Expandable At Corner Joint (e.g., Artistss Canvas Stretcher Frame) Patents (Class 160/374.1)
  • Patent number: 11420435
    Abstract: The restretchable stencil frame according to the present invention consists of a metallic stencil foil mounted on a rectangular frame fabricated of tubular material or C-channel. Each corner of the frame is provided with one screw-actuated conical expander and one counterplate serving to biaxially tension the stencil foil. To ensure uniform stretching of the stencil foil, areas of increased elasticity are provided to the corners of the frame and to the foil itself in the form of oriented slots, cuts, holes and combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Texas A&M University Corpus Christi
    Inventor: Petru Aurelian Simionescu
  • Patent number: 11162296
    Abstract: A structural assembly for a frame includes a first rail, a second rail, a third rail, a fourth rail, a first pivotable bracket member coupling the first and second rails, and a second pivotable bracket member coupling the third and fourth rails. The first rail includes a first end, a second end, and a first groove extending a distance between the first end and the second end thereof. The second rail includes a first end, a second end, and a second groove extending a distance between the first end and the second end thereof. The third rail includes a first end, a second end, and a third groove extending a distance between the first end and the second end thereof. The fourth rail includes a first end, a second end, and a fourth groove extending a distance between the first end and the second end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: ALPINA MANUFACTURING LLC
    Inventor: Darius A. Povilaitis
  • Patent number: 11072199
    Abstract: A device for stretching a canvas mounted to a frame comprises a spacer and a screw. The frame has a plurality of side members each mutually abutting at angled ends. A first portion of the spacer includes a central aperture therethrough and two opposing ends or sides. Each end of the first portion is sized to engage a contact surface of each side member. The screw has a threaded shaft adapted for rotational engagement with the central aperture of the first portion of the spacer. The threaded shaft terminates at a first end thereof with a screw head that has a frustoconical side wall and an end surface that includes a tool-engaging recess. Rotating the screw to move the screw head closer to the spacer causes the spacer to push the side members mutually away from each other to stretch the canvas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Inventor: Francois Roy
  • Patent number: 10975615
    Abstract: The gym locker attached privacy cover creates a privacy area behind an arched privacy screen where a user may change clothing without being seen. The gym locker attached privacy cover attaches to gym lockers at a first support column and a second support column. An opaque screen stored without the support columns is deployed from around spindles within each support column and wires in the opaque screen cause the opaque screen to form an arch that projects away from the lockers. The user may stand within the space defined between the lockers and the arch. The first support column and the second support column may each be held in place by a set of magnets. In some embodiments, the privacy screen may be retracted by a spring-loaded ratchet and pawl arrangement or by a manually operated knob attached to the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Inventor: Juanita Vega
  • Patent number: 10919336
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for separating first and second abutting frame sections of an assembled canvas frame. The device comprises first (1) and second (2) plate members, wherein the first plate member (1) is adapted for insertion into a groove in the first frame section of the assembled frame, and the second plate member (2) is adapted for insertion into a groove in the second frame section of the assembled frame. The first and second plate members (1, 2) are interconnected and the first plate member (1) is moveable in relation to the second plate member (2). Movement of the first plate member (1) results in separation of the frame sections. The present invention further comprises a method for separating first and second abutting frame sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: COLART INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LTD
    Inventors: Phil Jones, Keith Curtis
  • Patent number: 10793049
    Abstract: A resilient clip can be used for covers for equipment. The resilient clip has a portion that can be inserted into a channel on the equipment, a portion that can be attached to a cover, and a portion that can be used to remove the clip from the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Dowco, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Alexander, Justin Hough
  • Patent number: 10421315
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for tensioning a canvas on a frame, which is for assembling two bars the ends of which comprise a groove. The device comprises: an optional sheath intended to be immobilized in a groove; a spacer comprising a central portion from which extend two lateral portions each having a bearing face coming to abut against the bottom of the sheath; a tensioner comprising a central portion from which extend securing means for securing the tensioner to the bars, via the sheath; a connecting member for connecting the spacer to the tensioner, and means for bringing the spacer closer to the tensioner, wherein the spacer being brought closer to the tensioner will cause each bar to translate along its longitudinal axis so as to space the bars apart from each other while keeping them perpendicular to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Inventor: Francois Roy
  • Patent number: 10300833
