Fabric Art Hanging Apparatus And Method Of Use

Abstract

A fabric art hanging apparatus (402) is disclosed which is arranged in use for mounting an item of fabric art (403) at a support structure such as a wall or other structure. The fabric art hanging apparatus (402) comprises a thin panel such as PVC sheet having opposed major faces, with a layer of a sewable material such as grosgrain fabric affixed by gluing to one face of the panel, and with the layer of sewable material arranged with at least one portion which extends beyond a perimeter of the panel. The portion of the layer of sewable material which extends beyond the perimeter of the panel is arranged in use for sewing to the item of fabric art. The outer face of the panel, which is opposite to the face glued to the sewable material, is adapted in use for locating a prior art mounting device (401) thereat, for example Commander brand strips or double-sided tape, depending on the user requirements. The fabric art hanging apparatus (402) therefore provides a re-usable item which interfaces between an item of fabric art and a hanging surface, and is adapted to join each one of them in a non-damaging way.

Claims

1. A fabric art hanging apparatus, arranged in use for mounting an item of fabric art at a support structure, the hanging apparatus comprising: a panel of flexible and bendable resilient material, the panel having opposed major faces suitable for receiving and bonding to an adhesive substance; a layer of a sewable material affixed to one face of the panel; and the layer of sewable material arranged with at least one portion extending beyond a perimeter of the panel; wherein the face of the panel opposite to the one face is adapted in use for receiving and bonding to an adhesive substance, placed by a user locating a mounting device thereat, and the portion of the layer of sewable material is arranged in use for sewing to the item of fabric art.

2. The fabric art hanging apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the layer of sewable material is affixed to the one face of the panel by an adhesive substance.

3. The fabric art hanging apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the panel is of an elongate planar shape, having two opposed elongate sides.

4. The fabric art hanging apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the panel is able to be deformed orthogonally relative to its central elongate axis.

5. The fabric art hanging apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the layer of sewable material is arranged with portions extending beyond each of the two opposed elongate sides of the panel.

6. The fabric art hanging apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the panel is formed from a PET polyester plastic material.

7. The fabric art hanging apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the panel is of a width between opposed elongate sides sufficient to prevent the panel from twisting along its length in use.

8. The fabric art hanging apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sewable material is made of a fabric.

9. The fabric art hanging apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the sewable material is formed from a grosgrain fabric.

10. The fabric art hanging apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hanging apparatus comprises a plurality of panels, arranged on the layer of sewable material in a spaced apart manner.

11. The fabric art hanging apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hanging apparatus comprises a panel arranged on the layer of sewable material, the panel having any one or more of the following lines of: breakage, folding, perforation or frangibility.

12. The fabric art hanging apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the layer of sewable material is a strip of material, and the or each of the panels are of an elongate planar shape being arranged with portions of the sewable material extending beyond each of the two opposed elongate sides of the panel(s).

13. The fabric art hanging apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein each panel has a central axis and is arranged in an end-to-end, axially aligned manner.

14-15. (canceled)

16. A mounting apparatus for mounting to a sewable object, the mounting apparatus comprising: a panel of flexible and bendable resilient material, the panel having an elongate planar shape, two opposed elongate sides, two opposed major faces suitable for receiving and bonding to an adhesive substance, and any one or more of the following lines of: breakage, folding, perforation or frangibility; a layer of a sewable material joined to one face of the panel; and the layer of sewable material arranged with at least one portion extending beyond a perimeter of the panel; wherein the face of the panel opposite to the one face is adapted in use for receiving and bonding to an adhesive substance, placed by a user locating a mounting device thereat, and the portion of the layer of sewable material is arranged in use for sewing to the sewable object.

17. The mounting apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the layer of sewable material is a strip of material, being arranged with portions extending beyond each of the two opposed elongate sides of the panel.

18-20. (canceled)

21. A fabric art hanging apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the layer of sewable material is a strip of material, and the or each of the panels are of an elongate planar shape being arranged with portions of the sewable material extending beyond each of the two opposed elongate sides of the panel(s).

22. A fabric art hanging apparatus, arranged in use for mounting an item of fabric art at a support structure, the hanging apparatus comprising: a panel having opposed major faces suitable for receiving and bonding to an adhesive substance; a layer of a sewable material which is supplied affixed by a physical bond to one face of the panel, so that in use the sewable material and the panel are moveable together as one; and the layer of sewable material arranged with at least one portion extending beyond a perimeter of the panel; wherein the face of the panel opposite to the one face is adapted in use for receiving and bonding to an adhesive substance, placed by a user locating a mounting device thereat, and the portion of the layer of sewable material is arranged in use for sewing to the item of fabric art.

