WO2003063574A2 - System for mounting a flexible sheeting material to a substrate - Google Patents
System for mounting a flexible sheeting material to a substrate Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2003063574A2 WO2003063574A2 PCT/US2003/002494 US0302494W WO03063574A2 WO 2003063574 A2 WO2003063574 A2 WO 2003063574A2 US 0302494 W US0302494 W US 0302494W WO 03063574 A2 WO03063574 A2 WO 03063574A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- engaging
- tool
- flexible sheeting
- sheeting material
- bearing surface
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F15/00—Boards, hoardings, pillars, or like structures for notices, placards, posters, or the like
- G09F15/0006—Boards, hoardings, pillars, or like structures for notices, placards, posters, or the like planar structures comprising one or more panels
- G09F15/0025—Boards, hoardings, pillars, or like structures for notices, placards, posters, or the like planar structures comprising one or more panels display surface tensioning means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F17/00—Flags; Banners; Mountings therefor
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to a system for mounting a flexible sheeting material to a substrate, and more specifically relates to a frame assembly and associated tooling for tensioning the flexible sheeting material to a taut state and releasably mounting the flexible sheeting material to the substrate to maintain the flexible sheeting material in the taut state.
- Such signs and displays are commonly used as advertisements which must be securely mounted to the sides of vehicles, trailers, buildings, billboards and other types of substrates.
- Such signs and displays are typically comprised of flexible sheeting material, such as a canvas or plastic material, which exhibits some type of printing, graphics, and/or artwork.
- the flexible sheeting material has been secured to a substrate and held in tension by way of a variety of mounting and tensioning systems. A number of such systems are discussed in U.S. Patent No. 6,041,535 to HoUoway et al. Similar to most forms of advertising, the flexible sheeting material must be periodically removed and replaced with flexible sheeting material exhibiting different printing, graphics, and/or artwork.
- the mounting and tensioning system should preferably be designed to allow for the quick, efficient and economical removal and replacement of the flexible sheeting material.
- Prior mounting and tensioning systems typically require the use of a frame assembly having relatively complex mounting and tensioning mechanisms, thereby tending to increase manufacturing costs.
- the flexible sheeting material typically be equipped with a large mounting bead extending about its periphery, and that the frame assembly include a mounting channel sized and shaped to slidably receive the mounting bead therein.
- the bead and channel function as a mortise and tenon arrangement to securely connect the flexible sheeting material to the frame assembly. Such a connection arrangement also leads to increase manufacturing costs.
- prior mounting and tensioning systems is labor intensive due in part to the complexity of the mounting and tensioning mechanisms and the required amount of manual manipulation involved with such installations.
- the associate tooling used to install prior mounting and tensioning systems are also relatively complex and difficult to manipulate, particularly when dealing with relatively large sizes of flexible sheeting material.
- the added requirement of having to assemble the mortise and tenon connections also tends to increase installation time and associated labor costs.
- a system for mounting a flexible sheeting material to a substrate, including an elongate support member, an elongate connector member, and a tool.
- the support member is operatively secured to the substrate and includes an anchoring portion defining a number of first anchor elements and a tool engaging portion defining a first bearing surface.
- the connector member is formed of a flexibly resilient material and is directly attached to an end portion of the flexible sheeting material.
- the connector member includes an anchoring portion defining a number of second anchor elements and a tool engaging portion defining a second bearing surface facing generally opposite the first bearing surface.
- the tool includes a first element defining a first engaging surface positioned in abutment against the first bearing surface, and a second element defining a second engaging surface positioned in abutment against the second bearing surface, wherein displacement of the first and second engaging surfaces along a length of the first and second bearing surfaces tensions the flexible sheeting material to a taut state, with the number of first anchor elements releasably engaging the number of second anchor elements to maintain the flexible sheeting material in the taut state.
- a system for mounting a flexible sheeting material to a substrate, including an elongate support member, an elongate connector member, and a tool.
- the support member is operatively secured to the substrate and includes an anchoring portion defining a number of first anchor elements and a tool engaging portion defining a first bearing surface.
