US20060010729A1

US20060010729A1 - Nail-free interchangeable canvas frame

Info

Publication number: US20060010729A1
Application number: US11/160,356
Authority: US
Inventors: Hsiang-Chuan Liu
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-06-24
Filing date: 2005-06-21
Publication date: 2006-01-19
Also published as: GB0512823D0; GB2415414A; TW200600366A; JP2006007777A

Abstract

A nail-free interchangeable canvas frame is provided, which is adapted to fasten a canvas for a user to work on the canvas. The nail-free interchangeable canvas frame mainly includes a plurality of brackets and a plurality of fixing parts. Each bracket has a front side and a corresponding rear side. Each bracket has a clasp structure. The brackets are connected to each other to form a frame body. The canvas is adapted to be disposed on the front side of the brackets that form the frame body. The periphery of the canvas is adapted to be flipped and folded to the clasp structure of the bracket. The fixing part can fasten the periphery of the canvas to the clasp structures.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority benefit of Taiwan application serial no. 93118243, filed on Jun. 24, 2004. All disclosure of the Taiwan application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a nail-free interchangeable canvas frame. More particularly, the present invention relates to a nail-free interchangeable canvas frame used during a painting process.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, when a painter is working on a canvas, the canvas needs to be spread out and fixed on a frame. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a canvas fixed on a conventional frame. Please refer to FIG. 1. The conventional canvas frame 100 comprises four wooden brackets 110. Each bracket 110 is fixed by an iron plate, such that the frame 100 cannot be dissembled after installed. When the canvas 50 is to be fixed on the frame 100, instruments such as canvas nippers (not shown) are used to spread the canvas 50 evenly on the frame 100. Thereafter, nails 60 are used to nail down the edge of the canvas 50 in the rear of the frame 100.
However, in case the size of the painting is large, a longer wooden bracket is required. The longer the wooden brackets, the higher the prices, and the more expensive the canvas frame. Since the brackets are fixed by nails and glues, they cannot be dismantled and reassembled to other brackets with different sizes. Also, as the canvas is fixed to the frame by nails which cannot be easily pried out, the frame and canvas can be damaged by the nails, and the canvas cannot be removed after the painting is completed. To remove the canvas from the frame forcibly would very likely damage the frame and the canvas. For an artwork of the painter's dedication and deliberation, the risk of damaging the painting must be avoided.
Besides, since a frame can only be used once, a new painting would not only require a new canvas, but a new frame as well. In addition, as the canvas is fixed on the frame, the canvas and the frame must be stored in one piece, which leads to a waste in storage space. Also, when fixing the canvas on the frame, appropriate strength and skills are required, and ordinary painters would have to entrust professionals to perform the task.
It is noted that when a painter draws on the canvas, each stroke of the paintbrush should work closely with the flexibility of the canvas, such that the strength and aesthetic of the stroke can be demonstrated. However, after the canvas is fixed on the frame for some period, the variations due to hot expansion, cold shrinkage or absorption of moisture would alter the texture of the canvas. As a result, in many cases, before an artwork is finished, the canvas has lost its flexibility and the painter could not wield the paintbrush at will. In such cases, the canvas and frame ensemble must be sent to the art supplier for re-stretching. This process not only consumes time and cost, but increases the risk of damaging the artwork.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, at least one objective of the present invention is to provide a nail-free interchangeable canvas frame, for painters to fix the canvas on the frame by themselves and dissemble the canvas from the frame after finishing an artwork and to repeatedly use the frame.
To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a nail-free interchangeable canvas frame, suitable for fixing a canvas for users to work on the canvas. The nail-free interchangeable canvas frame in the present invention mainly comprises a plurality of brackets and a plurality of fixing parts. Each bracket comprises a front side and a corresponding rear side. Each bracket comprises a clasp structure. These brackets are connected to form a frame body. The canvas is disposed in the front side of the brackets that form the frame body. The periphery of the canvas is flipped and folded in the clasp structure. The fixing parts can fasten the periphery of the canvas to the clasp structure.
In an embodiment, the nail-free interchangeable canvas frame further comprises a plurality of corner connection parts, and any two of the brackets can be connected by one corner connection part. Each of the two ends of a bracket comprises a slot, for example, and each of the two ends of the corner connection parts is inserted into one slot. The corner connection parts are L-shaped metal plates, for example.
In addition, the nail-free interchangeable canvas frame further comprises a plurality of adjustable parts, and each bracket comprises at least one positioning structure. The two ends of each adjustable part is adapted to balance against the positioning structures respectively on two brackets, and stretch the canvas fastened on the frame by changing the length of the adjustable part.
Each adjustable part comprises a bolt and a nut, for example. The bolt has the thread of a screw. The nut is screwed to one end of the bolt. When the bolt screws in relation to the nut, the distance of two ends of the adjustable part is adjusted. The positioning structure can be a plurality of screws fastened on the bracket, or a plurality of positioning grooves, for example. The positioning structures are located in the inner edge of the frame body, for example.
