ARTWORK SUBSTRATES HAVING RAISED OUTER EDGES TO PREVENT CURABLE COATINGS FROM SPILLING OVER OUTER PERIMETERS THEREOF

Abstract

An artwork system includes a metal substrate having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an outer perimeter. The top surface of the metal substrate is anodized. The outer perimeter of the metal substrate includes a curved outer edge that projects above the top surface of the metal substrate to define a raised rim that extends around the outer perimeter of the metal substrate. The top surface of the metal substrate is covered with artwork such as a painting. A curable, transparent, coating overlies the artwork and the top surface of the metal substrate. The curable transparent coating has an outer perimeter that abuts against the curved outer edge of the metal substrate. The curved outer edge of the substrate has an inner concave surface that faces toward a center of the metal substrate and an outer convex surface that faces away from the center of the metal substrate. The curable, transparent coating has an outer perimeter that abuts against the inner concave surface of the curved outer edge of the metal substrate

Claims

1. An artwork system comprising: an artwork substrate having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an outer perimeter; the outer perimeter of said artwork substrate including a curved outer edge that projects above said top surface of said artwork substrate to define a raised rim that extends around the outer perimeter of said artwork substrate; an artwork positioned atop said top surface of said artwork substrate; a transparent resin coating overlying said artwork and said top surface of said artwork substrate, wherein said transparent resin coating has an outer perimeter that abuts against an inner surface of said curved outer edge of said artwork substrate.

2. The artwork system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said artwork substrate comprises metal.

3. The artwork system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said artwork substrate comprises aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

4. The artwork system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said top and bottom surfaces of said artwork substrate are anodized.

5. The artwork system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said top surface of said artwork substrate is flat.

6. The artwork system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said artwork comprises a painting overlying said top surface of said artwork substrate.

7. The artwork system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said transparent resin coating comprises: a curable epoxy; an ultraviolet light stabilizer; and a hindered amine light stabilization additive.

8. The artwork system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner surface of said curved outer edge defines a concave curved surface, and wherein said curved outer edge has an outer surface defining a convex curved surface.

9. The artwork system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a second artwork overlying a top surface of said first transparent resin coating; and a second transparent resin coating overlying said second artwork and said top surface of said first transparent resin coating.

10. An artwork system comprising: a metal substrate having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an outer perimeter, wherein said top surface of said metal substrate is anodized; the outer perimeter of said metal substrate including a curved outer edge that projects above said top surface of said metal substrate to define a raised rim that extends around the outer perimeter of said metal substrate; said top surface of said metal substrate being covered by a painting; a curable, transparent, coating overlying said painting and said top surface of said metal substrate, wherein said curable transparent coating has an outer perimeter that abuts against said curved outer edge of said metal substrate.

11. The artwork system as claimed in claim 10, wherein said metal substrate comprises metals selected from the group consisting of aluminum, aluminum alloys, stainless steel, and tin.

12. The artwork system as claimed in claim 10, wherein said curved outer edge comprises: an inner concave surface that faces toward a center of said metal substrate; and an outer convex surface that faces away from the center of said metal substrate.

13. The artwork system as claimed in claim 12, wherein said curable, transparent coating has an outer perimeter that abuts against said inner concave surface of said curved outer edge of said metal substrate

14. The artwork system as claimed in claim 10, wherein said top surface of said metal substrate is flat.

15. The artwork system as claimed in claim 10, wherein said curable, transparent coating comprises: a curable epoxy; an ultraviolet light stabilizer; and a hindered amine light stabilization additive.

16. The artwork system as claimed in claim 10, further comprising: a second painting overlying a top surface of said first curable, transparent coating; and a second curable, transparent coating overlying said second painting and said top surface of said first curable, transparent coating.

17. A method of making an artwork unit comprising: obtaining a metal substrate having a top surface, a bottom surface and an outer edge that defines an outer perimeter of said metal substrate; bending said outer edge of said metal substrate to form a curved outer edge at the outer perimeter of said metal substrate, wherein said curved outer edge projects above said top surface of said metal substrate and has an inner concave surface that faces toward a center of said metal substrate and an outer convexly curved surface that faces away from the center of said metal substrate; anodizing at least said top surface of said metal substrate; placing an artwork over said anodized top surface of said metal substrate, wherein said artwork is bounded by said curved outer edge of said metal substrate; depositing a curable, transparent coating over said artwork and said anodized top surface of said metal substrate.

18. The method as claimed in claim 17, further comprising spreading said curable, transparent coating away from the center of said metal substrate and toward said curved outer edge at the outer perimeter of said metal substrate until an outer perimeter of said curable, transparent coating abuts against said concave inner surface of said curve outer edge.

19. The method as claimed in claim 17, further comprising allowing said curable, transparent coating to flow away from the center of said metal substrate and toward said curved outer edge at the outer perimeter of said metal substrate so that an outer perimeter of said curable, transparent coating abuts against said concave inner surface of said curve outer edge.

20. The method as claimed in claim 17, further comprising: curing said curable, transparent coating to provide a first cured, transparent coating ; placing a second artwork over a top surface of said first cured, transparent coating; depositing a second curable, transparent coating over said second artwork and said top surface of said first curved transparent coating.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] FIG. 1 shows a method of pouring a curable material over artwork.

[0059] FIG. 2 shows the curable material of FIG. 1 flowing over an outer edge of the artwork.

[0060] FIG. 3 shows another view of the curable material of FIG. 1 flowing over the outer edge of the artwork.

[0061] FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of artwork having nubs formed thereon.

[0062] FIG. 5 shows a tape having nubs thereon being pulled away from a rear surface of artwork.

[0063] FIG. 6 shows a tape having nubs thereon being pulled away from a rear surface of another artwork.

[0064] FIG. 7 shows an artwork substrate having nubs formed on a rear surface thereof.

[0065] FIG. 8 shows a top perspective view of an artwork substrate having a raised edge, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.

[0066] FIG. 9 shows a bottom view of the artwork substrate shown in FIG. 8.

[0067] FIG. 10A shows a top plan view of an artwork substrate having a raised edge, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.

[0068] FIG. 10B shows a bottom view of the artwork substrate shown in FIG. 10A.

[0069] FIG. 100 shows a top perspective view of the artwork substrate shown in FIG. 10A.

[0070] FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the artwork substrate shown in FIG. 10.

[0071] FIG. 12 shows a magnified view of an outer region of the artwork substrate shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0072] FIG. 13A shows a first stage of a method of making art on an artwork substrate, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.

[0073] FIG. 13B shows a second stage of a method of making art on an artwork substrate, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.

[0074] FIG. 13C shows a third stage of a method of making art on an artwork substrate, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.

[0075] FIG. 14A shows a first stage of a method of making art on an artwork substrate, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.

[0076] FIG. 14B shows a second stage of a method of making art on an artwork substrate, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.

[0077] FIG. 14C shows a third stage of a method of making art on an artwork substrate, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.

[0078] FIG. 14D shows a fourth stage of a method of making art on an artwork substrate, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.

[0079] FIG. 14E shows a fifth stage of a method of making art on an artwork substrate, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0080] Referring to FIG. 8, in one embodiment, an artwork substrate 100 preferably has a top surface 102 and an outer perimeter 104 having a raised outer edge 106. In one embodiment, the raised outer edge 106 desirably extends above the top surface 102 of the substrate 100 for preventing the poured resin coating from flowing over the outer perimeter 104, which minimizes the likelihood of the resin flowing over the sides of the substrate and forming unwanted nubs on the sides or underside of the substrate. In one embodiment, the artwork substrate 100 has a trough 108 that is located inside the perimeter of the raised outer edge 106. In one embodiment, the trough 108 provides a gutter or gully for collecting the resin adjacent the outer perimeter 104 of the artwork substrate 100. The trough 108 may be a depression located between the outer perimeter of the top surface 102 and the raised outer edge 106.

[0081] In one embodiment, the artwork substrate 100 is preferably made of metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloys, tin or steel. In one embodiment, the substrate is made of metal and is anodized prior to receiving the artwork or the clear coatings. In other embodiments, the substrate may be made of other materials including polymers, plastics, cellulose, paper, fiberboard, cardboard, metal, alloys, or combinations of two or more of any of the above-listed materials. In one embodiment, the artwork substrate 100 is preferably shaped so that it includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a raised edge that projects above the top surface, and a trough that is located between the top surface and the raised edge for collecting any resin material that flows beyond the outer perimeter of the top surface.

[0082] In one embodiment, the artwork substrate 100 has a circular shape. In other embodiments, the artwork substrate 100 may have other geometric shapes including but not limited to squares, rectangles, polygons, parallelograms, and triangles.

[0083] In one embodiment, a picture may be painted onto a surface of the artwork substrate 100 and the painted picture is preferably covered by a curable, resin coating. In one embodiment, the resin coating is cured to provide a clear coat over the painted picture. In one embodiment, the painted surface overlies the top surface 102 of the substrate 100 (FIG. 8). In one embodiment, two or more layers of the curable, resin coating may be applied over the substrate. The curable, resin coating may be the ArtResin product disclosed herein.

[0084] In one embodiment, the artwork substrate 100 is preferably made of aluminum and the top surface of the aluminum substrate is painted with a picture. After the picture is painted on the top surface, the resin coating is applied over the top surface of the substrate and the painted picture. The raised rim and the trough preferably prevent the uncured resin material from spilling over the outer perimeter of the substrate 100.

[0085] In one embodiment, the artwork substrate has a circular or disc shape and the raised edge is a raised rim that extends around the outer perimeter of the substrate, with a circular trough being located between the outer perimeter of the top surface of the substrate and the raised rim. In one embodiment, the raised edge extends above the top surface of the substrate to form a dam that extends completely around the outer perimeter of the substrate. In one embodiment, the circular trough preferably collects the resin material that flows outside the outer perimeter of the top surface and the raised rim prevents the resin material from spilling over the outer perimeter of the substrate so that nubs cannot form on the sides of the bottom surface of the artwork substrate.

[0086] FIG. 9 shows the bottom surface 110 of the artwork substrate 100. The underside of the raised edge 106 extends around the outer perimeter of the bottom surface 110.

[0087] In one embodiment, if the resin coating is applied over the top surface of the substrate 100 (FIG. 8), the final product may have the appearance of a coaster with a rim (i.e., the raised edge), whereby any excess resin is collected in the trough.

[0088] In one embodiment, if the resin coating is applied over the bottom surface of the substrate 100 (FIG. 9), the final product may be mounted on a wall or surface and may have the appearance of a three dimensional object when viewed from the side.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 10A-10C and 11, in one embodiment, an artwork substrate 200 preferably has a top surface 202, a bottom surface 203, and an outer perimeter 204 that defines as outer circumference of the substrate. In one embodiment, the artwork substrate 200 desirably has a curved outer edge 206 with a free end 208 that projects above the top surface 202 of the substrate 200. In one embodiment, the free end 208 is spaced away from and overlies the top surface 202 of the substrate 200 with a gap G (FIG. 12) being located between the free end 208 of the curved outer edge 206 and the top surface 202 of the substrate 200.

[0090] In one embodiment, the curved outer edge 206 may be formed by bending or curving the outer edge using a tool. In one embodiment, the curved outer edge 206 may be formed by spinning the substrate 200 on a lathe and pressing a tool against the free outer end 208 for bending the outer edge into the curved configuration shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. In one embodiment, the curved outer edge 206 preferably extends or projects above the top surface 202 of the substrate 200 to function as a dam or boundary that is located at the outer periphery of the substrate 200. In one embodiment, the curved outer edge 206 desirably prevents a flowable material, such as a curable material (e.g., a clear, curable resin), from flowing over the outer perimeter 204 of the substrate, thereby minimizing the likelihood of the resin flowing over the sides of the substrate and forming undesirable deposits such as unwanted nubs on the underside of the substrate.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, in one embodiment, the artwork substrate 200 desirably has an outer diameter OD.sub.1 of about 5-40 inches, more preferably about 8-20 inches, more preferably about 10-12 inches, and even more preferably about 11.20 inches. In one embodiment, the distance between the top of the curved outer edge 206 and the bottom surface 203 of the artwork substrate 200 preferably defines a height H.sub.1 of about 0.15-0.50 inches, more preferably about 0.25-0.30 inches, and even more preferably about 0.27 inches. In one embodiment, the distance between the free end 208 of the curved outer edge 206 and the top surface 202 of the substrate 200 preferably defines a gap having a height H.sub.2 of about 0.075-0.150 inches, more preferably about 0.10-0.15 inches, and even more preferably about 0.135 inches. Referring to FIG. 12, in one embodiment, the artwork substrate 200 preferably has a thickness T.sub.1 of about 0.040-0.130 inches, more preferably about 0.040-0.080 inches, and even more preferably about 0.050 inches.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 12, in one embodiment, the curved outer edge 206 has an inner surface 225 that has a concave curved surface that faces toward a center of the substrate 200 and an outer surface 235 that has a convex surface that faces away from the center of the substrate 200. The curved outer edge 206 preferably projects above the top surface 202 of the artwork substrate 200. The curved outer edge 206 has the free end 208 that preferably overlies the top surface 202 of the artwork substrate. The free end 208 of the curved outer edge 206 is preferably spaced away from the top surface 202 of the artwork substrate 200 to define a gap G between the free end 208 and the top surface 202.

[0093] In one embodiment, the artwork substrate 200 is preferably made of metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloys, tin, steel and/or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, an artwork substrate 200 made of metal may have a matte finish, a glossy finish, a semi-glossy finish, or any type of finish between a matte finish and a glossy finish. In other embodiments, the substrate may be made of other materials including polymers, plastics, cellulose, paper, fiberboard, cardboard, metal, alloys, or combinations of two or more of any of the above-listed materials.

[0094] The artwork substrate 200 shown in FIGS. 10-12 has a circular or disc-shaped configuration. In other embodiments, however, an artwork substrate may have other geometric shapes including but not limited to squares, rectangles, polygons, parallelograms, and triangles.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 13A, in one embodiment, the artwork substrate 200 is made of an aluminum alloy and is prepared for receiving artwork. In one embodiment, the substrate may be dyed prior to receiving artwork. In one embodiment, preparing the aluminum substrate 200 for receiving artwork or for being dyed may include anodizing the substrate 200. In one embodiment, anodizing the substrate enhances the ability of the surfaces of the artwork substrate 200 to retain the artwork or the dyes placed on the surfaces. For example, anodizing the surfaces of the substrate 200 prepares the surfaces for better retaining paint that is brushed, rolled or sprayed onto the surfaces.

[0096] Anodizing is an electrochemical process that converts the metal surface of the substrate 200 into a decorative, durable, corrosion-resistant, anodic oxide finish. In one embodiment, aluminum is ideally suited to anodizing, although other nonferrous metals, such as magnesium and titanium, may also be anodized.

[0097] The anodic oxide structure originates from the aluminum substrate and is composed entirely of aluminum oxide. This aluminum oxide is not applied to the surface like paint or plating, but is fully integrated with the underlying aluminum substrate, so that it cannot chip or peel. It has a highly ordered, porous structure that allows for secondary processes such as coloring and sealing. See https://www.anodizing.org/page/what_is_anodizing?

[0098] In one embodiment, anodizing is accomplished by immersing the aluminum substrate 200 into an acid electrolyte bath and passing an electric current through the medium. A cathode is mounted to the inside of the anodizing tank. The aluminum substrate acts as an anode, so that oxygen ions are released from the electrolyte to combine with the aluminum atoms at the surfaces of the substrate 200. Thus, anodizing involves highly controlled oxidation and enhances a naturally occurring phenomenon.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 13B, in one embodiment, after the artwork substrate 200 has been anodized, the substrate 200 is preferably placed atop a flat, level support surface (e.g., a table top). In one embodiment, artwork 210 (e.g., a painting) is desirably placed onto the top surface 202 of the substrate 200. In one embodiment, the artwork 210 is a painting that is painted onto the top surface 202 such as by using a brush, a roller, or a paint sprayer. In one embodiment, the artwork 210 is allowed to dry and cure before any further finishing steps are taken.

[0100] In one embodiment, the artwork may be a photograph, an object, a paper, or any other type of art that may be positioned atop a surface of the artwork substrate 200.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 13C, in one embodiment, a curable material 212, such as a transparent, curable epoxy resin (e.g., Art Resin), is preferably applied (e.g., poured) over the artwork 210 and the top surface 202 of the substrate 200. The curable material 212 preferably flows toward the outer perimeter 204 of the substrate 200. The raised, cured outer edge 206 of the substrate 200 desirably acts as a dam or border that prevents the curable material 212 from flowing over the outer perimeter 202 of the substrate, thereby avoiding the overflowing and nub forming problems shown and described above in FIGS. 2-4 and 7.

[0102] In one embodiment, because the curable material 212 is flowable, it is self-leveling and forms an even, level coating over the top surface 202 of the substrate 200. In one embodiment, the curable material 212 is allowed to cure to preferably provide a clear, transparent coat over the artwork 210 (e.g., a painted picture) and the top surface 202 of the substrate 200.

[0103] In one embodiment, the artwork substrate 200 has a circular or disc shape and the curved outer edge 206 is also circular or disc shaped and extends around the entire outer perimeter 204 of the substrate 200. In one embodiment, the raised, curved outer edge 206 preferably collects the curable material 212 that flows toward the outer perimeter 204 and prevents the curable material from spilling over the outer perimeter 204 of the substrate so that nubs cannot form on the bottom surface or sides of the artwork substrate.

[0104] In one embodiment, art having depth and/or a 3D appearance may be formed on an artwork substrate. Referring to FIG. 14A, in one embodiment, an artwork substrate 300 is anodized and placed atop a flat, level support surface (e.g., a table top). Referring to FIG. 14B, in one embodiment, a first artwork 310 is desirably placed onto the top surface 302 of the substrate 300. In one embodiment, the first artwork 310 may be a painting that is painted onto the top surface 302, such as by using a brush, a roller, or a paint sprayer. In one embodiment, the first artwork 310 is allowed to dry and cure before any further finishing steps are taken.

[0105] In one embodiment, the first artwork 310 may be a photograph, an object, a paper, or any other type of art that may be positioned atop a surface.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 14C, in one embodiment, a first layer of a curable material 312, such as a transparent, curable epoxy resin, is preferably applied (e.g., poured) over the first artwork 310 and the top surface 302 of the artwork substrate 300. The first layer of the curable material 312 preferably flows toward the outer perimeter 304 of the substrate 300. The curved outer edge 306 of the substrate 300 desirably acts as a dam that prevents the first layer of the curable material 312 from flowing over the outer perimeter 304 of the substrate 300, thereby avoiding the overflowing and nub forming problems shown and described above in FIGS. 2-4 and 7.

[0107] In one embodiment, because the first layer of the curable material 312 is flowable, it is self-leveling and forms an even, level, first clear coating over the top surface 302 of the substrate 300. In one embodiment, the first layer of the curable material 312 is allowed to cure to preferably provide a first clear coat over the first artwork 310 (e.g., a painted picture).

[0108] Referring to FIG. 14D, in one embodiment, after the first layer 312 is cured, a second artwork 314 may be placed onto the exposed, top surface of the cured first layer 312. The second artwork 314 is at a different level than the first artwork 310. After the second artwork 314 is in position, a second layer of a curable material 316, such as a transparent, curable epoxy resin, is preferably applied (e.g., poured) over the second artwork 314 and the top surface of the first cured layer 312. The second layer of the curable material 316 preferably flows toward the outer perimeter 304 of the substrate 300. The curved outer edge 306 of the substrate 300 desirably acts as a dam that prevents the second layer of the curable material 316 from flowing over the outer perimeter 304 of the substrate 300, thereby avoiding the overflowing and nub forming problems shown and described above in FIGS. 2-4 and 7.

[0109] In one embodiment, because the second layer of the curable material 316 is flowable, it is self-leveling and forms an even, level, second clear coating that overlies the top surface 302 of the substrate 300, the first artwork 310, the first cured layer 312, and the second artwork 314. In one embodiment, the second layer of the curable material 316 is allowed to cure to preferably provide a second clear coat over the second artwork 314, the first cured layer 312, and the first artwork 310.

[0110] After the clear, transparent coatings have cured, the items disclosed herein may be hung on walls or placed atop surfaces to be displayed as artworks. The artwork placed over the surfaces of the substrate are preferably visible through the cured, clear and transparent coatings.

[0111] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word may is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words include, including, and includes mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.

[0112] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, which is only limited by the scope of the claims that follow. For example, the present invention contemplates that any of the features shown in any of the embodiments described herein, or incorporated by reference herein, may be incorporated with any of the features shown in any of the other embodiments described herein, or incorporated by reference herein, and still fall within the scope of the present invention.