WO2016198819A1

WO2016198819A1 - Canvas system

Info

Publication number: WO2016198819A1
Application number: PCT/GB2016/000110
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Ramos-Gonzales
Original assignee: Innova Art Limited
Priority date: 2015-06-09
Filing date: 2016-06-01
Publication date: 2016-12-15
Also published as: GB201510016D0; GB2539220B; GB2539220A

Abstract

A kit of parts providing a canvas stretching system is disclosed. The kit comprises a semi-finished canvas assembly (3) comprising a canvas (5) for carrying an artwork, the canvas having a central portion having four edges and four peripheral tab portions (15, 17, 19, 21) extending beyond said edges from the central portion, and first and second stretcher bars (7) which are provided adhered or fastened to respective first and second tab portions on substantially opposite sides of the central portion. The stretcher bars are unattached to one another such that the canvas assembly can be folded or rolled. The kit further comprises third and fourth stretcher bars, provided unattached to the canvas assembly, arranged in use to be adhered or fastened to third and fourth tab portions on opposite sides of the central portion when the canvas assembly is unfolded or unrolled at the point of use or assembly.

Description

I

Canvas System

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a canvas system, particularly a canvas stretching system for convenient storage and transportation for assembly by an end-user.

Background of the Invention

Canvas art is a very popular way for displaying artwork. The artwork is printed onto a stretchable canvas or canvas-type medium, which is stretched over, and fixed to, an underlying frame assembly made up of stretchers; the stretchers hold the canvas under tension to give a professional finish. The stretchers are usually hidden behind the artwork.

Mounting the canvas to the stretchers is typically a skilled task, and hence the end product is usually sold and transported, e.g. posted, in assembled form for the user to hang. This makes the packaging bulky, wastes space (as usually a large proportion of the packaging is air) and can add to postage costs.

Although some transportable stretching systems have been proposed, these typically require a certain level of skill at the user-end, typically involving the use of alignment tools (which are rendered useless once used, and hence add to the packaging burden) and a cutter.

Summary of the Invention

A first aspect of the invention provides a kit of parts providing a canvas stretching system, the kit comprising:

- a semi-finished canvas assembly comprising a canvas for carrying an artwork, the canvas having a central portion having four edges and four peripheral tab portions extending beyond said edges from the central portion, and first and second stretcher bars which are provided adhered or fastened to respective first and second tab portions on substantially opposite sides of the central portion, the stretcher bars being unattached to one another such that the canvas assembly can be folded or rolled; and

- third and fourth stretcher bars, provided unattached to the canvas assembly, arranged in use to be adhered or fastened to third and fourth tab portions on opposite sides of the central portion when the canvas assembly is unfolded or unrolled at the point of use or assembly, said stretcher bars being dimensioned and arranged, when the third and fourth tab portions are folded, to form a substantially closed frame.

The kit may further comprise a plurality of stretcher connectors for connecting adjacent stretcher bars together to retain the frame closed.

The kit may further comprise a hollow container dimensioned to contain within its volume the semi-finished canvas assembly in folded or rolled-up form and the third and fourth stretcher bars. The hollow container may be a tube dimensioned to contain within its volume the semi-finished canvas assembly in rolled- up form. The container may include removable closures, e.g. end caps .

The third and fourth tab portions may be dimensioned to have approximately the same area as a surface of the third and fourth stretcher bars. The third and fourth tab portions may be provided with an adhesive layer. i

The third and fourth stretcher bars may each be provided with a self-adhesive layer on an adhering surface thereof. The self- adhesive layer of each may be provided with a peel-off liner. The third and fourth tab portions of the canvas may have at each end an end-tab for adhering or connecting to the stretcher at the point of use or assembly. The end-tabs may be provided with an adhesive layer. The stretcher bars may each have a pair of slots provided on an inner surface thereof, and wherein the kit may further comprise a plurality of struts arranged to locate diagonally between slots of adjacent stretcher bars to provide tensioning. Each stretcher bar may have an aperture, slot or recess formed on a rear face, close to each end, for receiving part of a stretcher connector which bridges adjacent stretcher bars together . The kit may further comprise instructions or an electronic link to instructions for assembling the kit at the point of use or assembly, the instructions comprising the steps of:

- adhering the third and fourth stretcher bars to the unfolded or unrolled canvas assembly at the third and fourth tab portions; and

- folding the third and fourth tab portions to close the frame .

