US2494949A - Tension frame - Google Patents

Description

Jam, W WW B. A. LANGDAHL TENSION FRAME Filed April 21, 1947 IN vex/roar Patented Jan. 17, 1950 UNITED "sTA'rEs PATENT OFFICE.

2,494,949 TENSION FRAME I liternard A. Langdahl, Duluth, Minn. 1 Application April 21, 1947, Serial No. 742,871

' 3 Claims.

This invention relates to hide or skin stretching devices and particularly that type in which a relatively light open frameis'u'sed and a plurality'of hide engaging ties are -selectively attached to said frame for suspending the hide or other object to be stretched within theframe.

Paramount among the objects sought in the instant invention is the quite universal adaptability of the novel annular form of frame instead of rectangular as is now commonlin theart.

It is deemed'the unusual conveniences of the circular frame will appear as the description thereof proceeds.

Primarily the uniform resistance to collapsible inward radial stresses of an annular frame as compared to those of a rectangular frame are obvious and deemed an important characteristic of the invention.

Another novel feature or accomplishment is that of providing an improved type of teather having holdfast means at one end thereof and anchorable at any point throughout its length to said frame.

Still another object is to provide a novel and practical union of parts of the frame all of the same length and form for most convenient transportation and storing when knocked down.

A further object is to provide a simple inexpensive stretching frame and cooperative parts most convenient for accommodation of two objects being stretched simultaneously and that without any interference whatever of one with the other.

Other objects and advantages will appear during the further description of the invention.

In the accompanying drawing forming part of this application:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one of the improved stretchers as it might appear partly engaged in holding 2. hide for example, that of a beaver.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the hide engaging end of one of the teathers or ties.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged plan view of the edge of one of the frame unions.

Fig. 4 is an outer elevational view of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the male terminus of one of the frame sections showing the cut-out portions in the edges of the male end of each section of frame to accommodate the hitching of the teathers therethrough.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a short section of modified form of frame for increased stability when deemed expedient.

The reference numeral l represents one arouate section of the flat hoop-like circular frame and of which there are preferably four in all, particularly for convenience in nesting when knocked. down for transportation or storage.

The ends of each section I are so designed as to forman exceptionally strong interlocking and overlapping connection with the next section. For example, one end of each section is provided with an outwardly extending preferably rectangularly shaped male member or lug 2 for engagement within a similarly shaped hole 3 spaced inwardly the proper distance from the outer overlapping female end of the adjoining section.

To secure such interlocking engagement when completing the assembly of the frame, a single bolt 4 equipped with a wing nut 5 is employed at each connection through suitable registering holes in the overlapping sections and which when drawn up tightly forms an unyieldable strong 'union of the parts.

The chain teathers or ties 6 are of simple construction each terminating at one end in a U- shaped grab hook I for hooking engagement through selected tougher portions of the hide adjacent the marginal edges thereof.

} It may appear that an unnecessary large number of these teathers is provided for in so many notches 8 being formed upon the opposite edges of the circular frame but obviously the fact is that a convenience exists in numbers by lessening the strain upon each teather and reducing the possibility of any of them tearing out to a minimum which results in a much more evenly stretched hide.

The teathers being formed each of a relatively short length of common fiat linked chain as shown provides most convenient means for selection of the proper link to engage edgewise into its respective notch or slot 8 where it is obvious such connection is ideally dependable against accidental slipping.

Where the overlapping end portion of the sections I occur provision is made to avoid interference with normal functioning of the links of the chain teathers within their respective notches 8 by forming in the opposed edges of preferably the innermost one of the overlapping portions ample arcuate cut-out portions 9 to provide ample free access to each registering slot.

A novel advantage in addition to the reenforcing feature in the structure shown in Fig. 6 is that when the device is placed on end on a floor the possibility of such displacing any of the teathers from their slots is greatly reduced.

circle which may be made by assembling same,

means toassemble said sections to form said circle comprising a lug projecting inwardly from one end of each of said sections and a hole in the opposite end thereof, the lug of each section being adapted to be received in the hole of its adjacent section whereby a circle is formed with portions of each section overlapping its adjacent section, means to receive :a .bolt through the overlapping portions of said sections, and "a plurality of chains having means at one end thereof to engage the object being stretched and being adapted to be adjusta'bly secured in said notches.

2. A. stretching device comprising a plurality of sections, each made of a strip 'of rigid material and having a plurality of notches in spaced relation along a longitudinal edge thereof, said sections being arcuately shaped and united to form a circle, union of saidrsections comprising a lug projecting inwardly from one end of each of said sections and 9. lug receiving hole on the opposite end thereof, the lug of each section being carried within the hole of its adjacent section, said sections each having a portion thereof overlapping its adjacent section, a bolt through each of the overlapping portions of said sections, and a plurality of chains having means at one end thereof to engage the object being stretched and being adapted tube adjustabiy carried by said notches.

3. The structure as set forth in claim 2 and said sections having a reenforcing rib longitudinally thereof.

BERNARD A. LANGDAHL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of (this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number .Name Date 670,969 Robertson etal. Apr. 2, 1901 702,559- Duff Aug. 26, 1902 1,726,254 .Allenet a1 Augz'27, 1929 2,288,367 .Hintz May 19, 1942 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 343,469 Nov. 2, 1921

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