DE20217618U1 - Self-support device for holding in stretched manner flexible, flat component, such as sheet, textile or similar, involves flexible component having side terminations with thickened formations - Google Patents

Abstract

The self-supporting device for holding in a stretched manner a flexible, flat component, such as a sheet, textile, or similar, involves a flexible component (2) which has side terminations with thickened formations. The flexible component incorporates a frame (Ra) formed by several profiles (R1-R4) with at least one groove following the longitudinal extent of the profile to accommodate the edge thickened formation of the flexible component. Several connecting pieces (V1-V4) are provided for joining at least two frame profiles and each of them has at least two frame profile accommodations. Each free end of a profile engaging in such an accommodation is adaptable in relation to the connecting piece. Each connecting piece has a device for fixing the free end section of the frame profile engaging in the accommodation.

Description

Schröter & Haverkamp Patent Attorneys

European Patent and Trademark Attorneys

Franz Miederhoff OHG

Tube 50
D-59846 Sundern
Germany

Self-supporting device for mounting a

flexible flat element, such as a tarpaulin, a

Textiles or similar

The invention relates to a self-supporting device for stretching a flexible flat element, such as a tarpaulin, a textile or the like.

Such a self-supporting device is known from DE 201 11 203 U1. This device has two opposing profiles with open, undercut piping grooves facing each other, into which a piping of a tarpaulin, textile or the like can be inserted. These two profiles are connected to each other by tension rods that are located behind the tarpaulin, textile or the like. The tension rods are arranged so that they can be tensioned against each other in such a way that when they are tensioned, the two profiles supporting the flexible flat element are moved away from each other, so that this element is then tensioned between the two profiles. The lower profile is held on a stand that is supported on the ground by feet.

With this previously known self-supporting device, the flexible element, for example the tarpaulin, can be stretched vertically so that it can be hung without creases.

In the subject matter of this document, the flexible element is stretched in one direction, namely vertically. However, stretching the flexible element in another direction, for example horizontally, is not possible with this known device. Furthermore, this known device is not suitable for stretching a flexible element, for example a tarpaulin or the like, along a curved path.

Basket awnings are well known in the field of sun protection,

&iacgr;&ogr; in which a flexible element - a sun protection textile - is stretched over a frame construction. In such a basket awning, the outer surface of the frame construction is responsible for the arrangement of the sun protection textile. If the frame is curved, then the sun protection textile is also curved. A problem with such a device is the dimensional accuracy that must be maintained when constructing the frame and cutting the sun protection textile so that the sun protection textile can be stretched perfectly on the frame or on the frame construction. The frame as such is a self-supporting frame whose elements are rigidly connected to one another. A disadvantage of such a basket awning design, however, is that changes in length, for example changes in length due to temperature, can lead to undesirable sagging of the sun protection textile. This phenomenon occurs in particular when a plastic film is used instead of a textile.

Based on the prior art discussed, the invention is therefore based on the object of providing a self-supporting device for stretching a flexible element, for example a tarpaulin, a textile or the like, with which the disadvantages identified in the previously known prior art are at least largely avoided.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a self-supporting device as mentioned above, which comprises the following elements:

- at least one flexible element, the side ends of which each have a piping or a piping-like thickening,

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a frame enclosing each flexible element of the furniture,

- formed from several frame profiles, each with at least one undercut kede groove following the longitudinal extension of the respective frame profile for receiving a keder or a keder-like edge thickening of the flexible element and

- from a plurality of connecting pieces for connecting at least two frame profiles each, each connecting piece having at least two frame profile receptacles for receiving a free end of a frame profile each, the respective free end of an end of a frame profile engaging in such a frame profile receptacle being adjustable with respect to the connecting piece with regard to the length of its section engaging in the receptacle, and each connecting piece having means for fixing the free end sections of the frame profiles engaging in the frame profile receptacles.