23. The fabric art hanging apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein the panel is comprised of a flexible and bendable resilient material.

24. The fabric art hanging apparatus as claimed in claim 22, in which the panel further comprises an elongate planar shape, having two opposed elongate sides and a width between said opposed elongate sides sufficient to prevent the panel from twisting along its length in use.

25. A mounting apparatus for mounting to a sewable object, the mounting apparatus comprising: a panel having an elongate planar shape, two opposed elongate sides, two opposed major faces suitable for receiving and bonding to an adhesive substance, and any one or more of the following lines of: breakage, folding, perforation or frangibility; a layer of a sewable material which is supplied affixed by a physical bond to one face of the panel, so that in use the sewable material and the panel are moveable together as one; and the layer of sewable material arranged with at least one portion extending beyond a perimeter of the panel; wherein the face of the panel opposite to the one face is adapted in use for receiving and bonding to an adhesive substance, placed by a user locating a mounting device thereat, and the portion of the layer of sewable material is arranged in use for sewing to the sewable object.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0051] The accompanying drawings facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments of a fabric art hanging apparatus:

[0052] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective assembly view of an embodiment illustrating placement of the major components in relation to each other. A sewable area is shown, which is illustrated as being located to extend out on two sides of the panel, but could extend from just one single side or any number of sides up to and including all sides.

[0053] FIG. 2 is a schematic side elevation view. FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a hanging apparatus assembled with its layer of sewable material prepared for fastening via sewing or pinning to a receiving material of an item of fabric art, and its upper surface available for receiving the adhesive base of a prior art mounting device.

[0054] FIG. 3 is a schematic side elevation view showing the process of mounting placement of the hanging apparatus after sewing attachment is made to the fabric art. A piece of Blu-Tack brand mounting device, or another form of prior art mounting device which incorporates adhesive as part of the fastening system, facilitates mounting to a wall.

[0055] FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic perspective views. FIG. 4A illustrates one embodiment of a hanging apparatus with its (lowermost) sewable material surface prepared for fastening via sewing/pinning to a receiving item of fabric art and its exposed panel (uppermost) surface prepared for receiving an example of a temporary adhesive media, Blu-Tack brand or similar style mounting device. FIG. 4B illustrates the components of 4A assembled with the representative prior art mounting device, placed on the receptive uppermost panel surface.

[0056] FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic perspective views. FIG. 5A illustrates one embodiment of a hanging apparatus with its (lowermost) sewable material surface prepared for fastening via sewing to a receiving item of fabric art and its exposed panel (uppermost) surface prepared for receiving an example of a clip style prior art mounting device. FIGS. 5A and 5B are representative of a prior art mounting device which incorporates adhesive. FIG. 5B illustrates the components of 5A assembled with the representative prior art mounting device when placed on the receptive uppermost panel surface.

[0057] FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic perspective views. FIG. 6A illustrates one embodiment of a hanging apparatus with its (lowermost) sewable surface prepared for fastening via sewing to a receiving item of fabric art and its exposed panel (uppermost) surface prepared for receiving an example of a clip style prior art fastener. FIGS. 6A and 6B are representative of a prior art mounting device which incorporates adhesive, but with a hook and loop arrangement joining two halves of the mounting device. FIG. 6B illustrates the components of 6A assembled with the representative prior art mounting device when placed on the receptive uppermost panel surface.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view. FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of the hanging apparatus with its upper surface prepared with graphic elements.

[0059] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view. FIG. 8 illustrates a variety of sewn approaches of the present disclosure, when attaching a panel by sewing (instead of affixing by gluing) directly to a layer of sewable material, where it is likely that one mode would be selected when producing a particular hanging apparatus. FIG. 8 also presents a variety of examples of prior art mounting devices in position for being adhered to a respective panel. This view is intended to be illustrative of the range of mounting devices possible for use (double sided tape, hook and loop fasteners, clips etc) as well as of the range of options for sewing joining the layer of sewable material to the panels, rather than how they would actually appear on a single item of fabric art, or only in the particular combinations depicted.