- the connector member is operatively secured to an end portion of the flexible sheeting material and includes an anchoring portion defining a number of second anchor elements and a tool engaging portion defining a second bearing surface facing generally opposite the first bearing surface.
- the tool includes a first element comprising a first elongate rail member defining a first engaging surface positioned in abutment against the first bearing surface, and a second element comprising a second elongate rail member defining a second engaging surface positioned in abutment against the second bearing surface, wherein the first and second engaging surfaces are slidably displaced along the first and second bearing surfaces to tension the flexible sheeting material to a taut state, with the number of first anchor elements releasably engaging the number of second anchor elements to maintain the flexible sheeting material in the taut state.
- a system for mounting a flexible sheeting material to a substrate, including an elongate support member, an elongate connector member, and a tool.
- the support member is operatively secured to the substrate and includes an anchoring portion defining a number of first anchor elements and a tool engaging portion defining a first bearing surface.
- the connector member is operatively secured to an end portion of the flexible sheeting material and includes an anchoring portion defining a number of second anchor elements and a tool engaging portion defining a second bearing surface facing generally opposite the first bearing surface.
- the tool includes a first element defining a first engaging surface positioned in abutment against the first bearing surface, and a second element defining a second engaging surface positioned in abutment against the second bearing surface, with an area of abutment between the second engaging surface and the second bearing surface being generally aligned with a force plane defined by the flexible sheeting material, wherein displacement of the first and second engaging surfaces along a length of the first and second bearing surfaces tensions the flexible sheeting material to a taut state, with the number of first anchor elements releasably engaging the number of second anchor elements to maintain the flexible sheeting material in the taut state.
- a system for mounting a flexible sheeting material to a substrate, including an elongate support member, an elongate connector member, an elongate cover member, and a tool.
- the support member is operatively secured to the substrate and includes an anchoring portion defining a number of first anchor elements and a tool engaging portion defining a first bearing surface.
- the connector member is operatively secured to an end portion of the flexible sheeting material and includes an anchoring portion defining a number of second anchor elements and a tool engaging portion defining a second bearing surface facing generally opposite the first bearing surface.
- the tool includes a first element defining a first engaging surface positioned in abutment against the first bearing surface, and a second element defining a second engaging surface positioned in abutment against the second bearing surface, wherein displacement of the first and second engaging surfaces along a length of the first and second bearing surfaces tensions the flexible sheeting material to a taut state, with the number of first anchor elements releasably engaging the number of second anchor elements at an interconnection location to maintain the flexible sheeting material in the taut state.
- the cover member is engaged with one of the elongate support member and the elongate connector member to cover the interconnection location. It is one object of the present invention to provide an improved system for mounting a flexible sheeting material to a substrate.
- FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a flexible sheeting material mounted to a substrate by a mounting system according to one form of the present invention.
- FIG. la is an elevational view of a building having a flexible sheeting material mounted thereto by the mounting system illustrated in FIG. 1.
- FIG. lb is an elevational view of a billboard having a flexible sheeting material mounted thereto by the mounting system illustrated in FIG. 1.
- FIG. lc is an elevational view of a truck trailer having a flexible sheeting material mounted thereto by the mounting system illustrated in FIG. 1.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a frame assembly according to one form of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is an end view of the frame assembly illustrated in FIG. 2, as secured to a substrate.
- FIG. 4 is an end view of a support frame member according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is an end view of a connector frame member according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an installation tool according to one form of the present invention for use in association with the frame assembly illustrated in FIG. 2.
- FIG. 7 is an end view of the installation tool illustrated in FIG. 6.
- FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the installation tool illustrated in FIG. 6.
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the installation tool illustrated in FIG. 6, as engaged with the frame assembly illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.
- FIG. 10 is an end view of the installation tool illustrated in FIG. 6, as engaged with the frame assembly illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a frame assembly according to another form of the present invention.
- FIG. 12 is an end view of a support frame member according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 13 is an end view of a connector frame member according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 14 is an end view of a cover member according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 15 is an end view of the frame assembly illustrated in FIG. 11, as anchored to a substrate.