This self-supporting device is characterized in that the flexible element to be stretched, for example the tarpaulin or the textile, has a thickening, for example a piping, on all of its side ends, which engages in an undercut piping groove of a frame profile assigned to one side of the flexible element and is held there in a form-fitting manner under tensile load. The frame of this device is composed of several such frame profiles, which are connected to one another by connecting pieces. The connecting pieces have at least two frame profile receptacles, into each of which the free end of a frame profile can be inserted. The essential feature of this frame is that the frame profiles can be adjusted with respect to the connecting piece with regard to the length of their section engaging in a frame profile receptacle of a connecting piece. In this way, the distance between the two connecting pieces, each arranged at one end of a frame profile, can be adjusted so that the flexible element can be stretched in this way. The sections of the frame profiles that engage in the connecting pieces can be fixed in the frame profile holders so that after setting up a frame profile to an adjacent connecting piece, this set position of the two elements can be fixed to each other so that a rigid connection is established between the frame profiles and the connecting pieces. Naturally,

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Such a frame should only be provided with as many adjustable connecting pieces as are necessary for the flexible flat element stretched in such a frame to be tensioned in the directions of its lateral ends. However, a design is preferred in which all connecting pieces are designed in the manner described.

The advantages of such a self-supporting device are based in particular on the fact that a flexible flat element enclosed in it can be stretched in all directions. In particular, the flexible element

&iacgr;&ogr; can be re-tensioned even after it has been clamped for the first time, so that a reduction in the original tension in the clamped flexible element can be compensated. Since all sides of the flexible element are accommodated in an undercut piping groove of an adjacent frame profile, the frame profiles can also be curved in order to give the clamped flexible element an overall curvature or a certain shape. This is done in particular without having to accept disadvantages with regard to the clamping or re-tensioning options.

The frame profiles used can have different cross-sectional areas in terms of their contour. These can be round, triangular or polygonal, for example. The contour of the cross-sectional area of the connecting pieces is expediently provided accordingly.

In order to fix the end sections of a frame profile in a frame profile receptacle of a connecting piece, the connecting pieces are constructed according to an embodiment of the invention in such a way that the free end sections of the frame profiles are held clamped in the frame profile receptacles. In principle, a positive or combined connection is also conceivable. To achieve such a clamping connection, it is expedient to design the connecting pieces with two shells and to use a clamping screw to connect the two shells to form the connecting piece, whereby when the clamping screw is tightened, the ends of the frame profiles inserted into the frame profile receptacles are clamped. In such an embodiment, it can be provided that the two shells of a connecting piece with their ends from the flexible element

sides facing away support each other, whereas the joints facing the flexible element define a gap. The provision of a gap on the side of each connecting piece facing the tarpaulin is useful - regardless of whether the two shells support each other on their outside - in order to continue the piping groove of the adjacent frame profiles. The flexible element can then extend into the connecting pieces.

Each connecting piece comprises at least two frame profile receptacles which are arranged at an angle to one another with respect to their longitudinal extent, for example to form a corner piece. To connect two frame profiles without forming a corner, the frame profile receptacles are arranged in alignment along a common axis. Connecting pieces which have three or more frame profile receptacles arranged at an angle to one another can also be used. Such connecting pieces can be used to form devices which comprise several flexible elements. The connecting pieces can then be set up in relation to the adjacent frame profiles, so that each individual flexible element can be tensioned in accordance with the respective conditions. In such a design, frame profiles can also be used which have two or more piping grooves, with a piping of one flexible element of a first frame part being inserted into one piping groove and a piping of another flexible element of an adjacent frame part being inserted into the other piping groove. Such frame profiles can also be used to allow suspension means to engage in the piping groove pointing away from a flexible element and not fitted with a piping or similar thickening, with which the device can be fastened to the wall, for example. These holding means can be constructed in two parts and have a coupling piece provided with a head, which is formed onto a coupling plate. The coupling plate comprises a keyhole-shaped recess and can be plugged via this onto a holding plate, for example fastened to the wall, which in turn has a protruding bolt provided with a head.

Such a device is particularly preferred as a sunshade or as a wall or room divider, whereby the flexible EIe-

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elements can also carry advertising messages. When using frame profiles with at least two, for example two diametrically opposed piping grooves, additional suspended elements, such as advertising banners or the like, can be inserted into this piping groove when using such a frame profile as the lower end of a sunshade roof.

