GB2420742A

GB2420742A - Artist's scaling device

Info

Publication number: GB2420742A
Application number: GB0426611A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Horace Coombs; Mark Coombs
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-12-03
Filing date: 2004-12-03
Publication date: 2006-06-07
Also published as: GB0426611D0; WO2006059137A1

Abstract

Portable frame 20 has a removable acetate screen 10, with grid markings 15, mounted in it. The frame has a handle 30 allowing the user to hold up the screen 10, view a subject through the screen, and draw the subject on the screen. The handle may have two pivotally linked arms 35,38 connected to peg 39 which slides in slot 40 in the frame. Screen 10 may be removed and used with an overhead projector, copier or scanner. The frame may be mounted on one side, using a clamp, (figures 6,7) or on two sides (figure 8) of the screen. Instead of grid markings 15, arrows or pointers (515, figure 9) may be provided on the frame. The screen may comprise a flexible transparency supported by a rigid pane, and may be coloured, translucent, transparent or slightly opaque. The screen may be wiped clean after use.

Description

1 2420742 Scaling Device The present invention relates to a device for

artists to scale compositions.

It is known for artists to set up an easel in an area of countryside or in front of an object they wish to draw or paint. The artist then sketches, draws or paints what is in front of them directly onto the paper, canvas, board or other medium. However, even experienced and accomplished artists suffer difficulties in deciding on the composition of their picture and, once that is decided, in setting the composition down at the correct scale.

The present invention is intended to mitigate these difficulties.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable scaling device comprising a see-through screen, whereby an image can be drawn on the screen by a user. Preferably, markings are provided in relation to the screen.

In one embodiment, the markings are fixed on the screen. They preferably comprise a regular pattern or a grid, which may be formed of dots, lines, crosses or the like.

Preferably, the screen is formed of glass, Perspex or a like material, or is a transparency suitable for use with any one or more of a printer, a photocopier, a scanner, an overhead projector or a like device.

Preferably, one drawn on, the image can be erased from the screen.

The device may comprise a body for holding the screen. Preferably, the screen is removable from the body. It is preferred that the body comprises a frame surrounding all or part of the screen. It is also preferred that one edge of the frame comprises a slot, by which the screen can be removed or inserted in the frame.

The body may comprise a substantially rigid, see-through, planar member for supporting the screen.

Preferably, the regular pattern is disposed on or provided behind the screen.

Advantageously, the portable scaling device may further comprise a handle, a clamp or other attachment means. The handle, clamp or other attachment means may be movably mounted. A slot may be provided along or adjacent one edge of the screen, by which the position of the handle, clamp or other attachment means can be adjusted. The angle of the screen with respect to the handle, clamp other attachment means is also preferably adjustable.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a body for mounting a screen, thereby forming a portable scaling device as described above.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a screen adapted to be mounted to a frame, thereby forming a portable scaling device as described above.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a body for mounting a screen with markings, whereby a user is able to hold the body and draw on the screen an image of a subject viewed through the screen with respect to the markings.

Preferably, the screen is removable from the body, which preferably comprises a frame surrounding at least part of an edge of the screen. It is preferred that an edge of the frame comprises a slot, by which the screen can be removed or inserted in the frame.

The body may comprise a substantially rigid, see-through, planar member for supporting the screen. The body may also comprise the markings, the markings being arranged so that they are behind the screen when mounted.

It is preferred that the body comprises a handle, a clamp or other attachment means.

It is also preferred that the body further comprises a slot along or adjacent one edge of the screen, by which the position of the handle, clamp or other attachment means can be adjusted and that the angle of the screen with respect to the handle, clamp other attachment means is adjustable.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a screen adapted to be mounted in a body as described above.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention, there is provided method of scaling a drawing, comprising mounting a see-through screen to a frame, viewing a subject through the screen, and drawing the subject on the screen.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. I is a plan view of a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a further plan view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1; Figs. 3to 6 and 8 are views of afurther embodiments of the present invention; and Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A' of the embodiment shown in Fig. 6.