- FIG. 16 is an end elevational view of an installation tool according to another form of the present invention for use in association with the frame assembly illustrated in FIG. 11.
- FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the installation tool illustrated in FIG. 16.
- FIG. 18 is an end elevational view, partially in cross section, of the installation tool illustrated in FIG. 16.
- FIG. 19 is an end elevational view of the installation tool illustrated in FIG.
- FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the installation tool illustrated in FIG. 16, as engaged with the frame assembly illustrated in FIG. 11.
- FIG. 21 is an end view of the installation tool illustrated in FIG. 16, as engaged with the frame assembly illustrated in FIG. 11 which is in turn anchored to a substrate.
- FIG. 1 shown therein is a frame assembly 20 according to one form of the present invention for mounting a flexible sheeting material 22 to a substrate 24.
- FIGS, la-lc illustrate several types of substrates to which the flexible sheeting material 22 may be mounted, including, by way of example, the side of a building 25, a billboard 26 and a the side of a truck or trailer 27.
- the frame assembly 20 may be used to mount the flexible sheeting material 22 to any other type of substrate that would occur to one of skill in the art.
- the frame assembly 20 is comprised of four frame sections 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d extending about an outer periphery of the sheeting material 22.
- Each of the frame sections 20a-d preferably has an identical structural configuration, varying only in length and/or orientation.
- the frame sections 20a-d are arranged in a rectangular configuration.
- the upper and lower frame sections 20a, 20b are preferably arranged in a substantially parallel and symmetrical relationship relative to one another and are operatively attached to a first pair of opposing end portions 22a, 22b of the sheeting material 22.
- the right and left frame sections 20c, 20d are preferably arranged in a substantially parallel and symmetrical relationship relative to one another and are operatively attached to a second pair of opposing end portions 22c, 22d of the sheeting material 22.
- the frame sections 20a-d are in turn operatively secured to the substrate 24 by any method that would occur to one of skill in the art, such as, for example, by fastening.
- the frame sections 20a-d are secured to the substrate 24 by a number of fasteners 28, such as, for example, screws, nuts and bolts, rivets or any other type of fastening device that would occur to one of skill in the art.
- the frame assembly 20 has been illustrated and described as extending about the entire outer periphery of the sheeting material 22, it should be understood that the frame assembly 20 may alternatively extend about only a portion of the outer periphery of the sheeting material 22. It should also be understood that any number of frame sections may be used to mount the sheeting material 22 to the substrate 24, including a single frame section attached to one end portion of the sheeting material 22, with an opposite end portion of the sheeting material 22 being mounted to the substrate 24 by any other method that would occur to one of skill in the art. Additionally, although the sheeting material 22 has been illustrated and described as having a rectangular configuration, it should be understood that other configurations are also contemplated, including triangular configurations, other polygonal configurations, and/or curvilinear configurations.
- the flexible sheeting material 22 is formed of a plastic or polymeric material.
- the sheeting material 22 is formed of a vinyl material, such as, for example, a polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
- PVC polyvinyl chloride
- the sheeting material 22 could be formed of other plastic materials, such as, for example, a polyester or a polyethylene.
- other types of materials are also contemplated, including fabric materials, fiber materials, composite materials, or any other suitable flexible sheeting material that would occur to one of skill in the art.
- the frame assembly 20 is generally comprised of an elongate support member 30 and an elongate connector member 32, each having a length extending along a longitudinal axis L.
- the connector member 32 is operatively secured to the flexible sheeting material 22 and is displaceable along a transverse axis T (in the direction of arrow A) to tension the flexible sheeting material 22 to a taut state.
- the support member 30 and the connector member 32 include structural features that interlock with one another to releasably interconnect the connector member 32 with the support member 30 to maintain the flexible sheeting material 22 in the taut state.
- the support member 30 generally includes an anchoring portion 40 and a tool engaging portion 42.
- the anchoring portion 40 is configured for attachment to the substrate 24 and also provides a means for releasably interlocking with the connector member 32.
- the tool engaging portion 42 is configured for engagement with an installation tool to provide a means for tensioning the flexible sheeting material 22 to a taut state.