A second aspect of the invention provides a portable canvas system, comprising a canvas assembly having a central portion for carrying an artwork, and first and second stretcher bars, unconnected to one another and attached to different edges of the central portion to permit in use the canvas to be folded or rolled for storage and/or transportation; and at least one further stretcher bar for attachment at the point of use or assembly to a predetermined further edge of the canvas's central portion, such as to permit rotation of the further stretcher bar towards the other stretcher bars to close the frame and apply tension to the canvas central portion.

A third aspect of the invention provides a method of providing a canvas stretching system, the method comprising:

- providing a semi-finished canvas assembly comprising a canvas for carrying an artwork, the canvas having a central portion having four edges and four peripheral tab portions extending beyond said edges from the central portion, and first and second stretcher bars which are provided adhered or fastened to respective first and second tab portions on substantially opposite sides of the central portion, the stretcher bars being unattached to one another;

- folding or rolling the canvas assembly, and locating it in a hollow container for transportation; and

- locating within said container third and fourth stretcher bars, which are unattached to the canvas assembly, and which are arranged in use to be adhered or fastened to third and fourth tab portions on opposite sides of the central portion when the canvas assembly is unfolded or unrolled at the point of use or assembly, said stretcher bars being dimensioned and arranged, when the third and fourth tab portions are folded, to form a substantially closed frame.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a method of providing a canvas stretching system, the method comprising:

- providing a canvas assembly having a central portion for carrying an artwork, and first and second stretcher bars, unconnected to one another and attached to different edges of the central portion; - folding or rolling the canvas assembly, and locating it in a hollow container for transportation;

- locating within said container at least one further stretcher bar for attachment at the point of use or assembly to a predetermined further edge area of the canvas's central portion, the arrangement of the further stretcher bar when attached to the further edge area being such as to enable closure of the frame to apply tension to the canvas by user-rotation or folding of the further stretcher bar towards the other stretcher bars.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides a method of constructing a canvas system, the method comprising:

- unfolding or unrolling a semi-finished canvas assembly comprising a canvas having a central portion for carrying an artwork, and first and second stretcher bars pre-connected to different edges of the central portion;

- adhering or fastening a further stretcher bar to a predetermined further edge of the canvas central portion; and - folding said further stretcher bar towards the first and second stretcher bars to provide a closed frame between the stretcher bars and apply tension to the canvas central portion.

In the present context, the term canvas is intended to cover any stretchable, two-dimensional medium capable of carrying artwork. Artwork is intended to cover any graphic, including painting, print or photograph. References to the first and second stretcher bars being unconnected to one another are intended to mean there is no direct connection to one another.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: b

Figure 1 is a plan view of a kit of parts providing a canvas stretching system according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a front plan view showing in close-up a semi-finished canvas assembly of the Figure 1 kit;

Figure 3 is a rear plan view of the Figure 2 canvas assembly; Figure 4 shows top and side -plan views of stretcher bars of the Figure 1 kit;

Figure 5 shows rear plan views of the kit when being assembled at the point of use; and

Figure 6 is a rear plan view showing in close up the assembled, stretched canvas.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

Preferred embodiments described herein provide a canvas stretching system provided in kit-form for easy storage and transportation to an end-user, e.g. by post. The canvas stretching system is applicable to all manner of artworks, including art prints and photographs, and enables the end-user to create from the kit a permanent-form canvas mounting for display. This avoids the need to store, package and transport the completed product which is more bulky.

One element of the kit is a semi-finished canvas assembly, which comprises the web of flexible material carrying on one surface thereof the artwork, and two stretcher bars, already connected to the material but not directly connected together. This permits the canvas assembly to be rolled/folded and placed in a container with other components to enable to user to complete the canvas mounting at their end, particularly by completing the frame which underlies the web which maintains the web under tension.

Referring to Figure 1, a kit-of-parts providing a canvas stretching system comprises a container 1 and a canvas assembly /

3 formed of a canvas or canvas-like web 5 and first and second stretcher bars 7 already connected on opposite sides. The kit further comprises third and fourth stretcher bars 9 which are separate from the canvas assembly 3. These stretcher bars 9 are substantially identical to the first and second stretcher bars 7. The kit further comprises four tensioning struts 11, and four U-shaped corner fasteners 13. The container 1 in this case is a hollow tube, having end closures, at least one of which is removable. The interior volume of the container 1 is sufficient to hold and enclose all of the components 3, 9, 11, 13. An instruction sheet may also be provided within the kit, explaining how the user assembles the kit, as will be described later on. Alternatively, or additionally, an electronic link, e.g. a URL to a website, may be provided for directing a user to instructions.

Referring now to Figure 2, the canvas assembly 3 is shown from the front, and comprises a central portion 6 which in practice will carry the majority of the artwork. In this case, the central portion 6 is square and has four edges. Extending beyond each edge are edge tab portions 15, 17, 19, 21 which are rectangular extensions of the central portion 6, being formed of the same material in a single cruciform blank. Adjacent tab portions, i.e. 15 and 19, 15 and 21, 17 and 19, 17 and 21 are themselves not directly connected, being divided by a corner cut which in use allows each of the tab portions to be folded or rotated inwardly, as will become clear later on, which helps apply tension to the canvas. At the ends of the third and fourth tab portions 19, 21 are provided end tabs 23, generally triangular in form.

Referring now to Figure 3, which shows the canvas assembly 3 from the rear side, to the first and second edge tab portions 15, 17 are adhered the first and second stretcher bars 7. The adhering is in this case by means of adhesive. It will be noted that the footprint of said tab portions 15, 17 is substantially identical to that of the lower surface of the stretcher bars 7. Triangular end tabs 22 of the tab portions 15, 17 fold around mitred edges 24 of the stretcher bars 7 towards the rear surface.

The canvas assembly 3 is provided in this form by the manufacturer or supplier for storage and transportation within the container 1, alongside the other separate components shown in Figure 1. It will be appreciated, therefore, that said assembly can be folded or rolled because of the flexibility of the canvas web 5, because the third and fourth tab portions 19, 21 have no stretcher bars, and because the first and second stretcher bars 7 are not directly connected.

Referring to Figures 4a and 4b, a single one of the stretcher bars 7, 9 is shown. Each bar 7, 9 is generally rectangular in form, having an upper and lower surface 26, 28, with the ends 24 being mitred at approximately 45° outwardly from the upper surface to the lower. Along the upper surface 26 are provided two slots 25, the purpose of which will be explained below. Within one of the narrower, edge surfaces, adjacent each mitred end 24, is a recess, slot or hole for receiving part of a corner fastener 13, as will be explained below.