    Abstract: A resilient clip can be used for covers for equipment. The resilient clip has a portion that can be inserted into a channel on the equipment, a portion that can be attached to a cover, and a portion that can be used to remove the clip from the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Dowco, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Alexander, Justin Hough
  • Patent number: 9670673
    Abstract: A ceiling system including: a ceiling structure suspended in an interior space. The ceiling structure includes: a perimeter frame defining a central opening, the perimeter frame comprising a fabric gripping member; a support grid comprising a plurality of intersecting struts defining a plurality of grid openings, the support grid disposed within the central opening and coupled to the perimeter frame; a plurality of acoustic ceiling panels, each of the acoustic ceiling panels mounted to the support grid and disposed in one of the grid openings; and a tensioned fabric sheet having a perimeter portion that is engaged by the fabric gripping member of the perimeter frame, the tensioned fabric sheet located below the acoustic ceiling panels and covering the central opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventor: Todd M. Bergman
  • Patent number: 9586436
    Abstract: A stretchable carrier that has been provided with four straight stretcher bars that are divided in the corners by surfaces that stretch along the bisecting line of the corner between the center line of the stretcher bars that meet in the corner and at least one key fixed in a corner that is connected with both stretcher bars meeting in the said corner by means of friction effected by being jammed between the stretcher bars, whereby the top angle of the key is aimed at the corner and whereby the angle of the key is larger than the angle enclosed by the center lines of the stretcher bars meeting in the said corner. As this key is connected to the stretcher bars by this jamming and friction, the stretcher bars can be adjusted to any required dimensions without problems when connecting the stretcher bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Frederick Anthony Evers
  • Patent number: 9302531
    Abstract: A canvas stretcher frame and method for fabricating same is provided comprised of four perimeter members and four corner members. Each of the perimeter members demonstrates continuous and uniform corner tine receiving channels, mounting material receiving channels and a cross bar mounting channel running the entire length of the perimeter member. The corner members are formed of two corner sections and can be opened, via a key to increase frame perimeter. Due to the continuous and uniform shape and configuration of the perimeter members and the affixation means formed therein, the perimeter members may be cut to form a frame of any desired perimeter dimension without need for further mortizing or machining of the cut member prior to assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: Marvin Siegel
  • Patent number: 9162522
    Abstract: A keyable brace system for stretched canvases provides for keying-out the stretcher bars of a stretcher frame when needed, using interchangeable brace components that can be used face-up or face-down. The braces are of low profile, suitable even for stretcher frames of nominal ¾ inch depth, about ½ inch at inner side of the stretcher bar. Instead of relying on a tongue at the end of each brace to extend into a groove in the side of the frame's stretcher bar, the brace end and the side of the stretcher bar are both grooved and a tapered key is relied on to engage with both the brace and bar grooves to hold the brace in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Inventor: John Sooklaris
  • Patent number: 8966796
    Abstract: An image display including an image substrate and a support structure. The image substrate has an image printed on a first surface. The support structure can include a front sheet, a back sheet and a plurality of side strips secured between the front sheet and the back sheet for forming a closed support structure. An internal support can be provided in an internal cavity of the support structure for enhancing the rigidity of the support structure. The image substrate can be adhered to an external surface of the front sheet so that the front sheet forms a rigid backing for the image substrate. A variety of image substrates are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Circle Graphics, Inc.
    Inventors: Hank B. Ridless, Evan D. Brooks, Keith E. Freebern
  • Patent number: 8936065
    Abstract: A canvas tensioning frame corner having adjoining stretcher bar ends; each stretcher bar end having a tapered expanding groove from the inside of the corner to the tip of the corner; a corner embedment nested in the grooves; the corner embedment having tapered edges matching the grooves; wherein a movement of the corner embedment inward away from the tip of the corner urges the stretcher bars apart to stretch the canvas affixed to each stretcher bar, side and corner; a corner embedment brace attached across the corner to support a bolt attached to the corner embedment; and wherein a wing nut attached to the bolt urges the corner embedment toward the brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: James B. Gillespie
  • Patent number: 8904929
    Abstract: A printing screen, comprising a sheet, at least sections of at least one pair of opposite edges of which are folded such as to define attachment elements, and a printing screen unit including at least one pair of interface members attachable to the attachment elements at the at least one pair of opposite edges of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: DEK Vectorguard Limited
    Inventors: James Graham Hall, Fraser Shaw
  • Patent number: 8793910
    Abstract: A frame for a sign. The frame comprises a plurality of struts and corner brackets. The struts have an exposed front surface including a gripping means. Each corner bracket slidably engages with two of the struts at an angle. The corner brackets also have an exposed front surface including a gripping means. The gripping means of the struts is substantially continuous with the gripping means of the corner brackets so that when the corner brackets and struts are engaged to form a polygon, the polygon includes a substantially continuous gripping means that is engageable with a sign to mount the sign on the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Verde Fastframe Incorporated
