WO1999024722A1 - Sheet material securing fastener - Google Patents

Sheet material securing fastener Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1999024722A1
WO1999024722A1 PCT/AU1998/000904 AU9800904W WO9924722A1 WO 1999024722 A1 WO1999024722 A1 WO 1999024722A1 AU 9800904 W AU9800904 W AU 9800904W WO 9924722 A1 WO9924722 A1 WO 9924722A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sheet material
keeper
fork
arms
securing fastener
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU1998/000904
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Vernon Ernest Lloyd Nolan
Ali Kazemi
Original Assignee
Nolan V E L
Ali Kazemi
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nolan V E L, Ali Kazemi filed Critical Nolan V E L
Priority to AU10114/99A priority Critical patent/AU1011499A/en
Priority to JP52500399A priority patent/JP2001510544A/en
Publication of WO1999024722A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999024722A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04D—ROOF COVERINGS; SKY-LIGHTS; GUTTERS; ROOF-WORKING TOOLS
    • E04D5/00—Roof covering by making use of flexible material, e.g. supplied in roll form
    • E04D5/14—Fastening means therefor
    • E04D5/144—Mechanical fastening means
    • E04D5/147—Mechanical fastening means not perforating the flexible material
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/14—Greenhouses
    • A01G9/1407—Greenhouses of flexible synthetic material
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04D—ROOF COVERINGS; SKY-LIGHTS; GUTTERS; ROOF-WORKING TOOLS
    • E04D5/00—Roof covering by making use of flexible material, e.g. supplied in roll form
    • E04D5/14—Fastening means therefor
    • E04D5/141—Fastening means therefor characterised by the location of the fastening means
    • E04D5/142—Fastening means therefor characterised by the location of the fastening means along the edge of the flexible material
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04D—ROOF COVERINGS; SKY-LIGHTS; GUTTERS; ROOF-WORKING TOOLS
    • E04D5/00—Roof covering by making use of flexible material, e.g. supplied in roll form
    • E04D5/14—Fastening means therefor
    • E04D5/144—Mechanical fastening means
    • E04D5/146—Linear fastening means, e.g. strips
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
    • E04H15/32—Parts, components, construction details, accessories, interior equipment, specially adapted for tents, e.g. guy-line equipment, skirts, thresholds
    • E04H15/64—Tent or canopy cover fastenings
    • E04H15/642—Tent or canopy cover fastenings with covers held by elongated fixing members locking in longitudinal recesses of a frame
    • E04H15/646—Tent or canopy cover fastenings with covers held by elongated fixing members locking in longitudinal recesses of a frame the fixing members being locked by an additional locking member
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A40/00—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production
    • Y02A40/10—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production in agriculture
    • Y02A40/25—Greenhouse technology, e.g. cooling systems therefor