- the support member 30 is preferably formed of a substantially rigid material.
- the support member 30 is formed of aluminum; however, other materials are also contemplated, including other metallic materials such as steel, or non-metallic materials such as a plastic material or a polymeric material. Due to its relatively complex geometric configuration and substantially uniform longitudinal cross-section, the support member 30 is preferably formed as an extrusion. However, other suitable manufacturing methods are also contemplated, including casting, molding or machining.
- the anchoring portion 40 of the support member 30 preferably includes an anchor plate 44 defining a number of anchor elements 46 extending substantially the entire length of the plate 44.
- the anchor plate 44 is relatively flat and the anchor elements 46 are comprised of a plurality of rows of ribs extending laterally from the plate 44.
- the rows of anchor ribs 46 are spaced apart from one another so as to define a retention groove 48 between adjacent rows of anchor ribs 46.
- the anchor ribs 46 are preferably oriented in a substantially parallel arrangement and are preferably uniformly offset from one another.
- the support member 30 may include any number of anchor ribs 46, including a single anchor rib 46 or two or more rows of anchor ribs 46.
- Each of the anchor ribs 46 preferably has a substantially uniform shape and configuration.
- the anchor ribs 46 have an L- shaped hook configuration, including a web portion 50 extending laterally from an outwardly facing surface 54 of plate 44, and a hook portion 52 extending from the web portion 50.
- the web 50 extends substantially perpendicularly from the surface 54 of plate 44
- the hook 52 extends substantially perpendicularly from the web 50.
- the web 50 may extend from the anchor plate 44 at an oblique angle.
- the hook 52 may extend from the web 50 at an oblique angle.
- the anchoring portion 40 of the support member 30 also preferably includes an attachment plate 60 extending from a first end portion 44a of the anchor plate 44.
- the attachment plate 60 is relatively flat to facilitate secure engagement against a corresponding flat surface of the substrate 24.
- a notch 62 may be defined along the length of the attachment plate 60 through which extend a number of fasteners 28 to secure the support member 30 to the substrate 24.
- the attachment plate 60 is connected to the anchor plate 44 by an intermediate spacer portion 64 to provide an offset distance 66 therebetween, the importance of which will become apparent below.
- a spacer rail 68 preferably extends laterally from an inwardly facing surface 70 of a second end portion 44b of the anchor plate 44.
- the spacer rail 68 preferably extends a distance substantially equal to the distance of the offset distance 66. As shown in FIG. 3, when the support member 30 is secured to the substrate 24, an open area or recess 72 is established between the inner surface 70 of the anchor plate 44 and the substrate 24, with the attachment plate 60 and the spacer rail 68 abutting the substrate 24 to provide stabilization to the support member 30.
- the substrate 24 may include a number of rows of projections or protuberances, such as, for example, the heads of rivets R or other types of fasteners.
- the recessed area 72 defined between the anchor plate 44 and the substrate 24 may be positioned over such projections or protuberances to maintain secure abutment against the substrate 24 via the attachment plate 60 and the spacer rail 68.
- the tool engaging portion 42 is configured for engagement with an installation tool to provide a means for tensioning the flexible sheeting material 22 to a taut state.
- the tool engaging portion 42 includes an engagement element 80 that preferably extends along substantially the entire length of the support member 30.
- the engagement element 80 is configured as a support rail extending laterally from the anchor plate 44 and oriented substantially parallel with the anchor ribs 46.
- the support rail 80 preferably includes a concave bearing surface 82 generally facing away from the anchor ribs 46 and preferably extending along substantially the entire length of support member 30.
- the concave bearing surface 82 in turn defines a groove 84.
- the groove 84 has a circular shape, and in a more specific embodiment has a hemi-cylindrical configuration.
- a hemi-cylindrical configuration is also contemplated, such as, for example, other types of arcuate configurations, a polygonal configuration, or a flat configuration.
- the inner periphery of the hemi-cylindrical bottom portion of the groove 84 may extend about less than 180 degrees or greater than 180 degrees. Further details regarding the function of the tool engaging portion 42 will be discussed below.