[0060] FIG. 9 is a schematic assembly cross-section view. FIG. 9 illustrates mounting procedure for a pin or safety pin only panel to a wall.

[0061] FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic side views. FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrates a panel design and layout which entraps the pin point for safety and locks the pin in place with a removable press fit into a predetermined receiving position, to join the panel and the layer of sewable material.

[0062] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view. FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment which utilises interlocking tabs, eliminating the need for additional processing, glues or heat fixing to create the panel. Pre-assembly of the panel could be by laser cut or press cut. FIG. 11 also illustrates the receiving action of a pin being inserted.

[0063] FIGS. 12A and 12B is a schematic side view of an embodiment which utilises a safety pin. FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate the location of the safety pin and the procedure for attaching the panel to the layer of sewable material.

[0064] FIG. 13A is a schematic perspective view. FIG. 13A illustrates one embodiment which utilises slots suitable for injection moulding to create channels to hold a pin in place in the panel. It also illustrates the use of a friction position locking press fit, to hold the pin in place. FIG. 13B is a schematic cross section view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13A.

[0065] FIGS. 14A and 14B are schematic perspective views. FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate one embodiment which utilises a hook or receiving slot to anchor the pin to the panel. This embodiment is suited to mechanical or heat forming, extrusion or injection moulding.

[0066] FIGS. 15A and 15B are schematic perspective views. FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate one embodiment which utilises a press fit, to anchor a pin to the panel.

[0067] FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view. FIG. 16 illustrates a pin style panel fixing arrangement, which is using sewing, heat welding or glue in the assembly.

[0068] FIG. 17A is a schematic perspective view. FIG. 17A illustrates a multi-function hook system, which allows the use of pin and safety pin, but also allows the use of button or buttonhole as the attachment point to the layer of sewable material.

[0069] FIG. 17B is a schematic front view illustrating the hook feature engaged with a button and with a buttonhole.

[0070] FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view. FIG. 18 is a double fold with the top fold designed to assist in the transfer of peel load and increase adhesion to the mounting surface. This embodiment is suitable for use of pin or safety pin.

[0071] FIG. 19 is a schematic assembly cross-section view. FIG. 19 illustrates mounting procedure for the panel illustrated in FIG. 18. The design is suited to extrusion construction and illustrates the peel minimisation layout.

[0072] FIG. 20 is a schematic assembly perspective view. FIG. 20 illustrates a kit of parts comprising a concertina folded strip of sewable material, which has a series of elongate panels joined to it. The kit also includes an array of mounting devices in the form of prior art hook-and-loop fasteners. These components are folded inside a sheet layer, for example made of paper or plastic, to separate them, and the paper or plastic layer is then able to be slidingly moved into an envelope.

[0073] FIG. 21A is a schematic perspective view of a strip of sewable material with adjacent panels joined to the one face of the strip and spaced apart from one another which creates a gap to allow the strip of sewable material to become folded in a concertina-like manner, and thus to overlay the panels in the form of a stack. FIG. 21B is a similar view to FIG. 21A except that the folding of the strip of material can also be achieved by having a perforation line formed at intervals within an elongate panel to allow the sewable material strip, and the panel, to be bent or folded about the perforation lines.

[0074] FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view which illustrates a hanging apparatus comprising two panels 2201 and 2204 which are positioned on either side of a layer of sewable material 2203 which could be of an open weave nature to allow glue 2202 to pass therethrough and join both 2201 and 2204 at the sewable material 2203.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] This disclosure relates to the features of a fabric art hanging apparatus for mounting an item of fabric art. In the embodiments disclosed, the hanging apparatus can come in many shapes and forms, to be fit for purpose in the desired mounting arrangement.

[0076] In the following detailed description, terms of manufacture such as bonded, adhesion, and the term fasteners are used herein to simplify the description of the illustrated embodiments. However, because other terms, brand names and variations on the manufacture process and types of fasteners are possible, the present disclosure should not be limited to these terms of manufacture or to the terms used to describe the prior art in fasteners. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other terms could be used to describe adhesives, manufacture methods or types of fasteners. Bonded refers to two things that have been adhered or joined together. Adhesion refers to the ability of one thing to stick firmly to another. Fasteners refers to a wide variety of devices that attach a first thing to another.

