WO2006010168A1

WO2006010168A1 - Tensioning sheet material

Info

Publication number: WO2006010168A1
Application number: PCT/ZA2004/000113
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nolan Peter Weight
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-07-22
Filing date: 2004-09-21
Publication date: 2006-01-26
Anticipated expiration: 2007-01-22
Also published as: WO2006010168B1; ZA200405842B

Abstract

An assembly is provided for anchoring and tensioning sheet material, such as fabric, in a frame. A first extrusion is formed with a longitudinal passage of complementary cross section to that of a bead formed at the edge/s of a sheet material, the extrusion having formations adapted to be accommodated in a channel of a second extrusion.

Description

TENSIONING SHEET MA TERIAL

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the tensioning of sheet material , preferably in a frame for display and other purposes such as signage, banners, vehicle graphics and the like.

BACKGROUND ART

Many methods are known for holding sheet material under tension in a frame or the like. Rivets have been used for direct attachment to a frame element; and rods in a peripheral hem of the sheet material have been used together with a complemental channel in the frame element.

In my RSA Patent Application 2004/1512 there is described an assembly for the tensioning of sheet material in a frame which has a channel adapted to receive the sheet material, and a flexible strip which has formations forming a force-fit into the channel to hold the material therein and which, on release, expand against the sheet material and the channel for positive anchorage.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a further improved assembly for the above purposes.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention an assembly for anchoring sheet material in a frame includes a first extrusion having a longitudinal passage for receiving a bead (or keder strip) formed at the edge/s of a sheet of material, the extrusion having formations adapted to be accommodated in a channel of a second extrusion.

For a bead with circular cross-section, the passage in the first extrusion will be complementarily circular in cross section. The extrusion may be fixed in position around the periphery of the intended area of the sheet material by the use of mechanical means or suitable industrial adhesive tape.

The bead or keder may be attached to one or two edges of the sheet material by heat, or high frequency welding, or mechanical stitching whichever method is the more apt.

The bead is slided into the passage and the extrusion is then slided into the channel of the second extrusion, or vice versa.

The sheet material anchored on one or two sides using the extrusions of the invention is then drawn into the remaining sides of the frame by using frame elements according to RSA Patent Application 2004/1512.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRA WINGS

Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an exploded view of the first and second extrusions;

Figure 2 is a sectional side view through the assembly of first and second extrusions; Figure 3 is an exploded view of frame elements according to RSA Patent application

2004/1512;

Figure 4 is an isometric view of the assembled element of Figure 3; and

Figure 5 is an isometric view of a corner of a frame incorporating the two types of frame elements.

BESTMODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In Figure 1 a first extrusion C is shown which has a passage 10 surmounted by a top surface 12 which may be shaped and/or patterned for aesthetic purposes. Feet 14 are provided for sliding into the channel 16 of a second extrusion. A having overhangs 22 and an extension 24. 2004/000113

The edge of a sheet D of flexible material has a bead 32 which has a cross-section complemental with the diameter of the passage 10 so that it may be slided thereinto as shown in Figure 2.

In Figure 2 the feet 14 are shown in the engaged position in the channel 16.

The gap 26 between the sheet D and the top surface 12 accepts the top surface of another frame element as shown in Figure 5 to be described later below.

Figure 3 is an exploded view of the other type of frame element which may be used to tension the sheet on the sides of the sheet remote from the attachment to the first type of element as described above. The assembly of this second type comprises a first extrusion B and a second extrusion A which may be the same as in Figure 1. Figure 4 illustrates the assembled item showing the sheet material 30 held firmly in position after it has been tensioned.

Turning now to Figure 5, the assembly of Figure 2 and Figure 4 are shown in juxtaposition. As mentioned above the top surface 40 of the frame element of Figure 3 fits into the gap 26. The sheet D is shown only in part to avoid confusion in the drawing.

Claims

T/ZA2004/000113CLAIMS:

1. An assembly for anchoring sheet material in a frame characterised by

a first extrusion having a longitudinal passage for receiving a bead formed at the edge/s of the sheet material; the extrusion having formations adapted to be accommodated in a channel of a second extrusion.

2. An assembly according to claim 1 characterised in that for a bead of circular cross-section, the passage in the first extrusion is complimentarily circular in cross section.

3. An assembly according to either of the above claims characterised in that the bead is attached to one or two edges of the sheet material by heat, high frequency welding, or mechanical stitching.

4. An assembly according to any of the above claims characterised in that the bead is slided into the passage and the extrusion is then slided into the channel of the second extrusion.