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a sheet material securing fastener which is able to secure sheet material.
  • the present invention seeks to provide a sheet material securing fastener which can provide a degree of control of the tension of the sheet material in addition to imparting a retaining force which is in proportion to the tensioning force applied to the sheet material.
  • fork means arranged to be mounted to a fixture
  • said fork means having at least two arms joined by junction means, said arms spaced apart at a region spaced from said junction means;
  • keeper means being substantially resilient and insertable into said fork means to hold a portion of sheet material between said keeper means and said fork means;
  • tension control means to enable tensile force in said sheet material to be controlled by repositioning said keeper means in said fork means, said tension control means comprising at least two spaced apart engagement members;
  • said tension control means enables said keeper means to be retained in said fork means to hold said sheet material and the torsional force applied by said keeper means to fasten said sheet material is in proportion to the tensile force which is applied to the sheet material and wherein tensile force can be applied to said sheet material by said fastener and can be controlled via said tension control means by repositioning said keeper means in said fork means.
  • the tension control means may be provided on the fork means.
  • the tension control means may be provided on the keeper means.
  • the tension control means may be provided on both the fork means and the keeper means.
  • the said at least two engagement members of the tension control means may be provided on at least a first arm of the fork means. However, the said at least two engagement members may be provided on first and second arms of the fork means.
  • the keeper means may comprise at least two arms joined by junction means and the said at least two engagement members may be provided on at least a first arm of the keeper means. However, the said at least two engagement members may be provided on first and second arms of the keeper means.
  • At least two said engagement members may be provided on one or more arms of the fork means and at least two said engagement members may be provided on one or more arms of the keeper means.
  • the arms of the fork means and the keeper means are arranged such that the spacing apart of the arms of the keeper means is sufficient such that the keeper means is retainable between the arms of the fork means.
  • the engagement members are provided as shoulders against which the keeper means is able to abut, the shoulders being spaced by arm segments.
  • the keeper means is substantially wedge shaped having an apex region and the keeper means is able to engage with the fork means at a region spaced from the apex such that the keeper means is retained in the fork means.
  • the keeper means comprises at least two arms joined by junction means.
  • the arms of the keeper means are biased away from each other.
  • the tensile force applied to the sheet material is increased as the keeper means is inserted farther into the fork means (toward the said junction means of the fork means). Conversely, as the keeper means is moved out of the fork means (away from the junction means of the fork means), the tensile force applied to the sheet material via the sheet material securing fastener is reduced.
  • the sheet material retained by the fastener may be subjected to increased or decreased tension, or tensile force, ("tension control") by the fastener itself.
  • the fastener will apply a retaining force to the sheet material in proportion to tension applied to the sheet material by the fastener. Additionally, the sheet material retained by the fastener may be subjected to exterior tensile forces, e.g. wind gusts, and the retaining force applied to the sheet material by the fastener will be in proportion to the tensile force so applied.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a sheet material securing fastener in accordance with the present invention
  • Figures 2, 3 and 4 are sequential end views of a second embodiment of a sheet material securing fastener showing respective views of the keeper member being inserted further into the fork member;
  • Figure 5 is an end view of the sheet material securing fastener shown in figures 2, 3 and 4 showing two keeper members inserted in the fork member;
  • Figure 6 is an end view of a third embodiment of a sheet material securing fastener in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 7 is an end view of the sheet material securing fastener shown in figure 6 showing two keeper members inserted in the fork member;
  • Figure 8 is an end view of a fourth embodiment of a sheet material securing fastener in accordance with the present invention
  • Figure 9 is an end view of a fifth embodiment of a sheet material securing fastener in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 10 is an end view of a sixth embodiment of a sheet material securing fastener in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 11 is an end view of a seventh embodiment of a sheet material securing fastener in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG 1 is a perspective view whilst figures 2 - 11 are end views.
  • figures 2 - 11 show end profile views, with the sheet material securing fasteners extending in a longitudinal manner in a direction transverse to the plane of the page on which they are drawn.
  • a sheet material securing fastener 2 comprising a fork member 4 and a keeper member 6.
  • the fork member 4 and keeper member 6 are of a length appropriate for the sheet material 28 to be secured.
  • the fork member 4 is arranged to be mounted to a fixture (not shown) and has two (planar) arms 8 and 10.
  • the arms 8 and 10 are spaced apart from one another away from the junction 12, and are spaced apart at a region 14 near their respective ends.
  • the keeper member 6 is substantially wedge shaped and resilient.
  • the keeper member 6 has an apex region 19.
  • This apex region 19 acts like a hinge such that when the keeper member 6 is depressed, e.g. squeezed, in the region spaced from the apex 19 the resilience of the keeper member 6 returns it to the undepressed condition.
  • the keeper member 6 has an in-built bias which acts to keep apart the ends of the keeper member 6 that are spaced from the apex region 19. This is shown by the double arrow A in figure 1.
  • the keeper member 6 has a pair of (substantially planar) arms 16 and 18 which are joined by a junction 20 provided at the apex 19.
  • the arms 16 and 18 of the keeper member 6 may terminate in enlarged rounded ends 22 and 24, respectively. However, only one rounded end 22 and 24 may be provided, or such enlarged rounded ends 22 and 24 may be omitted from the keeper member 6 if not required, in which case the arms 16 and 18 may terminate in a manner similar to the arms of the keeper members shown in the other embodiments to be described. Nevertheless when provided, these ends 22 and 24 provide strengthening and reduce the point stress on the sheet material retained by the fastener 2 and reduce the possibility of the ends of the keeper member 6 buckling or kinking when the keeper member 6 is inserted into or removed from the fork member 4.
  • the keeper member 6 is provided with a longitudinally extending notch 26 on either side of the junction 20. Whilst only a single notch 26 may be used, the use of two notches 26 is preferred.
  • the notches 26 effectively provide two hinging lines on either side of the junction 20, i.e. a respective hinging line for the arms 16 and 18. This overcomes any potential problem of the arms 16 and 18 tending to split at the junction 20 when the keeper member 6 is pushed into the fork member 4.
  • the notches 26 give an enhanced "spring effect", or resilience, to the keeper member 6 and provide ease of insertion and removal of the keeper member 6 whilst still retaining the spring force necessary to push the sheet material 28 (using the keeper member 6) into the fork member 4.
  • the notches 26 may be formed at the time of manufacture of the keeper member 6. Notches 26 may be provided on any of the other embodiments of keeper members described herein.
  • the keeper member 6 may be manufactured by an extrusion process.
  • the keeper member 6 is insertable into the fork member 4 to retain, or hold, sheet material 28 between the keeper member 6 and fork member 4.
  • the sheet material 28 is flexible and may also be described as film.
  • the sheet material 28 is sandwiched between and in contact with the keeper member 6 and the fork member 4 on its respective faces. This can be seen in figure 1.
  • At least one of the arms 8 and 10 of the fork member 4 is provided with sheet material tension control means 30.
  • this is the arm 8.
  • the sheet material tension control means 30 comprises at least a pair of engagement members.
  • the engagement members may be provided as shoulders 32.
  • the shoulders 32 are spaced apart by arm segments 42.
  • the shoulders 32 and arm segments 42 may form a saw-tooth like arrangement and this is shown in figure 1. In figure 1 , three such shoulders 32 are shown.
  • the shoulders 32 are arranged such that they are directed inwardly of the fork member 4.
  • the other arm 10 of the fork member 4 has a substantially flat inner side.
  • the arm 10 is provided with an outwardly directed curve 34 at its end.
  • the in-built bias in the keeper member 6 is sufficient such that in the free condition of the keeper member 6, i.e. when the keeper member 6 is exterior of the fork member 4, the spacing between the ends 22 and 24 (that are spaced from the apex region 19) of the keeper member 6 is greater than the maximal spacing between the arm 10 and the arm 8, of the fork member 4, at the shoulders 32. This ensures that the keeper member 6 engages with the shoulders 32 in the fork member 4.
  • the keeper members and fork members of the other embodiment described herein are similarly arranged. Additionally, the length of the keeper member 6 from the apex region 19 to the end that abuts with a shoulder 32 is less than the distance from the junction 12 to the shoulder 32 nearest the junction 12. This ensures that the keeper member 6 is able to engage with the shoulder 32 nearest the junction 12.
  • the arm 18 may be shorter, longer or the same length as the arm 16, since it is not necessary for it to abut with a shoulder 32.
  • a mounting flange 36 projects from the junction 12.
  • the mounting flange 36 enables the fork member 4 to be mounted to a fixture (not shown), e.g. the framework for a greenhouse.
  • Apertures may be provided in the mounting flange 36 to enable the fork member 4 to be mounted to the fixture by a conventional fastener, e.g. a self-drilling screw.
  • the mounting flange 36 projects from the junction 12 in a substantially opposed direction to the arm 10.
  • the mounting flange 36 may be provided in any suitable manner such that the fork member 4 can be mounted to a fixture, e.g. the mounting flange 36 may, alternatively, be provided such that it extends at substantially a right angle to the arm 10 of the fork member 4.
  • the sheet material 28, which is to be secured is positioned to overlie the region 14 between the arms 8 and 10. This is generally done using the portion near an end 38 of the sheet material 28.
  • the sheet material 28 shown in figure 1 is flexible, e.g. plastic film.
  • the keeper member 6 is then positioned at the region 14 with the apex region 19 directed into the fork member 4, such that the sheet material 28 is positioned between the fork member 4 and the keeper member 6.
  • the keeper member 6 is then pushed into the fork member 4, i.e. between the arms 8 and 10 of the fork member 4.
  • the end, or apex, 33 of the outermost shoulder 32 of the fork member 4 bears against the arm 16 of the keeper member 6 causing it to pivot at the junction 20 and move in the direction toward the arm 18.
  • the arm 18 continues to overlie the sheet material 28 and bear against the arm 10 of the fork member 4.
  • the sheet material 28 enters the fork member 4 adjacent the inner side of the arm 10 such that it is sandwiched between the arm 10 of the fork member 4 and the arm 18 of the keeper member 6.
  • the sheet material 28 further extends around the apex region 19, arm 16 and end 22 of the keeper member 6.
  • the sheet material 28 is sandwiched between the end 22 of the arm 16 of the keeper member 6 and a shoulder 32 of the tension control means 30.
  • the part of the sheet material 28 that is subject to tensioning is the part that extends outwardly of the fork member 4 from between the arm 10 of the fork member 4 and the arm 18 of the keeper member 18.
  • the part near the free end 38 of the sheet material 28 is held by a shoulder 32.
  • a decrease in the tensioning force applied to the sheet material 28 causes a decrease in the gripping force applied to the sheet material 28 by the keeper member 6 engaging with the fork member 4 to retain the sheet material 28 between the fork member 4 and the keeper member 6.
  • the fastening or gripping force i.e. the torsional force
  • the fastening or gripping force increases/decreases with an increase/decrease in the tensioning force applied to the sheet material 28. That is to say, the gripping or torsional force applied to the sheet material 28 by the keeper member 6 engaging with the fork member 4 to fasten the sheet material 28 is in proportion to the tensile force which is applied to the sheet material 28.
  • the sheet material securing fastener 2 of the present invention retains the advantage that the fastening force may be applied to the sheet material 28 only at those times when the sheet material 28 requires it, i.e. when the sheet material 28 is subjected to tension by external agents, e.g. wind gusts.
  • the tension control means 30 enables the tension in the sheet material 28 to be controlled independently of the tensioning or tensile force to which the sheet material 28 is subjected.
  • the keeper member 6 is inserted further into the fork member 4 (toward the junction 12) so that it engages with the next shoulder 32.
  • the keeper member 6 is repositioned in the fork member 4 by moving the keeper member 6 out of the fork member 4 (away from the junction 12) such that the end 22 of the arm 16 abuts against a shoulder 32 that is closer to the region 14 of the fork member 4. (Thus, for example, moving the keeper member 52 from the position shown in figure 4 to that shown in figure 3 or to the position shown in figure 2, decreases the tension in the sheet material 28 shown in those figures.)
  • the reverse procedure is followed.
  • the keeper member 6 is simply pushed further into the fork member 4.
  • this will cause the arm 16 to pivot about the junction 20 toward the arm 18 with the sheet material 28 held between the inner face 40 of the arm 8 and the arm 16 as the end 22 of the arm 16 clears the next shoulder 32 (in the direction of the junction 12) at which point the arm 16 will spring outwardly due to the resilience of the keeper member 6 and engage against the next shoulder 32, with the sheet material 28 held therebetween.
