Tapestry display kit

Abstract

The present invention discloses and claims a tapestry display kit that includes a tapestry, an upper support attached near the top of the tapestry, and a lower support attached near the bottom of the tapestry. The upper support includes first and second upper support segments that are removably assembled. The lower support may include first and second lower support members that are removably assembled. When disassembled, the upper support fits into a package having a longest dimension that is less than approximately 60% of the width of the tapestry.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tapestries, throws, and wall-hangings include any decorative product having an ornamental design on a suitable medium for display. The ornamental design may include any form of artistic expression found pleasing to the eye such as a picture, phrase, solid color, geometric shape(s), or other decorative pattern. The ornamental design is typically printed, embroidered, woven, painted, or otherwise permanently affixed onto or into the medium. Suitable media include any material capable of retaining the ornamental design for years without noticeable fading, distortion, or other degradation. The medium is often a heavy, thick material made from canvas, wood, or a woven textile, such as cotton, wool, polyester, or other conventional materials or blends of cotton, wool, and/or polyester known in the art. The medium may also be a relatively thin material made from paper, silk, or other material generically referred to as shears.

Tapestries, throws, and wall-hangings are often displayed as decorations in rooms, buildings, halls, or other suitable locations. As such, the decorative products vary considerably in size, shape, thickness, and weight, depending on the intended use and location. For example, some tapestries are as small as a standard sheet of paper and weigh less than a pound, while others are large enough to cover a large wall, measuring several yards in length and width and weighing over one hundred pounds.

Various products and devices exist for displaying tapestries, throws, and wall-hangings. Ideally, the products and devices should be sufficiently strong to support the weight of the decorative product while presenting the medium and ornamental design in a relatively flat plane. Often the decorative product is suspended from a wall, ceiling, or stand so that the natural force of gravity produces a relatively flat, vertical appearance. However, the effect of gravity varies according to the size, stiffness, and weight of the medium. For example, a wider or heavier medium may tend to sag around the edges. Similarly, a thinner, lighter, and more flexible medium may fluctuate, curl, or undulate excessively when suspended.

Some existing products for displaying tapestries, throws, and wall-hangings attach a straight rod along the top of the decorative product. The straight rod may be made from wood, plastic, metal, or other sufficiently stiff material. Placing the straight rod along the top of the decorative product provides a stiff frame near the top of the medium. This stiff frame provides a support structure for hanging the decorative product and prevents or reduces sagging around the edges of the medium. In addition, the straight rod prevents or reduces the amount of curling or undulation in the decorative product, particularly near the top of the medium.

Other existing products for displaying tapestries, throws, and wall-hangings attach additional weight along the bottom of the decorative product. The additional weight may be multiple pieces of metal or other heavy material distributed along the bottom of the medium. Alternately, the weight may be a straight rod similar to the straight rod along the top of the decorative product previously described. The additional weight at the bottom of the decorative product helps to fully extend the medium vertically while also preventing or reducing fluctuations in the medium. In addition, the use of a straight rod near the bottom of the decorative product provides a stiff frame at the bottom of the medium to further prevent or reduce fluctuations, waves, and undulations in the medium.

For those products or devices that use a straight rod along the top and/or bottom of the decorative product, the straight rod generally has a length that approaches or exceeds the width of the medium being displayed. As a result, the length of the straight rod necessarily increases as the size of the medium increases. Although the medium can be folded, rolled, or otherwise gathered to fit into a suitable package for shipping and display, the length of the straight rod is fixed and requires a package at least as long as the length of the straight rod. This results in shipping packages that are correspondingly longer and, therefore, more expensive to deliver. In addition, the longer packages require more shelf space to display the decorative products for the ultimate consumer.

Therefore, the need exists for an improved display kit that adequately supports and displays the decorative product without requiring a larger package for shipping and sales displays.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Objects and advantages of the invention are set forth below in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a tapestry display kit includes a tapestry, an upper support, and a lower support. The tapestry has a top, a bottom, and a predetermined width, and the upper support is operatively connected proximate the top of the tapestry. The upper support has a first upper support segment removably assembled to a second upper support segment. The lower support is operatively connected proximate the bottom of the tapestry.

In particular embodiments, the tapestry display kit may further include an upper fitting, threaded connection, hinge, or intermediate upper support segment between the first upper support segment and the second upper support segment for assembling the first upper support segment to the second upper support segment. The lower support may further include a first lower support member removably assembled to a second lower support member. The tapestry display kit may also include a package for containing the tapestry, upper support, and lower support, wherein the package has a longest dimension that measures less than approximately 60 percent of the predetermined width of the tapestry.