In addition, one end of the adjustable part can be pivoted on the bracket, and another end thereof is adapted to balance against the positioning structure in another bracket in relation to the adjustable part, and stretch the canvas fastened on the frame body by the distance variation of two ends of the adjustable parts.
Also, the two ends of each bracket are symmetric in a 45 degree angle, for example. These clasp structures are a plurality of clasp grooves, for example, and the fixing parts are adapted to fasten the periphery of the canvas in the clasp grooves. The nail-free interchangeable canvas frame further comprises a plurality of connection rods, for example, by which the fixing parts are attached to the brackets. The fixing parts apply the connection rods to firmly fasten the periphery of the canvas to the clasp structure. The fixing parts can be clasp-type fixing parts, or clip-type fixing parts.
According, the nail-free interchangeable canvas frame of the present invention has many advantages. For example, the frame is simple to use, the frame can be dismantled, reassembled and repeatedly used, the storage space for the frame is saved and the flexibility of the canvas can be adjusted anytime.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary, and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a canvas fixed on a conventional canvas frame.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a structure of a nail-free interchangeable canvas frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a combination of a bracket, fixing part and a canvas.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a corner connection part.
FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of an adjustable part.
FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram of another adjustable part.
FIG. 6 is a partial view of another bracket.
FIG. 7 is a partial diagram of a nail-free interchangeable canvas frame according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a combination of another connection rod, fixing part and a bracket.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a nail-free interchangeable canvas frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to FIG. 2. The nail-free interchangeable canvas frame 200 is adapted for fixing a canvas (not shown) for users to work on a canvas. The nail-free interchangeable canvas frame 200 mainly comprises a plurality of brackets 210, a plurality of corner connection parts 230, and a plurality of fixing parts 250. In addition, the nail-free interchangeable canvas frame 200 further comprises a plurality of adjustable parts 270, for example.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a combination of a bracket, a fixing part and a canvas. Please refer to FIGS. 2 and 3. Each bracket 210 is made of aluminum, for example, having the advantage of light weight and rigidity. Each of the two ends of the bracket 210 is in 45 degrees angle and is symmetric to each other, for example, such that the four brackets 210 can be connected and form a square frame body. Each bracket 210 has a front face S1 and a corresponding rear side S2. Each bracket 210 has a clasp structure 212, which is located on the rear side S2 of the bracket 210. Alternatively, the clasp structure 21 2 can be located on the side of the bracket 210 covered by the canvas 50. The clasp structure 212 is a clasp groove, for example, and the fixing part 250 is adapted to fasten the periphery of the canvas 50 in the clasp structure 212. The fixing part 250 can take the form of a clasp or a clip, for example.
Since the clasp structure 212 may comprise an acute angle structure 214 at the edge of the bracket 210, when the canvas 50 winds around the acute angle structure 214 and is fastened by the fixing part 250, the acute angle structure 214 can provide sufficient strength to the canvas 50 to prevent the canvas 50 from loosening. Also, on the joint surface of the clasp structure 212 and the fixing part 250 are a plurality of slight protruding parts 21 6, for example, to enhance the grip of the canvas 50 and the bracket 210. Further, on the joint surface of the front end of the fixing part 250 and the bracket 210 are a plurality of toothed structures 252, for example. Therefore, when the fixing part 250 fastens the canvas 50 inside the clasp structure 202, the force can be adjusted to determine the tightness between the fixing part 250 and the bracket 210.
Note that in the nail-free interchangeable canvas frame 200 of the present invention, the canvas 50 is fastened between the fixing part 250 and the clasp structure 212, so the canvas 50 is not damaged. Therefore, the integrity of the canvas 50 can be maintained, and the bracket 210 would not be damaged.
Please refer to FIG. 3. The edge of the front side S1 of the bracket 210 is a protrusion part 218, for example, so after the canvas 50 is fastened on the bracket 210, the front side S1 of the bracket 210 only touches the protrusion part 218. Accordingly, even the edge of the canvas 50 can be kept suspended in air and not attached to the bracket 210 to affect the feel of each stroke.
FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of a corner connection part. Please refer to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. Each of the two ends of the corner connection part 230 respectively connects with two brackets 210 such that these brackets 210 connect and form a frame body 205. Each of the two ends of the bracket 210 comprises a slot 220, as shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively, the slots 220 of two ends of the bracket 210 can be of an interflow design, such that the weight of the bracket 210 can be reduced. The two ends of the corner connection part 230 are inserted into two slots of two brackets 210. The corner connection part 230 is an L-shaped metal plate, for example, as shown in FIG. 4. When each bracket 210 is assembled, the corner connection part 230 is completely hidden inside two slots 220, for example.
FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of an adjustable part. FIG. 6 is a partial diagram of another bracket. Please refer to FIGS. 2 and 5A. Each bracket 210 comprises at least one positioning structure 222, or two in the present embodiment. The positioning structure 222 comprises a plurality of screws 224 fastened on the bracket 210, for example, as shown in FIG. 2. Alternatively, the positioning structure 222 can be positioning grooves 226 on the bracket 210. As shown in FIG. 6, the location of the positioning structure 222 is in the inner edge of the frame body 205, for example. The two ends of each adjustable part 270 balance against two positioning structures 222 near the juncture of two adjacent brackets 210. When the length of the adjustable part 270 varies, the positioning structure 222 transmits the strength to each bracket 210 such that each bracket 210 expands outside and stretches the canvas 50 fastened on the frame body 205. Therefore, when the user fixes another canvas 50 on the nail-free interchangeable canvas frame 200, the tension of the canvas 50 can be kept proper by adjusting the length of the adjustable part 270. Further, when the canvas 50 loses tension due to hot expansion, cold shrinkage or absorption of moisture, the adjustable part 270 can be adjusted anytime for the canvas 50 to have proper tension.
Please refer to FIG. 5A. Each adjustable part 270 may comprise a bolt 272 and two nuts 274. On the two sides of the bolt 272 are the thread of a spiral, and the middle part is designed as a hexagonal pillar for users to screw the bolt with instruments such as a wench. The two nuts 274 are screwed at two ends of the bolt 272. Since the bolt 272 and the nuts 274 are assembled through the spiral threads, the direction of the spiral thread can be designed in a way that as the bolt 272 screws in relation to the nut 274, the distance between two nuts 274 can be adjusted.
FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram showing another adjustable part. Please refer to FIGS. 2 and 5B. One end of the adjustable part 270 can be pivoted on the bracket 210, and another end thereof is adapted to balance against the positioning structure 222 on another bracket 210 to achieve the same purpose of stretching the canvas 50 fastened on the frame body 205. In addition, as one end of the adjustable part 270 is pivoted on the bracket 210, the adjustable part 270 and the bracket 210 need not be stored separately, which makes it more portable, and more unlikely to lose the small adjustable part 270.
Also, if each bracket 210 only comprises one positioning structure 222, the positioning structure 222 can be located in the center of the bracket 210, and the two ends of two adjustable parts 270 share one positioning structure 222.
FIG. 7 is a partial diagram of a nail-free interchangeable canvas frame according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a combination of another connection rod, canvas faxing part, and bracket. Please refer to FIG. 7. The nail-free interchangeable canvas frame 300 of the present embodiment is different from the previous embodiment in the addition of connection rods 260, and in that the fixing part 250 is connected to the bracket 210 through a connection rod 260. Therefore, when carrying the bracket 210, the fixing part 250 needs not be carried, such that the nail-free interchangeable canvas frame 300 is more portable. In addition, since the size of the connection rod 260 are properly calculated, as the fixing part 250 connected to the connection rod 260 is pressed and fastened to the clasp structure 212, the connection rod 260 would push the fixing part 250 such that the fixing part 250 firmly balance against the clasp structure 212 to avoid the canvas 50 between the fixing part 250 and bracket 210 from loosening.
Please refer to FIG. 8. The assembly method of the connection rod 260, the fixing part 250 and the bracket 210 is not limited to the method shown is FIG. 7, but can be the method shown in FIG. 8. Naturally, the assembly method of the connection rod 260, the fixing part 250 and the bracket 210 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are only exemplary and does not limit the scope of the present invention.
Note that the nail-free interchangeable canvas frame in the present invention is a frame to directly fix the canvas thereon, or the co-called “inner frame” known to those skilled in the art, but not a frame to embellish and protect the painting during display, or the so-called “outer frame.”
In summary, in the nail-free interchangeable canvas frame of the present invention, since each bracket is connected by a corner connection part, and then the canvas is fastened on the bracket by the fixing part, the design is simple to use, and the dismantling of the frame is easy, so the canvas frame can be used repeatedly, and the assembly of the frame and the canvas can be determined by the user. At the same time, since the canvas can be easily taken out from the frame, the storage space would only be a space for the canvas, and additional space for the frame is not required. If the canvas frame is made of materials such as aluminum, the high cost of the wooden frame can be reduced, and the aluminum frame is not only environmentally friendly but has better rigidity. Also, with the combination of brackets of different sizes, a canvas frame of different sizes can be assembled. In addition, with the design of adjustable parts, the user can adjust the canvas flexibility according to his or her preference. Compared with the conventional canvas frame connected by wooden brackets, the nail-free interchangeable canvas frame of the present invention is more economical and convenient.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the structure of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. In view of the foregoing, it is intended that the present invention cover modifications and variations of this invention provided they fall within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A nail-free interchangeable canvas frame, adapted to fasten a canvas for a user to work on the canvas, the nail-free interchangeable canvas frame comprising:

