or expensive framing equipment. If the resulting invention was to start by eliminating almost all the usual components of traditional framing then it was desirable to use materials that required very little machinery to make or assemble the frame.

[0028] In recent years the picture framing industry has become acutely aware of the importance of conservative and archival framing. Therefore, the invented faming system had to encase and protect the artworks, to acceptable archival standards. 2017901313 7. 2017100443 24 Apr 2017 [0029] as the world slowly embraces the need to protect the natural environment reduce climate change and protect the world's forests the invented framing system needs to eliminate the use of wood based products where possible. 2017100443 24 Apr 2017 8. 2017901313

SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

[0030] A decision was taken to discard all traditional framing materials that use a frame, matt-board/s and glass altogether. Find ways of mounting the artwork in extremely lightweight modern materials. Yet retain the visual design element of a traditional frame, to a greater or lesser extent, where desired.

[0031] Eliminate the glass and replace it with acrylic sheeting.

[0032] Supplies of cut to size acrylic sheeting and foam-core board are readily available in most modern cities and comparatively inexpensive.

[0033] Acrylic sheeting is extremely shatter-proof compared to glass and is unlikely to damage the artwork if it happened to be cracked. Thick foam-board is exceptionally light an able to absorb considerable force without being penetrated.

[0034] To eliminate both the frame and the matt-board (and much of the weight) present in most traditional framing of works on paper. Find ways to apply paint to the back of the acrylic sheet to give the illusion of these traditional framing elements.

[0035] Using strong Polyester ribbon embedded between two sheets of core-board spreads the stress/load throughout the backing of the system and is extremely lightweight.

[0036] As the Acrylic sheeting and core board are always offered 'cut-to-size' the only equipment required is a craft knife and a metal metre rule. An assortment of automotive spray paints and some industrial polyester ribbon for the hangers. 2017100443 24 Apr 2017 [0037] 9. 2017901313

Include the use of thin acid-free core-board or similar where framing materials come in contact with artwork.

[0038] Most quality foam core-board is coated with a clay and cellulose covering which need not be derived from forests. 2017100443 24 Apr 2017 ίο. 2017901313

THE ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

[0039] There are so many significant advantages to this system over other acrylic and traditional framing systems.

[0040] It is significantly cheaper to produce, costing less than a quarter of the cost of traditional framing.

[0041] It is significantly easier to produce requiring little or no framing equipment or stocks of expensive moulding, glass and matt-board.

[0042]It is extremely light, weighing less than a fifth of the weight of a comparable traditional frame.

[0043] It is extremely durable eliminating the obvious fragility of a traditional glazed frame.

[0044] It provides unequal protection for the artwork as it is highly protective from the front and rear and will not break if hit or dropped (within reason).

[0045] Creating the illusion of a surrounding framing and mount is as simple or complicated as desired, the variations are almost unlimited. It is constrained only by the skill (and imagination) of the framer and/or the clients requirements.

[0046] The artwork is encased in an acid-free, archival space with the acrylic providing greater UV protection than regular picture framing glass.

[0047] Due to its low weight it is cheaper and easier to freight and hang.

[0048] Due to its strength and durability it is cheaper to package and insure for transportation. 2017100443 24 Apr 2017 2017901313 11.

[0049] It's inventive hanging system allows the artwork to be hung in a traditional manner and can easily have "D or 0" rings attached for display as required by most galleries and art prizes organisers.

[0050] Due to the weight and durability advantages it is particularly suited to framing very large works on paper, limited only by the available size of acrylic sheeting which is usually around 3x2 metres.

[0051] It is constructed almost entirely from inorganic modern materials with no need for timber based products. 2017100443 24 Apr 2017 2017901313 12.

INDUSTRY APPLICABILITY AND COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL

[0042] The problems confronting those needing to frame, freight and display artworks on papers or any other fragile creations requiring the protection of a glazed frame have been discussed in section [0001].

[0043] Most artists need to package and send framed artworks regularly in order to have their work seen by an audience and potentially sold. The excessive costs of framing, packaging, freight and insurance has meant most artists are unable to survive financially on the proceeds of their work alone.