An alternate embodiment within the scope of the present invention includes a tapestry display kit having a tapestry with a top, a bottom, and a predetermined width. An upper support is operatively connected proximate the top of the tapestry, and a lower support is operatively connected proximate the bottom of the tapestry. The upper support has a first upper support segment, a second upper support segment, and an upper support assembling means for removably assembling the first upper support segment with the second upper support segment.

In particular embodiments, the upper support assembling means may comprise an upper fitting, male and female fittings, a threaded connection, a hinge, or an intermediate upper support segment. The lower support may further include a first lower support member, a second lower support member, and a lower support assembling means for removably assembling the first lower support member with the second lower support member.

A further embodiment within the scope of the present invention includes an upper support, a lower support, and a tapestry having a predetermined width. The tapestry includes an upper attachment means for attaching the upper support to the tapestry and a lower attachment means for attaching the lower support to the tapestry. The upper support includes a first upper support segment removably assembled to a second upper support segment.

In particular embodiments, the upper support may further include an upper fitting, threaded connection, hinge, or intermediate upper support segment between the first upper support segment and the second upper support segment for assembling the first upper support segment to the second upper support segment. The lower support may further include a first lower support member removably assembled to a second lower support member.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the features and aspects of such embodiments, and others, upon review of the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof to one skilled in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1A is an exploded view of a fitting depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is an exploded view of a fitting depicted in FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is an exploded view of a fitting depicted in FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of a fitting depicted in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention disassembled for shipping or display.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to present embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, with like numerals representing substantially identical structural elements. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

The present invention provides a display kit for tapestries, throws, and wall-hangings. Various embodiments of a tapestry display kit within the scope of the present invention are shown in FIGS. 1-4. As shown, the tapestry display kit generally includes a tapestry 10, an upper support 20, and a lower support 30. Additional optional components of the tapestry display kit include mounting brackets 60 and finials 70.

The tapestry 10 is a conventional decorative product known in the art. The tapestry 10 has a predetermined width W measured from one side of the tapestry to the other. An upper attachment means 12 extends along the width of the tapestry proximate or adjacent to the top of the tapestry for attaching the upper support 20 to the tapestry 10. A lower attachment means 14 extends along the width of the tapestry proximate or adjacent to the bottom of the tapestry for attaching the lower support 30 to the tapestry 10. Depending on the particular application, the upper and/or lower attachment means 12, 14 may be slightly above, below, or coincident with the top or bottom of the tapestry, respectively.

Various suitable structures are known to one of ordinary skill in the art and within the scope of the present invention for attaching the upper and/or lower support 20, 30 to the tapestry 10. For example, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the upper and lower attachment means 12, 14 as loops 16 extending from respective ends of the tapestry. The number and spacing of the loops 16 may vary. The loops 16 may be made from fabric, plastic, metal, wire, or any other suitable material attachable to the tapestry 10 that is sufficiently strong to support the tapestry 10. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate alternate structures for the upper and lower attachment means 12, 14 as a slot or sleeve 18 sewn into, formed by, or fastened proximate to the respective ends of the tapestry. Although shown as a continuous slot or sleeve, a sectioned or intermittent slot or sleeve is within the scope of the present invention. It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the novelty of the present invention does not lie in the particular structure for the attachment means, and alternate structure within the literal scope of the present invention includes hooks, magnets, hooks and loops, screws, bolts, staples, adhesive, or other fastening materials known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The upper support 20 provides a stiff frame at or near the top of the tapestry. This stiff frame provides a support structure for hanging the tapestry 10 and prevents or reduces sagging around the edges of the tapestry. In addition, the upper support 20 prevents or reduces the amount of curling or undulation in the tapestry, particularly near the top of the tapestry.

The upper support 20 is operatively connected with or attached to the upper attachment means 12. The method of connection with or attachment to the upper attachment means 12 depends on the particular structure present in the upper attachment means 12. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, the upper support 20 generally resides in the loops 16 or sleeve 18 forming the upper attachment means 12. In alternate embodiments, the upper support 20 may include structure to mate with structure on the upper attachment means 12 to ensure sufficient engagement with the tapestry 10.

The upper support 20 includes a first upper support segment 22 removably assembled to a second upper support segment 24. Alternate embodiments within the scope of the present invention may include one or more additional segments that are removably assembled to each other. For example, FIGS. 1-4 each illustrate an additional segment referred to as an intermediate upper support segment 26.

The upper support segments 22, 24, 26 are generally of equal length and preferably have an assembled length that approaches or slightly exceeds the width of the top of the tapestry. When assembled, the upper support segments 22, 24, 26 form a substantially continuous shape that preferably approximately matches the shape of the top of the tapestry. That is, if the top of the tapestry is generally straight, then the upper support segments form a generally straight line when assembled. Similarly, if the top of the tapestry is concave, then the upper support segments form a generally concave curve when assembled. As a result, the upper support segments can provide a stiff frame along substantially the entire width of the top of the tapestry when assembled.