- the connector member 32 generally includes an anchoring portion 90 and a tool engaging portion 92.
- the anchoring portion 90 is configured for attachment to the flexible sheeting material 22 and also provides a means for releasably interlocking with the support member 32.
- the tool engaging portion 92 is configured for engagement with an installation tool to provide a means for tensioning the flexible sheeting material 22 to a taut state.
- the connector member 32 is preferably formed of a flexibly resilient material.
- the connector member 32 is formed of a plastic material or a polymeric material.
- the connector member 32 is formed of a vinyl material, such as, for example, a polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
- the connector member 32 may be formed of other types of plastic or polymeric materials, such as, for example, polyethylene, or any other suitable flexibly resilient material that would occur to one of skill in the art.
- the connector member 32 may be formed of metallic materials, such as, for example, aluminum or steel. Due to its relatively complex geometric configuration and substantially uniform longitudinal cross- section, the connector member 32 is preferably formed as an extrusion.
- suitable manufacturing methods are also contemplated, including casting, molding or machining.
- the anchoring portion 90 of the connector member 32 preferably includes an anchor plate 94 defining at least one anchor element 96 extending substantially the entire length of the plate 94.
- the anchor plate 94 is relatively flat and the anchor element 96 is comprised of a rib extending laterally from the plate 94.
- the anchor rib 96 is configured similar to that of the anchor ribs 46 associated with the support member 30.
- the anchor rib 96 preferably has an L-shaped hook configuration, including a web portion 100 extending laterally from the anchor plate 94, and a hook portion 102 extending from the web portion 100.
- the web 100 extends substantially perpendicularly from the plate 94 and the hook 102 extends substantially perpendicularly from the web 100.
- the anchor rib 96 has been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that other shapes and configurations of the anchor rib 96 are also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention, including those alternative embodiments described above with regard to the anchor ribs 46. It should also be understood that the connector member 32 may define any number of anchor ribs 96, including two or more rows of anchor ribs 96.
- the anchoring portion 90 of the connector member 32 also preferably includes an attachment plate 110 extending from the anchor plate 94.
- the attachment plate 110 is relatively flat to facilitate secure engagement with the flexible sheeting material 22.
- the flexible sheeting material 22 is secured to a surface 112 of the attachment plate 110 by bonding, such as, for example, by radio- frequency (RF) welding or by any other bonding technique that would occur to one of skill in the art.
- RF radio- frequency
- Other methods of securing the flexible sheeting material 22 to the attachment plate 110 are also contemplated, such as, for example, by adhesion, impulse or heat sealing, fastening, sewing or any other suitable method of attachment that would occur to one of skill in the art.
- attachment plate 110 could be integrally formed with the flexible sheeting material 22 to form a unitary single-piece structure.
- sheeting material 22 is illustrated and described as being attached to the surface 112 of attachment plate 110, it should be understood that the sheeting material 22 could alternatively be attached to other portions of the plate 110, including the surface 114 opposite the surface 112.
- the attachment plate 110 is connected to the anchor plate 94 by an intermediate spacer portion 120 to provide an offset distance 122 therebetween, the importance of which will become apparent below.
- the tool engaging portion 92 is configured for engagement with an installation tool to provide a means for tensioning the flexible sheeting material 22 to a taut state.
- the tool engaging portion 92 includes an engagement element 130 that preferably extends along substantially the entire length of the connector member 32.
- the engagement element 130 is configured as a connector rail extending laterally from the anchor plate 94 and positioned generally opposite the anchor rib 96.
- the connector rail 130 preferably extends from the anchor plate 94 at an angle ⁇ . In one embodiment of the invention, the angle ⁇ falls within a range of about 30 degrees and about 60 degrees. In a specific embodiment, the angle ⁇ is about 45 degrees.
- the angle ⁇ may be less than 30 degrees or greater than 60 degrees.
- the location adjacent the intersection between the connector rail 130 and the anchor plate 94 defines a concave bearing surface 132 generally facing the flexible sheeting material 22.
- the concave bearing surface 132 in turn defines a groove 134 preferably extending along substantially the entire length of connector member 32.