    Inventors: Vito Saverio Froio, Scott Fraser, Antony Edward Rubino, Thomas Grant Nisbet
  • Publication number: 20140060761
    Abstract: A stretchable carrier that has been provided with four straight stretcher bars that are divided in the corners by surfaces that stretch along the bisecting line of the corner between the centre line of the stretcher bars that meet in the corner and at least one key fixed in a corner that is connected with both stretcher bars meeting in the said corner by means of friction effected by being jammed between the stretcher bars, whereby the top angle of the key is aimed at the corner and whereby the angle of the key is larger than the angle enclosed by the centre lines of the stretcher bars meeting in the said corner. As this key is connected to the stretcher bars by this jamming and friction, the stretcher bars can be adjusted to any required dimensions without problems when connecting the stretcher bars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Frederick Anthony EVERS
  • Patent number: 8490545
    Abstract: A printing screen unit including a printing screen having two pairs of opposite edges and a frame including interface members bonded to opposite edges of the printing screen and coupled together at corners of the frame, wherein the frame holds the printing screen in an untensioned state when no tension is applied thereto by external tensioning mechanisms separate to the frame, and the frame is substantially rigid when in the untensioned state, but allows for relative movement of the respective pairs of interface members by a tension applied by external tensioning mechanisms separate to the frame to tension the printing screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: DEK Vectorguard Limited
    Inventors: James Graham Hall, Fraser Shaw
  • Patent number: 8353327
    Abstract: A canvas stretching assembly has adjustable stretching bars connecting in an end-to-end configuration that allow for the stretching of a canvas, even after the canvas is mounted thereon, with the degree of stretching being adjustable in multiple directions. The canvas stretching assembly, when disassembled, may be compactly stored, which is especially appreciated for shipment purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventors: Suzanne Domingue, Charles Le Borgne
  • Patent number: 8307880
    Abstract: A sheet material tensioning apparatus includes frame members interconnected one with another to define a closed contour. The apparatus applies tension to sheet material by imposing a separation between frame members to expand the closed contour. Beneficially, the sheet material tensioning apparatus includes an edge-bridging mechanism, such as a spline, to span the gap between the separated frame members. The edge-bridging mechanism maintains the continuity of the edge supporting the sheet material. The sheet material apparatus may include a crossbar assembly to add rigidity to long frame members, while maintaining planar alignment even under considerable compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Lucius Hudson, Inc.
    Inventor: Horacio Ocampo
  • Patent number: 8069783
    Abstract: A printing screen, comprising a sheet, at least sections of at least one pair of opposite edges of which are folded such as to define attachment elements, and a printing screen unit including at least one pair of interface members attachable to the attachment elements at the at least one pair of opposite edges of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: DEK Vectorguard Limited
    Inventors: James Graham Hall, Fraser Shaw
  • Patent number: 7874090
    Abstract: At least two upright subassemblies, each with a base, radial positioning members; an outer tubular member, an inner tubular member slidably received in the outer tubular member; a plunger for selective engagement with aperture(s) in the outer tubular member, upper and lower horizontal bars secured to the radial positioning members, and a flexible display secured to each set of upper and lower horizontal bars, the radial positioning members for selective positioning between selected convex, concave, in-line and right angle positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Rodger H. Flagg
  • Publication number: 20100206497
    Abstract: A sheet material tensioning apparatus includes frame members interconnected one with another to define a closed contour. The apparatus applies tension to sheet material by imposing a separation between frame members to expand the closed contour. Beneficially, the sheet material tensioning apparatus includes an edge-bridging mechanism, such as a spline, to span the gap between the separated frame members. The edge-bridging mechanism maintains the continuity of the edge supporting the sheet material. The sheet material apparatus may include a crossbar assembly to add rigidity to long frame members, while maintaining planar alignment even under considerable compression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Horacio Ocampo
  • Patent number: 7735541
    Abstract: A sheet material tensioning apparatus includes frame members interconnected one with another to define a closed contour. The apparatus applies tension to sheet material by imposing a separation between frame members to expand the closed contour. Beneficially, the sheet material tensioning apparatus includes an edge-bridging mechanism, such as a spline, to span the gap between the separated frame members. The edge-bridging mechanism maintains the continuity of the edge supporting the sheet material. The sheet material apparatus may include a crossbar assembly to add rigidity to long frame members, while maintaining planar alignment even under considerable compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Lucius Hudson, Inc.
    Inventor: Horacio Ocampo
  • Patent number: 7497159
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a screen for screen printing. More particularly, structure of the screen can have different types of mesh or sheets joined together. The present invention also relates to a method of detachably spreading a screen to a screen frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Furetsu Kasuya
  • Publication number: 20080277078
    Abstract: The Canvas Bridge is made of any material which is sturdy, durable and still retains some flexibility. It can be made of materials with a wide variety of properties. The design fits all artist easels. It is a long rectangular piece of material with a variety of lengths. Each end is elongated on the bottom side, creating the visual image of a bridge. Each end has a sharpened metal screw, nail, or nail-like material extending approximately ¼ inch from the bottom of each elongated end and it is these sharp points which are pushed into the canvas stretcher bars (stretcher bars are the wooden frame upon which the canvas is stretched).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Stephen Shelby Sawyer
  • Patent number: 7284481
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a screen for screen printing. More particularly, structure of the screen can have different types of mesh or sheets joined together. The present invention also relates to a method of detachably spreading a screen to a screen frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: Furetsu Kasuya
  • Patent number: 7007735
    Abstract: A removable device has a screen, two stiles and two rails, connected by elbows. The rectangular screen admits light and air. The two stiles stand mutually parallel, rigid, and perpendicular to the horizon upon installation of the device in an opening. The two rails lie mutually parallel, rigid, and parallel to the horizon. The first elbows receive the rail coaxial with a first spring and the stile coaxial with a second spring while having gripping means. Slightly different, the second elbows have an adjusting means. The stiles and the rails connect to the elbows around the perimeter of the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Terrence S. Lake
  • Publication number: 20040244924
    Abstract: The invention provides a combined decorative and utility unit, which has a decorative screen assembly as its basic element. The screen assembly can be combined with other appliances to achieve a variety of utility purposes such as sun blinds, screen windows, window privacy partitions, decor wall panels, and decorative storage units. The screen assembly has a laminar member, preferably having a graphic display, attached to frame members. Relative positions of the frame members may be adjusted by a cam arrangement to vary tension in the laminar member. The screen assembly can be horizontally attached to a wall to work as a decor wall panel, or vertically attached to a wall as a divider or a poster. When combined with supporting elements, the screen assembly can stand on the ground to work as sun blinds or window privacy partitions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Anthony Peppett
  • Patent number: 6749001
    Abstract: The invention provides a combined decorative and utility unit, which has a decorative screen assembly as its basic element. The screen assembly can be combined with other appliances to achieve a variety of utility purposes such as sun blinds, screen windows, window privacy partitions, decor wall panels, and decorative storage units. The screen assembly has a laminar member, preferably having a graphic display, attached to frame members. Relative positions of the frame members may be adjusted by a cam arrangement to vary tension in the laminar member. The screen assembly can be horizontally attached to a wall to work as a decor wall panel, or vertically attached to a wall as a divider or a poster. When combined with supporting elements, the screen assembly can stand on the ground to work as sun blinds or window privacy partitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Anthony Peppett
  • Patent number: 6520240
    Abstract: A bracing system for canvas stretcher frames allows for positioning of one or more braces in a stretcher bar frame, to prevent inward pulling of the stretcher bars under canvas tension. The braces are modular in design and allow convenient assembly of multiple-braced stretcher bar frames. The braces have tenons which engage with a groove extending around the inner periphery of the stretcher bar frame, and the braces themselves preferably have grooves in their edges, to receive the tenons of further braces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: John M. Sooklaris
  • Patent number: 6497268
    Abstract: A screen, typically for use as a wardrobe or closet door, is disclosed. The screen has a flexible member mountable within a frame, one or more of the corners of the frame being provided with cam arrangements for varying the length of the frame in order to vary the tension in the sheet member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Anthony Peppett
  • Patent number: 6422292
    Abstract: The present invention presents a stretching frame for fabric materials such as an artist's canvas which can be easily assembled and disassembled, while providing superior rigidity. Unique inner frame members interlock orthogonally along the inner length of outer frame member to prevent the tension of the canvas from deflecting the frame inwardly. Half lapped joints at the corners of the inner frame members provide additional strength for the frame and the ability to adjust the tautness of the canvas in either a single direction or two directions by the insertion of wedges or turnbuckles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventors: Troy Van Berry, Thomas E. Sheridan
  • Patent number: 6393742
    Abstract: A stretcher bar framing device having a narrow top surface, an interior surface, an exterior surface and an angled edge such that a stretched canvas touches only the top surface. The top surface provides a surface for supporting a painting canvas, reducing the surface area contacting the canvas and increasing the paintable surface. A bottom surface of the frame contains a channel so that the canvas material is folded over the top along an exterior surface and folded into a channel so that a rubber spline may be inserted attaching the canvas to the frame without the need for staples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Kathryn H. Dix