  • the sheet material 28 may be released from tension by the sheet material securing fastener 2 by removing the keeper member 6 from the fork member 4. This can be done by grasping the free end 38 of the sheet material 28 such that the arm 16 pivots at the junction 20 so that the arm 16 moves toward the arm 18 and clears the shoulder 32 which the end 22 abuts against. The free end 38 is then pulled in the direction shown by the arrow C in figure 1 until the end 22 of the arm 16 clears all of the shoulders 32. The sheet material 28 will then be released from the sheet material securing fastener 2.
  • the sheet material tension control means 30 is shown as comprising three shoulders 32. However, it is to be understood that any number of shoulders 32 greater than one may be used to provide a means of tension control for the sheet material 28, i.e. at least two shoulders 32 are provided.
  • the present invention also enables more than one sheet material 28 to be secured in the same fork member (as shown in figures 5, 7 and 11).
  • Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a sheet material securing fastener 50 as shown in figures 2, 3 and 4, but with two keeper members 50 positioned in the fork member 4.
  • the sheet material securing fastener 50 is similar to the sheet material securing fastener 2 shown in figure 1 except that the fastener 50 has a different form of keeper member 52.
  • the keeper member 52 shown in figure 5, and also in figures 2, 3 and 4, is particularly suited to use when two keeper members 52 are inserted into the one fork member 4 (as shown in figure 5), but may also be used when only one keeper member 52 is inserted into the fork member 4 as shown in figures 2, 3 and 4.
  • the keeper member 52 has a pair of arms 54 and 56 joined by a junction 20.
  • a notch 26 may be provided in each of the arms 54 and 56 adjacent the junction 20, though this has not been shown in the drawings of figures 2-5 nor subsequent embodiments which employ a keeper member 52.
  • the arms 54 and 56 do not end in rounded ends 22 and 24 as is the case with the keeper member 6 of the embodiment shown in figure 1.
  • the arm 54 ends in a curved portion 58 which facilitates passage over the ends 33 of the shoulders 32.
  • the arm 56 tapers from the junction 20 to a narrower end 60. Tapering of the arm 56 in this manner more readily enables two keeper members 52 to be inserted into a single fork member 4.
  • the fastener 50 shown in figure 5 is similar to the fastener 2 shown in figure 1.
  • first keeper member 52a is inserted into the fork member 4 to the desired shoulder 32 to retain a first sheet material 28a in place.
  • a second keeper 52b may then be inserted into the fork member 4 to the desired shoulder 32 to retain a second sheet material 28b in place in the fork member 4.
  • Both of the keeper members 52a and 52b may be repositioned to another shoulder 32 as previously hereinbefore described with reference to the first embodiment, except that the second keeper member 52b will not be able to be inserted as far into the fork member 4 than the first keeper member 52a and thus the tension imparted by the fastener 50 to the sheet material 28b will always be less than the tension applied to the sheet material 28a.
  • the keeper member 6 may be inserted into the fork member 4 with either arm 16, 18 lying adjacent either arm 8, 10 of the fork member 4. This may also be done with the fastener 50 shown in figures 2-4, though it is preferred that (the curved portion 58 of) the arm 54 engages with the tension control means 30, rather than the end 60 of the arm 56.
  • FIG 6 there is shown a third embodiment of a sheet material securing fastener 70 in which both arms 8 and 74 of the fork member 72 are provided with sheet material tension control means 30.
  • the shoulders 32 of the respective tension control means 30 are opposed to one another. This arrangement is in contrast to that shown in the embodiments shown in figures 1-5 where only one of the arms 8 is provided with sheet material tension control means 30.
  • the keeper member 76 of the fastener 70 is similar to the keeper member 52 shown in figures 2-5 except that the keeper member 76 has an arm 78 which is longer than the corresponding arm 56 of the keeper member 52. This is to ensure that the arm 78 of the keeper member 76 does not engage with the tension control means 30 of the arm 74 since this would prevent the keeper member 76 being removed from the fork member 4. As can be seen from figure 6, since the arm 78 is slightly longer than the arm 54 of the keeper member 76, the arm 78 does not engage with a shoulder 32 of the tension control means 30 provided on the arm 74.
  • the sheet material 28 is not held between the arm 74 of the fork member 72 and the arm member 78 of the keeper member 76 for the entire length of the arm 78 (in contrast to the arrangements shown in figures 1-5). This does not affect the operation of the fastener 70 since the sheet material 28 is still held between the inner side of the arm 74 and the keeper member 76 at the region of the arm member 78 adjacent the apex region 19 of the keeper member 6.
  • Provision of both arms 8 and 74 of the fork member 72 with sheet material tension control means 30 enables the keeper member 76 to be inserted into the fork member 72 either way, i.e. such that the arm 54 engages with the tension control means 30 provided on either the arm 8 or 74 of the fork member 72.
  • FIG 8 there is shown a third embodiment of a sheet material securing fastener 80.
  • the fastener 80 comprises a fork member 81 and a keeper member 82.
  • the fastener 80 is different from the fasteners of the other embodiments described herein in that the tension control means 30 is provided on the keeper member 82 rather than on the fork member 81.
  • the fork member 81 has two arms 8 and 83.
  • the fork member 81 is similar to the fork member 4 (shown in the embodiment in figure 1), except that the tension control means 30 of the fork member 4 is not present in the fork member 81 and is replaced by a straight portion 84 of the arm 83.
  • the straight portion 84 ends in a shoulder 32.
  • the keeper member 82 has a pair of arms 56 and 85.
  • At least one of the arms of the keeper member 82 of the fastener 80 is provided with tension control means 30.
  • the arm 85 is provided with tension control means 30.
  • the tension control means 30 comprises engagement members which may be provided as shoulders 32, similar to the shoulders 32 of the other embodiments described herein, which are spaced apart by arms segments 42. However, the outermost shoulder 32 of the keeper member 82 may be omitted so that the outermost engagement member is then formed by the end of the outermost arm segment 42.
  • the fastener 80 is used and operated in a manner analogous to that of the fastener 2 of the embodiment shown in figure 1.
  • the keeper member 82 is inserted into the fork member 81 with a portion of the sheet material 28 around the keeper member 82.
  • the apex 86 adjacent the innermost shoulder 32 of the keeper member 82 abuts, or engages, against the end of the shoulder 32 of the arm 83 of the fork member 81 until it clears the shoulder 32 of the arm 83.
  • the innermost shoulder 32 of the keeper member 82 will then abut against the shoulder 32 of the arm 83 of the fork member 81.
  • the keeper member 82 applies a fastening or gripping force, i.e. torsional force, to the sheet material 28 in similar manner to that previously described herein with reference to the other embodiments.
  • a fastening or gripping force i.e. torsional force
  • the torsional force applied by the sheet material 28 increases/decreases with an increase/decrease in the tensioning force applied to the sheet material 28, i.e. the torsional force applied to the sheet material 28 by the keeper member 82 is in proportion to the tensile force applied to the sheet material 28.
  • the resilience of the keeper member 82 ensures that the arm 85 of the keeper member 82 springs outwardly away from the arm 56 once an apex 86 passes over the end of the shoulder 32 of the fork member 81 such that a shoulder 32 of the keeper member 82 engages with the shoulder 32 of the fork member 81.
  • the keeper member 82 having a tension control means 30 may also be used with a fork member 4 which also has tension control means 30.
  • a sheet material securing fastener comprising such a fork member 4 and keeper member 82 would be used and operate in a manner analogous to that as previously described herein with reference to the other embodiments.
  • the sheet material securing fasteners shown in figures 9-11 , and to be presently herein described, find particular, although not exclusive, application to fixing of fabric on awnings.
  • a sheet material securing fastener 100 comprising a fork member unit 102 and keeper members 104.
  • the fork member unit 102 is arranged to be mounted to a fixture (not shown) and has three arms 106, 108 and 110, respectively.
  • the arms 106 and 110 join with the arm 108 at a junction 112.
  • the arms 106, 108 and 110 extend in a substantially parallel manner.
  • the arms 106 and 108 are spaced apart at their ends as shown generally by reference numeral 114.
  • the fork member unit 102 comprises a first fork member 102a and a second fork member 102b.
  • the fork member 102a comprises arms 106 and 108
  • the fork member 102b comprises arms 108 and 110.
  • the keeper member 104 is substantially similar to the keeper member 6 shown in figure 1 , except that the keeper member 104 comprises a pair of arms 116 and 118 which taper slightly toward the junction 20 from curved ends 120. However, the arms 116 and 118 may alternatively be provided without such taper.
  • the arms 116 and 118 of the keeper member 104 may be provided with notches 26 (not shown) in similar manner to the keeper member 6 shown in figure 1.
  • the arm 108 of the fork member unit 102 is provided with sheet material tension control means 120 on each side thereof.
  • each fork member 102a, 102b is provided with tension control means 120.
  • the shoulders 124 and arm segments 142 of the sheet material control means 122 are different from the shoulders 32 and arm segments 42 of the fork members shown in the embodiments of figures 1-8. As can be seen in figure 9, the shoulders 124 extend from each side of the arm 108 between arm segments 142 and have ends, or apexes, 125.
  • the keeper members 104 abut, or engage, against the shoulders 124 when they are positioned in the fork members 102a, 102b.
  • the shoulders 124 are spaced apart by the arm segments 142.
  • the sheet material securing fastener 100 may further comprise a cap 126 which may be used to cover the fork member unit 102. Accordingly, the arm 108 is provided with grooves 128 and the cover 126 is provided a pair of tongue members 130 which are able to snap engage in the groves 128. The tongue members 130 which are provided on legs 132 of the cover 126.
  • the cover 126 enables the fork member unit 102 to be covered such that the engagement of the sheet materials 28 by the keeper members 104 in the fork member unit 102 is hidden.
  • the fastener 100 is similar to the fastener 2 shown in figures 1-4.
  • the tension in the sheet materials 28a and 28b can be controlled by the fastener 100 by pushing the relevant keeper 104 further into, or out of, the relevant fork members 102a, 102b.
  • the fastener 100 also enables the two sheet materials 28a and 28b, held by the fastener 100, to have different tensions applied to them by the fastener 100.
  • the sheet material 28a has a greater tension applied to it by the fastener 100 than the sheet material 28b, since the keeper member 104 that retains the sheet material 28a is inserted further into the fork member 102a than the keeper 104, which retains the sheet material 28b, is inserted into the fork member 102b.
  • the shoulders 124 will retain the keeper members 104 in position in similar manner to the shoulders 32 in the embodiments previously hereinbefore described.
  • FIG 10 there is shown an embodiment of a sheet material securing fastener 140 which is similar to the fastener 100 shown in figure 9. The only difference between the fasteners shown in figures 9 and 10 is that in the fastener 140 (figure
  • the keeper member 6 is of the same type as used in the fastener 2 shown in figure 1 except that in figure 10, the keeper member 6 is not provided with the notches 26. However, notches 26 may also be provided in the keeper member 6 shown in figure 10 if desired.
  • the manner of use and operation of the fastener 140 is similar to that previously hereinbefore described with reference to the fastener 100.
  • FIG 11 there is shown an embodiment of a sheet material securing fastener 150 which shows how two sheet materials 28a and 28c can be retained in the fork member 102a by two respective keepers 152a and 152b.
  • the keeper member 152 is provided with an arm 156 which is tapered from the junction to its end 60, the arm 156 being the arm which does not engage with the sheet material tension control means 122.
  • the other arm 154 of the keeper member 152 is similar to the arms 116 and 118 of the keeper member 104 shown in figure 9.
  • the tapering of the arm 156 of the keeper member 152 enables multiple keeper members 152 to be inserted into the same fork member 102a or 102b in similar manner to that hereinbefore described with reference to the embodiments shown in figures 5 and 7.
  • the operation of the fastener 150 is similar to the fastener shown in figures 9 and 10, and 5 and 7 in relation to the use of more than one keeper member.
  • two or more keeper members may be inserted into the fork member to hold two or more sheet materials in the same fork member.
  • the only limitation is that the number of keeper members cannot exceed the number of shoulders provided by the fork member. Additionally, the ability to adjust the tension in different sheet materials will be affected if there are a large number of keeper members in the fork member since repositioning of some keeper members may be awkward if there are a large number in the fork member.
  • the notches 26 shown in the embodiment of figure 1 may also be provided in the embodiments shown in figure 2-11.
  • the tension control means 30 of the present invention enables the life of the sheet material 28 to be prolonged since increased tension in the sheet material 28 reduces movement of the sheet material 28 against intermediate structural members which may tend to abrade the sheet material 28.
  • the keeper members in the embodiments hereinbefore described consist of a pair of arms
  • keeper members having other substantially wedge-shaped structures may be used.
  • the keeper member may be provided with arms but also have a resilient material therebetween, e.g. springs, rubber, foam; alternatively, the keeper member may be a piece of substantially wedge shaped resilient material, such as rubber.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Connection Of Plates (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)
  • Clamps And Clips (AREA)

