NZ541337A

NZ541337A - Tensioning sheet material

Info

Publication number: NZ541337A
Application number: NZ54133705A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Peter Nolan Weight
Original assignee: Peter Nolan Weight
Priority date: 2005-07-18
Filing date: 2005-07-18
Publication date: 2007-03-30

Abstract

An assembly for the tensioning of sheet material in a frame has a channel for receiving the sheet material. The channel has a longitudinal opening that is narrower than the channel and a flexible strip including longitudinal feet formations that have a greater traverse dimension than that of the opening of the channel. The feet formations are adapted to be force-fitted through the opening into the channel.

Description

*1337 Patents Form No. 5 OurRef: JT224694 NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION TENSIONING SHEET MATERIAL I, Nolan Peter WEIGHT, of 40 Douglas Road, Bedfordview, Gauteng 2007, Republic of South Africa, hereby declare the invention, for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: r PT054425667 ■" 4 <5 i y o ri l. O Iz I V kz 100626094_1 la TENSIONING SHEET MATERIAL TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the tensioning of sheet material such as PVC, canvas and other textiles for forming banners, signage, vehicle graphics and the like.

BACKGROUND ART Many methods of tensioning sheet material have been proposed, some of which have employed rivets for attachment to a frame, while another has utilised rods in a peripheral hem of the sheet material for insertion into a complemental channel in the frame.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a very simple arrangement which is easy to use and which results in a firm anchor as well as an excellent aesthetic appearance, or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION According to the invention an assembly for the tensioning of sheet material in a frame having a channel for receiving the sheet material, the channel having a longitudinal opening that is narrower than the channel; and a flexible strip including longitudinal feet formations that have a greater transverse dimension than that of the opening of the channel, and that are adapted to be force-fitted through the opening into the channel for retention therein due to their flexibility and to return to their initial dimension; and to expand against the sheet material to anchor the sheet material.

In a preferred form of the invention the strip has feet which engage under the opening when released from the step of force-fitting into the channel.

The strip may be made from a suitable polymeric material and which includes a portion insertable into the channel of the frame and a top portion which has a surface which is aesthetically chosen for the particular article involved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS An embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an isometric view of a strip for use in the invention; Figure 2 is a cross sectional view thereof; Figure 3 is an isometric view of a portion of a channel for a frame; Figure 4 is a sectional view thereof; Figure 5 is an isometric view of an alternative shape of frame; Figure 6 is a sectional view thereof; Figure 7 is an isometric view of a further alternative shape of frame; Figure 8 is a sectional view thereof; and Figure 9 is an isometric view of a corner of a frame in assembled state.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Figure 3 illustrates a simple form of frame 10 which comprises a channel with overhang 12 thereby constituting a narrow opening 14. Figures 5 and 7 are alternative shapes, each having an extension such as the arm 16 of Figure 5 or the box section 18 of Figure 7.

The strip 20 - see Figures 1 and 2 is an extrusion of polymeric material which has 20 a resilient zone 22 with feet 24. The width of the feet exceeds the width of the opening of the channel.

The sheet material is located over the frame and the strip is force-fitted into the channel to capture the sheet material 21 between the zone 22 and the channel. It may be necessary to use a mallet to effect the force-fit of the zone 22 into the channel. Once 25 into the channel the zone 22 relaxes and engages the sheet material in the channel below the edges of the narrow opening thereof - see Figure 9.

The top surface 30 of the strip may be plain or patterned to suit the requirements. In Figure 9 it is slightly curved in cross-section and hides the channel from view.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An assembly for the tensioning of sheet material in a frame having a channel for receiving the sheet material, the channel having a longitudinal opening that is narrower than the channel;and a flexible strip including longitudinal feet formations that have a greater traverse dimension than that of the opening of the channel, and that are adapted to be force-fitted through the opening into the channel for retention therein due to their flexibility and to return to their initial dimension, and to exapand against the sheet material to anchor the sheet material.

2. The assembly according to claim 1 in which the feet formations engage under the opening.

3. The assembly according to either claim 1 or 2 in which the strip has a top portion that is aesthetically chosen for a particular article involved.

4. An assembly substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

5. A channel substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 3 and 4 or 5 and 6 or 7 and 8 of the accompanying drawings.

6. A strip substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings. By His Attorm BALDWINS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 10 JAN 2007 RE C EIV E D