a plurality of brackets, the brackets connected to each other to form a frame body, each bracket comprising a front side and a corresponding rear side, and each bracket comprising a clasp structure; and

a plurality of fixing parts, wherein the canvas is adapted to be disposed on the front side of the brackets that form the frame body, the periphery of the canvas is adapted to be flipped and folded to the clasp structures of the brackets, and the fixing parts are adapted to fasten the periphery of the canvas to the clasp structures.

2. The nail-free interchangeable canvas frame as recited in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of corner connection parts, and any two of the brackets are connected by one of the corner connection parts.

3. The nail-free interchangeable canvas frame as recited in claim 2, wherein each of the two ends of the bracket comprises a slot, and the two ends of the corner connection part are inserted to the slots.

4. The nail-free interchangeable canvas frame as recited in claim 3, wherein the corner connection parts comprise L-shaped metal plates.

5. The nail-free interchangeable canvas frame as recited in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of adjustable parts, wherein each bracket comprises at least one positioning structure, and two ends of each adjustable part are adapted to balance against the positioning structures on two brackets to stretch the canvas fastened on the frame body by adjusting the length of the adjustable part.

6. The nail-free interchangeable canvas frame as recited in claim 5, wherein each adjustable part comprises:

a bolt, the bolt comprising thread of a screw; and

a nut, screwed to one end of the bolt, wherein when the bolt screws in relation to the nut, the distance of two ends of the adjustable part is changed.

7. The nail-free interchangeable canvas frame as recited in claim 5, wherein the positioning structures comprise a plurality of screws fastened on the brackets.

8. The nail-free interchangeable canvas frame as recited in claim 5, wherein the positioning structures comprise a plurality of positioning grooves.

9. The nail-free interchangeable canvas frame as recited in claim 5, wherein the positioning structures are located in the inner edge of the frame body.

10. The nail-free interchangeable canvas frame as recited in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of adjustable parts, wherein each bracket comprises at least one positioning structure, one end of the adjustable part is pivoted on the bracket and the other end thereof is adapted to balance against the positioning structure on another bracket, to stretch the canvas fastened to the frame body by adjusting the distance of two ends of the adjustable part.

11. The nail-free interchangeable canvas frame as recited by claim 1, wherein two ends of each bracket are symmetric in about 45 degree angle.

12. The nail-free interchangeable canvas frame as recited by claim 1, wherein the clasp structure comprises a plurality of clasp grooves, and the fixing parts are adapted to fasten the periphery of the canvas inside the clasp grooves.

13. The nail-free interchangeable canvas frame as recited by claim 1, further comprising a plurality of connection rods, the fixing parts being connected to the brackets by the connection rods.

14. The nail-free interchangeable canvas frame as recited by claim 13, wherein the fixing parts firmly fasten the periphery of the canvas to the clasp structures by the force of the connection rods.

15. The nail-free interchangeable canvas frame as recited by claim 1, wherein a material of the brackets comprises aluminum.

16. The nail-free interchangeable canvas frame as recited by claim 1, wherein the fixing parts comprise one of clasp-type fixing parts and clip-type fixing parts.