- the concave bearing surface 132 has a circular shape.
- the bearing surface 132 can take on other shapes and configurations as well, such as, for example, other arcuate configurations, a polygonal configuration, or a flat configuration.
- the inner periphery of the concave surface 132 may extend about less than 180 degrees or greater than 180 degrees. Further details regarding the function of the tool engaging portion 92 will be discussed below.
- the hook-shaped anchor rib 96 of the connector member 32 is sized and shaped to be laterally received within a corresponding retention groove 48 in the support member 30 in the direction of arrow B. Once positioned within the retention groove 48, a slight axial displacement of the connector member 32 in the direction of arrow C will cause the hook-shaped anchor rib 96 to interlock with an adjacent hook-shaped anchor rib 46 of support member 30. Notably, since the hook portions 52, 102 of the respective anchor ribs 46, 96 extend in substantially opposite directions, the hook portions 52, 102 cooperate with one another to prevent lateral disengagement of the connector member 32 from the support member 30.
- the lateral interlocking engagement between the hook portions 52, 102 will prevent the anchor rib 96 from being laterally displaced and removed from the corresponding retention groove 48 in the support member 30.
- the connector member 32 may be slight displaced in a direction opposite arrow C, and the hook-shaped anchor rib 96 may be laterally displaced in a direction opposite arrow B to release the connector member 32 from the support member 30.
- the hook-shaped anchor rib 96 may be positioned in any one of the corresponding retention grooves 48 to produce the requisite amount of tension force F within the flexible sheeting material 22.
- the rigid nature of the support member 30 provides adequate support to resist the axial tension force F exerted by the flexible sheeting material 22, as well as any lateral forces that might be exerted by the flexible sheeting material 22.
- the flexibly resilient nature of the connector member 32 provides a certain degree of freedom or play between the connector member 32 and the support member 30 to compensate for any misalignment therebetween and/or to aid in the insertion/removal of the anchor rib 96 into/from the corresponding retention groove 48.
- the installation tool 200 is configured to engage the support member 30 and the connector member 32 to produce a select amount of tension force F within the flexible sheeting material 22.
- the installation tool 200 is generally comprised of a stationary element 202, a movable element 204, an adjustment mechanism 206 adapted to displace the movable element 204 relative to the stationary element 202 along a displacement axis 208, and a pair of handles 209a, 209b to aid in the manipulation and handling of the installation tool 200.
- the stationary element 202 includes a block portion 210 and an engaging portion 212 extending therefrom.
- the block portion 210 preferably includes a threaded passage 214 formed at least partially therethrough and extending generally along the displacement axis 208.
- the engaging portion 212 is preferably comprised of a rail 220 projecting from the block portion 210 and preferably extending along substantially the entire length of the block portion 210.
- the tool rail 220 is preferably inwardly tapered at an angle ⁇ i relative to an axis aligned substantially parallel with the displacement axis 208.
- the angle Q falls within a range of about 15 degrees and about 45 degrees. In a more specific embodiment, the angle Q is about 26 degrees.
- the tool rail 220 preferably includes a rounded distal end portion 222 defining a convex engaging surface 224 preferably extending along substantially the entire length of the rail 220.
- the convex engaging surface 224 has a circular shape, and in a more specific embodiment has a hemi-cylindrical configuration.
- the engaging surface 224 can take on other shapes and configurations as well, such as, for example, other arcuate configurations, a polygonal configuration, or a flat configuration.
- the outer periphery of the convex engaging surface 224 may extend about less than 180 degrees or greater than 180 degrees.
- the engaging surface 224 has a shape and configuration substantially complementary to that of the bearing surface 82 of the support rail 80.
- the block portion 210 is preferably formed of a substantially rigid, lightweight material, such as, for example, aluminum. However, other material are also contemplated, including other metallic materials such as steel, or non-metallic materials such as a plastic or polymeric material.
- at least the distal end portion 222 of the tool rail 220 is formed of material having a relatively low coefficient of friction to promote sliding engagement between the engaging surface 224 and a corresponding bearing surface.