In addition, the upper support segments 22, 24, 26 may be disassembled for shipping and display. As shown in FIG. 5, the tapestry 10 can be folded, rolled, or otherwise gathered to fit into a suitable package 50 for shipping and display. When the upper support segments 22, 24, 26 are disassembled, the effective length of the upper support 20 is substantially reduced. As a result, the package 50 for shipping may have a longest dimension L that measures less than approximately 60 percent, and preferably less than 40 percent, of the predetermined width W of the tapestry.

The lower support 30 provides a stiff frame and additional weight at or near the bottom of the tapestry to help fully extend the tapestry 10 vertically while also preventing or reducing fluctuations, waves, and undulations in the tapestry 10.

The lower support 30 is operatively connected with or attached to the lower attachment means 14. The method of connection with or attachment to the lower attachment means 14 depends on the particular structure present in the lower attachment means 14. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, the lower support 30 generally resides in the loops 16 or sleeve 18 forming the lower attachment means 14. In alternate embodiments, the lower support 30 may include structure to mate with structure on the lower attachment means 14 to ensure sufficient engagement with the tapestry 10.

The lower support 30 may comprise a single lower support member having a length that approximately equals the length of one of the upper support segments. Alternate embodiments within the scope of the present invention include a lower support 30 having one or more additional lower support members that are removably assembled to each other. For example, FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a lower support 30 having first 32, second 34, and intermediate 36 lower support members.

The lower support members 32, 34, 36 are generally of equal length and preferably have an assembled length that approaches or slightly exceeds the width of the tapestry. When assembled, the lower support members form a substantially continuous shape that preferably approximately matches the shape of the bottom of the tapestry. That is, if the bottom of the tapestry is generally straight, then the lower support members form a generally straight line when assembled. Similarly, if the bottom of the tapestry is concave, then the lower support members form a generally concave curve when assembled. As a result, the lower support members can provide a stiff frame along substantially the entire width of the bottom of the tapestry when assembled. In addition, the lower support members may be disassembled, as previously described for the upper support members, for shipping and display.

Various suitable structures are known to one of ordinary skill in the art and within the scope of the present invention for removably assembling the upper support segments 22, 24, 26 and the lower support members 32, 34, 36. One such assembling means is depicted in FIG. 1A as a fitting 38 between the segments or members. As shown, the fitting 38 may be as simple as a male fitting 40 on one segment or member that mates with a female fitting 42 on another segment or member. FIG. 2A illustrates another embodiment in which the fitting 38 further includes an elastic cord 44 that biases the male and female fittings 40, 42 together. The male and female fittings 40, 42 may include threads 46, as shown in FIG. 3A, so that the male fitting 40 threads into the female fitting 42. FIG. 4A illustrates yet another embodiment in which the assembling means includes a hinge 48 for removably assembling the segments or members. It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the novelty of the present invention does not lie in the particular structure for the assembling means, and alternate structure within the literal scope of the present invention includes hooks, magnets, hooks and loops, screws, bolts, staples, adhesive, or other fastening materials known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the tapestry display kit may also include mounting brackets 60 and finials 70. The mounting brackets 60 provide a suitable structure for supporting the tapestry 10 from a wall or other fixed location. The finials 70 provide a finishing touch to the ends of the upper and/or lower supports 20, 30.

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments of the invention set forth herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A tapestry display kit, comprising:

a. a tapestry having a top, a bottom, and a predetermined width;

b. an upper support operatively connected proximate said top of said tapestry, said upper support having a first upper support segment and a second upper support segment, wherein said first upper support segment is removably assembled to said second upper support segment; and

c. a lower support operatively connected proximate said bottom of said tapestry

2. The tapestry display kit of claim 1, further including an upper fitting between said first upper support segment and said second upper support segment for assembling said first upper support segment to said second upper support segment.

3. The tapestry display kit of claim 1, further including a male fitting on said first upper support segment and a female fitting on said second upper support segment.

4. The tapestry display kit of claim 3, wherein said male and female fittings are threaded so that said male fitting on said first upper support segment threads into said female fitting on said second upper support segment.

5. The tapestry display kit of claim 1, further including a hinge attached to said first and second upper support segments for assembling said first upper support segment to said second upper support segment

6. The tapestry display kit of claim 1, further including an intermediate upper support segment having a first end connected to said first upper support segment and a second end connected to said second upper support segment so that said intermediate upper support segment connects said first upper support segment to said second upper support segment.