Abstract

A sheet material securing fastener (2) having a fork member (4) and a keeper member (6). The fork member (4) has two arms (8, 10) and the keeper member (6) can be inserted into the fork member (4) to hold a portion of sheet material (28) between the fork member (4) and the keeper member (6). A tension control mechanism (30) is provided to enable the tensile force in the sheet material (28) to be controlled by repositioning the keeper member (6) in the fork member (4). The tension control mechanism (30) consists of at least two spaced apart engagement members provided as shoulders (32). The tension control mechanism (30) enables the keeper member (6) to be retained in the fork member (4) to hold the sheet material (28) and the torsional force applied by the keeper member (6) to fasten the sheet material (28) is in proportion to the tensile force which is applied to the sheet material (28). Tensile force can be applied to the sheet material (28) by the fastener (2) and can be controlled by the tension control mechanism (30) by positioning the keeper member (6) in the fork member (4).

Description

TITLE
"Sheet Material Securing Fastener"
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sheet material securing fastener which is able to secure sheet material.
BACKGROUND ART
In Australian Patent No. 601241 there is described and shown a fastening means for sheeting material in which a sheeting material can be fastened between a fork member and a keeper member of the fastening means. This arrangement enables the sheeting material to be fastened in response to a tensioning force applied to the sheeting material by external agents, e.g. wind gusts, such that the torsional force applied by the keeper member to fasten the sheeting material is in proportion to the tensioning force applied to the sheeting material by the external agents. Such fasteners find particular, though not exclusive, application to retaining greenhouse coverings.
Whilst this arrangement is advantageous since it provides an increase in the fastening force when necessary, it does not provide for the fastening means to itself provide any control over the tensioning force that the sheeting material is subjected to.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention seeks to provide a sheet material securing fastener which can provide a degree of control of the tension of the sheet material in addition to imparting a retaining force which is in proportion to the tensioning force applied to the sheet material. ln accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a sheet material securing fastener comprising:
fork means arranged to be mounted to a fixture;
said fork means having at least two arms joined by junction means, said arms spaced apart at a region spaced from said junction means;
keeper means being substantially resilient and insertable into said fork means to hold a portion of sheet material between said keeper means and said fork means;
tension control means to enable tensile force in said sheet material to be controlled by repositioning said keeper means in said fork means, said tension control means comprising at least two spaced apart engagement members;
wherein said tension control means enables said keeper means to be retained in said fork means to hold said sheet material and the torsional force applied by said keeper means to fasten said sheet material is in proportion to the tensile force which is applied to the sheet material and wherein tensile force can be applied to said sheet material by said fastener and can be controlled via said tension control means by repositioning said keeper means in said fork means.
The tension control means may be provided on the fork means.
Alternatively, the tension control means may be provided on the keeper means.
As a further alternative, the tension control means may be provided on both the fork means and the keeper means.
The said at least two engagement members of the tension control means may be provided on at least a first arm of the fork means. However, the said at least two engagement members may be provided on first and second arms of the fork means. As an alternative, the keeper means may comprise at least two arms joined by junction means and the said at least two engagement members may be provided on at least a first arm of the keeper means. However, the said at least two engagement members may be provided on first and second arms of the keeper means.
At least two said engagement members may be provided on one or more arms of the fork means and at least two said engagement members may be provided on one or more arms of the keeper means.
The arms of the fork means and the keeper means are arranged such that the spacing apart of the arms of the keeper means is sufficient such that the keeper means is retainable between the arms of the fork means.
Preferably, the engagement members are provided as shoulders against which the keeper means is able to abut, the shoulders being spaced by arm segments.
Preferably, the keeper means is substantially wedge shaped having an apex region and the keeper means is able to engage with the fork means at a region spaced from the apex such that the keeper means is retained in the fork means.
Preferably, the keeper means comprises at least two arms joined by junction means.
Preferably, the arms of the keeper means are biased away from each other.
The tensile force applied to the sheet material is increased as the keeper means is inserted farther into the fork means (toward the said junction means of the fork means). Conversely, as the keeper means is moved out of the fork means (away from the junction means of the fork means), the tensile force applied to the sheet material via the sheet material securing fastener is reduced. The sheet material retained by the fastener may be subjected to increased or decreased tension, or tensile force, ("tension control") by the fastener itself. The fastener will apply a retaining force to the sheet material in proportion to tension applied to the sheet material by the fastener. Additionally, the sheet material retained by the fastener may be subjected to exterior tensile forces, e.g. wind gusts, and the retaining force applied to the sheet material by the fastener will be in proportion to the tensile force so applied.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a sheet material securing fastener in accordance with the present invention;
Figures 2, 3 and 4 are sequential end views of a second embodiment of a sheet material securing fastener showing respective views of the keeper member being inserted further into the fork member;
Figure 5 is an end view of the sheet material securing fastener shown in figures 2, 3 and 4 showing two keeper members inserted in the fork member;
Figure 6 is an end view of a third embodiment of a sheet material securing fastener in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 7 is an end view of the sheet material securing fastener shown in figure 6 showing two keeper members inserted in the fork member;
Figure 8 is an end view of a fourth embodiment of a sheet material securing fastener in accordance with the present invention; Figure 9 is an end view of a fifth embodiment of a sheet material securing fastener in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 10 is an end view of a sixth embodiment of a sheet material securing fastener in accordance with the present invention; and
Figure 11 is an end view of a seventh embodiment of a sheet material securing fastener in accordance with the present invention.
BEST MODE(S^ FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
In the following description like reference numerals are used to identify like parts of the embodiments.
Figure 1 is a perspective view whilst figures 2 - 11 are end views. Thus it is to be understood that figures 2 - 11 show end profile views, with the sheet material securing fasteners extending in a longitudinal manner in a direction transverse to the plane of the page on which they are drawn.
In figure 1 there is shown a sheet material securing fastener 2 comprising a fork member 4 and a keeper member 6. The fork member 4 and keeper member 6 are of a length appropriate for the sheet material 28 to be secured. The fork member 4 is arranged to be mounted to a fixture (not shown) and has two (planar) arms 8 and 10. The arms 8 and 10 are spaced apart from one another away from the junction 12, and are spaced apart at a region 14 near their respective ends.
The keeper member 6 is substantially wedge shaped and resilient.
The keeper member 6 has an apex region 19. This apex region 19 acts like a hinge such that when the keeper member 6 is depressed, e.g. squeezed, in the region spaced from the apex 19 the resilience of the keeper member 6 returns it to the undepressed condition. Additionally, the keeper member 6 has an in-built bias which acts to keep apart the ends of the keeper member 6 that are spaced from the apex region 19. This is shown by the double arrow A in figure 1.
The keeper member 6 has a pair of (substantially planar) arms 16 and 18 which are joined by a junction 20 provided at the apex 19.
The arms 16 and 18 of the keeper member 6 may terminate in enlarged rounded ends 22 and 24, respectively. However, only one rounded end 22 and 24 may be provided, or such enlarged rounded ends 22 and 24 may be omitted from the keeper member 6 if not required, in which case the arms 16 and 18 may terminate in a manner similar to the arms of the keeper members shown in the other embodiments to be described. Nevertheless when provided, these ends 22 and 24 provide strengthening and reduce the point stress on the sheet material retained by the fastener 2 and reduce the possibility of the ends of the keeper member 6 buckling or kinking when the keeper member 6 is inserted into or removed from the fork member 4.
The keeper member 6 is provided with a longitudinally extending notch 26 on either side of the junction 20. Whilst only a single notch 26 may be used, the use of two notches 26 is preferred. The notches 26 effectively provide two hinging lines on either side of the junction 20, i.e. a respective hinging line for the arms 16 and 18. This overcomes any potential problem of the arms 16 and 18 tending to split at the junction 20 when the keeper member 6 is pushed into the fork member 4. The notches 26 give an enhanced "spring effect", or resilience, to the keeper member 6 and provide ease of insertion and removal of the keeper member 6 whilst still retaining the spring force necessary to push the sheet material 28 (using the keeper member 6) into the fork member 4. The notches 26 may be formed at the time of manufacture of the keeper member 6. Notches 26 may be provided on any of the other embodiments of keeper members described herein.
The keeper member 6 may be manufactured by an extrusion process. The keeper member 6 is insertable into the fork member 4 to retain, or hold, sheet material 28 between the keeper member 6 and fork member 4. The sheet material 28 is flexible and may also be described as film. The sheet material 28 is sandwiched between and in contact with the keeper member 6 and the fork member 4 on its respective faces. This can be seen in figure 1.
At least one of the arms 8 and 10 of the fork member 4 is provided with sheet material tension control means 30. In figure 1 , this is the arm 8.
The sheet material tension control means 30 comprises at least a pair of engagement members.