[0044] Most Art Galleries and Art prizes stipulate that works on paper must be framed behind glass or acrylic sheeting.

[0045] This invention has the potential to revolutionise the presentation and transportation of works of art on paper. It will achieve this by substantially reducing the cost of production, the amount of packaging, the weight for calculating freight and therefore insurance.

[0046] As there is no machinery or traditional framing stocks required it has the potential to be produced by most skilled individuals or produced in a mass production or custom framing situation.

[0047] It is important to note that this invention is not only applicable to works of art but to any image or any two directional objects that might be currently framed behind glass in a conventional manner. 2017100443 24 Apr 2017 2017901313

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION AND DRAWINGS

The features of the invention are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However it is to be understood that the features illustrated in and described with reference to the drawings are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the invention.

The illusion of a frame, mount and glazing are created by the application of spayed automotive acrylic, enamel lacquers or any other coloured contrivance to the back of a 3 or 4.5 millimetre acrylic sheet (1). Thicker sheeting may be used on very large work.

The artwork is measured and acrylic sheeting ordered cut to size to allow for an even border around the artwork of any desired width(2). The sheeting's protective covering is cut to expose areas to receive the sprayed paint or decoration (3). This painting can be repeated in different shades, but must be wide enough, in total, to slightly overlap the edge of the artwork (4) as would a traditional fillet and/or matt-board. If a traditional 'shadow mount' effect was desired the boarder would not overlap the artwork. Different shades and colours can be used to create the illusion of filets (5), matt-boards and frames (6).

Using a sharp craft knife and metal rule a 10 millimetre self-adhesive core board sheet is cut slightly smaller than the acrylic sheet (7). A hole, usually rectangular, but not always, is then cut out to create a holder for the artwork (8). The remainder of acrylic sheeting's protective covering is removed and the self-adhesive core-board frame is adhered evenly spaced to the back (9). For best permanent adhesion this element should be prepared in advance and adhered whilst the paint is still tacky. 2017100443 24 Apr 2017 2017901313

To create a strong hanging system an appropriate length of 15mm polyester ribbon is folded in half and fed through slits in the 10mm self-adhesive backing board and pressed onto the self adhesive surface (10). The resulting loops create strong tie-off points for a traditional framing cord (11). These hanging points are placed in three corners to allow for vertical (12) or horizontal hanging (13)

To provide an acid-free environment for the artwork the 10mm self-adhesive cut out is adhered to a sheet of 5mm acid-free foam core-board (14) of the same size, sandwiching the ribbon hangers between them (15) .

Once the artwork, placed face down (16), and backing boards are installed (17) they can be taped off for added rigidity. Finally, the frame can be turned over and the protective paper can be removed from the front of the acrylic sheeting. The result (18) is an attractive, modern, light and very strong presentation system for artworks on paper, which can give the appearance of a traditional frame, if that is desired.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made to the methods of the invention described above without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (5)

1. CLAIMS 2017901313 The claims defining the invention are as follows;

   1. A frame assembly comprising a plurality of painted lines, decorations and filigrees applied to the rear of a clear acrylic sheet, of any required dimensions, to form the illusion of the components of a traditional glazed picture frame.
2. 2. A frame assembly where a painted acrylic sheet according to claim 1, may consist of any number of colours applied in any manner to form the illusion of a filet or spacer, matt-board or boards and frame moulding or mouldings.
3. 3. A frame assembly where a self-adhesive foam core-board 'cut out' is adhered to the rear of the acrylic sheet according to claim 1, to form a recessed sub-frame.
4. 4. A frame assembly where a laminated backing board, cut to fit the recessed frame according to claim 3 has a ribbon fed through the said backing board to form "tie-off" loops on the rear of the backing board. These are provided in at least three of the four corners of the said backing to allow for vertical or horizontal orientation of the hung frame assembly.
5. 5. A frame assembly where a frame member according to the previous claims may or may not include a spacers (not illustrated in Drawings) to hold certain types of artwork away from the acrylic sheeting, for example, soft chalk pastels or to create the effect of a shadow mount/box.