The invention is described below using an embodiment with reference to the attached figures. They show:

Fig. 1: a schematic plan view of a self-supporting

device for stretching a tarpaulin,

Fig. 2a, 2b: three-dimensional views of a connecting piece of the device of Figure 1 in an exploded view

(Figure 2a) and in a design connecting two frame profiles (Figure 2b),

Fig. 3: a schematic plan view of another self-supporting

sufficient equipment for stretching tarpaulins or

same and

Fig. 4: a cross-section through a device for clamping

a sun protection textile with a wall bracket.

A self-supporting device 1 is used to stretch a flexible element, for example a tarpaulin 2. The device 1 thus consists of the tarpaulin 2 and a frame Ra that stretches the tarpaulin 2. In the embodiment shown, the frame Ra consists of four frame profiles R ₁ - R ₄ and of connecting pieces Vi - V ₄ for connecting two frame profiles each. The tarpaulin 2 has a piping on each of its side ends, which engages all the way around in a piping groove of each frame profile Ri - R ₄ that is open towards the tarpaulin 2. The design of the frame profiles Ri - R ₄ can be seen in Figure 2a from the frame profiles R ₁ , R ₂ and the connecting piece V ₁ that connects these two frame profiles R ₁ , R ₂ . The tarpaulin 2 is not shown in this figure. The piping groove is on the frame profiles Ri,

· · 0

ft · #♦♦«

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R ₂ is identified by the reference symbols &Kgr;&igr; and K ₂ respectively. The opening width of the piping grooves K ₁ , K ₂ and correspondingly also of the piping grooves of the other frame profiles R ₃ , R ₄ is sufficient so that the tarpaulin 2 can be guided out of the piping grooves &Kgr;&igr;, K ₂ , but the side piping of the tarpaulin 2 is held in the piping grooves &Kgr;&igr;, K ₂ in a form-fitting manner when tensile stress occurs.

In the embodiment shown, the connecting piece Vi is designed as a two-shell and comprises a lower shell 3 and an upper

Î Shell 4. The two shells 3, 4 form two frame profile receptacles 5, 6, into each of which a free end section of an adjacent frame profile - here: Ri, R ₂ - is inserted. The two shells 3, 4 of the connecting piece Vi are connected and fastened to one another by a clamping screw 8 which engages in a nut 7 and which passes through both the upper shell 4 and the lower shell 3. The clamping screw 8 passes through the two shells 3, 4 of the connecting part Vi off-center and thus offset from the longitudinal axes of the frame profile receptacles 5, 6 in the direction of the angle enclosed by the frame profile receptacles 5, 6. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the two outer ends 9, 10 of the shells 3, 4 facing one another support one another, while the inner ends 11, 12 leave a gap 13 (cf. Figure 2b). Thus, when the clamping screw 8 is tightened, the two shells 3, 4 of the connecting piece Vi can be moved towards one another like a pair of pliers in order to clamp the ends of the adjacent frame profiles R ₁ , R ₂ inserted into the frame profile receptacles 5, 6. The frame profiles Ri, R ₂ are then clamped and thus frictionally connected to the connecting piece Vi (cf. Figure 2b). In order to achieve this clamping connection, the clear width of each frame profile receptacle 5, 6 and the outer diameter of the free ends of the frame profiles R ₁ , R ₂ inserted into such a frame profile receptacle 5, 6 are dimensioned accordingly. The gap 13 between the two shells 3, 4 is used in the embodiment shown to allow the tarpaulin 2 with its side piping to penetrate into the corner of the frame Ra.

The support of the outer ends 9, 10 of the two shells 3, 4 on each other, as provided in the embodiment shown, is not absolutely necessary for the implementation of the invention; rather,

·

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A gap corresponding to gap 13 must also be left in the area of the outer side.