The engagement members may be provided as shoulders 32. The shoulders 32 are spaced apart by arm segments 42. The shoulders 32 and arm segments 42 may form a saw-tooth like arrangement and this is shown in figure 1. In figure 1 , three such shoulders 32 are shown. The shoulders 32 are arranged such that they are directed inwardly of the fork member 4.
When the keeper member 6 is inserted into the fork member 4, one of the ends 22 and 24 of the arms 16 and 18 will abut against a shoulder 32 to retain the keeper member 6 in the fork member 4.
The other arm 10 of the fork member 4 has a substantially flat inner side. The arm 10 is provided with an outwardly directed curve 34 at its end.
The in-built bias in the keeper member 6 is sufficient such that in the free condition of the keeper member 6, i.e. when the keeper member 6 is exterior of the fork member 4, the spacing between the ends 22 and 24 (that are spaced from the apex region 19) of the keeper member 6 is greater than the maximal spacing between the arm 10 and the arm 8, of the fork member 4, at the shoulders 32. This ensures that the keeper member 6 engages with the shoulders 32 in the fork member 4. The keeper members and fork members of the other embodiment described herein are similarly arranged. Additionally, the length of the keeper member 6 from the apex region 19 to the end that abuts with a shoulder 32 is less than the distance from the junction 12 to the shoulder 32 nearest the junction 12. This ensures that the keeper member 6 is able to engage with the shoulder 32 nearest the junction 12. In this regard, the arm 18 may be shorter, longer or the same length as the arm 16, since it is not necessary for it to abut with a shoulder 32.
A mounting flange 36 projects from the junction 12. The mounting flange 36 enables the fork member 4 to be mounted to a fixture (not shown), e.g. the framework for a greenhouse. Apertures (not shown) may be provided in the mounting flange 36 to enable the fork member 4 to be mounted to the fixture by a conventional fastener, e.g. a self-drilling screw. The mounting flange 36 projects from the junction 12 in a substantially opposed direction to the arm 10. However, the mounting flange 36 may be provided in any suitable manner such that the fork member 4 can be mounted to a fixture, e.g. the mounting flange 36 may, alternatively, be provided such that it extends at substantially a right angle to the arm 10 of the fork member 4.
The manner of use and operation of the sheet material securing fastener 2 shall now be described.
Once the fork member 4 has been mounted in position on a fixture via the mounting flange 36, the sheet material 28, which is to be secured, is positioned to overlie the region 14 between the arms 8 and 10. This is generally done using the portion near an end 38 of the sheet material 28. The sheet material 28 shown in figure 1 is flexible, e.g. plastic film.
The keeper member 6 is then positioned at the region 14 with the apex region 19 directed into the fork member 4, such that the sheet material 28 is positioned between the fork member 4 and the keeper member 6. The keeper member 6 is then pushed into the fork member 4, i.e. between the arms 8 and 10 of the fork member 4. As the keeper member 6 is inserted into the fork member 4, the end, or apex, 33 of the outermost shoulder 32 of the fork member 4 bears against the arm 16 of the keeper member 6 causing it to pivot at the junction 20 and move in the direction toward the arm 18. At the same time, the arm 18 continues to overlie the sheet material 28 and bear against the arm 10 of the fork member 4. With further insertion of the keeper member 6, the end 22 of the arm 16 of the keeper member 6 will clear the end of the first shoulder 32 and due to the resilience of the keeper member 6 the arm 16 will spring outwardly away from the arm 18 and will engage against the first shoulder 32. In this position the keeper member 6 is locked in place in the fork member 4 and cannot escape therefrom. (This position of a keeper member 52 is shown in figure 2, to be later herein described.)
In this way, the keeper member 6 is retained in the fork member 4 and the sheet material 28 is held therebetween.
Accordingly, the sheet material 28 enters the fork member 4 adjacent the inner side of the arm 10 such that it is sandwiched between the arm 10 of the fork member 4 and the arm 18 of the keeper member 6. The sheet material 28 further extends around the apex region 19, arm 16 and end 22 of the keeper member 6. The sheet material 28 is sandwiched between the end 22 of the arm 16 of the keeper member 6 and a shoulder 32 of the tension control means 30.
Thus, the part of the sheet material 28 that is subject to tensioning is the part that extends outwardly of the fork member 4 from between the arm 10 of the fork member 4 and the arm 18 of the keeper member 18. The part near the free end 38 of the sheet material 28 is held by a shoulder 32.
If any outwardly directed exterior tensioning, or tensile, force, e.g. due to wind gusts, is applied to the sheet material 28, as represented by arrow B in figure 1 , an effective moment will be applied to the keeper member 6 causing the end 22 of the arm 16 of the keeper member 6 to engage more forcefully against a shoulder 32 and the region of the arm 18 adjacent the apex 19 to engage more forcefully against the inner side of the arm 10 of the fork member 4. If the tensioning force applied to the sheet material 28 (Arrow B) increases, the moment applied to the keeper member 6 (by the tensioning force) will be increased causing an even greater forceful engagement between the end 22 of the arm 16 and the shoulder 32 and between the region of the arm 18 adjacent the apex region 19 and the arm 10 of the fork member 4. This causes the sheet material 28 to be forcefully gripped between the end 22 of the arm 16 and the shoulder 32 and between the arm 10 of the fork member 4 and the arm 18 of the keeper member 6 adjacent the apex region 19.
Conversely, a decrease in the tensioning force applied to the sheet material 28 causes a decrease in the gripping force applied to the sheet material 28 by the keeper member 6 engaging with the fork member 4 to retain the sheet material 28 between the fork member 4 and the keeper member 6.
Consequently, the fastening or gripping force, i.e. the torsional force, applied to the sheet material 28 by the keeper member 6 engaging with the fork member 4 increases/decreases with an increase/decrease in the tensioning force applied to the sheet material 28. That is to say, the gripping or torsional force applied to the sheet material 28 by the keeper member 6 engaging with the fork member 4 to fasten the sheet material 28 is in proportion to the tensile force which is applied to the sheet material 28.
Accordingly, the sheet material securing fastener 2 of the present invention retains the advantage that the fastening force may be applied to the sheet material 28 only at those times when the sheet material 28 requires it, i.e. when the sheet material 28 is subjected to tension by external agents, e.g. wind gusts. This reduces the amount of wear upon the components of the sheet material securing fastener 2 and the sheet material 28 itself since the gripping or fastening forces which secure the sheet material 28 will not be permanently applied to the sheet material 28 by the keeper member 6 and the fork member 4. Furthermore, the tension control means 30 enables the tension in the sheet material 28 to be controlled independently of the tensioning or tensile force to which the sheet material 28 is subjected. This can be done by altering the position of the keeper member 6 in the fork member 4. Accordingly, to increase the tension in the sheet material 28, the keeper member 6 is inserted further into the fork member 4 (toward the junction 12) so that it engages with the next shoulder 32. (Thus, for example, moving the keeper member 52 from the position shown in figure 2 to that shown in figure 3 or to the position shown in figure 4, increases the tension in the sheet material 28 shown in those figures.) When it is desired to reduce the tension in the sheet material 28, the keeper member 6 is repositioned in the fork member 4 by moving the keeper member 6 out of the fork member 4 (away from the junction 12) such that the end 22 of the arm 16 abuts against a shoulder 32 that is closer to the region 14 of the fork member 4. (Thus, for example, moving the keeper member 52 from the position shown in figure 4 to that shown in figure 3 or to the position shown in figure 2, decreases the tension in the sheet material 28 shown in those figures.)
Thus, with the position of the keeper member 6 shown in figure 1 , maximum possible tension is being applied to the sheet material 28 by the sheet material securing fastener 2. This is because the end 22 of the arm 16 of the keeper member 6 is abutting against the shoulder 32 that is closest to the junction 12 of the fork member 4. To reduce the tension in the sheet material 28, the keeper member 6 is repositioned so that the end 22 of the arm 16 abuts, or engages, with a shoulder 32 that is closer to the region 14 (i.e. further away from the junction 12). This can be readily done by pulling on the free end 38 of the sheet material 28 to cause the arm 16 of the keeper member 6 to pivot at the junction 20 in a direction toward the arm 18. This will cause the end 22 of the arm 16 to clear the shoulder 32 against which it abuts. Due to the tension that already exists in the sheet material 28, the keeper member 6 will move in the direction toward the region 14, with the arm 16 holding the sheet material 28 against the inner side 40 of the arm 8, until the end 22 of the arm 16 abuts against the next shoulder 32. When this happens, the keeper member 6 will again be locked in place in the fork member 4 and is unable to escape therefrom. Since the keeper member 6 now abuts against a shoulder 32 which is further from the junction 12, the tension in the sheet material 28 is reduced.
To increase the tension in the sheet material 28 using the tension control means 30, the reverse procedure is followed. Thus, the keeper member 6 is simply pushed further into the fork member 4. As previously herein described, this will cause the arm 16 to pivot about the junction 20 toward the arm 18 with the sheet material 28 held between the inner face 40 of the arm 8 and the arm 16 as the end 22 of the arm 16 clears the next shoulder 32 (in the direction of the junction 12) at which point the arm 16 will spring outwardly due to the resilience of the keeper member 6 and engage against the next shoulder 32, with the sheet material 28 held therebetween.
The sheet material 28 may be released from tension by the sheet material securing fastener 2 by removing the keeper member 6 from the fork member 4. This can be done by grasping the free end 38 of the sheet material 28 such that the arm 16 pivots at the junction 20 so that the arm 16 moves toward the arm 18 and clears the shoulder 32 which the end 22 abuts against. The free end 38 is then pulled in the direction shown by the arrow C in figure 1 until the end 22 of the arm 16 clears all of the shoulders 32. The sheet material 28 will then be released from the sheet material securing fastener 2.
In figure 1 (and the subsequent embodiments to be described herein), the sheet material tension control means 30 is shown as comprising three shoulders 32. However, it is to be understood that any number of shoulders 32 greater than one may be used to provide a means of tension control for the sheet material 28, i.e. at least two shoulders 32 are provided.