7. The tapestry display kit of claim 1, wherein said lower support comprises a first lower support member and a second lower support member, wherein said first lower support member is removably assembled to said second lower support member.

8. The tapestry display kit of claim 7, further including a lower fitting between said first lower support member and said second lower support member for assembling said first lower support member to said second lower support member.

9. The tapestry display kit of claim 7, further including a male fitting on said first lower support member and a female fitting on said second lower support member.

10. The tapestry display kit of claim 9, wherein said male and female fittings are threaded so that said male fitting on said first lower support member threads into said female fitting on said second lower support member.

11. The tapestry display kit of claim 1, further including a package for containing said tapestry, said upper support, and said lower support, said package having a longest dimension that measures less than approximately 60 percent of the predetermined width of said tapestry.

12. A tapestry display kit, comprising:

a. a tapestry having a top, a bottom, and a predetermined width;

b. an upper support operatively connected proximate said top of said tapestry, said upper support having a first upper support segment, a second upper support segment, and an upper support assembling means for removably assembling said first upper support segment with said second upper support segment; and

c. a lower support operatively connected proximate said bottom of said tapestry

13. The tapestry display kit of claim 12, wherein said upper support assembling means comprises an upper fitting between said first upper support segment and said second upper support segment.

14. The tapestry display kit of claim 12, wherein said upper support assembling means comprises a male fitting on said first upper support segment and a female fitting on said second upper support segment.

15. The tapestry display kit of claim 14, wherein said male and female fittings are threaded so that said male fitting on said first upper support segment threads into said female fitting on said second upper support segment

16. The tapestry display kit of claim 12, wherein said upper support assembling means comprises a hinge attached to said first and second upper support segments

17. The tapestry display kit of claim 12, wherein said upper support assembling means comprises an intermediate upper support segment having a first end connected to said first upper support segment and a second end connected to said second upper support segment so that said intermediate upper support segment connects said first upper support segment to said second upper support segment.

18. The tapestry display kit of claim 12, wherein said lower support comprises a first lower support member, a second lower support member, and a lower support assembling means for removably assembling said first lower support member with said second lower support member.

19. The tapestry display kit of claim 18, wherein said lower support assembling means comprises a lower fitting between said first lower support member and said second lower support member.

20. The tapestry display kit of claim 18, wherein said lower support assembling means comprises a male fitting on said first lower support member and a female fitting on said second lower support member.

21. The tapestry display kit of claim 20, wherein said male and female fittings are threaded so that said male fitting on said first lower support member threads into said female fitting on said second lower support member.

22. The tapestry display kit of claim 12, further including a package for containing said tapestry, said upper support, and said lower support, said package having a longest dimension that measures less than approximately 60 percent of the predetermined width of said tapestry.

23. A tapestry display kit, comprising:

a. an upper support;

b. a lower support;

c. a tapestry having a predetermined width, said tapestry including: i. an upper attachment means extending along said tapestry proximate to the top of said tapestry for attaching said upper ii. support to said tapestry, and iii. a lower attachment means extending along said tapestry proximate to the bottom of said tapestry for attaching said lower support to said tapestry;

d. wherein said upper support includes a first upper support segment removably assembled to a second upper support segment.

24. The tapestry display kit of claim 23, further including an upper fitting between said first upper support segment and said second upper support segment for assembling said first upper support segment to said second upper support segment.

25. The tapestry display kit of claim 23, further including a male fitting on said first upper support segment and a female fitting on said second upper support segment.

26. The tapestry display kit of claim 25, wherein said male and female fittings are threaded so that said male fitting on said first upper support segment threads into said female fitting on said second upper support segment.

27. The tapestry display kit of claim 23, further including a hinge attached to said first and second upper support segments for assembling said first upper support segment to said second upper support segment.

28. The tapestry display kit of claim 23, further including an intermediate upper support segment having a first end connected to said first upper support segment and a second end connected to said second upper support segment so that said intermediate upper support segment connects said first upper support segment to said second upper support segment.

29. The tapestry display kit of claim 23, wherein said lower support comprises a first lower support member and a second lower support member, wherein said first lower support member is removably assembled to said second lower support member.

30. The tapestry display kit of claim 29, further including a lower fitting between said first lower support member and said second lower support member for assembling said first lower support member to said second lower support member.

31. The tapestry display kit of claim 29, further including a male fitting on said first lower support member and a female fitting on said second lower support member.

32. The tapestry display kit of claim 31, wherein said male and female fittings are threaded so that said male fitting on said first lower support member threads into said female fitting on said second lower support member.

33. The tapestry display kit of claim 23, further including a package for containing said tapestry, said upper support, and said lower support, said package having a longest dimension that measures less than approximately 60 percent of the predetermined width of said tapestry.