The device 1 is assembled by pulling the piping of the tarpaulin 2 into the piping grooves Ki, K ₂ of the frame profiles R ₁ - R ₄ . The mutually facing ends of two adjacent frame profiles R ₁ - R ₄ are then inserted into the frame profile receptacles 5, 6 of a respective connecting piece V ₁ - V _4. The tarpaulin 2 is then tensioned in each direction, for which purpose the free ends inserted into the frame profile receptacles 5, 6 of the connecting pieces Vi - V ₄ are moved within the respective frame profile receptacle 5, 6. Once the tarpaulin 2 is tensioned, the tensioning screws 8 of the connecting pieces V ₁ - V ₄ are tensioned in order to rigidly connect the individual frame profiles Ri - R ₄ to one another via the connecting pieces V ₁ - V ₄ arranged between two frame profiles R ₁ - R ₄ . Re-tightening is easily possible by loosening the clamping screws of one or more connecting pieces V ₁ - V ₄ , adjusting the connecting piece accordingly with respect to the adjacent frame profiles R ₁ - R ₄ and then re-tightening the clamping screw 8.

Figure 3 shows a further device 1' for stretching several individual tarpaulins 2', 2", which is basically constructed in the same way as the device 1 in Figures 1 and 2. The device V shown in Figure 3 has, among other things, connecting pieces V ₅ , Ve, which have more than two frame profile holders. These connecting pieces are designed as T-pieces (V ₅ ) or as cross pieces (V ₆ ). All frame profiles R used in the device 1' are constructed like the frame profiles Ri R ₄ in Figure 1. The frame profiles that are bordered on both sides by a tarpaulin 2', 2" have two diametrically opposed piping grooves so that a piping of the tarpaulin 2' can be inserted into one piping groove and a piping of the tarpaulin 2" can be inserted into the other piping groove. All connecting pieces are, like the connecting pieces Vi - V ₄ of the device 1 in Figure 1, opposite the frame profile holders with their free ends inserted into the respective frame profile holders. Frame profiles can be adjusted and tensioned so that each tarpaulin can be tensioned 2', 2".

Figure 4 shows a self-supporting device 13 for clamping a

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Sun protection textile 14. The device 13 can therefore be referred to as an awning. The device 13 is basically constructed like the device 1 in Figure 1. In contrast to the device 1, however, the frame profiles R ₅ used as cross braces are curved, while the frame profiles R6 used as longitudinal braces are straight. The upper frame profile R ₆ has two diametrically opposed piping grooves 15, 16. While the inner piping groove 15 serves to accommodate the sun protection textile 14 with its side piping 17, the outer piping groove 16 serves to accommodate the head 18

Ø of a coupling piece 19 of a wall bracket designated overall by the reference numeral 20. The wall bracket 20 is designed in two parts and consists of the coupling piece 19 and a holding part 21 attached to the wall. The coupling piece 19 has the head 18 and a coupling plate 22 which has a keyhole-like opening 23. The holding part 21 attached to the wall comprises a holding pin 24 which projects away from the wall and has a holding head 25. This can be inserted into the keyhole-like opening 23 of the coupling piece 19 and can be pushed with its pin 24 into the smaller diameter area of the opening 23. In this way, the coupling piece 19 and thus the entire device 13 serving as an awning can be mounted and dismantled on the wall quickly and in particular without tools. Depending on the size of the wall-mounted device, it may be appropriate to additionally support the free lower end of the device with a wall-mounted strut.

From the description of the invention it is clear that the devices described can be used to easily create self-supporting frames for clamping a flexible element, for example a tarpaulin or the like. By using differently designed connecting pieces, which can have frame profile receptacles extending in one or more planes, it is possible to create different devices in which the clamped flexible elements can be clamped in all directions, so that even with more complicated geometries they can be clamped and in particular re-tensioned without creases.

• *

-10-Reference symbol list

1.1' Facilities

2, 2', 2" Tarp

3 lower bowl

4 upper shell

5 Frame profile holder

6 Frame profile holder

7 Mother

8 clamping screw

9 external finish

10 external finish

11 inner closure

12 inner closure

13 Furnishing

14 Sun protection part

15 piping groove

16 piping groove

17 piping

18 Head

19 Coupling piece

20 Wall bracket

21 Holding part

22 Clutch plate

23 Opening

24 retaining pins

25 Holding head

Ra Frame

K ₁ , K ₂ piping groove

R, Ri -R ₆ frame profile

Vi -V ₆ connector

Claims (14)

1. Self-supporting device for stretching a flexible, flat element, such as a tarpaulin, a textile or the like, comprising - at least one flexible element ( 2 , 2 ', 2 "), the side ends of which each have a piping ( 17 ) or a thickening similar to a piping, - a frame (Ra) enclosing each flexible element ( 2 , 2 ', 2 ") of the device, - formed from a plurality of frame profiles (R; R ₁ -R ₄ ; R ₅ , R ₆ ), each with at least one undercut piping groove (K ₁ , K ₂ , 15, 16) following the longitudinal extension of the respective frame profile (R; R ₁ -R ₄ ; R ₅ , R ₆ ) for receiving a piping ( 17 ) or a piping-like edge thickening of the flexible element ( 2 , 2 ', 2 ") and - from several connecting pieces (V ₁ -V ₄ ) for connecting at least two frame profiles (R; R ₁ -R ₄ ; R ₅ , R ₆ ), each connecting piece (V ₁ -V ₆ ) having at least two frame profile receptacles ( 5 , 6 ) for receiving a free end of a frame profile (R; R ₁ -R ₄ ; R ₅ , R ₆ ), the respective free end of an end of a frame profile (R; R ₁ -R ₄ ; R ₅ , R ₅ ) engaging in such a frame profile receptacle ( 5 , 6 ) being adjustable with respect to the connecting piece (V ₁ -V ₆ ) with regard to the length of its section engaging in the receptacle ( 5 , 6 ), and each connecting piece (V ₁ -V ₆ ) having means for fixing the free ends engaging in the frame profile receptacles ( 5 , 6 ). end sections of the frame profiles. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that for fixing the free end sections of the frame profiles engaging in the frame profile receptacles ( 5 , 6 ), the connecting pieces (V ₁ -V ₆ ) are constructed in two shells and each connecting piece (V ₁ -V ₆ ) for connecting the two shells ( 3 , 4 ) is assigned a clamping screw ( 8 ) so that after tightening the screw ( 8 ) the free end sections of the frame profiles inserted in the frame profile receptacles ( 5 , 6 ) are clamped to the connecting piece (V ₁ -V ₆ ). 3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the joints of the two shells ( 3 , 4 ) of a connecting piece (V ₁ -V ₄ ) delimit a gap ( 13 ) on their side facing the flexible element ( 2 , 2 ', 2 "). 4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the minimum width of the gap corresponds to the opening width of the undercut groove (K ₁ , K ₂ ; 15, 16) of a frame profile (R; R ₁ -R ₂ ; R ₅ , R ₆ ). 5. Device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the two shells ( 3 , 4 ) of a connecting piece are supported on one another on their side facing away from the flexible element ( 2 , 2 ', 2 "). 6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that one or more frame profiles have two or more undercut grooves for receiving the piping or the piping-like edge thickening of the flexible flat element ( 2 , 2 ', 2 "). 7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that one or more frame profiles have two grooves diametrically opposite one another to the longitudinal axis of the frame profile for receiving the piping or the piping-like edge thickening of the flexible flat element ( 2 , 2 ', 2 "). 8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that one or more connecting pieces (V ₁ -V ₄ ) have two frame profile receptacles ( 5 , 6 ). 9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the two frame profile receptacles ( 5 , 6 ) are arranged at an angle, approximately at an angle of 90° to each other. 10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that one or more connecting pieces (V ₅ , V ₆ ) have three or more frame profile receptacles. 11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least two frame profiles (R ₅ ) arranged parallel to one another are curved. 12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the device ( 13 ) is associated with suspension means ( 20 ) for fastening the device to the wall. 13. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the device is an awning. 14. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the device is a wall component, for example for dividing an exhibition stand.