The same reference numerals are used in the embodiments shown in figures 2- 11 for like parts as were used in figure 1. Accordingly, in the following embodiments the description will primarily describe the differences between these embodiments and the embodiment shown in figure 1. In other respects it is to be understood that the structure and operation of the embodiments shown in figures 2-11 is similar to that previously hereinbefore described with reference to figure 1.
The present invention also enables more than one sheet material 28 to be secured in the same fork member (as shown in figures 5, 7 and 11).
Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a sheet material securing fastener 50 as shown in figures 2, 3 and 4, but with two keeper members 50 positioned in the fork member 4. The sheet material securing fastener 50 is similar to the sheet material securing fastener 2 shown in figure 1 except that the fastener 50 has a different form of keeper member 52. The keeper member 52 shown in figure 5, and also in figures 2, 3 and 4, is particularly suited to use when two keeper members 52 are inserted into the one fork member 4 (as shown in figure 5), but may also be used when only one keeper member 52 is inserted into the fork member 4 as shown in figures 2, 3 and 4.
The keeper member 52 has a pair of arms 54 and 56 joined by a junction 20. A notch 26 may be provided in each of the arms 54 and 56 adjacent the junction 20, though this has not been shown in the drawings of figures 2-5 nor subsequent embodiments which employ a keeper member 52. The arms 54 and 56 do not end in rounded ends 22 and 24 as is the case with the keeper member 6 of the embodiment shown in figure 1. The arm 54 ends in a curved portion 58 which facilitates passage over the ends 33 of the shoulders 32. The arm 56 tapers from the junction 20 to a narrower end 60. Tapering of the arm 56 in this manner more readily enables two keeper members 52 to be inserted into a single fork member 4. Thus, if two keeper members 52 are to be inserted into the one fork member 4, then at least the first keeper member 52 must be inserted with its arm 56 lying adjacent the arm 10 of the fork member 4. The other arm 54 may also be tapered in similar manner to the arm 56. In operation, the fastener 50 shown in figure 5 is similar to the fastener 2 shown in figure 1.
Accordingly, the first keeper member 52a is inserted into the fork member 4 to the desired shoulder 32 to retain a first sheet material 28a in place. A second keeper 52b may then be inserted into the fork member 4 to the desired shoulder 32 to retain a second sheet material 28b in place in the fork member 4. Both of the keeper members 52a and 52b may be repositioned to another shoulder 32 as previously hereinbefore described with reference to the first embodiment, except that the second keeper member 52b will not be able to be inserted as far into the fork member 4 than the first keeper member 52a and thus the tension imparted by the fastener 50 to the sheet material 28b will always be less than the tension applied to the sheet material 28a.
In the embodiment of the fastener 2 shown in figure 1, the keeper member 6 may be inserted into the fork member 4 with either arm 16, 18 lying adjacent either arm 8, 10 of the fork member 4. This may also be done with the fastener 50 shown in figures 2-4, though it is preferred that (the curved portion 58 of) the arm 54 engages with the tension control means 30, rather than the end 60 of the arm 56.
In figure 6, there is shown a third embodiment of a sheet material securing fastener 70 in which both arms 8 and 74 of the fork member 72 are provided with sheet material tension control means 30. The shoulders 32 of the respective tension control means 30 are opposed to one another. This arrangement is in contrast to that shown in the embodiments shown in figures 1-5 where only one of the arms 8 is provided with sheet material tension control means 30.
The keeper member 76 of the fastener 70 is similar to the keeper member 52 shown in figures 2-5 except that the keeper member 76 has an arm 78 which is longer than the corresponding arm 56 of the keeper member 52. This is to ensure that the arm 78 of the keeper member 76 does not engage with the tension control means 30 of the arm 74 since this would prevent the keeper member 76 being removed from the fork member 4. As can be seen from figure 6, since the arm 78 is slightly longer than the arm 54 of the keeper member 76, the arm 78 does not engage with a shoulder 32 of the tension control means 30 provided on the arm 74.
In the arrangement of the sheet material securing fastener 70, the sheet material 28 is not held between the arm 74 of the fork member 72 and the arm member 78 of the keeper member 76 for the entire length of the arm 78 (in contrast to the arrangements shown in figures 1-5). This does not affect the operation of the fastener 70 since the sheet material 28 is still held between the inner side of the arm 74 and the keeper member 76 at the region of the arm member 78 adjacent the apex region 19 of the keeper member 6.
Provision of both arms 8 and 74 of the fork member 72 with sheet material tension control means 30 enables the keeper member 76 to be inserted into the fork member 72 either way, i.e. such that the arm 54 engages with the tension control means 30 provided on either the arm 8 or 74 of the fork member 72.
In figure 7, the fastener 70 is shown with two keeper members 76a and 76b inserted therein. This arrangement is analogous to that shown in figure 5, though with tension control means 30 provided on each arm 8, 74.
In figure 8, there is shown a third embodiment of a sheet material securing fastener 80.
The fastener 80 comprises a fork member 81 and a keeper member 82.
The fastener 80 is different from the fasteners of the other embodiments described herein in that the tension control means 30 is provided on the keeper member 82 rather than on the fork member 81.
The fork member 81 has two arms 8 and 83. The fork member 81 is similar to the fork member 4 (shown in the embodiment in figure 1), except that the tension control means 30 of the fork member 4 is not present in the fork member 81 and is replaced by a straight portion 84 of the arm 83.
The straight portion 84 ends in a shoulder 32.
The keeper member 82 has a pair of arms 56 and 85.
At least one of the arms of the keeper member 82 of the fastener 80 is provided with tension control means 30. In the embodiment shown in figure 8, the arm 85 is provided with tension control means 30.
The tension control means 30 comprises engagement members which may be provided as shoulders 32, similar to the shoulders 32 of the other embodiments described herein, which are spaced apart by arms segments 42. However, the outermost shoulder 32 of the keeper member 82 may be omitted so that the outermost engagement member is then formed by the end of the outermost arm segment 42.
The fastener 80 is used and operated in a manner analogous to that of the fastener 2 of the embodiment shown in figure 1.
Accordingly, the keeper member 82 is inserted into the fork member 81 with a portion of the sheet material 28 around the keeper member 82. As the keeper member 82 is inserted into the fork member 81 , the apex 86 adjacent the innermost shoulder 32 of the keeper member 82 abuts, or engages, against the end of the shoulder 32 of the arm 83 of the fork member 81 until it clears the shoulder 32 of the arm 83. The innermost shoulder 32 of the keeper member 82 will then abut against the shoulder 32 of the arm 83 of the fork member 81. With further insertion of the keeper member 82, subsequent shoulders 32 of the keeper member 82 can be progressively brought into engagement with the shoulder 32 of the arm 83 inside the fork member 81. In figure 8, the keeper member 82 is shown fully inserted into the fork member 81 so that the outermost shoulder 32 of the keeper member 82 engages against the shoulder 32 of the arm 83 of the fork member 81. In this arrangement, maximum tension is being applied to the sheet material 28 via the tension control means 30. This tensile force can be reduced by repositioning the keeper member 82 in the fork member 81 so that one of the other shoulders 32 of the keeper member 82 abuts against the shoulder 32 of the arm 83 of the fork member 81. Repositioning of the keeper member 82 can be effected in similar manner to the repositioning of the keeper member 6 of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.
The keeper member 82 applies a fastening or gripping force, i.e. torsional force, to the sheet material 28 in similar manner to that previously described herein with reference to the other embodiments. In that way, the torsional force applied by the sheet material 28 increases/decreases with an increase/decrease in the tensioning force applied to the sheet material 28, i.e. the torsional force applied to the sheet material 28 by the keeper member 82 is in proportion to the tensile force applied to the sheet material 28.
The resilience of the keeper member 82 ensures that the arm 85 of the keeper member 82 springs outwardly away from the arm 56 once an apex 86 passes over the end of the shoulder 32 of the fork member 81 such that a shoulder 32 of the keeper member 82 engages with the shoulder 32 of the fork member 81.
In other respects, the description of the embodiment of the sheet material securing fastener 2 shown in figure 1 applies in an analogous manner to the sheet material securing fastener 80 shown in Figure 8.
The keeper member 82 having a tension control means 30 may also be used with a fork member 4 which also has tension control means 30. A sheet material securing fastener comprising such a fork member 4 and keeper member 82 would be used and operate in a manner analogous to that as previously described herein with reference to the other embodiments. The sheet material securing fasteners shown in figures 9-11 , and to be presently herein described, find particular, although not exclusive, application to fixing of fabric on awnings.
Accordingly, in figure 9 there is shown a sheet material securing fastener 100 comprising a fork member unit 102 and keeper members 104. The fork member unit 102 is arranged to be mounted to a fixture (not shown) and has three arms 106, 108 and 110, respectively. The arms 106 and 110 join with the arm 108 at a junction 112. The arms 106, 108 and 110 extend in a substantially parallel manner. The arms 106 and 108 are spaced apart at their ends as shown generally by reference numeral 114. Thus, the fork member unit 102 comprises a first fork member 102a and a second fork member 102b. The fork member 102a comprises arms 106 and 108, and the fork member 102b comprises arms 108 and 110.
The keeper member 104 is substantially similar to the keeper member 6 shown in figure 1 , except that the keeper member 104 comprises a pair of arms 116 and 118 which taper slightly toward the junction 20 from curved ends 120. However, the arms 116 and 118 may alternatively be provided without such taper.
The arms 116 and 118 of the keeper member 104 may be provided with notches 26 (not shown) in similar manner to the keeper member 6 shown in figure 1.
The arm 108 of the fork member unit 102 is provided with sheet material tension control means 120 on each side thereof. Thus, each fork member 102a, 102b is provided with tension control means 120.
