AU2017101786A4 - Connection System - Google Patents

Abstract

A banner sign (10) comprising a flexible sheet (11) and an elongate element (23) along an edge of the flexible sheet. The elongate element (23) incorporates a keder track and the flexible sheet (11) has a keder edge. The elongate element (23) has two opposed longitudinal side portions (25, 27), one longitudinal side portion (25) defining a track slot (26) to provide the keder track, and the other longitudinal side portion (27) defining a protrusion (28). The protrusion (28) is configured to be gripped manually by a user and/or engaged by an engaging element, such as a tool, to facilitate application of a lateral pulling force on the frame element (23) during installation of the flexible sheet (11) with the keder edge (17) connected to the keder track. LO) CD)

Description

Connection System

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to a connection system for connecting a flexible sheet to a support. The invention also relates to a frame element for attachment to a flexible sheet, and a frame system featuring such a frame element. Further, the invention relates to apparatus incorporating such a connection system, frame element or frame system. Still further, the invention relates to a method of installation of such apparatus.

[0002] The invention has been devised particularly, although not necessarily solely, for use in relation to signage, and more particularly banner signs, although other applications are contemplated. By way of example, the invention may find application in other signs featuring a flexible sheet supported in a taut condition in a frame system, and also in relation to a membrane structure featuring a tensioned membrane to provide a roof covering, an awning, a shade sail, or a shade cover (e.g. shade cloth), as well other applications as appropriate where there is a need to attach a flexible sheet to a support.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0004] As alluded to above, the invention has been devised particularly, although not necessarily solely, in relation to signage, and more particularly banner signs. Accordingly, the following discussion in relation to background art is provided in the context of banner signs.

[0005] Banner signs are commonly used to convey information visually in a large format arrangement. They are used both indoors and outdoors, and are often mounted on walls of building and on billboards.

[0006] Typically, a banner sign comprises a flexible sheet (such as a vinyl membrane) displaying graphics for advertising or information purposes. The flexible sheet is hung in a taut condition within a frame system. The frame system is attached to a supporting structure, such as for example a wall.

[0007] The flexible sheet is typically rectangular. The frame system may comprise two frame elements disposed on opposed sides of the flexible sheet, with the flexible sheet stretched between the two frame elements. In certain applications, the frame system may extend entirely around the periphery of the flexible sheet, in which case there may be frame elements along four sides of the rectangular flexible sheet.

[0008] A common system currently used with banner signs to attach a flexible sheet to a frame element is known as a keder sail track system, as would be understood by a person skilled in the art. This system comprises a longitudinal bead provided on an edge of the flexible sheet, and a frame element configured to provide a longitudinal track slot in which the bead can be slidingly received to attach the flexible sheet to the frame element. The frame element is typically an aluminum extrusion. The longitudinal bead provided on the edge of the flexible sheet is known as a keder edge, and the longitudinal track slot provided on the frame element is known as a keder track.

[0009] Installation of a banner sign typically involves fixing a first side edge of the flexible sheet in position, tensioning the flexible sheet by pulling at an opposed side edge laterally in the plane of the sheet, and then fixing the opposed side edge in position to maintain the flexible sheet in a taut condition. The first side edge may be fixed in position in any appropriate way, including by way of a keder sail tack system. The opposed side edge would typically be fitted with a keder sail tack system, and the flexible sheet tensioned by pulling laterally (sideways) on the frame element and then fixing the frame element into position to maintain the flexible sheet in a taut condition.

[0010] Locations at which banner signs are installed can challenging and often require work to be performed at heights, typically on ladders or elevated platforms. In such conditions, it can be challenging for a person involved in the installation to grip the frame element to pull it laterally to achieve the required tension in the flexible sheet and then fix the frame element in position.

[0011] It is against this background, and the problems and difficulties associated therewith, that the present invention has been developed.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0012] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a connection system for connecting a flexible sheet to a support, the connection system comprising a frame element adapted for mounting on the support, and a bead on a marginal edge of the flexible sheet, the frame element comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a track slot in which the bead can be sliding received and the second portion being configured for engagement in a manner permitting lateral movement of the frame element for tensioning of the flexible sheet.

[0013] The second portion may be so configured by provision of a protrusion. The protrusion may be configured to be gripped manually by a user and/or engaged by a tool to facilitate application of a lateral pulling force on the frame element.

[0014] The frame element may be configured to define a longitudinal recess associated with the protrusion.

[0015] The protrusion may comprise a projecting lip.

[0016] The projecting lip may be configured as an in-turned flange.

[0017] The frame element may comprise an elongate element having two opposed longitudinal side portions, one longitudinal side portion defining the track slot and the other longitudinal side portion defining the protrusion.

[0018] The elongate element may also comprise a further portion between the two opposed longitudinal side portions.

[0019] The further portion may be configured as a web between the two opposed longitudinal side portions.

[0020] The further portion may be adapted to be affixed to the support to maintain the flexible sheet in a taut condition. More particularly, the further portion may be adapted to receive one or more fasteners for fixing the frame element to the support [0021] The web may have two opposed longitudinal faces.

[0022] The lip may extend inwardly towards one of the two opposed longitudinal faces of the web and terminate at a longitudinal edge which overlies and is spaced from that longitudinal face. With this arrangement, the lip may provide a grip or hook.

[0023] The lip may be disposed at an acute angle to the web, and the longitudinal recess may be defined between the lip and the web.

[0024] The frame element may define a face for location against a surface of the support to which the flexible sheet is to be connected. The support may, for example, comprise a wall on which the flexible sheet is to be hung, and the surface may comprise a portion of an exposed face of the wall.

[0025] The face of the frame element may comprise a planar face.

[0026] The two opposed longitudinal side portions and the intervening further portion may define respective surfaces which are co-planer to cooperatively provide the planar face of the frame element.

[0027] The frame element may be of unitary construction, with the two opposed longitudinal side portions and the intervening further portion being integrated.

[0028] The frame element may comprise an extrusion, such as for example an aluminum extrusion.

[0029] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a frame element for a connection system according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0030] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a frame element comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being configured as a track slot and the second portion being configured for engagement to permit lateral movement of the frame element for tensioning a flexible sheet attached to the frame element by way of the track slot.

[0031] The frame element according to the third aspect of the invention may have any one or more of the features of the frame element as recited above in relation to the first aspect of the invention.

[0032] According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a frame system comprising a frame element according to the second or third aspect of the invention.

[0033] According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus comprising a flexible sheet and a frame element, the flexible sheet comprising a bead on a marginal edge of the flexible sheet, and the frame element comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being configured as a track slot in which the bead can be slidingly received and the second portion being configured for engagement to permit lateral movement of the frame element for tensioning of the flexible sheet.

[0034] The frame element of the apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the invention may have any one or more of the features of the frame element as recited above in relation to the first aspect of the invention.

[0035] The apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the invention may be in any appropriate form; for example, a banner sign, another form of signage system featuring flexible sheeting supported in a taut condition in a frame system, or a membrane structure featuring a tensioned membrane to provide a roof covering, an awning, a shade sail, or a shade cover (e.g. shade cloth).

[0036] According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a banner sign comprising a flexible sheet and a frame element, the flexible sheet comprising a bead on a marginal edge of the flexible sheet, and the frame element comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a track slot in which the bead can be sliding received and the second portion being configured for engagement to permit lateral movement of the frame element for tensioning of the flexible sheet.

[0037] The frame element of the banner sign according to the sixth aspect of the invention may have any one or more of the features of the frame element as recited above in relation to the first aspect of the invention.

[0038] According to a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided a method of erecting apparatus comprising a flexible sheet and a frame element, the method comprising connecting the frame element to the flexible sheet using a connection system according to the first aspect of the invention, gripping the second portion of the frame element, moving the frame element laterally to tension the flexible sheet, and fixing the frame element in position to maintain the flexible sheet in a taut condition.

[0039] According to an eighth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of erecting a banner sign comprising a flexible sheet and a frame element, the method comprising connecting the frame element to the flexible sheet using a connection system according to the first aspect of the invention, gripping the second portion of the frame element, moving the frame element laterally to tension the flexible sheet, and fixing the frame element in position to maintain the flexible sheet in a taut condition.

[0040] The steps of gripping the second portion of the frame element and moving the frame element laterally to tension the flexible sheet may be performed by a user manually gripping the second portion and/or using a tool engaging the second portion.

[0041] The tool may comprise an engaging portion and a handle portion. The engaging portion may be of the configuration of a frame element. The handle portion may comprise a hand grip connected to the engaging portion. The handle portion may also comprise a longitudinal bead providing a keder edge for connection to a track slot incorporated in the engaging portion. The handle portion may further comprise a flexible web having one side incorporating the longitudinal bead, with the hand grip being provided on the other side. The hand grip may be configured as a rod received in spaced apart loops provided on the web with the portion of the rod exposed between adjacent loops being adapted to be grasped by a user.

[0042] According to a ninth aspect of the invention there is provided a tool as described above. More particularly, the tool may comprise an engaging portion and a handle portion, the handle portion comprising a hand grip connected to the engaging portion and a longitudinal bead providing a keder edge for connection to a track slot incorporated in the engaging portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary front view of an embodiment of a sign according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of a frame element comprising part of the sign, with the frame element being viewed from one side;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the frame element, viewed from an opposed side;

Figure 4 is an end view of the frame element;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary view of a connection between the frame element and a flexible sheet forming part of the sign;

Figure 6 is a further schematic perspective view of the frame element;

Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of the frame element; and a tool in engagement with the frame element, the tool itself comprising a similar frame element;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of one form of the tool; and

Figure 9 is a schematic view of the frame element and the tool in engagement with the frame element for tensioning a sheet connected to the frame element.

[0044] The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present invention.

[0045] The figures depict an embodiment of the invention. The embodiment illustrates a certain configuration; however, it is to be appreciated that the invention can take the form of many configurations, as would be obvious to a person skilled in the art, whilst still embodying the present invention. These configurations are to be considered within the scope of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

[0046] Referring to the drawings, there is shown an embodiment of apparatus according to the invention in the form of a sign 10 which is of the type known as a banner sign.

[0047] While not shown in the drawings, the sign 10 in this embodiment is installed on a support. The support may, for example, comprise a wall of a building on which the banner sign 10 is to be installed. The sign 10 may, of course, be installed in ways other than on a wall of a building; for example, the sign may be installed on a frame structure adapted to receive the sign, or on a billboard.

[0048] The sign 10 comprises a flexible sheet 11 supported in a taut condition within a frame system 13 adapted to be mounted on the support (e.g. a wall of a building).

[0049] In this embodiment the sign 10 is hung vertically, and so has a top edge 15, bottom edge 17 and two side edges (not shown).

[0050] The flexible sheet 11 typically bears graphics for advertising or information purposes. The flexible sheet 11 may, for example, comprise a vinyl membrane on which the graphics are printed or otherwise applied in known manner. The flexible sheet 11 need not necessarily comprise a vinyl membrane, and may be formed of any other appropriate material including, for example fabric, cloth, canvas or other membrane material, as would be understood by a person skilled in the art.

[0051] The edges of the flexible sheet 11 intended for connection to the frame system 13 are each provided with a hem formation 15 configured as a longitudinal bead 17 to provide what is known as a keder edge, as would be understood by a person skilled in the art. The hem formation 15 may be made in any appropriated way, such as for example by sewing or plastic welding, with a marginal edge portion of the sheet wrapped around a core element (not shown) such as a rod or rope.

[0052] The frame system 13 is configured in this embodiment for connection to the top and bottom of the flexible sheet 11, but not the sides which do not require support. Other arrangements are, of course, contemplated. In another embodiment, for example, the frame system 13 may be configured to extend around the entire periphery of the flexible sheet 11, connected to not only the top and bottom of the flexible sheet 11 but also the sides. In yet another embodiment, the frame system 13 may be configured for connection to opposed sides of the flexible sheet 11, but not the top or bottom.

[0053] In the arrangement shown, the frame system 13 comprises a first frame element 21 at the top edge 15 of the sign 10 and a second frame element 22 at the bottom edge 17. In this embodiment, the first frame element 21 and the second frame element 22 are each of a cross-sectional profile as will be described in detail later, but only one need be so as the other (being the particular frame element to be first fixed in position) may be of any other appropriate profile such as a conventional sail track profile.

[0054] In this embodiment, the first frame element 21 and the second frame element 22 each comprise an elongate element 23 having two opposed longitudinal side portions 25, 27, with longitudinal side portion 25 defining a track slot 26 and longitudinal side portion 27 defining a protrusion 28. The protrusion 28 is configured to be gripped manually by a user and/or engaged by an engaging element, to facilitate application of a lateral pulling force on the frame element during installation of the sign, as will be explained further later.

[0055] The elongate element 23 also comprises a further portion 29 between the two opposed longitudinal side portions 25, 27. The further portion 29 is configured as a web 30 between the two opposed longitudinal side portions 25, 27. The web 30 has two opposed longitudinal faces 31,32.

[0056] The longitudinal side portion 25 defining the track slot 26 is of conventional cross-sectional profile for receiving the respective longitudinal bead 17. The track slot 26 provides a keder edge. More particularly, longitudinal side portion 25 defining the track slot 26 comprises two sides 33, 35 in opposed relation and terminating at spaced apart longitudinal edges 37 defining a longitudinal slot opening 26a. With this arrangement, the keder edge 17 of the flexible sheet 11 can be inserted into and slid along the track slot 26 (keder track), with the flexible sheet 11 extending from the keder edge 17 and outwardly through the longitudinal slot opening 26a in known manner, as shown in Figure 5. The two sides 33, 35 are each integral with the web 30, and the longitudinal slot opening 26a extends along the respective longitudinal edge of the elongate element 23 in opposed relation to the web 30, as shown in the drawings.

[0057] The longitudinal side portion 27 defining the protrusion 28 is configured as a lip 41. The lip 41 is configured as an in-turned flange as shown in the drawings, extending inwardly towards longitudinal face 32 of the web 30 and terminating at a longitudinal edge 43 which overlies and is spaced from longitudinal face 32. In this way, the lip 41 is at an acute angle to the longitudinal face 32 of the web 30, and a longitudinal recess 44 is defined between the lip 41 and the longitudinal face 32. It is notable that the lip 41 extends in a direction away from longitudinal face 31 of the web 30 and inwardly in a direction towards the flexible sheeting 11 when the latter is connected to the elongate element 23.

[0058] With this arrangement, the lip 41 provides a rail functioning as a grip or hook adapted to be gripped manually by a user and/or engaged by an engaging element, to facilitate application of a lateral pulling force on the elongate element 23. The feature whereby the lip 41 is at an acute angle to the longitudinal face 32 of the web 30 to define the longitudinal recess 44 is advantageous, as the fingers of a user holding the elongate element 23 to exert a lateral pulling force on the elongate element, can nest snuggly in the recess 44, enhancing the gripping action. During an installation, the user would typically be positioned on the side of the elongate element 23 opposite the flexible sheet 11 and so could place their hand or hands on the lip 41 with fingers curling around the lip and into the recess 44.

[0059] The elongate element 23 defines a face 45 for location against a surface of the support to which the flexible sheet 11 is to be connected. As mentioned above, the support may, for example, comprise a wall of a building on which the banner sign 10 is to be installed, and the surface of the support may thus comprise a portion of an exposed face of the wall.

[0060] The face 45 defined by the elongate element 23 is a planar face to facilitate sliding movement of the elongate element 23 over the surface of the support.

[0061] From the foregoing, it is evident that the frame element 23 incorporating the keder track and the keder edge 17 of the flexible sheet 11 cooperate to provide a connection system for connecting the flexible sheet to the support [0062] An example of an installation of the sign 10 will now be described, with reference to a banner sign being hung vertically on a wall of a building.

[0063] In this example, the first frame element 21 for the top edge of the flexible sheet 11 is fixed in position on the wall to provide the top edge 15 of the banner sign 10. The frame element 21 may be fixed to the wall by fasteners 51 inserted into the wall through the web 30, as shown schematically in Figure 1. The top edge of the flexible sheet 11 may be connected to the first frame element 21 by way of the keder edge connection as previously described, either before or after fixing of the first frame element 21 to the wall.

[0064] With the second frame element 22 connected to the bottom edge of the flexible sheet 11 by way of the keder edge connection as previously described, and the planar face 45 confronting the wall surface, the lip 41 on the second frame element 22 can be gripped and pulled laterally, stretching and tensioning the flexible sheet 11. Once the desired tension has been attained, the second frame element 22 is fixed to the wall to maintain the flexible sheet 11 in a taut condition, with the planar face 45 being in contact with the wall. The second frame element 22 may be fixed to the wall by inserting fasteners 52 into the wall through the web 30, as shown schematically in Figure 1.

[0065] The presence of the lip 41 allows that the second frame element 22 to be gripped and pulled laterally relatively easily, even in challenging conditions. As mentioned above, the fingers of a user holding the frame element 22 to exert a lateral pulling force on the elongate element, can nest snuggly in the recess 44, enhancing the gripping action. Furthermore, the planer face 45 allows the second frame element 22 to slide or skid above the wall surface as it is pulled laterally to stretch and tension the flexible sheet 11.

[0066] In certain circumstances, such as for example in challenging conditions, it may be difficult for a user(s) to exert sufficient pulling force on the second frame element 22 through manually gripping the lip 41 to achieve the necessary or desired tension in the flexible sheet 11. In such circumstances, the user(s) would have the option of using a tool(s) to engage the in-turned lip 41 in an effort to exert sufficient pulling force to achieve the necessary or desired tension in the flexible sheet 11. Such a tool(s) may be of any appropriate form. Indeed, it may be convenient to use a portion of another frame element 23a as such a tool (as depicted schematically in Figure 7), with the lip 41a of the frame element 23a functioning as a tool being positioned to hook onto the lip 41 of the second frame element 22. The in-turned nature of the lips 41 and 41a enhances the hooking action, preventing or at least reducing the likelihood of the tool slipping or otherwise dislodging from the lip 41 of the frame element 23.

[0067] One specific form of tool is depicted in Figure 8 and identified by reference numeral 50. The tool 50 comprises handle portion 53 and engaging portion 54. The engaging portion 54 is configured as frame element 23a. The handle portion 53 comprises hand grip 55 connected to frame element 23a. The handle portion 53 also has a longitudinal bead 57 providing a keder edge for connection to the track slot 26a of frame element 23a. In the arrangement shown, the handle portion 53 further comprises a flexible web 59 having one side 59a incorporating the longitudinal bead 57 and the hand grip 55 provided on the other side 59b. The hand grip 55 may be configured as a rod 63 received in spaced apart loops 65 provided on the web 59, with the portion 63a of the rod 63 exposed between adjacent loops 65 being adapted to be grasped by a user.

[0068] In use, the tool 50 can be progressively moved (slid) along the frame element 23, with the lip 41a of the tool in engagement with the lip 41 of the frame element 23, tensioning the sheet 11 as the frame element 23 is progressively fixed in position along its length.

[0069] The foregoing disclosure is intended to explain how to fashion and use the particular embodiment described, rather than to limit the true, intended, and fair scope and spirit of the invention. The foregoing description is neither intended to be exhaustive, nor to be limited to the precise forms disclosed.

[0070] Further, it should be appreciated that various modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the invention. Therefore, the invention should be understood to include all such modifications within its scope. For instance, the protrusion 28 is configured as an in-turned lip 41 in the arrangement described and illustrate. Other arrangements are of course possible. In another embodiment, for example, the protrusion 28 may be configured as a longitudinal rib or other formation of a cross-sectional profile defining a recess in which the fingers of a user can locate to enhance a gripping action. In yet another embodiment, the protrusion 28 may be configured as a longitudinal rib or other formation adapted for engagement by a tool.

[0071] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing a particular example embodiment only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0072] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0073] The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0074] Reference to any positional descriptions, such as "top”, “bottom" and “side”, are to be taken in context of the embodiment described and illustrated, and are not to be taken as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term but rather as would be understood by the skilled addressee.

[0075] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature’s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the apparatus in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the apparatus in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0076] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiment [0077] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to”, “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0078] Additionally, where the terms “system”, “device”, and “apparatus" are used in the context of the invention, they are to be understood as including reference to any group of functionally related or interacting, interrelated, interdependent or associated components or elements that may be located in proximity to, separate from, integrated with, or discrete from, each other.

[0079] . Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims (9)

1. A connection system for connecting a flexible sheet to a support, the connection system comprising a frame element adapted for mounting on the support, and a bead on a marginal edge of the flexible sheet, the frame element comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a track slot in which the bead can be sliding received and the second portion being configured for engagement in a manner permitting lateral movement of the frame element for tensioning of the flexible sheet.

2. A frame element for a connection system according to claim 1.

3. A frame element comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a track slot and the second portion being configured for engagement to permit lateral movement of the frame element for tensioning a flexible sheet attached to the frame element by way of the track slot.

4. A frame system comprising a frame element according to claim 2 or 3.

5. Apparatus comprising a flexible sheet and a frame element, the flexible sheet comprising a bead on a marginal edge of the flexible sheet, and the frame element comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a track slot in which the bead can be sliding received and the second portion being configured for engagement to permit lateral movement of the frame element for tensioning of the flexible sheet.

6. A sign comprising a flexible sheet and a frame element, the flexible sheet comprising a bead on a marginal edge of the flexible sheet, and the frame element comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a track slot in which the bead can be sliding received and the second portion being configured for engagement to permit lateral movement of the frame element for tensioning of the flexible sheet.

7. A method of erecting apparatus comprising a flexible sheet and a frame element, the method comprising connecting the frame element to the flexible sheet using a connection system according to claim 1, gripping the second portion of the frame element, moving the frame element laterally to tension the flexible sheet, and fixing the frame element in position to maintain the flexible sheet in a taut condition.

8. A method of erecting a sign comprising a flexible sheet and a frame element, the method comprising connecting the frame element to the flexible sheet using a connection system according to claim 1, gripping the second portion of the frame element, moving the frame element laterally to tension the flexible sheet, and fixing the frame element in position to maintain the flexible sheet in a taut condition.

9. A tool comprising an engaging portion and a handle portion, the handle portion comprising a hand grip connected to the engaging portion and a longitudinal bead providing a keder edge for connection to a track slot incorporated in the engaging portion.