Patent Publication Number: US-2009217557-A1

Title: Artistic media stretcher

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/033,325, entitled ARTISTIC MEDIA STRETCHER, filed on Mar. 3, 2008, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to artistic media. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for providing, stretching, and/or shaping artistic media. 
     2. Background and Related Art 
     Before an artist paints on a watercolor paper or a canvas, the paper or canvas may be stretched on a supporting structure to prevent the paper or canvas from buckling during the painting process. The stretching of the paper or canvas can thus provide a smooth surface for painting. 
     While conventional supporting structures are available to users, conventional supporting structures have several shortcomings. For example, some known supporting structures are complicated and, thus, difficult to use. For instance, some supporting structures require tools, such as a hammer or a screwdriver, to tighten the paper or canvas and/or to remove it from the supporting structure. Additionally, in some instances, it is difficult to obtain an even tension across the paper or canvas. In another example, some supporting structures comprise one or more pieces that are removable from the supporting structures. Accordingly, these removable pieces can easily be lost or left behind. In still another example, some supporting structures have components that obstruct paint from running off the edges of the paper or canvas. For instance, in some supporting structures, the mechanism that holds the paper or canvas to the supporting structure extends laterally past the painting surface of the canvas or paper at one or more edges. In such instances, the paint may undesirably be retained or spread on the paper or canvas. 
     Thus, while techniques currently exist that are used to stretch artistic media, challenges still exist, including those mentioned above. Accordingly, it would be an improvement in the art to augment or even replace current techniques with other techniques. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to artistic media. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for providing, stretching, and/or shaping artistic media. Implementation of the described systems and methods takes place in association with an artistic media stretcher. Generally, the media stretcher includes an artistic media frame, on which a medium can be stretched, and a hinged clamping mechanism that can secure the medium to the frame. 
     Some non-limiting examples of suitable hinged clamping mechanisms include a double-hinged clamping mechanism; a single-hinged, tongue-and-catch clamping mechanism; a barbell-hinged clamping mechanism; a half-barbell-hinged clamping mechanism; and a hybrid-hinged clamping mechanism. In some cases, the media stretcher is also made so that paint is allowed to run off the medium without collecting at one or more of the medium&#39;s edges. Indeed, in one example, the media stretcher is configured so that the painting surface of the medium is raised above the closest edges of the hinged-clamping mechanism. Accordingly, in this example, the clamping mechanism does not catch and retain paint against the medium. 
     While the systems and methods of the present invention have proven to be particularly useful in the area of stretching artistic media, such as paper and canvas for water color or oil painting, those skilled in the art can appreciate that the described systems and methods can be used in a variety of different applications and in a variety of different areas of manufacture. For instance, the skilled artisan will recognize that the described artistic media stretcher can be configured to stretch other media, such as quilting fabrics, embroidery fabrics, tarps, awnings, etc. 
     These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth or will become more fully apparent in the description that follows and in the appended claims. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the invention may be learned by the practice of the invention or will be obvious from the description, as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the manner in which the above recited and other features and advantages of the present invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that the drawings depict only typical embodiments of the present invention and are not, therefore, to be considered as limiting the scope of the invention, the present invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a top, perspective view of a representative embodiment of an artistic media stretcher, wherein the stretcher is in an open position; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a bottom, perspective view of a representative embodiment of the artistic media stretcher, wherein the stretcher is in the open position; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a side, perspective view of a representative embodiment of the artistic media stretcher, wherein the stretcher is in the open position; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional, perspective view of a representative embodiment of a hinged clamping mechanism; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional, perspective view of a representative embodiment of the hinged clamping mechanism, wherein the hinged clamping mechanism comprises a barbell-hinged clamping mechanism in the open position; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a cross-sectional, perspective view of a representative embodiment of the hinged clamping mechanism, wherein the hinged clamping mechanism comprises a barbell-hinged clamping mechanism in the closed position; 
         FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate cross-sectional, side-plan views of some representative embodiments of the hinged clamping mechanism, wherein the hinged clamping mechanism comprises a half-barbell-hinged clamping mechanism; 
         FIGS. 9-10  illustrate cross-sectional, side-plan views of some representative embodiments of the hinged clamping mechanism, wherein the hinged clamping mechanism comprises a hybrid-hinged clamping mechanism; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a cross-sectional, side-plan view of a representative embodiment the hinged clamping mechanism; 
         FIGS. 12A-12F  illustrate cross-sectional, side-plan views of a representative embodiment of the hinged clamping mechanism; 
         FIGS. 13A-13E  illustrate side-plan views of some representative embodiments of suitable interface component profiles; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a cross-sectional, side-plan view of a representative embodiment of the hinged clamping mechanism comprising interchangeable interface components; 
         FIG. 15A  illustrates a cross-sectional, side-plan view of a representative embodiment of a medium catch mechanism; 
         FIG. 15B  illustrates a perspective view of a representative embodiment of the media stretcher, wherein the media stretcher is configured to couple to a second media stretcher; 
         FIGS. 15C-15D  illustrate top-plan views of some representative embodiments in which the media stretcher comprises a plurality of modular sections; 
         FIG. 15E  illustrates a side-plan view of a representative embodiment in which the media stretcher comprises a plurality of modular sections; 
         FIGS. 16A-16B  illustrate cross-sectional, side-plan views of some representative embodiments of the hinged clamping mechanism; and 
         FIGS. 17A-17C  illustrate top plan views of some representative embodiments in which the media stretcher comprises a plurality of modular sections. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to artistic media. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for stretching artistic media. In the disclosure and in the claims, the terms “media” or “medium” may refer to any suitable material or materials that can be stretched by the described artistic media stretcher and which is capable of being painted. Some examples of suitable media, include paper (e.g., watercolor paper, craft paper, construction paper, etc.), fabric (e.g., canvas, cotton fabrics, linen fabrics, poly-cotton fabrics, burlap, polyester fabrics, silk, etc.), and other suitable materials that are both stretchable and paintable. Additionally, as used herein, the term “stretch” or “stretched” may refer to application of tension to the artistic media in one or more directions. 