[0077] Referring to the illustrations, and initially to FIG. 1, the panel component 101 is formed of a plastic material, optimised on the top surface for receiving the adhesive formula of prior art fastener systems, which use or incorporate adhesion. Component 102 is an adhesive layer, which is formulated to achieve a desired bond between component 101 and a sewable material sheet. Component 103 is a sewable/pin-able material sheet layer. The design, size and placement of these components may vary, but the principle is of a product which intercedes between prior art mounting devices, which use or incorporate adhesion, and a second desired material (such as an item of fabric art) which does not possess the adhesion-receiving characteristics for which the prior art mounting device adhesive formula was optimised. The hanging apparatus 104 comprising these components 101, 102, 103 thereby achieves a desired bond between prior art mounting devices and the sewable item of fabric art.

[0078] In FIG. 1 an attachment system comprising components 101,102 and 103, is illustrated. The surface finish of the top surface of component 101 is presented for adhesion to prior art mounting devices such as hook and loop fasteners, clips etc. The bottom surface of component 101 has a surface finish optimised to receive and bond with component 102. This is achieved in one embodiment of component 101, by being constructed from, but not limited to, polyester material, and component 102 being constructed of, but not limited to, a heat-set adhesive formulation. The bottom component 103 is constructed as a fabric in sheet or tape form.

[0079] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 2, the components are shown as separated, but they are aligned in a pre-assembly order. Item 201 represents a sewing attachment needle and thread, either performed by hand or by mechanical intervention. Items 203 and 204 represent two types of pinned attachment an alternative to sewing attachment. Prior art mounting devices are adhered to the top surface of the panel item 202, and these may include, but are not limited to, hook and loop, snaps, buckles, buttons, cable tie fixing mounts, clasps, or similar fasteners which may be one piece or may incorporate or require two or more pieces within the fastening system. The combined panel and sewable material component 202 intercedes between the prior art mounting device (not shown), and an adhesively non-compatible material represented by a fabric art item 205.

[0080] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 3, Item 301 is a combined panel and sewable material component 301 which in use is linked via sewn attachment to item 304 representing an item of fabric art. Item 302 represents a prior art fastener, for example a pressure sensitive adhesive putty such as the product branded as Blu-Tack. Item 305 represents a wall or generic surface to which the fabric art product is to be fastened to.

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, in FIG. 4A the components are shown as separated but aligned in pre-assembly order, and FIG. 4B illustrates all of the components assembled ready to be attached to a desired surface (not shown) exemplified by a wall suitable for mounting via the prior art mounting device 401, which in this embodiment has an adhesive top surface. Item 401, is a generic illustration of a prior art mounting device which possess an adhesive surface on both sides, such as a reusable putty-like pressure-sensitive adhesive category of prior art fasteners (for example Blu-Tack brand), or by a removable laminate on a single-sided or double-sided adhesive tape that is stretchable to accomplish removal. Prior art fasteners both temporary and permanent in the double sided tape category have a variety of names and brandings. For item 401, hook and loop fasteners are also known, for example sold under the brand Commander Strips. Component 402 comprises a panel and a layer of sewable material glued together to form a hanging apparatus which is designed to intercede between a desired surface (not shown), and an adhesively non-compatible sewable material represented by an item of fabric art 403.

[0082] FIGS. 9 to FIG. 19 illustrate a variety of manufacture and assembly options for fabric art hanging apparatus. They all follow the same principle of a mechanically pinned attachment to the desired sewable material layer. The pins, or safety pins, form a link between the sewable fabric and the panel. The panel in turn forms a link between itself and the adhesive surface of a prior art mounting device. Options for injection moulding, press cutting, laser cutting and heat forming are illustrated.

[0083] FIG. 11 illustrates a laser cut or die cut design, which uses interlocking tabs to facilitate assembly without the need for additional glues or heat processing.

[0084] FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate a sewn attachment via the use of a button or buttonhole.

[0085] FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 illustrate a simple extruded panel with enhanced peel resistance.

[0086] FIG. 20 illustrates a kit of parts comprising a concertina folded strip of sewable material, to which is joined a series of elongate panels, the strip and panels forming an elongate version of a fabric art hanging apparatus 2004. The kit also includes an array of mounting devices in the form of prior art hook-and-loop fasteners, arranged in rows on a support sheet 2003.

[0087] To form the kit, the mounting devices 2003 and the elongate, folded fabric art hanging apparatus 2004 are folded inside a paper or plastic sheet layer 2001 to separate them, and the paper or plastic layer 2001 is then able to be slidingly moved by a human operator or a machine into an envelope 2002. A feature of the packaging is that the two components 2004 and 2003 are held in a way that does not let them overlap. This can be done in lots of ways, but in this example it is done by folding a piece of paper 2001. Other ways include making gussets in a bag, for directly locating the parts into an end entry envelope or even temporary gluing the parts onto an insertion sheet. If the components 2003, 2004 overlap and are not separated to lie alongside one another, then there is the possibility that they will exceed the Post Office thickness limit for an envelope, and incur either extra cost, or will not be sent.

[0088] FIG. 21A is a schematic perspective view of a strip of sewable material with adjacent panels 2101 joined to the one face of the strip and spaced apart from one another which creates a gap 2103 to allow the strip of sewable material to become folded in a concertina-like manner, and thus to overlay each of the panels in the form of a stack. The panel 2101 is spaced apart from the adjacent panel by the gap 2103 needed to create the ability for the hanging apparatus to concertina.

[0089] FIG. 21B is a schematic perspective view of a strip of sewable material 2105 with a single elongate panel 2102 joined to the one face of the strip, and featuring a perforation 2104 of the panel 2102, or an aligned perforation that passes through both the panel 2102 and the sewable fabric base 2105, and located at intervals within the elongate panel 2102 to allow the strip of sewable material 2105 to become folded in a concertina-like manner, and thus to overlay the fractured portions of the panel 2102 in the form of a concertina stack. The size of fracture or perforations is variable depending on the exact specification of the materials used. It is also possible that the elongate panel could simply be scored so that upon bending, a fold is achieved at desired intervals.

[0090] FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view which illustrates a hanging apparatus comprising two panels 2201 and 2204 which are positioned on either side of a layer of sewable material 2203 which allows glue to pass therethrough and join both 2201 and 2204 at the sewable material 2203.

[0091] A panel 2201 has an uppermost surface which is suitable for adhesion to existing mounting devices. The panel 2201 is joined to the sewable material 2203 with an adhesive layer 2202 on its lower surface, and the fabric 2203 can be of an open weave type which allows the adhesive that is on the underside of panel 2201 to pass through it and join with (or become) the adhesive layer on the upper surface of panel 2204.

[0092] The panel 2204 is a backing layer which can be the same material as the panel 2201 or of a cheaper construction. The purpose of the panel 2204 is to stiffen the final construction and to provide a strong adhesion between panels 2201 and 2204 which embeds the sewable material 2203. The advantage of this arrangement overall is that a cheaper adhesive can be used while achieving a very strong bond with the fabric 2203.

[0093] The fabric layer 2203 has a portion extending beyond the perimeter of panels 2201 and 2204 for accepting pins or sewing, and which could extend beyond any or all of the four sides of either panel.

[0094] The hanging or mounting apparatus disclosed herein when sewn or pinned or otherwise attached to an item of fabric art provides a new and improved attachment between known prior art fasteners which use or incorporate adhesive, by diversifying their application for use on materials such as fabric art for which their adhesive formulations have not been optimised.

[0095] By using a layer of sewable material fabric, the mounting or hanging apparatus can intercede between an item of fabric art and a prior art fastener and be used in at least the following ways: [0096] for mounting sewable products on surfaces such as painted wallboard, plaster, concrete, glass, metal or plastic. Fabric pieces or constructions can therefore be hung as wall hangings, or even attached to the glass or body of a vehicle. The hanging or mounting apparatus allows a diversity of prior art fasteners to be used as mounting devices; [0097] joining or assembly applications; [0098] positioning applications; [0099] closure applications; and [0100] permanent, semi-permanent and removable applications.

[0101] The particular construction of the hanging or mounting apparatus, for example the type of panel material used, the type of adhesive compositions, the size and positioning of holes, slots and tags to facilitate sewn application, or any combination thereof, can be varied to meet different requirements for each category of use.

[0102] In the foregoing description of certain embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes other technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as left and right, front and rear, above and below and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[0103] The reference in this specification to any prior publication or information is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication or information forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor to which this specification relates.

[0104] In this specification, the word comprising is to be understood in its open sense, that is, in the sense of including, and thus not limited to its closed sense, that is the sense of consisting only of. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words comprise, comprised and comprises where they appear.

[0105] In addition, the foregoing describes only some embodiments of the invention(s), and alterations, modifications, additions and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive.

[0106] Furthermore, invention(s) have described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention(s). Also, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g., aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to realize yet other embodiments. Further, each independent feature or component of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment.