Multiple configuration portable easel

Abstract

An easel comprises a base and a hinge coupled to a top portion of the base. The easel further includes a plurality of arms depending from a front member of the hinge and a plurality of retention clips, each one of the retention clips disposed on each one of the arms. A plurality of support braces depend from a rear member of the hinge, each one of the support braces coupled to one of the plurality of arms. A plurality of legs depend from the base. The arms, braces and legs permit the easel to be manipulated into a variety of positions and angles to accommodate the artist's preferences. Each retention clip accommodates variable positions of a canvass relative to the arms and braces. The legs comprise a joint that is variably positionable relative to the base, with the joint articulating in a recess formed in the base.

1 . An easel comprising:
 a base;   a hinge coupled to a top portion of the base;   a plurality of arms depending from a front member of the hinge;   a plurality of retention clips, each one of the retention clips disposed on each one of the arms;   a plurality of support braces depending from a rear member of the hinge, each one of the support braces coupled to one of the plurality of arms;   a plurality of legs depending from the base.   
   
   
       2 . The easel of  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of bands, each one of the bands mutually coupling one of the arms and one of the support braces. 
   
   
       3 . The easel of  claim 1 , wherein each one of the arms comprises:
 at least a first post and a second post;   the first post having a cross-sectional diameter greater than the second post, the second post selectively retracted and extended from the first post;   a selectively releasable clamp disposed at a terminal end of the first post and communicating with the first post and the second post.   
   
   
       4 . The easel of  claim 1 , wherein each one of the arms depends from the hinge via an articulating mount, the arms defining a plane. 
   
   
       5 . The easel of  claim 1 , wherein each one of the retention clips comprises:
 a body having a front body and a rear body;   a plurality of surfaces formed on the circumference of the front body;   a plurality of apertures, each one of the apertures formed each one of the surfaces of the front body;   an L-shaped key selectively inserted into one of the apertures;   a nut inserted into a threaded channel to selectively secure or release the key;   a bore formed in the rear body, the bore aligned perpendicularly to the nut, the bore receiving one of the arms;   a tab selectively locking and releasing the arm within the bore.   
   
   
       6 . The easel of  claim 1 , wherein each one of the support braces comprises:
 at least a first post and a second post;   the first post having a cross-sectional diameter greater than the second post, the second post selectively retracted and extended from the first post;   a selectively releasable clamp disposed at a terminal end of the first post and communicating with the first post and the second post.   
   
   
       7 . The easel of  claim 1 , wherein each one of the support braces depends from the hinge via an articulating mount. 
   
   
       8 . The easel of  claim 7 , wherein each one of the articulating mounts is adjustable about the hinge. 
   
   
       9 . The easel of  claim 1 , wherein each one of the legs comprises:
 at least a first post and a second post;   the first post having a cross-sectional diameter greater than the second post, the second post selectively retracted and extended from the first post;   a selectively releasable clamp disposed at a terminal end of the first post and communicating with the first post and the second post.   
   
   
       10 . The easel of  claim 1 , wherein each one of the legs depends from the base via a releasable catch. 
   
   
       11 . The easel of  claim 10 , wherein the base comprises a plurality of recesses to receive each one of the legs. 
   
   
       12 . The easel of  claim 11 , wherein each one of the legs comprises:
 a joint having a flat portion and an angled portion;   a channel formed in the flat portion and the angled portion, channel accommodating the releasable catch;   an underside of the joint communicating with one of the recesses to form variable angles of dependency from the base.