The shoulders 124 and arm segments 142 of the sheet material control means 122 are different from the shoulders 32 and arm segments 42 of the fork members shown in the embodiments of figures 1-8. As can be seen in figure 9, the shoulders 124 extend from each side of the arm 108 between arm segments 142 and have ends, or apexes, 125. The keeper members 104 abut, or engage, against the shoulders 124 when they are positioned in the fork members 102a, 102b. The shoulders 124 are spaced apart by the arm segments 142.
The sheet material securing fastener 100 may further comprise a cap 126 which may be used to cover the fork member unit 102. Accordingly, the arm 108 is provided with grooves 128 and the cover 126 is provided a pair of tongue members 130 which are able to snap engage in the groves 128. The tongue members 130 which are provided on legs 132 of the cover 126.
The cover 126 enables the fork member unit 102 to be covered such that the engagement of the sheet materials 28 by the keeper members 104 in the fork member unit 102 is hidden.
In operation, the fastener 100 is similar to the fastener 2 shown in figures 1-4.
Thus, the tension in the sheet materials 28a and 28b can be controlled by the fastener 100 by pushing the relevant keeper 104 further into, or out of, the relevant fork members 102a, 102b. The fastener 100 also enables the two sheet materials 28a and 28b, held by the fastener 100, to have different tensions applied to them by the fastener 100. Thus, in figure 9 the sheet material 28a has a greater tension applied to it by the fastener 100 than the sheet material 28b, since the keeper member 104 that retains the sheet material 28a is inserted further into the fork member 102a than the keeper 104, which retains the sheet material 28b, is inserted into the fork member 102b.
The shoulders 124 will retain the keeper members 104 in position in similar manner to the shoulders 32 in the embodiments previously hereinbefore described.
In figure 10, there is shown an embodiment of a sheet material securing fastener 140 which is similar to the fastener 100 shown in figure 9. The only difference between the fasteners shown in figures 9 and 10 is that in the fastener 140 (figure
10) the keeper member 6 is of the same type as used in the fastener 2 shown in figure 1 except that in figure 10, the keeper member 6 is not provided with the notches 26. However, notches 26 may also be provided in the keeper member 6 shown in figure 10 if desired.
Accordingly, the manner of use and operation of the fastener 140 is similar to that previously hereinbefore described with reference to the fastener 100.
In figure 11 , there is shown an embodiment of a sheet material securing fastener 150 which shows how two sheet materials 28a and 28c can be retained in the fork member 102a by two respective keepers 152a and 152b. As with the keeper members shown in figures 5 and 7, the keeper member 152 is provided with an arm 156 which is tapered from the junction to its end 60, the arm 156 being the arm which does not engage with the sheet material tension control means 122. The other arm 154 of the keeper member 152 is similar to the arms 116 and 118 of the keeper member 104 shown in figure 9.
The tapering of the arm 156 of the keeper member 152 enables multiple keeper members 152 to be inserted into the same fork member 102a or 102b in similar manner to that hereinbefore described with reference to the embodiments shown in figures 5 and 7.
The operation of the fastener 150 is similar to the fastener shown in figures 9 and 10, and 5 and 7 in relation to the use of more than one keeper member.
As with the embodiments shown in figures 5 and 7, two or more keeper members may be inserted into the fork member to hold two or more sheet materials in the same fork member. The only limitation is that the number of keeper members cannot exceed the number of shoulders provided by the fork member. Additionally, the ability to adjust the tension in different sheet materials will be affected if there are a large number of keeper members in the fork member since repositioning of some keeper members may be awkward if there are a large number in the fork member. The notches 26 shown in the embodiment of figure 1 may also be provided in the embodiments shown in figure 2-11.
The tension control means 30 of the present invention enables the life of the sheet material 28 to be prolonged since increased tension in the sheet material 28 reduces movement of the sheet material 28 against intermediate structural members which may tend to abrade the sheet material 28.
Whilst the keeper members in the embodiments hereinbefore described consist of a pair of arms, keeper members having other substantially wedge-shaped structures may be used. For example, the keeper member may be provided with arms but also have a resilient material therebetween, e.g. springs, rubber, foam; alternatively, the keeper member may be a piece of substantially wedge shaped resilient material, such as rubber.
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.
Modifications and variations to the invention described and shown herein such as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sheet material securing fastener characterised in that it comprises:
fork means arranged to be mounted to a fixture;
said fork means having at least two arms joined by junction means, said arms spaced apart at a region spaced from said junction means;
keeper means being substantially resilient and insertable into said fork means to hold a portion of sheet material between said keeper means and said fork means;
tension control means to enable tensile force in said sheet material to be controlled by repositioning said keeper means in said fork means, said tension control means comprising at least two spaced apart engagement members;
wherein said tension control means enables said keeper means to be retained in said fork means to hold said sheet material and the torsional force applied by said keeper means to fasten said sheet material is in proportion to the tensile force which is applied to the sheet material and wherein tensile force can be applied to said sheet material by said fastener and can be controlled via said tension control means by repositioning said keeper means in said fork means.
2. A sheet material securing fastener according to claim 1 , characterised in that said tension control means is provided on said fork means.
3. A sheet material securing fastener according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said the tension control means is provided on said keeper means.
4. A sheet material securing fastener according to claim 2, characterised in that said at least two engagement members of said tension control means are provided on at least a first arm of said fork means.
5. A sheet material securing fastener according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said engagement members are provided as shoulders against which said keeper means is able to abut, said shoulders being spaced by arm segments.
6. A sheet material securing fastener according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said keeper means is substantially wedge shaped having an apex region and said keeper means is able to engage with said fork means at a region spaced from said apex region such that said keeper means is retained in said fork means.
7. A sheet material securing fastener according to claim 6, characterised in that said keeper means is provided with at least one notch adjacent said apex region.
8. A sheet material securing fastener according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the width of said keeper means at said region spaced from said apex region is greater than the maximum spacing between said at least two arms of said fork means.
9. A sheet material securing fastener according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterised in that the length of said keeper means from said apex region to said region spaced from said apex region is less than the distance from said junction means of said fork means to the engagement member nearest said junction means of said fork means.
10.A sheet material securing fastener according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said keeper means comprises at least two arms joined by junction means.
11.A sheet material securing fastener according to claim 10, characterised in that the end of at least one of said arms spaced from said junction means of said keeper means is rounded.
12.A sheet material securing fastener according to claim 10 or 11 , characterised in that at least one of said arms of said keeper means is tapered such that it is narrower at its region spaced from the apex region or said keeper means.
13.A sheet material securing fastener according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterised in that one of said arms of said keeper means is longer than the other arm of said keeper means.
14.A sheet material securing fastener according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterised in that the said at least two engagement members are provided on at least a first arm of said keeper means.
15.A sheet material securing fastener according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterised in that at least two said engagement members are provided on one or more arms of said fork means and at least two said engagement members are provided on one or more arms of said keeper means.
16.A sheet material securing fastener according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterised in that said arms of said fork means and said arms of said keeper means are arranged such that the spacing apart of said arms of said keeper means enables said keeper means to be retainable between said arms of said fork means.
17.A sheet material securing fastener according to any one of claims 10 to 16, characterised in that said arms of said keeper means are biased away from each other.
18.A sheet material securing fastener according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the tensile force applied to said sheet material is increased as said keeper means is inserted further into said fork means toward the said junction means of the fork means, and as said keeper means is moved out of said fork means away from the junction means of said fork means the tensile force applied to said sheet material via said sheet material securing fastener is reduced.
19.A sheet material securing fastener according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said arms of said fork means are substantially planar.
20.A sheet material securing fastener according to any one of claims 10 to 19, characterised in that said arms of said keeper means are substantially planar.
21. A sheet material securing fastener according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said fork means is provided with three arms, with a first arm being provided between second and third arms and at least one keeper means is retainable between said first and second arms and at least one keeper is retainable between said first and third arms.
22.A sheet material securing fastener substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figure 1 ; figures 2, 3, 4 and 5; figures 6 and 7; figure 8; figure 9; figure 10; and figure 11 of the accompanying drawings.
PCT/AU1998/000904 1997-11-06 1998-10-30 Sheet material securing fastener WO1999024722A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU10114/99A AU1011499A (en) 1997-11-06 1998-10-30 Sheet material securing fastener
JP52500399A JP2001510544A (en) 1997-11-06 1998-10-30 Sheet material fixed fastener