     This application discusses an artistic media stretcher that selectively stretches and releases artistic media. While the artistic media stretcher may comprise any suitable component,  FIG. 1  shows a representative embodiment in which the artistic media stretcher  10  comprises an artistic media frame  15  and one or more hinged clamping mechanisms (e.g., a double-hinged clamping mechanism  20 ). Generally, an artistic medium (e.g., watercolor paper) is placed on the frame and then stretched by the hinged clamping mechanism to prepare the medium for painting. To provide a better understanding of the media stretcher, each of the aforementioned components is described below in more detail. 
     As previously mentioned, in some embodiments, the media stretcher comprises an artistic media frame. The frame may serve many purposes, including acting as a support for the clamping mechanism and/or acting as a support over which the medium can be stretched. Accordingly, the frame may have any characteristic that is suitable for fulfilling one or more of the stated purposes. For example, the frame can be any size that is suitable for use with the artistic media. In another example, the frame can be any suitable shape. Some examples of suitable frame shapes include a shape that is substantially square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, pentagonal, octagonal, polygonal, irregular, and so forth. For instance,  FIG. 1  shows a presently preferred embodiment in which the frame  15  is square or rectangular. 
     The frame may comprise any component that allows the medium to be stretched across and/or to be supported by the frame. In one example, the frame comprises one or more side members, a media backing surface, and/or a media interface. 
       FIG. 2  shows a bottom view of a representative embodiment in which the frame  15  comprises a plurality of side members  25 . The side members may serve any suitable purpose, including providing a framework on which the medium may be stretched and/or providing a framework for supporting the clamping mechanism. Where the frame comprises side members, the frame may comprise any suitable number of side members that allows the frame to fulfill its intended purposes. In one example, the frame comprises a single continuous side member that extends around the perimeter of the frame. In another example, the frame comprises 2 side members that are disposed on opposing sides of the frame. In still another example, the frame comprises 4 side members, wherein 1 side member is disposed at each side of a 4-sided frame. By way of illustration,  FIG. 2  shows an embodiment in which the frame  15  comprises 4 side members  25 . 
     The side members may have any characteristic that allows the medium to be stretched across them. For example, the side members may be any suitable size (e.g., length, width, height, thickness, etc.) or shape. In another example, the side members can be retained in their respective positions in any suitable manner. For instance, the side members can support themselves, be supported by the media backing surface, and/or be supported in any other suitable manner. Indeed,  FIG. 2  shows an embodiment in which the ends  30  of the side members  25  connect in a maimer that allows the side members  25  to support each other. 
       FIG. 2  shows, that in some embodiments, the frame  15  optionally comprises the media backing surface  35 . The backing surface may serve several purposes, such as supporting the medium from behind during painting and/or supporting the clamping mechanism. The backing surface may have any characteristic that allows it to fulfill its intended purposes. For example, the backing surface may be any size, shape, texture, or have any other feature that is suitable for use with the media stretcher. 
     As mentioned above, the media stretcher comprises a hinged clamping mechanism. The hinged clamping mechanism may serve any suitable purpose. In one example, the hinged clamping mechanism is configured to selectively stretch and secure the medium to the frame as well as selectively release the medium from the frame. In this manner, the medium can be kept flat and be supported on the frame until the clamping mechanism is released. 
     The media stretcher may comprise any suitable number of hinged clamping mechanisms. For instance, the media stretcher can comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, or more clamping mechanisms.  FIG. 2 , however, shows that, in some presently preferred embodiments, the media stretcher  10  includes 4 hinged clamping mechanisms (e.g., double-hinged clamping mechanism  20 )—one for each side of the rectangular frame  15 . 
     The hinged clamping mechanism may comprise any clamping mechanism that includes a hinge or a hinge-like structure that is configured to stretch the medium across the frame. For example, the hinged clamping mechanism may comprise one or more double-hinged clamping mechanisms, single-hinged clamping mechanisms, barbell-hinged clamping mechanisms, half-barbell-hinged clamping mechanisms, or other suitable hinged clamping mechanisms, such as a hybrid-hinged clamping mechanism. To better explain the aforementioned clamping mechanisms, each is described below in more detail. 
     Where the media stretcher comprises the double-hinged clamping mechanism, the double-hinged clamping mechanism may include any suitable component or characteristic that allows it to releasably stretch the medium on the frame. By way of example,  FIG. 2  shows an embodiment in which the double-hinged clamping mechanism  20  comprises a first hinge  40 , a second hinge  45 , and a clamp member  50 . 
     The components of the double-hinged clamping mechanism may have any characteristic that allows the clamping mechanism to releasably stretch the medium across the frame. In one example, the first hinge and the second hinge can be any suitable type of hinge, be any suitable length, and/or each hinge can comprise more than one hinge disposed to the side of another hinge. 
     In another example, the clamp member may have any characteristic that allows it to hold the medium against the frame. For instance, the clamp member may be any size (i.e., length, height, width, diameter, etc.). By way of illustration,  FIG. 2  shows an embodiment in which the clamp member  50  is beveled from its longest edge  55  to a shorter, opposing hinge-edge  57 . Accordingly, in  FIG. 2 , the clamp member  50  is long enough to secure the medium along most, if not all, of an edge of the frame  15 . 
     In still another example, the clamp member can have any suitable shape. By way of illustration,  FIG. 3  shows a cross-sectional view of a representative embodiment in which the clamp member  50  is somewhat J-shaped. 
     In yet another example, the clamp member comprises a media interface that is configured to apply pressure to the artistic medium when the clamping mechanism is moved to a closed position. Where the clamping mechanism comprises a double-hinged clamping mechanism, the clamping mechanism can comprise any media interface that is adapted to mate with a corresponding media interface on the frame when the clamping mechanism is moved to the closed position. Some suitable examples of media interfaces comprise one or more protuberances, lips, grooves, undercuts, or other frictional engagements. For instance,  FIG. 3  shows an embodiment in which the media interface of the clamp member  50  comprises a lip  60  and the media interface of the frame  15  comprises a groove  65  that is configured to mate with the lip  60 . In such an embodiment, an edge of the artistic medium can be placed between the lip and the groove when the clamping mechanism is in the open position. Following its placement, the artistic medium can be pinched and secured between the lip and groove by moving the clamping mechanism into the closed position. 
     The various components of the double-hinged clamping mechanism (e.g., the first hinge, the second hinge, and the clamp member) can be configured in any way that allows the clamping mechanism to stretch the medium across the frame. For example,  FIG. 3  shows one suitable configuration of the double-hinged clamping mechanism. Specifically,  FIG. 3  shows an embodiment in which the first hinge  40  is connected to a side member  25  of the frame  15 . In turn,  FIG. 3  shows that the first hinge  40  is connected to the second hinge  45 , which, in turn, is connected to the clamp member  50 . In this manner, the clamp member  50  is allowed to rotate about both the first  40  and the second hinge  45  in the same direction or in a different direction, at the same time. 
     According to some embodiments, the hinged clamping mechanism comprises a single-hinged clamping mechanism. Indeed, the hinged clamping mechanism may comprise any known or novel single-hinged clamping mechanism that can secure and stretch the medium across the frame. For example,  FIG. 4  illustrates a representative embodiment in which the media stretcher  10  comprises a single-hinged, tongue-and-catch clamping mechanism  70 . While the tongue-and catch clamping mechanism may comprise any suitable component,  FIG. 4  shows an embodiment in which the single-hinged clamping mechanism  70  comprises one or more clamp bodies  75  and tongues  80 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , each tongue  80  is pivotally connected to the body  75  so as to swing away from the body  75  (as illustrated by arrow  85 ) and towards the body (as indicated by arrow  90 ). Additionally,  FIG. 4  shows the tongue  80  comprises a first end  95  and that the body  75  comprises a catch  100 . In this embodiment, when the clamping mechanism is in the open position, an edge of the medium (not shown) can be placed in between the first end  95  of the tongue  80  and the catch  100 . The first end can then be forced passed the catch, to the closed position, so that the medium is pinched between the first end and the catch. 
     In some embodiments, the hinged clamping mechanism comprises a barbell-hinged clamping mechanism. Indeed, any suitable barbell-hinged clamping mechanism may be used in conjunction with the media stretcher. For example,  FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate cross-sectional views of a representative embodiment of a barbell-hinged clamping mechanism  105 . 
     Although the barbell-hinged clamping mechanism may comprise any desired component,  FIG. 5  shows an embodiment in which the barbell-hinged clamping mechanism  105  comprises at least two clamp members (e.g., a first clamp member  10  and a second clamp member  115 ) as well as a barbell member  120 . Each of these components can have any suitable characteristic that allows the barbell-hinged clamping mechanism to releasably secure the medium to the media stretcher. Additionally, while in some embodiments, the barbell member extends the length of the clamp member, in other embodiments, the barbell member is shorter than the length of the clamp member. In such embodiments, a single clamp member can comprise a plurality of barbell members. 
     In one example,  FIG. 5  shows that the barbell member  120  comprises a first rounded end  125 , a second rounded end  135 , and a shaft  128  that separates the two ends  125  and  135 . Moreover,  FIG. 5  shows that the first end  125  of the barbell member  120  is rotatably received by a recess  130  in the first clamp member  110 , while the second end  135  is rotatably received by another recess  140  in the second clamp member  115 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the first end  125  of the barbell member  120  has a limited range of rotational motion within the recess  130  of the first clamp member  110  in, or opposite to, the direction of arrow  145 . Similarly,  FIG. 5  shows that the second end  135  of the barbell member  120  has a limited range of rotation within the recess  140  of the second clamp member  115 . Accordingly, the barbell-hinged clamping mechanism  105  may be moved from the open position shown in  FIG. 5  into the closed position shown in  FIG. 6 , and vice versa. 
     In another example of a suitable characteristic associated with the barbell-hinged clamping mechanism  105 ,  FIG. 5  shows the first clamp member  110  comprises an interface  150  for the medium  155  (e.g., fabric or paper). In this example,  FIG. 5  further shows that the second clamp member  115  comprises an interface  160  that corresponds to the interface  150  of the first clamp member  110 . Accordingly,  FIG. 5  shows that when the clamping mechanism  105  is in the open position, the medium  155  may be placed between the two interfaces  150  and  160 . Then, as shown in  FIG. 6 , when the barbell-hinged clamping mechanism  105  is closed, the medium  155  is pinched between the interfaces  150  and  160 . 
     In some embodiments, the hinged clamping mechanism comprises a half-barbell hinged clamping mechanism. Indeed, the media stretcher may comprise any suitable half-barbell hinged clamping mechanism. By way of illustration,  FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate cross-sectional views of some representative embodiments of suitable half-barbell-hinged clamping mechanisms  165 . 
     Although the half-barbell hinged clamping mechanism may comprise any desired component,  FIGS. 7 and 8  show some embodiments in which the half-barbell clamping mechanism  165  comprises a first clamp member  170  and a second clamp member  175 . Additionally,  FIGS. 7 and 8  show that the first  170  and the second  175  clamp members are rotatably connected to each other via a half-barbell member  180  that is pivotally received within a recess  185 . Specifically,  FIG. 7  shows an embodiment in which the first clamp member  170  comprises the recess  185  that receives the half-barbell member  180 , which extends from the second clamp member  175 . In contrast,  FIG. 8  shows an embodiment in which the first clamp member  170  comprises the half-barbell member  180  that is received within the recess  185  of the second clamp member  175 . Accordingly,  FIGS. 7 and 8  show that the first clamp member  170  has a limited range of rotation in the direction of, and opposite to, arrow  190 . In other words, the half-barbell clamping mechanism  165  is capable of being moved from the closed position (shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ) to the open position (not shown), and vice versa. 
     Each of the components of the half-barbell clamping mechanism may have any characteristic that allows the clamping mechanism to releasably secure the medium to the media stretcher. In one example,  FIGS. 7 and 8  show that the half-barbell member  180  comprises a rounded portion  192  having a shaft  194  that extends to either the second clamp member  175 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , or the first clamp member  170 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . In another example,  FIGS. 7 and 8  show that the first clamp member  170  comprises an interface  195  for the medium  155 . Additionally,  FIGS. 7 and 8  also show the second clamp member  175  comprises a corresponding media interface  200 . Thus,  FIGS. 7 and 8  show that the medium  155  may be pinched between the two interfaces  195  and  200  when the clamping mechanism  165  is in the closed position. 
     As previously mentioned, in some embodiments, the clamping mechanism comprises a hybrid-hinged clamping mechanism. In other words, in some embodiments, the clamping mechanism comprises at least one barbell member and at least one half-barbell member. In such embodiments, the hybrid-hinged clamping mechanism may be configured in any suitable manner. By way of illustration,  FIGS. 9 and 10  show some representative embodiments of a hybrid clamping mechanism  205 . In particular,  FIGS. 9 and 10  show that the first clamp member  270  is pivotally connected to the second clamp member  275  by the barbell member  120 . 
     Additionally,  FIGS. 9 and 10  show that the first clamp member  270  is pivotally connected to a media interface component  210  by the half-barbell  165  member. Because the interface component  210  is pivotally connected to the clamping mechanism, the interface component is allowed to rotate and thereby stretch the medium more than would otherwise be possible. Accordingly, such a clamping mechanism may be preferable for media, such as canvas, that tend to need to be stretched to a greater extent before painting. 
     Where an interface component is pivotally connected to a clamp member (as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , discussed above) the interface component may have any suitable characteristic. By way of example,  FIGS. 9 and 10  show some embodiments in which the rotation of the interface component  210  is determined by the movement of the second clamp member. Specifically,  FIGS. 9 and 10  show movement of the interface component  210  is restricted and controlled by at least one projection  212  that fits into at least one slot  214 . While  FIGS. 9 and 10  show embodiments in which the projection  212  extends from the first clamp member into a slot  214  in the interface component  210 , the skilled artisan will recognize that the placement of the slot  214  and the projection  212  can be reversed. 
     In addition to the previously mentioned characteristics, the hinged clamping mechanism may have any other desired characteristic. For example, the hinged clamping mechanism (e.g., the double-hinged, barbell-hinged, half-barbell hinged, or hybrid-hinged clamping mechanism) may be any length that is suitable for use with the media stretcher. For instance, one or more clamping mechanisms may be substantially equal in length to the length of a corresponding edge of the media stretcher frame. Accordingly, the clamping mechanism may apply a substantially even tension to the medium that is stretched across the frame. 
     In another example, a portion of one or more hinged clamping mechanisms may serve as a portion of the frame. For example, referring back to  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment in which multiple clamp bodies  75  are attached to each other, side-by-side, to form the frame  15 . While  FIG. 4  shows an embodiment in which each side of the frame  15  comprises a plurality of clamp bodies, in other embodiments, each side of the frame is made of a single elongated clamp body. Additionally, in this example in which each side of the frame comprises one or more clamp bodies, the clamp bodies may have any suitable characteristic. For instance,  FIG. 4  shows an embodiment in which each clamp body comprises an indentation  215  that is adapted to receive the backing surface (not shown). 
     In yet another example of an optional characteristic of the hinged clamping mechanism, the clamping mechanism comprises a locking mechanism. In fact, the clamping mechanism may comprise any known or novel locking mechanism that serves to selectively retain and release the clamping mechanism. 
     In one example of a suitable locking mechanism, the locking mechanism comprises a projection and a corresponding catch. By way of illustration,  FIG. 11  depicts an embodiment in which the clamping mechanism  260  has at least one catch  265  and a corresponding protuberance  275 . While the catch and protuberance can be disposed in any suitable locations on the clamping mechanism,  FIG. 11  shows an embodiment in which the catches  265  are disposed in the first clamp member  270  and corresponding protuberances  275  extend from the second clamp member  280 . To lock the clamping mechanism  260  into the closed position (shown in  FIG. 11 ), the protuberances  275  are forced, and snapped, into the catches  265 . In contrast, to unlock the clamping mechanism  260 , a force is applied to second clamp member  280  in the direction of arrow  285  until the protuberances  275  are released from the catches  265 . 
     In another example of a suitable characteristic, the media stretcher optionally comprises means for biasing the hinged clamping mechanism in any desired position. While the biasing means may comprise any suitable component,  FIG. 11  illustrates an embodiment in which the biasing means comprises a frictional engagement (e.g., a half-moon-shaped frictional engagement  300 ), which rubs against a side of the barbell member  120  and prevents the barbell member from sliding unless sufficient force is applied to the second clamp member  280  to overcome the friction between the barbell member  120  and the frictional engagement. 
     In still another example of a suitable characteristic, the media stretcher can be configured to provide additional tension to the medium. As previously mentioned, this additional tension may be beneficial for stretchable media that need to be drawn tight before being painted. While the media stretcher can be configured to provide additional tension to the medium in any suitable manner (e.g., via the hybrid-hinged clamping mechanism), some additional examples of suitable configurations are illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12A  through  12 F. 
     Specifically,  FIG. 11  illustrates a representative embodiment in which the clamping mechanism comprises a cam-action media interface  290 . While the cam-action media interface can function in any suitable manner,  FIG. 11  shows an embodiment in which the cam-action media interface  290  rotates within the first clamp member  270  as the clamping mechanism is moved between the open and closed positions. In particular,  FIG. 11  indicates that when the clamping mechanism  260  is moved to the open position, the cam-action interface  290  rotates in the direction of arrow  295 . By rotating in this manner, the cam-action interface  290  reduces the tension on the medium  155 . 
     On the contrary, when the clamping mechanism  260  in  FIG. 11  is moved to the closed position, the cam-action interface  290  rotates in the direction opposite to that of the arrow  295 , causing the medium interface to stretch a medium placed between it and a second medium interface. 
     As another example of means for stretching the medium,  FIGS. 12A through 12F  illustrate cross-sectional views of some embodiments in which the clamping mechanism  310  is pivotally attached to the frame  15 . In this example, the clamping mechanism can function in any suitable manner. For instance,  FIG. 12A  shows that with the clamping mechanism  310  in the open position, a medium  155  is placed between a first  315  and second  320  interface components. Next,  FIG. 12B  shows that the second clamp member  325  is pivoted about barbell member  120  until the clamping mechanism  310  is moved to the closed position, as shown in  FIG. 12C .  FIG. 12D  shows that as the clamping mechanism  310  is pivoted about the half-barbell member  180 , the clamping mechanism pulls the medium  155  in the direction of arrow  330 . Then, after the clamping mechanism  310  is pivoted against the frame  15 ,  FIGS. 12E and 12F  show that a lip  335  on a barbell hinged locking mechanism  340  is used to capture a lever  345  on the clamping mechanism  310 . In this manner, the clamping mechanism  310  retains the tension on the medium  155  until the locking mechanism  340  is released and the clamping mechanism is allowed to pivot away from the frame  15 . 
     In addition to the previously mentioned embodiments, the media stretcher may be modified in any suitable manner. In one example, the round portions of the barbell and/or half-barbell components are substituted with another pivoting means, such as a hinge or pivot joint, which is suitable for use with the media stretcher. 
     In another example, the media stretcher is adapted to allow paint to run off the medium and not to collect around the borders of the medium. Indeed, in some embodiments, the medium is raised laterally past (or above) the closest edges of the hinged clamping mechanism so that paint is not retained in contact with the medium by the clamping mechanism. In such embodiments, the medium may be raised any distance above the closest edges of the clamping mechanism. For instance, the medium may be raised as much as several centimeters above or as little as a portion of the thickness of the medium above the closest edges of the clamping mechanism. By way of illustration,  FIG. 12D  shows an embodiment in which the clamping mechanism  310  is disposed below the perimeter  350  of the frame  15  so that paint can is not retained by the clamping mechanism  310  at the perimeter  350 . Nevertheless,  FIG. 10  shows am embodiment in which the medium  155  is raised above the closest exposed edge  355  of the clamping mechanism  205  by at least the thickness of the medium  155 . 
     In another example of a suitable modification, the media stretcher may be adapted to stretch the medium in such a manner that the medium does not rest against the media backing surface. For instance,  FIG. 12D  shows an embodiment in which the medium  155  is stretched so as to be suspended a distance X above the backing surface  35 . Such an embodiment may be beneficial in several instances, including, but not limited to, when the media stretcher is used to stretch media intended for use with oil paints. 
     In yet another example, the interface surfaces may be modified in any way to increase their ability to secure the medium while the medium is stretched on the media stretcher. For instance, a frictional interface surface, including a surface made of a resilient material (e.g., a rubber, a plastic, a polymer, etc), a roughened or knurled surface, a slot, a protuberance, and/or any other suitable element can be added to the clamping mechanism to increase the friction between one of the clamping mechanisms and the medium. By way of illustration,  FIG. 12B  (and  FIG. 11 ) shows an embodiment in which a resilient material  360  is used for at least one interface surface. Similarly, referring back to  FIG. 7 , that Figure shows an embodiment in which the second clamp member  175  comprise a slot  365  into which the medium  155  can be inserted before the clamping mechanism is moved to the closed position. 
     In still another example of a variation, the clamping mechanism may be modified to facilitate its opening or closing. For instance, in some embodiments, the clamping mechanism comprises a lever or a pull tab. By way of illustration,  FIG. 7  shows an embodiment in which the clamping mechanism comprises a lever  370  that is adapted to facilitate the opening and/or closing of the clamping mechanism. 
     In still another example, the media stretcher is optionally configured to crease the borders of the medium so as to emboss or raise the borders above the rest of the medium and/or to provide the borders with a variety of shapes. The creased borders of the medium may serve any suitable purpose. In some cases, the creased borders act as a decoration around the medium. In other cases, the creased borders are attached to an object so that the medium extends from or into the object as a relief. In still other cases, a filler, such as a spray foam, is added to the creased borders to strengthen the borders and give added support to the media. In such cases, the creased medium may be able to support itself without a frame. 
     The media stretcher can crease the borders of the medium in any suitable manner. In one example, the interfaces on the clamping mechanisms have cross-sectional profiles that are adapted to crease the medium in a desired fashion. In this example, the media interfaces can have any suitable cross-sectional profile. For instance,  FIGS. 13A through 13E  illustrate some examples of suitable cross-sectional profiles for a first  375  and a second  380  interface component. Specifically,  FIGS. 13A through 13D  respectively show that some typical profiles include, but are not limited to, a rolling hill, a triple square, a cascade, a half-moon, and a rib profile. 
     In order to allow the media stretcher to crease media borders with more than one design, in some embodiments, the interface components are interchangeable with other interfaces of differing design. By way of example,  FIG. 14  shows a representative embodiment in which the clamping mechanism  385  comprises a first  390  and a second  395  removable interface component. In this example, the interface components  390  and  395  may be interchanged with other interface components having any suitable design, including those designs shown with the interface components  375  and  380  of  FIGS. 13A through 13D . 
     In some embodiments, the media stretcher is configured to catch the corners of the medium without requiring the corners to be hingedly clamped into place. While the medium&#39;s corners can be captured in any suitable manner,  FIG. 15A  shows a cross-sectional view of a representative embodiment in which media stretcher comprises a medium catch mechanism  500 . The catch mechanism may comprise any suitable component. For instance,  FIG. 15A  shows an embodiment in which the catch mechanism  500  comprises a first clamp member (e.g., clamp member  270  in  FIG. 11 ) and a J-shaped catch member  505 . More particularly,  FIG. 15A  shows that while the first clamp member comprises catches  265 , the J-shaped catch member  505  comprises corresponding protuberances  275  that snap into the catches to attach the catch member  505  to the first clamp member  270 . Accordingly, when the medium (not shown in  FIG. 15A ) is placed between a first interface surface  510  on the first clamp member  270  and a second interface surface  515  on the catch member  505 , the medium is pinched or otherwise held in place. 
     In some embodiments, the media stretcher is expandable. Accordingly, the size of the media stretcher can be tailored for media of different sizes and shapes. The media stretcher can be expanded by connecting a plurality of media stretchers together, by interconnecting a plurality of modular pieces of a media stretcher, by inserting a leaf into the frame, or in any other suitable manner. 
     In one example of a method for expanding the media stretcher,  FIG. 15B  illustrates a representative embodiment in which a first media stretcher  10  is configured to be attached to a second media stretcher  10 ′ to form a single, large media stretcher. While the first  10  and the second  10 ′ media stretchers can be attached to each other in any suitable manner,  FIG. 15B  shows a presently preferred embodiment in which the first media stretcher  10  comprises a pair of posts  520  that fit within corresponding channels  525  in the second media stretcher  10 ′. Furthermore,  FIG. 15B  shows that the second media stretcher  10 ′ can comprise a pair of posts to allow it to be connected to a third media stretcher (not shown). In this manner, the media stretcher can be quickly and easily expanded to any suitable size. 
     In another example,  FIGS. 15D through 15E  and  FIGS. 17A through 17C  illustrate some embodiments in which the media stretcher  10  is formed of a plurality of modular sections  600 . Where the media stretcher is formed from a plurality of modular sections, the media stretcher can comprise any suitable number of modular sections. For instance, the media stretcher can comprise as few as 2 modular sections or as many as 100 or more modular sections. By way of illustration,  FIGS. 15C and 15D  illustrate embodiments in which the media stretcher  10  comprises 8 and 12 modular sections  600 , respectively. 
     Similarly,  FIGS. 17A ,  17 B, and  17 C comprise 4, 10, and 16 sections  600 , respectively. More specifically,  FIG. 17A  shows a representative embodiment in which the media stretcher  10  comprises 4 corner sections  605 .  FIG. 17B  illustrates a representative embodiment in which the media stretcher  10  comprises 4 corner sections  605  and 6 spacer sections  610 . Moreover,  FIG. 17C  illustrates a representative embodiment in which the media stretcher  10  comprises 4 corner sections  605  and 12 spacer sections  610 . As shown in the non-limiting illustrations shown in  FIGS. 15D ,  15 E, and  17 A through  17 B, the number and placement of the modular sections can be varied in any suitable manner. For instance, where the media stretcher comprises 4 corner sections  605 , the corner sections can be separated from each other by any suitable number of spacer sections  610  that allows parallel edges of the media stretcher to be the same length. Indeed, in some embodiments, any two adjacent corner sections  605  are separated by 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more spacer sections  600 . Accordingly, the size and shape of the media stretcher can be easily tailored to a specific medium. 
     Where the media stretcher comprises modular components, the modular components can be connected to each other in any suitable manner. For instance, the modular components can be mechanically fastened together (e.g., snapped together, inserted into each other, clamped together, strapped together, welded together, etc.) or chemically fastened together (e.g., glued together). In some preferred embodiments, however, the modular pieces are adapted to be mechanically attached and detached from each other in a manner that allows the user to quickly and easily connect and disconnect the modular pieces to tailor the media stretcher for a particular project. By way of example,  FIG. 15D  illustrates an embodiment in which each modular section  600  (i.e., corner sections  605  and spacer sections  610 ) comprises a projection  615  that is configured to fit within a recess  620  (depicted by dotted line) of an adjacent modular section  600  in the direction indicated by the arrows. 
     Where the media stretcher comprises a plurality of modular sections, each modular section can have any suitable component or configuration. For example, one or more of the modular sections can comprise any suitable type of clamping mechanism. By way of illustration,  FIG. 15E  illustrates an embodiment in which the media stretcher comprises a plurality of modular sections  600  that each have a clamping mechanism  625  that includes the barbell member  120 . As another example,  FIG. 15E  further illustrates that one or more of the modular sections  600  of the media stretcher  10  can be separated from each other by the media backing surface  35  of a desired size. 
     The various components of the media stretcher may be made of any suitable material. Some non-limiting examples of suitable materials may include one or more types of plastic, polymer, metal, metal alloy, wood, ceramic, and/or any other suitable material. In one example, various components of the clamping mechanism (e.g., the clamp member  50  of the double-hinged clamping mechanism  10  shown in  FIG. 1  and the clamp members  115  and  170  in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , respectively) are formed of a resilient material. In this manner, the components of the clamping mechanism may act as a spring when the clamping mechanism is moved from the open to the closed position or vice versa. This spring-like action may serve to bias the various hinged clamping mechanisms into the open and/or closed positions. Furthermore, this spring-like action may serve to keep the medium at a desired tension on the media stretcher for an extended period. 
     As an illustration of a representative embodiment in which the clamping mechanism is made of resilient material that provides the clamping mechanism with a spring-like action,  FIGS. 16A and 16B  shows embodiments in which portions of the clamping mechanisms  400  and  440 , respectively, resiliently flex during use. Specifically,  FIG. 16A  shows an embodiment of the clamping mechanism  400  in which the first clamp member  405  is configured to increase the spring-like effect of the resilient material used to make the clamp member. In particular,  FIG. 16A  shows the first clamp member  405  is configured to have a catapult-like portion  410  connects to the barbell component  120 . In this example, movement of the second clamp member  415  in the direction of arrow  420  causes the recess-containing portion  425  of the first clamp member  405  to move in the direction of arrow  430  until the pressure applied to it by the barbell member  120  is removed. Once the pressure is removed, the recess-containing portion  425  of the first clamp member  405  returns to its original position. 
     Similarly, in  FIG. 16B , the second clamp member  450  of the clamping mechanism  440  comprises an elongated portion  455  that is configured to resiliently flex and bow as the second clamp member  450  moves from the closed position (shown in  FIG. 16B ) to an open position (not shown). 
     The various components of the media stretcher may be made in any suitable manner. For example, the various components may be formed through extrusion, molding, injection, carving, cutting, stamping, and the like. Indeed, in some preferred embodiments, one or more portions of the media stretcher are formed by extrusion. 
     Although the media stretcher may be used in any suitable manner, a non-limiting example of how it may be used is provided herein. In this example, a medium, such as piece of paper or canvas, is wetted by misting, soaking, or another conventional method. After wetting, the medium is spread across the media stretcher. Generally, the medium is larger than the frame so that 2 or more of the medium&#39;s borders extend past the 2 or more edges of the frame. 
     The borders, which overhang the frame, may then be secured to the frame. For instance, the user slides, bends, pushes, or otherwise moves the edges of the medium into place, between the interface components of the clamp members. 
     No matter the method for placing the edges of the medium between the interface components, the media stretcher may secure and stretch the medium when one or more of the hinged clamping mechanisms are moved into the closed position. Once the medium is secured to the media stretcher, the medium may be allowed to dry (e.g., by air drying, using a hair dryer, etc.). After the medium is dried, it can be removed or it may be maintained in place throughout the painting process. Either way, once the medium is removed, the process can be repeated, as desired. 
     The media stretcher may offer several advantages over some conventional systems and methods for stretching artistic media. For example, because the clamping mechanism may be opened and closed without the use of tools, the media stretcher may be quickly and easily used. In another example, the media stretcher can prepare the medium for painting in a short period of time. For instance, the medium can be stretched and dried on the media stretcher in about 5 minutes. In another example of an advantage of the media stretcher, a desired area of the borders of the media (e.g., ¼ to ¾ of an inch) may be shielded from paint by the clamping mechanism. In yet another example, the medium (e.g., paper) may be pre-formed on the media stretcher for use at a later time. In still another example, all parts of the media stretcher may be connected to the media stretcher so as to not be lost or left behind. In a final example, the media stretcher can be light-weight, long-lasting, and relatively inexpensive. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.