Abstract: A kit and method for assembling a frame supporting a stretched sheet includes a set of four stretcher bars, a set of braces, a stretching lever, and a sheet of material. A first stretcher bar can be initially attached to a first edge of the sheet. Remaining second, third, and fourth stretcher bars can be assembled with the first stretcher bar and corner braces to form a frame that rests upon the sheet. The stretching lever can be used to stretch the sheet between opposing stretcher bars just before the sheet is attached to a stretcher bar. The method of using a stretching lever as opposed to stretching pliers greatly reduces the time and difficulty of uniformly stretching the sheet.

Abstract: A kit and method for assembling a frame supporting a stretched sheet includes a set of four stretcher bars, a set of braces, a stretching lever, and a sheet of material. A first stretcher bar can be initially attached to a first edge of the sheet. Remaining second, third, and fourth stretcher bars can be assembled with the first stretcher bar and corner braces to form a frame that rests upon the sheet. The stretching lever can be used to stretch the sheet between opposing stretcher bars just before the sheet is attached to a stretcher bar. The method of using a stretching lever as opposed to stretching pliers greatly reduces the time and difficulty of uniformly stretching the sheet.

Abstract: A stretched painting canvas having a stretcher bar structure and a canvas wrapped across the stretcher bar structure so as to create a display surface, wherein at least two opposing sides of said stretcher bar are angled inward relative to said display surface such that a sum of said opposing sides' inward angles is equal to the angle formed by two intersecting walls, where each said inward angle of said opposing sides is greater than 0 degrees and said angle formed by two intersecting walls is greater than 0 degrees but less than 180 degrees.

Abstract: An artist canvas frame comprises the usual rectangular frame members attached at four corners and having a canvas stretched around the periphery and held in place by staples or some other suitable means. To improve the stability of the frame a brace is provided substantially midway transversely across the back of the frame in one or both directions and is held in place by movable plastic socket members on each respective end of the brace and each socket member comprises a small rectangular tube having opposed side members extending therefrom fitted over the inside faces of opposed frame members, known individually as stretcher strips or stretcher bars.