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPP0226 1997-11-06
AUPP0226A AUPP022697A0 (en) 1997-11-06 1997-11-06 Sheet material securing fastener

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999024722A1 true WO1999024722A1 (en) 1999-05-20

Family

ID=3804506

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU1998/000904 WO1999024722A1 (en) 1997-11-06 1998-10-30 Sheet material securing fastener

Country Status (5)

Country Link
JP (1) JP2001510544A (en)
AU (1) AUPP022697A0 (en)
TW (1) TW401488B (en)
WO (1) WO1999024722A1 (en)
ZA (1) ZA9810132B (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2004112464A1 (en) * 2003-06-20 2004-12-29 Williams, Kaye, Adelle A structural assembly
WO2006133484A1 (en) * 2005-06-15 2006-12-21 V-Grip Pty Ltd Sheet material securing fastener
WO2011010022A1 (en) * 2009-07-22 2011-01-27 Normalu (Sas) Double-lock heddle
FR2956561A1 (en) * 2010-02-25 2011-08-26 Europlastic Culture tighten shelter i.e. glasshouse, has elongated rigid element blocked against lower face of retention tab under effect of tension from cover section, and flexible cover elements fixed at frame
JP2017115313A (en) * 2015-12-21 2017-06-29 アーキヤマデ株式会社 Sheet member fixture
JP2017147828A (en) * 2016-02-16 2017-08-24 アーキヤマデ株式会社 Wiring rack support member
EP3543417A1 (en) * 2018-03-23 2019-09-25 Kvadrat Soft Cells A/S Fabric mounting system and method of mounting and tensioning fabric

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP5455283B2 (en) * 2005-12-28 2014-03-26 株式会社Ｌｉｘｉｌ Sash screen and its mounting structure
JP5683792B2 (en) * 2009-05-22 2015-03-11 株式会社ホッコウ Film fastener and method for producing film structure using the same

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU5215773A (en) * 1972-02-14 1974-08-15 Marcel Assael Device for fixing a covering sheet to any surface
AU3449978A (en) * 1977-03-28 1979-10-04 Brave Trading Limited Clamp for flexible sheet
AU8176587A (en) * 1986-10-27 1988-05-25 Vernon Ernest Lloyd Nolan Fastening means
US5029422A (en) * 1988-04-22 1991-07-09 Fernand Scherrer False ceiling constituted by a taut sheet fastened, along its edges, to a support fixed to the walls of a room of a building
EP0652339A1 (en) * 1993-11-05 1995-05-10 Marc Gagliardi Device for fixing wall coverings and means performing the same

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU5215773A (en) * 1972-02-14 1974-08-15 Marcel Assael Device for fixing a covering sheet to any surface
AU3449978A (en) * 1977-03-28 1979-10-04 Brave Trading Limited Clamp for flexible sheet
AU8176587A (en) * 1986-10-27 1988-05-25 Vernon Ernest Lloyd Nolan Fastening means
US5029422A (en) * 1988-04-22 1991-07-09 Fernand Scherrer False ceiling constituted by a taut sheet fastened, along its edges, to a support fixed to the walls of a room of a building
EP0652339A1 (en) * 1993-11-05 1995-05-10 Marc Gagliardi Device for fixing wall coverings and means performing the same

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2004112464A1 (en) * 2003-06-20 2004-12-29 Williams, Kaye, Adelle A structural assembly
WO2006133484A1 (en) * 2005-06-15 2006-12-21 V-Grip Pty Ltd Sheet material securing fastener
WO2011010022A1 (en) * 2009-07-22 2011-01-27 Normalu (Sas) Double-lock heddle
US9097002B2 (en) 2009-07-22 2015-08-04 Normalu (Sas) Double-lock rail
FR2956561A1 (en) * 2010-02-25 2011-08-26 Europlastic Culture tighten shelter i.e. glasshouse, has elongated rigid element blocked against lower face of retention tab under effect of tension from cover section, and flexible cover elements fixed at frame
JP2017115313A (en) * 2015-12-21 2017-06-29 アーキヤマデ株式会社 Sheet member fixture
JP2017147828A (en) * 2016-02-16 2017-08-24 アーキヤマデ株式会社 Wiring rack support member
EP3543417A1 (en) * 2018-03-23 2019-09-25 Kvadrat Soft Cells A/S Fabric mounting system and method of mounting and tensioning fabric
WO2019180233A1 (en) 2018-03-23 2019-09-26 Kvadrat Soft Cells A/S Fabric mounting system and method of mounting and extending fabric
CN111902591A (en) * 2018-03-23 2020-11-06 克瓦德拉特软格有限公司 Fabric installation system and method for installing and stretching fabric
US11466463B2 (en) 2018-03-23 2022-10-11 Kvadrat Soft Cells A/S Fabric mounting system and method of mounting and extending fabric

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AUPP022697A0 (en) 1997-11-27
JP2001510544A (en) 2001-07-31
ZA9810132B (en) 2000-08-07
TW401488B (en) 2000-08-11

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7243402B2 (en) Locking clip
US5203055A (en) Snap assembly for securing flexible coverings
US5354021A (en) An adjustable clamp
US5467546A (en) Tensioned fabric sign
EP0329689B1 (en) Fastening means
US4231141A (en) Attachment device for flexible films and fabrics
EP0899466B1 (en) Trim clip
US4830413A (en) Flexible draw latch
WO1999024722A1 (en) Sheet material securing fastener
EP0389104A1 (en) Fastening flexible sheets
US4769877A (en) Gripper with innerlock
US4467504A (en) Fastener kit for sheet materials
KR20070110083A (en) Fastener
US2582579A (en) Fastener
SK581090A3 (en) A width-determined band made of longitudinally non-stretchable material
US4352476A (en) Cable clamps
US5369850A (en) Clamping assembly providing different dual gripping features
US20180298983A1 (en) Bungee cord lock and method of use
US20020145085A1 (en) Clip fixture having preferential collapse feature
US5084944A (en) Universal material clip
GB2078849A (en) Cable clamps
AU708598B2 (en) Coupling structure and cloth stretching frame using thereof
US4148466A (en) Tension bar for fence construction
GB2293857A (en) Attachment device
US4422268A (en) Barrel-vault roofing element

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY CA CH CN CU CZ DE DK EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MD MG MK MN MW MX NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT UA UG US UZ VN YU ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW SD SZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref country code: JP

Ref document number: 1999 525003

Kind code of ref document: A

Format of ref document f/p: F

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8642

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: KR

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: CA

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase