Padded bench assembly with height adjustable easel and ridged surface for improved canvas support

Abstract

A padded bench assembly with height adjustable easel and ridged surface provides an elongated frame. The frame supports a canvas at a desired height and slope. The frame also supports an artist, and includes a cushioned seat for the artist to sit on while working on the canvas. The artist bench provides an elongated frame at least 29″ long for an artist to sit. The frame has a cushioned seat for artist comfort while sitting and working on canvas. The bench assembly allows for selective positioning of the canvas, at adjustable angles, through height adjustment of a canvas support bar, and selective setting of the edge of the canvas in one of multiple ridges in a ridged canvas support panel. The artist sit at a desired distance from the canvas, and position the canvas at an angle for working on the canvas, while minimizing slippage by the canvas.

Claims

1. A padded bench assembly with height adjustable easel and ridged surface, the assembly comprising: a frame comprising at least one lower longitudinal support bar, at least one upper longitudinal support bar, four legs, and at least four traversed support bars extending between the legs, the frame defined by a proximal end and a distal end; wherein one of the traversed support bars located at the distal end of the frame and the upper longitudinal support bar comprise upper surfaces that define a plane a seat positioned longitudinally across the proximal end of the frame; a canvas support panel positioned longitudinally across the distal end of the frame, the canvas support panel defined by a plurality of ridges; wherein the seat and the canvas support panel are supported in the plane by the frame a sleeve fixedly attached to the traversed support bar located at the distal end of the frame; a canvas support bar insertable in the sleeve, the canvas support bar slidably moveable in the sleeve; a clamp comprising a body, a friction mechanism, and at least one fastening hole, the body of the clamp surrounding the canvas support bar and the sleeve; and at least one fastener passing through the at least one fastening hole, the fastener being rotatable in the first direction to at least partially tighten the body of the clamp about the canvas support bar and the sleeve, the fastener being rotatable in the second direction to at least partially loosen the body of the clamp from the canvas support bar and the sleeve, whereby the canvas support bar is height adjustable relative to the sleeve through manipulation of the friction mechanism and the fastener.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, the frame is elongated.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, the frame is defined by a length of at least 29 inches.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the canvas support bar comprises a horizontal member that forms a T-bar.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the seat is cushioned.

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the friction mechanism is rotatable in a first direction to at least partially tighten the body of the clamp about the canvas support bar and the sleeve, the friction mechanism being rotatable in a second direction to at least partially loosen the body of the clamp from the canvas support bar and the sleeve.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises a washer, the washer creating space between the fastener and the canvas support bar.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the friction mechanism comprises a threaded screw.

9. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising an Allen wrench operable to enable rotation of the fastener.

10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the at least one fastener comprises a ¼″×1¾″ Allen bolt, and a ¼″×1⅜″ Allen bolt.

11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the ridges receive an edge of a canvas.

12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the canvas comprises a drawing or painting board.

13. A padded bench assembly with height adjustable easel and ridged surface, the assembly comprising: an elongated frame comprising at least one lower longitudinal support bar, at least one upper longitudinal support bar, four legs, and at least four traversed support bars extending between the legs, the frame defined by a proximal end and a distal end, the frame being defined by a length of at least 29 inches; wherein one of the traversed support bars located at the distal end of the frame and the upper longitudinal support bar comprise upper surfaces that define a plane a cushioned seat positioned longitudinally across the proximal end of the frame; a canvas support panel positioned longitudinally across the distal end of the frame, the canvas support panel defined by a plurality of ridges, whereby the ridges receive an edge of a canvas; wherein the cushioned seat and the canvas support panel are supported in the plane by the frame a sleeve fixedly attached to the traversed support bar located at the distal end of the frame; a canvas support bar insertable in the sleeve, the canvas support bar slidably moveable in the sleeve; a clamp comprising a body, a friction mechanism, and at least one fastening hole, the body of the clamp surrounding the canvas support bar and the sleeve, the friction mechanism being rotatable in a first direction to at least partially tighten the body of the clamp about the canvas support bar and the sleeve, the friction mechanism being rotatable in a second direction to at least partially loosen the body of the clamp from the canvas support bar and the sleeve; and at least one fastener passing through the at least one fastening hole, the fastener being rotatable in the first direction to at least partially tighten the body of the clamp about the canvas support bar and the sleeve, the fastener being rotatable in the second direction to at least partially loosen the body of the clamp from the canvas support bar and the sleeve, whereby the canvas support bar is height adjustable relative to the sleeve through manipulation of the friction mechanism and the fastener.

14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the fastener comprises a washer, the washer creating space between the fastener and the canvas support bar.

15. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the friction mechanism comprises a threaded screw.

16. The assembly of claim 13, further comprising an Allen wrench operable to enable rotation of the fastener.

17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the at least one fastener comprises a ¼″×1¾″ Allen bolt, and a ¼″×1⅜″ Allen bolt.

18. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the ridges receive an edge of a canvas.

19. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the canvas comprises a drawing or painting board.

20. A padded bench assembly with height adjustable easel and ridged surface, the assembly consisting of: an elongated frame comprising at least one lower longitudinal support bar, at least one upper longitudinal support bar, four legs, and at least four traversed support bars extending between the legs, the frame defined by a proximal end and a distal end, the frame being defined by a length of at least 29 inches; wherein one of the traversed support bars located at the distal end of the frame and the upper longitudinal support bar comprise upper surfaces that define a plane a cushioned seat positioned longitudinally across the proximal end of the frame; a canvas support panel positioned longitudinally across the distal end of the frame, the canvas support panel defined by a plurality of ridges, whereby the ridges receive an edge of a canvas; wherein the seat and the canvas support panel are supported in the plane by the frame a sleeve fixedly attached to the traversed support bar located at the distal end of the frame; a canvas support bar insertable in the sleeve, the canvas support bar slidably moveable in the sleeve; a clamp comprising a body, a friction mechanism, and at least one fastening hole, the body of the clamp surrounding the canvas support bar and the sleeve, the friction mechanism being rotatable in a first direction to at least partially tighten the body of the clamp about the canvas support bar and the sleeve, the friction mechanism being rotatable in a second direction to at least partially loosen the body of the clamp from the canvas support bar and the sleeve; at least one fastener passing through the at least one fastening hole, the fastener being rotatable in the first direction to at least partially tighten the body of the clamp about the canvas support bar and the sleeve, the fastener being rotatable in the second direction to at least partially loosen the body of the clamp from the canvas support bar and the sleeve, whereby the canvas support bar is height adjustable relative to the sleeve through manipulation of the friction mechanism and the fastener; and an Allen wrench operable to enable rotation of the fastener.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary padded bench assembly with height adjustable easel and ridged surface retaining a canvas at an angle to vertical, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a right side rear perspective view of a padded bench assembly with height adjustable easel and ridged surface for improved canvas support, showing an artist sitting on the artist bench while working on the canvas, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates a left side rear perspective view of the padded bench assembly shown in FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates a blow up view of the padded bench assembly shown in FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates a blow up view of the padded bench assembly shown in FIG. 4, showing a close up of the clamp, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates perspective views of components of the padded bench assembly, including the frame, cushioned, and ridged canvas support panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(8) FIG. 7 illustrates perspective views of components of the padded bench assembly, including the clamp and various fasteners, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

(9) FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate perspective views of the canvas support bar, where FIG. 8A shows the canvas support bar in an extended position, and FIG. 8B shows the canvas support bar in a retracted position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

(10) Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(11) The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “first,” “second,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

(12) At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions, or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as may be further described or explained by the entire written specification of which this detailed description is an integral part. The drawings are intended to be read together with the specification and are to be construed as a portion of the entire “written description” of this invention as required by 35 U.S.C. § 112.

(13) In one embodiment of the present invention presented in FIGS. 1-8B, a padded bench assembly with height adjustable easel and ridged surface for improved canvas support. The padded bench assembly 100, hereafter “assembly 100” provides an elongated frame 102 and a cushioned seat 114 that serves as a sitting surface for an artist 206. The frame 102 also provides a support for a canvas 200, or general artist drawing board, to be positioned at a desired angle to vertical; and an elongated cushioned seat 114 for an artist 206 to sit on, or for setting art related items on, while the artist 206 works on the canvas 200.

(14) The present invention also enables the canvas 200 to be selectively positioned at adjustable angles through manipulation of the canvas 200 on a height adjustable canvas support bar 122 and a ridged canvas support panel 116. The height of the canvas support bar 122 is also determinate of the slope of the canvas 200. In this manner, the artist 206 has enhanced access to the canvas 200 and the canvas can be displayed at a more favorable position.

(15) FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary padded bench assembly 100 with height adjustable easel and ridged surface provides an elongated frame. The padded bench assembly 100 includes a ridged canvas support panel 116 and a height adjustable canvas support bar 122 that can be easily adjusted to retain a canvas 200 at a desired slope to vertical.

(16) In some embodiments, the padded bench assembly 100 provides a frame 102 that supports a canvas 200 at a desired height and slope. The frame 102 also supports an artist 206, and includes a cushioned seat 114 for the artist 206 to sit on while working on the canvas 200. The artist padded bench assembly 100 assembly allows for selective positioning of the canvas 200, at adjustable angles, through height adjustment of a canvas support bar, and selective setting of the edge of the canvas in one of multiple ridges in a ridged canvas support panel. The artist sit at a comfortable distance from the canvas, and position the canvas at an angle for working on the canvas, while minimizing slippage by the canvas 200.

(17) The padded bench assembly 100 may provide a supportive frame 102 comprising an arrangement of support bars 104, 106a-b and legs 108a-d set in perpendicular for optimal structural support while the artist works. The padded bench assembly 100 may also include a cushioned seat 114 at a proximal end 112a of the frame 102 for an artist 206 to sit comfortably.

(18) Looking now at FIG. 2, from the padded bench assembly 100, the artist 206 sits upright and at a comfortable distance from the canvas 200 while working, or displaying the canvas 200. Significantly, the bench assembly 100 also provides a ridged canvas 200 and height adjustable canvas support bar 122 at a distal end 112b of the frame 102 that receive the edges 202 of the canvas 200, such that the canvas 200 is positioned at a fixed angle.

(19) In this manner, the artist can comfortable sit at a desired distance from the canvas 200, and position the canvas 200 at a desired angle for working on, or display the canvas 200, while minimizing slippage by the canvas 200. The canvas support bar 122 may include a horizontal member 130 that forms a T-bar at the terminus of the canvas support bar.

(20) Those skilled in the art will recognize that a bench is a long seat upon which manual art work is performed. The artist bench often comprises an easel for supporting a canvas or drawing board. The easel may include an upright support used for displaying and/or fixing the canvas, or other art related item, at an angle of about 20° to the vertical. In particular, easels are traditionally used by painters to support a painting while they work on it, normally standing up, and are also sometimes used to display finished paintings.

(21) Thus, the artist requires that the canvas be supported at a fixed angle and the artist must be at a comfortable distance from the canvas so that accessing and working on the canvas is performed at an optimal level. The present invention provides a cushioned seat 114 for an artist to sit on at proximal end 112a of the frame 102, and a ridged canvas 200 and height adjustable canvas support bar 122 at the distal end 112b of the frame 102 to support the artist's canvas 200 at a fixed angle for working, or displaying.

(22) FIG. 4 references the padded bench assembly 100, showing the elongated bench-style, which is at least 29″ long for the present invention. This extended length provides greater space for the artist to work with the canvas 200. For example, the extended length is also advantageous for artists with longer arms, as the artist can sit further away from the canvas 200. Also, the surface area in front of the artist is greater, which provides an area to set art related items, such as paint, pictures, and drawing instruments. In one possible embodiment, the frame 102 is defined by a length of at least 29″. Though a greater length may be used in other embodiments.

(23) In some embodiments, the padded bench assembly 100 may include an elongated frame 102. The frame 102 is defined by a proximal end 112a and a distal end 112b. The artist positions on the proximal end 112a, facing the canvas 200 that is positioned at the distal end 112b of the frame 102. In another embodiment, the frame 102 comprises at least one lower longitudinal support bar 104, at least one upper longitudinal support bar 106a, 106b, four legs 108a-d, and at least four traversed support bars 110a-d extending between the legs 108a-d.

(24) The longitudinal support bars 104, 106a-b and the traversed support bars 110a-d have a perpendicular relationship to each other, as shown in FIG. 2. The legs 108a-d may terminate at rubber feet to provide greater stability to the padded bench assembly 100. The legs may be fabricated from a rigid material, such as aluminum, steel, metal alloys, wood, and a rigid polymer.

(25) In some embodiments, the padded bench assembly 100 may provide a cushioned seat 114 that is positioned longitudinally across the proximal end 112a of the frame 102. The cushioned seat 114 provides a comfortable component for the artist to sit on while working on the canvas 200. The cushioned seat 114 also provides a surface area to set art related items on while the artist is working. In some embodiments, the cushioned seat 114 comprises a support cushion that may include, without limitation, a foam, poly foam, or lux foam, or other cushioning materials as known in the art.

(26) As referenced in FIG. 6, the padded bench assembly 100 further includes a canvas support panel 116. The canvas support panel 116 helps support the canvas 200. The canvas support panel 116 is disposed coplanar, and adjacent to the cushioned seat 114. The canvas support panel 116 is positioned longitudinally across the distal end 112b of the frame 102.

(27) In one embodiment, the canvas support panel 116 is defined by a plurality of ridges 118a-c, whereby the ridges 118a-c receive a lower edge 804 of the canvas 200 (FIGS. 8A-8B). The slope of the canvas 200 to vertical is partially determined by which ridge 118a-c the edge of the canvas 200 is set in. The slope of the canvas 200 is also dependent on the height of the canvas support bar 122.

(28) FIG. 8A shows the canvas support bar in an extended position 800, and the canvas 200 is almost vertical. FIG. 8B shows the canvas support bar in a retracted position 802, and the canvas 200 is more sloped. Thus, both the position of the canvas 200 in the selected ridge, and the height of the canvas support bar 122 determine the sloped position of the canvas 200.

(29) For example, resting the edge of the canvas 200 in a proximal ridge 118c increases the slope of the canvas 200, while resting the edge of the canvas 200 in a distal ridge 118a positions the canvas 200 closer to the vertical. In some embodiments, the canvas 200 may include, without limitation, a drawing or painting board, an artist's canvas 200, a painting, and a generally flat panel.

(30) Looking back at FIG. 2, the distal end 112b of the frame 102 includes a sleeve 120. The sleeve 120 is fixedly attached to the traversed support bar 110a at the distal end 112b of the frame 102. As described below, the sleeve 120 is configured to receive a canvas support bar 122. Looking again at FIG. 6, the canvas support bar 122 is insertable in the sleeve 120. The canvas support bar 122 is slidably moveable in the sleeve 120, so as to enable adjustable heights.

(31) In one non-limiting embodiment, the canvas support bar 122 is a T-bar. An upper edge of the canvas 200 may rest on the canvas support bar 122 while a lower edge of the canvas 200 rests in a selected ridge 118a-c. This allows the canvas 200 to be selectively positioned at a desired angle relative to the artist.

(32) As the close up illustration in FIG. 5 shows, the padded bench assembly 100 includes a clamp 124 that helps fasten the canvas support bar 122 against the sleeve 120. The clamp 124 comprises a body 126a, a friction mechanism 126b, and at least one fastening hole 126c. The body 126a of the clamp 124 surrounds the canvas support bar 122 and the sleeve 120 to restrict the canvas support bar 122 at a fixed position in the sleeve 120.

(33) The friction mechanism 126b is rotatable in a first direction to at least partially tighten the body 126a of the clamp 124 about the canvas support bar 122 and the sleeve 120. Further, the friction mechanism 126b is rotatable in a second direction to at least partially loosen the body 126a of the clamp 124 from the canvas support bar 122 and the sleeve 120. In one non-limiting embodiment, the friction mechanism 126b comprises a threaded screw.

(34) Turning now to the list of components referenced in FIG. 7, the padded bench assembly 100 utilizes at least one fastener 128a-d to restrict the canvas support bar 122 at a fixed position in the sleeve 120. Thus, both the fastener 128a-d and the above-mentioned clamp 124 work in conjunction to maintain the canvas 200 in a fixed position, and release the canvas support bar 122 to slide in and out of the sleeve 120 to a desired height.

(35) The fastener 128a, 128b, 128c, 128d is configured to pass through the at least one fastening hole 126c of the clamp 124. In one embodiment, the fastener 128a-d and the fastening hole 126c are both threaded that allows for a rotatable relationship. Though in other embodiments, a friction fit relationship may be used.

(36) In some embodiments, the fastener 128a-d may be rotatable in the first direction to at least partially tighten the body 126a of the clamp 124 about the canvas support bar 122 and the sleeve 120. The fastener 128a-d is also rotatable in the second direction to at least partially loosen the body 126a of the clamp 124 from the canvas support bar 122 and the sleeve 120.

(37) In one non-limiting embodiment, the at least one fastener 128a-d comprises a washer 128a that creates spacing between the fastener 128a and the canvas support bar 122. In another embodiment, the at least one fastener 128a-d comprises a ¼″×1¾″ Allen bolt 128b, and a ¼″×1⅜″ Allen bolt 128c.

(38) In some embodiments, the at least one fastener 128a-d is operable with an Allen wrench 204 to rotate the fastener 128a-d. In this manner, the position of the canvas support bar 122 is height adjustable relative to the sleeve 120 through manipulation of the friction mechanism 126b and the at least one fastener 128a-d. And thus, by adjusting the height of the canvas support bar 122, and the ridge on which the edge 804 of the canvas 200 rests, the slope of the canvas 200 can be set to a desired position.

(39) Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.