As shown in Fig. 1, the scaling device I of one embodiment of the present invention comprises a frame 20 surrounding a transparent screen 10 with a grid 15 provided on the screen 10. The device further comprises a twopiece holding means 30, which in turn comprises two pivotally linked arms 35 and 38. One of the arms 38 is mounted by a peg 39, which slides in a slot 40 provided below a longitudinal edge of the screen. The arm 38 can therefore be pivoted within and run along the length of the slot. Ideally, the arm 38 can be pivoted around the corner of the frame 20 at either or both ends of the slot 40.

Moreover, the arm 38 can be fixed in position relative to the frame 20 by any suitable means, such as a wing nut (not shown) screwed tightly on a thread provided on the peg.

Similarly, the second arm 35, which is preferably provided with finger grips, can be fixed in a desired position relative to the first arm 38. A friction-fit, ratchet with elastic teeth or any other suitable mounting may be used to obtain the desired effect. In this way, the scaling device can be hand-held by a user at any required angle, including landscape and portrait positions.

As shown in Fig. 2, the screen 10 with pattern 15 is removable from the frame by means of a sliding fit in a slot 50 provided in the top of the frame. The screen 10 is a flexible transparency 10, such as an acetate, suitable for use with a photocopier, scanner, overhead projector or the like. The screen 20 is supported by a substantially rigid and transparent plate 25 permanently mounted in the frame 20 behind where the screen 20 can be slid into slot 50.

To use the scaling device 1, the user holds up the device 1 by the handle 30 and looks through it until the subject he wishes to draw is properly framed. By closing one eye, the user is able to eliminate the problem of double vision. The user then draws in a reference point, such as the horizon line or the outline of the chosen subject, on the screen with reference to a selected part of the grid 15. The user then continues to draw the subject, constantly referring back to the reference point, to ensure that the horizon or initial outline is at the same point on the grid. In this way, the subject is effectively able to trace the subject onto the screen and gradually build up a detailed drawing with confidence that it is accurately scaled.

In alternative embodiments, the second arm 35 also or alternatively comprises, or is formed by, a clamp. Thus, if the user wishes to draw something in more detail over a longer period, they are able to attach the scaling device I to an easel, a camera tripod or any other suitable stationary object.

Alternatively, the user can use the scaling device like a normal sketchpad, by looking at the subject normally (that is, not through the screen) and then down at the drawing on the screen 10. If the user wishes to check the accuracy of the sketch, he simply needs to hold up the screen 10 and look through it at the subject. If the drawing is correctly superimposed on the actual scene, then the drawing is accurate. It is immediately apparent if changes need to be made.

Similarly, the scaling device I can be placed over an existing image, such as a print or a photograph. The image can then be traced onto the screen. The image is automatically scaled to the grid provided on the screen.

Once the artist is happy with the drawing on the screen 10, the drawing can be transferred to an alternative working surface in any one of a number of ways. For example, the drawing can be transferred onto a larger canvas provided with a scaled-up grid. Specifically, the artist can copy the picture square by square onto corresponding squares of the larger canvas until the sketch is completely transferred. If desired, the transferred sketch can be made in pencil and subsequently painted over.

To ensure the accuracy of the transferred image, the user need only align the original image on the screen 10 with the transferred image on the canvas. Any discrepancies between the two images will immediately be clear and the required corrections will be obvious.

Alternatively, the screen 10 can be removed from the scaling device 1 and placed on an overhead projector. The image can then be projected directly onto the canvas at the required scale and the artist can either trace over the projected image or use it as guide to fill in blocks of colour to build up the transferred image.

A further option is to use a photocopier or scanner to transfer the image onto paper or another suitable recording medium. As before, the image can be copied at a ratio of 1:1, enlarged or scaled down. If desired, the printed image can then be coloured using any suitable medium. Alternatively, the image can be coloured or shaded on the screen and the colouring/shading copied by the copier/scanner. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the screen is not itself fixed with the grid, or at least not permanently.

Consequently, the scaling device of the present invention alleviates the difficulties even the most accomplished artists have of correctly composing and scaling their pictures.

The use of the frame allows artists to compose their paintings even before beginning preliminary sketches and the transparent screen and the grid system both allow artists to ensure the accuracy of detail and scale of their compositions.

Of course, the foregoing embodiment of the present invention is an exemplary embodiment only and many changes are possible while still remaining within the scope of the invention. A non-exhaustive discussion of possible modifications now follows.

The holding means 30 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 need not be used. As noted above, a clamp could be used as well as or instead of the handle formed by the arm 35. The holding means 30 could be attached to the frame 20 by any suitable means, with or without the use of the slot 40. One particularly suitable means would be a ball and socket joint to attach the holding means 30 at one corner of the frame 20, to allow a user to manipulate the device in three dimensions relative to the holding means. A two-piece holding means 30 is not required. Moreover, the holding means need not be movable relative to the remaining portions of the device.

In a further embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the screen is itself formed of a transparent, substantially rigid plate 110, with a grid 115 provided on it. A holding means 130, such as a handle or clamp is attached to the plate by any suitable means and at any suitable location. Preferably, the holding means 130 is detachable. This allows the plate 110 to be laid flat on a photocopier, scanner or projector. In the specific embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the holding means comprises a handle 130 screwed on to a shaft 135 provided on a ball 136. The ball 136 is tightly mounted in the substantially rigid 110, whereby the angle of the handle 130 to the plate 110 can be adjusted. The grid 115 can be provided on the plate 110 by any suitable method, including etching, moulding or other marking on either or both sides, although it is preferred that the plate is marked only on the underside.

Preferably, the plate 110 is formed of toughened glass, Perspexr any suitable plastic material. Preferably, the plate 110 can be wiped clean, using any suitable fluid.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, grid is not provided on the screen itself. Instead, the grid 115 is provided on the pane 125 mounted in the frame 20 to support the removable screen 210. This allows the use of a clear screen 210 without grid markings.

This is particularly suitable where the user intends to place the screen 210 on a copier, photocopier or the like. In this manner, the image can be reproduced on paper at any desired scale without grid markings.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the frame 220 is provided without a back pane.

Instead, the grid is formed of struts 215 integral with the frame 220, leaving gaps 216 between the struts 215. A rigid pane 310 without markings can then be slid into slot 250 with the struts 215 behind it, allowing the user to draw on the screen 210 without hindrance, If it is desired to use an unmarked flexible screen, such as the screen 210 shown in Fig. 4, then an unmarked back pane such as the back pane 25 shown in Fig. 1 can be mounted to the frame 220 shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 6 shows a further embodiment, in which a frame 320, with a handle 30, is mounted to one side of a rigid screen 310 with a grid 315 provided on it. As shown in Fig. 7, the frame 320 comprises two elastic jaws 321 between which the screen 310 is slid.

The elastic force of the jaws is sufficient to hold the screen 310 in place.

Fig. 8 shows a similar arrangement to that shown in Fig. 6, except the frame 420 with handle 30 is mounted on two sides of the screen 310.

Of course, in Figs. 6 to 8 a rigid pane may be mounted (either removably or not) in the frame 320, 420 and a flexible transparency may be slid between the jaws 321 and supported on the pane. The grid maybe provided on the pane or the transparency.

Finally, Fig. 9 shows another embodiment in which a grid is not provided on the screen 210, the back pane 25, or frame 510. Instead, a series of arrows or pointers 515 is provided on the inside edges of the frame 510, demarcating different regions of the screen 210. Similar pointers 515 could also be provided on the screen 210 or the back pane 25.

A further function of the pointers 515 may be to align a screen 10 provided with a grid 15 in the frame 510. Preferably, however, the screen fits sufficiently tightly in the frame that play is reduced to the extent that such pointers are unnecessary.

Further alternatives will immediately present themselves to those skilled in the art. In particular, any suitable material can be used for any component of the present invention.

Preferably, the frame 20 and holding means 30 are manufactured of plastics using injection moulding or other suitable techniques. The slots 40, 50 in the frame 20 of Fig. I can be of any suitable length and can be provided on any edge of the frame.

Although where the invention comprises both a screen and a back pane, it has hitherto been described that the screen is inserted in a slot, it will be apparent that any suitable means for supporting the screen over the back pane can be used. For example, the screen may be clipped, tacked or adhered on or over the back pane.

Although entirely transparent flexible screens are preferred, coloured, translucent or slightly opaque screens are also acceptable. In particular, coloured screens are advantageous when the sun or other bright light is behind the user's subject and so shines in the user's eyes. Similarly, although acetate screens are preferred, any suitable material, whether flexible or rigid, may be used. Preferably, but not essentially, the screen or pane that is drawn is wipe-clean. This will be a function of the materials used both for the screen/pane and for the ink.

Any suitable implement may be used to draw on the screen 10. Suitable implements include quick drying ink pens, which may have nibs of different thickness. Suitable solvents may be used to remove the ink from the screens. Thus, mistakes can be rectified during sketching and the screen is reusable. Since in preferred embodiments the screen can be removed from the frame 20, different screens can be used with the same frame.

Thus, a user may make one sketch on a first screen, another sketch on a second screen and so on. The sketches can then be transferred to another medium at a later time, as the user desires. In one embodiment, the user could draw directly on a wipe-clean back pane, similar to pane 125 in Fig. 4. In that case, the separate screen 210 and the slot 50 need not be provided.

Although the preferred markings of the device are a line grid, other markings are also acceptable. In particular, a grid of crosses and/or dots of the same or differing sizes could be used. Where lines are included in the grid, they may be of the same or differing thickness. Other patterns can also be used. Moreover, the scaling need not necessarily be linear. Thus, different effects can be achieved when the image is transferred from the screen to another medium having a differently scaled pattern.

The foregoing description has been given by way of example only and it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A portable scaling device comprising a see-through screen,

whereby an image can be drawn on the screen by a user.
2. A portable scaling device according to claim 1, further comprising markings in relation to the screen.
3. A portable scaling device according to claim 2, wherein the markings are fixed on the screen.
4. A portable scaling device according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the markings comprise a regular pattern or a grid.
5. A portable scaling device according to claim 4, wherein the regular pattern or grid is formed of dots, lines, crosses or the like.
6. A portable scaling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fr\.

screen is formed of glass, Perspex or a like material.
7. A portable scaling device according to any one claims I to 5, wherein the screen is a transparency suitable for use with any one or more of a printer, a photocopier, a scanner, an overhead projector or a like device.
8. A portable scaling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the image can be erased from the screen.
9. A portable scaling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a body for holding the screen.
10. A portable scaling device according to claim 9, wherein the screen is removable from the body.
11. A portable scaling device according to claim 9, wherein the body comprises a frame surrounding all or part of the screen.
12. A portable scaling device according to claim 11, wherein one edge of the frame comprises a slot, by which the screen can be removed or inserted in the frame.
13. A portable scaling device according to any one claims 9 to 12, wherein the body comprises a substantially rigid, see-through, planar member for supporting the screen.
14. A portable scaling device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the regular pattem is disposed on or provided behind the screen.
15. A portable scaling device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a handle, a clamp or other attachment means.
16. A portable scaling device according to claim 15, wherein the handle, clamp or other attachment means is movably mounted.
17. A portable scaling device according to claim 16, further comprising a slot provided along or adjacent one edge of the screen, by which the position of the handle, clamp or other attachment means can be adjusted
18. A portable scaling device according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the angle of the screen with respect to the handle, clamp other attachment means is

adjustable.
19. A body for mounting a screen, thereby forming a portable scaling device according to any one of the preceding claims.
20. A screen adapted to be mounted to a frame, thereby forming a portable scaling device according to any one of claims ito 18.
21. A body for mounting a screen with markings, whereby a user is able to hold the body and draw on the screen an image of a subject viewed through the screen with respect to the markings.
22. A body according to claim 21, wherein the screen is removable from the body.
23. A body according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the body comprises a frame surrounding at least part of an edge of the screen.
24. A body according to claim 23, wherein an edge of the frame comprises a slot, by which the screen can be removed or inserted in the frame.
25. A body according to any one claims 21 to 24, wherein the body comprises a substantially rigid, see-through, planar member for supporting the screen.
26. A body according to any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the body comprises the markings, the markings being arranged so that they are behind the screen when mounted.
27. A body according to any one of claims 21 to 26, further comprising a handle, a clamp or other attachment means.
28. A body according to claim 27, further comprising a slot along or adjacent one edge of the screen, by which the position of the handle, clamp or other attachment means can be adjusted.
29. A body according to claim 27 or claim 28, wherein the angle of the screen with respect to the handle, clamp other attachment means is adjustable.
30. A screen adapted to be mounted in a body according to any one claims 21 to 29.
31. A method of scaling a drawing, comprising mounting a see-through screen to a frame, viewing a subject through the screen, and drawing the subject on the screen.