A frame assembly includes a frame base and a rear panel including a plurality of side walls that are configured to be received within a plurality of side walls of the frame base. Along an external surface of each side wall of the rear panel there is at least one locking tab that is configured for reception within one corresponding locking opening of the frame base when the rear panel is inserted into the frame base so as couple the rear panel to the frame base in a snap-fitting manner and permit a canvas substrate to be captured therebetween for holding the canvas substrate across a front face of the frame base.

The current invention may include an improved canvas wrap frame mount having an upper and a lower display support that may be secured along the top and bottom surfaces of a canvas wrap picture by a plurality of low profile adjustable couplers. In another embodiment, the invention may include an extendable canvas wrap frame mount having an upper and a lower display support that may be independently expandable along the length of a leading edge of a canvas wrap.

A spline installation device for use with a spline/rail type frame to assemble the splines to the rails. The device including a base that defines a platform for receiving a frame subassembly; and a plurality of linkages that are disposed about the platform and coupled to the base. Each linkage is configured to move between a first position in which a fence bearing surface thereof is at an angle other than 90 degrees relative to the platform and a second position in which the fence bearing surface is set at an at least substantially 90 degree angle relative to the platform for locking and holding the frame subassembly in place. The linkages further being configured to receive a spline instillation tool for locking the splines in place relative to the rails.

A painting frame for forming a border on a painting having an opening defining an image area of the painting, a lower frame hingedly attached to the upper frame forming a support structure for the painting, a gasket attached to a perimeter of the opening in the upper frame for forming a seal for the image area of the painting and clamps for attaching the upper frame and the lower frame to create a liquid proof seal for the gasket.

A spline installation device for use with a spline/rail type frame to assemble the splines to the rails. The device including a base that defines a platform for receiving a frame subassembly; and a plurality of linkages that are disposed about the platform and coupled to the base. Each linkage is configured to move between a first position in which a fence bearing surface thereof is at an angle other than 90 degrees relative to the platform and a second position in which the fence bearing surface is set at an at least substantially 90 degree angle relative to the platform for locking and holding the frame subassembly in place. The linkages further being configured to receive a spline instillation tool for locking the splines in place relative to the rails.

The panel (1) includes a frame (4) with a fabric (5) stretchable over a lower side (6) thereof. An edge (8) of the fabric (5) is attached to a peripheral side (9) of the frame by means of a number of fastening brackets (11) distributed along the edge of the fabric. Firstly, each fastening bracket is attached to the peripheral side at a first lower position (15) in which the fabric is hanging loosely under the frame by hanging a hook-formed element (13) of the fastening brackets on a first lower protrusion (17) provided at the peripheral. Secondly, each fastening bracket is repositioned from said first lower position to a second upper position (16) in which the fabric is stretched over the lower side of the frame by hanging the hook-formed element of the fastening brackets on a second upper protrusion (18) provided at the peripheral side of the frame.

A painting panels capable of maintaining planarity of a canvas without being subject to an aging, which may happen often in wooden frames is provided. A painting panel in which a covering member including a plurality of layers made of neutral paper is stretched and secured over an outer surface of a grid framework formed by assembling squared bars made of at least one selected from cedar, Japanese cypress, Maki, paulownia, ash, beech, zelkova, oak, cherry, and teak into a grid shape.

Disclosed is a handheld canvas stretching tool used to stretch canvas across a stretcher frame. The tool can include upper and lower jaw plates with slip resistant surfaces configured to firmly grasp a portion of the canvas to be stretched. The tool includes wide locking pliers technology, and a second class lever action. These features give the user the mechanical advantage needed to apply a taut stretch to the canvas, while permitting one hand, and sometimes both hands, of the user to be free to apply staples that secure the canvas to the stretcher frame.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to curvilinear frame that may have canvas applied to the outside to create a 360-degree painting surface. The inventive frame gives a wavy or flowing look and may be painted on all exterior surfaces. The inventive frame utilizes new and improved strength-bearing studs made of a lightweight, sturdy foam being surrounded by a rigid member, typically wood.