In the case of the third and fourth stretcher bars 9, for the purpose of adhering said bars to the third and fourth tab portions 19, 21, a self-adhesive layer 29 may provided on the lower surface 28, with a protective and removable liner covering said adhesive layer. Alternatively, or additionally, adhesive may already be provided on the third and fourth tab portions 19, 21. Referring now to Figures 5a to 5c, the initial steps for completing the canvas system at the user-end will now be described. Referring to Figure 5a, once the user has removed the components from the storage tube 1, the canvas assembly 3 is unrolled or unfolded and laid flat on a surface. In the initial state, therefore, the first and second stretcher bars 7 lie flat with their underside on the underlying surface. The third and fourth stretcher bars 9 are then adhered to the corresponding tab portions 19, 21, e.g. by direct placement of the lower surface 28 onto the adhesive surface of said tab portions, and/or by removing the liner to expose the adhesive layer 29 and placing them on the tab portion. Alignment is made simple by the fact that the tab portions 19, 21 have substantially the same rectangular footprint as the stretcher bars' lower surface 28. This also avoids having to trim any overhang of the canvas. The user applies pressure to ensure adhesion. Note that this stage is not intended to be reversible, i.e. the adhesion is intended to be permanent. Referring to Figure 5b, the end-tabs 23 are then folded over the mitred ends 24. The end-tabs 23 may be provided with an adhesive layer, or the mitred ends 24 may be provided with an adhesive layer for this purpose. Additionally, or alternatively, mechanical fasteners, e.g. staples or tacks, may be used.

Referring to Figure 5c, the first to fourth stretcher bars 7, 9 are then folded/rotated inwardly by approximately 90° in the direction of the rear surface to complete or close the stretchers into a frame of square/rectangular form. The mitred corners 24 ensure they do not mechanically interfere and the arrangement and cuts between the adjacent tab portions i.e. 15 and 19, 15 and 21, 17 and 19, 17 and 21 means that no bunching of canvas material results, which might otherwise require trimming or interfere with closing of the frame. Closing the frame in this way stretches the canvas web 5 in the four directions to provide a professional finish.

Referring to Figure 6, the frame is retained closed by inserting a U-shaped corner fastener 13 within pairs of adjacent holes 27 at each corner. When all four corners are fastened, the tensioning struts 11 are connected, held within a pair of adjacent corner-wise slots 25 as shown. The struts 11 are dimensioned and arranged to apply a tensioning (outwards) force to perpendicular frame sections.

It will be appreciated that the preferred method may be to fold only a pair of adjacent stretcher bars 7, 9, insert the corresponding corner fastener 13, and then fold another stretcher bar 7, 9 before repeating the process.

Although the above embodiment is described in relation to a square/rectangular canvas assembly, having four perpendicular edges, the same concept could be applied to a three-sided (triangular) framework and potentially a framework with greater than four sides.

In another embodiment, four stretcher bars may be adhered to four tabs, but are unconnected and permit therefore the canvas assembly to be folded for compact storage and transportation. Connection of a stretcher bar to two other stretcher bars is made at the point of use or assembly to close the frame and stretch the canvas. In another embodiment, the tab portions 15, 17, 19, 21 can be joined at their corners, and may have, e.g. a fold line to enable the portions to be folded to effect stretching. This may mean that the triangular end tabs are not required. It will be appreciated that the above described embodiments are purely illustrative and are not limiting on the scope of the invention as should be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading the present application.

Moreover, the disclosure of the present application should be understood to include any novel features or any novel combination of features either explicitly or implicitly disclosed herein or any generalization thereof and during the prosecution of the present application or of any application derived therefrom, new claims may be formulated to cover any such features and/or combination of such features.

Claims

1. A kit of parts providing a canvas stretching system, the kit comprising:

- third and fourth stretcher bars, provided unattached to the canvas assembly, arranged in use to be adhered or fastened to third and fourth tab portions on opposite sides of the central portion when the canvas assembly is unfolded or unrolled at the point of use or assembly, and then folded inwardly with the adhered or fastened third and fourth tab portions,

wherein the stretcher bars are dimensioned and arranged, such that when they are folded inwardly towards one another, they form a substantially closed frame and a stretching force is applied to the canvas.

2. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the canvas has a substantially cruciform shape, with adjacent tab portions being divided by an approximate 90 degree cut.

3. A kit according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a plurality of stretcher connectors for connecting adjacent stretcher bars together to retain the frame closed. 15

4. A kit according to claim any preceding claim, further comprising a hollow container dimensioned to contain within its volume the semi-finished canvas assembly in folded or rolled-up form and the third and fourth stretcher bars.

5. A kit according to claim 4, wherein the hollow container is a tube dimensioned to contain within its volume the semifinished canvas assembly in rolled-up form.

6. A kit according to any preceding claim, wherein the third and fourth tab portions are dimensioned to have approximately the same footprint area as a lower surface of the third and fourth stretcher bars.

7. A kit according to any preceding claim, wherein the third and fourth tab portions are provided with an adhesive layer.

8. A kit according to any preceding claim, wherein the third and fourth stretcher bars are each provided with a self-adhesive layer on an adhering surface thereof.

9. A kit according to claim 8, wherein the self-adhesive layer of each is provided with a peel-off liner.

10. A kit according to any preceding claim, wherein the third and fourth tab portions of the canvas have at each end an end- tab for adhering or connecting to the stretcher at the point of use or assembly.

11. A kit according to claim 10, wherein the end-tabs are provided with an adhesive layer.

12. A kit according to any preceding claim, wherein the stretcher bars each have a pair of slots provided on an inner surface thereof, and wherein the kit further comprises a plurality of struts arranged to locate diagonally between slots of adjacent stretcher bars to provide tensioning.

13. A kit according to any preceding claim, wherein each stretcher bar has an aperture, slot or recess formed on a rear face, close to each end, for receiving part of a stretcher connector which bridges adjacent stretcher bars together.

14. A kit according to any preceding claim, further comprising instructions or an electronic link to instructions for assembling the kit at the point of use or assembly, the instructions comprising the steps of:

- folding the third and fourth tab portions to close the frame .

15. A canvas stretching system, the kit comprising:

- a semi-finished canvas assembly comprising a canvas for carrying an artwork, the canvas being of generally cruciform shape and having a central portion having four edges and four peripheral tab portions extending beyond said edges from the central portion and which are separated by corner cuts so that they are not directly connected, and first and second stretcher bars which are provided adhered or fastened to respective first and second tab portions on substantially opposite sides of the central portion, the stretcher bars being unattached to one another such that the canvas assembly can be folded or rolled; and

- third and fourth stretcher bars, provided unattached to the canvas assembly, said stretcher bars each having an underside surface which has substantially the same footprint area as each of the third and fourth peripheral tab portions and arranged in use to be adhered or fastened to said third and fourth tab portions on opposite sides of the central portion when the canvas assembly is unfolded or unrolled at the point of use or assembly, and then folded inwardly towards one another, said stretcher bars being dimensioned and arranged, when the third and fourth tab portions are folded inwardly towards one another, to apply a stretching force to the canvas and to form a substantially closed frame.

16. A method of constructing a canvas system which comprises: laying on a surface a semi-finished canvas assembly comprising a canvas for carrying an artwork, the canvas being of substantially cruciform shape having a central portion having four edges and four peripheral tab portions extending beyond said edges from the central portion, and first and second stretcher bars which are provided adhered or fastened by their underside to respective first and second tab portions on substantially opposite sides of the central portion, the stretcher bars being unattached to one another;

adhering third and fourth stretcher bars by their underside to respective third and fourth opposite tab portions of the canvas assembly; and

rotating the first to fourth stretcher bars by approximately ninety degrees so as to apply by said rotating a tensioning force to the canvas and to form a closed frame.

17. A method of providing a canvas stretching system, the method comprising:

- locating within said container third and fourth stretcher bars, which are unattached to the canvas assembly, and which are arranged in use to be adhered or fastened to third and fourth tab portions on opposite sides of the central portion when the canvas assembly is unfolded or unrolled at the point of use or assembly and folded inwardly towards one another, said stretcher bars being dimensioned and arranged, when the third and fourth tab portions are folded, to apply a stretching force to the canvas and to form a substantially closed frame.

18. A method of constructing a canvas system, the method comprising :

- adhering or fastening a further stretcher bar to a predetermined further edge of the canvas central portion; and

- folding said further stretcher bar towards the first and second stretcher bars to provide a closed frame between the stretcher bars and apply tension to the canvas central portion.