- the distal end portion 222 is formed of a plastic or polymeric material, such as, for example, Nylon or Teflon. It should be understood, however, that other materials are also contemplated, including metallic materials such as steel or aluminum.
- the movable element 204 includes a block portion 230 and a pair of engaging rollers 232a, 232b attached thereto.
- the block portion 230 preferably includes a central passage 234 extending generally along the displacement axis 208, and a pair of apertures 236a, 236b positioned on either side of the passage 234 and arranged generally parallel with the displacement axis 208.
- the block 230 also preferably includes a mounting portion 238 defining a pair of threaded openings 240a and 240b for mounting the rollers 232a, 232b to the block portion.
- the rollers 232a, 232b are each comprised of a cylindrical-shaped base portion 250 and an annular flange portion 252 extending about the circumference of the base portion 250.
- the distal edge of the annular flange 252 preferably includes a rounded engaging surface 253.
- the engaging surface 253 has a shape and configuration substantially complementary to that of the bearing surface 132 of the connector rail 130.
- An axial passage 254 preferably extends through each of the rollers 232a, 232b, with the passage 254 defining a counter bore 256 extending from an end surface 258 of the roller adjacent the annular flange 252.
- Each of the rollers 232a, 232b are rotatably mounted to the mounting portion 238 by a respective fastener 260a, 260b.
- Each of the fasteners 260a, 260b includes a head portion 262 and a threaded shank portion 264.
- the threaded shank 264 extends through the axial 254 and is threadingly engaged within a respective one of the threaded openings 240a, 240b in the mounting portion 238, with the head 262 being disposed within the counter bore 256 and recessed below the end surface 258.
- the head 262 includes a recess 266 configured to accept a driving tool to aid in threading the fasteners
- a washer 270 such as a lock washer, is preferably disposed between the head 262 of each fastener and the bottom surface of the counter bore 256 to.prevent the fasteners, 260a, 260b from loosening and backing out.
- a bushing 272 is preferably disposed about the threaded shank 264 of each fastener and positioned between the cylindrical base portion 250 of each roller and the mounting portion 238 of the block. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the bushing 272 is integrally formed with the cylindrical base portion 250 of each roller.
- the bushing 272 may alternatively be integrally formed with the mounting portion 238, or may be formed separately as an individual component.
- the bushing 272 acts as a bearing between the base portion 250 of the roller and the mounting portion 238 to facilitate free rotation of the rollers 232a, 232b and to minimize wear.
- the bushing 272 may be formed of a plastic or polymeric material, such as, for example, Nylon or Teflon, or may be formed of a metallic material, such as, for example, bronze or copper.
- the annular flange 252 of the rollers 232a, 232b is preferably inwardly tapered at an angle ⁇ 2 relative to an axis aligned substantially parallel with the displacement axis 208.
- the angle ⁇ 2 falls within a range of about 15 degrees to about 45 degrees. In a more specific embodiment, the angle ⁇ 2 is about 26 degrees. However, it should be understood that other angles ⁇ 2 are also contemplated, including angles less than 15 degrees or greater than 45 degrees.
- the engaging surface 224 of the tool rail 220 is arranged generally opposite the engaging surface 253 of the rollers 232a, 232b, with the engaging surfaces 224, 253 being separated by a distance d. As will be discussed below, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the distance d separating the engaging surfaces 224, 253 is adjustable by way of the adjusting mechanism 206.
- the block portion 230 is preferably formed of a substantially rigid, lightweight material, such as, for example, aluminum. However, other material are also contemplated, including other metallic materials such as steel, or non-metallic materials such as a plastic or polymeric material.
- the engaging rollers 232a, 232b are preferably formed of a rigid, wear-resistant material, such as, for example, steel or aluminum. It should be understood, however, that other materials are also contemplated, including non-metallic materials such as a plastic or polymeric material. Additionally, although the installation tool 200 has been illustrated and described as including a pair of engaging rollers 232a, 232b, it should be understood that any number of rollers may be used, including a single roller or three or more rollers.
- the adjustment mechanism 206 is generally comprised of a pair of guide rods 280a, 280b and an adjustment screw 282.
- the guide rods 280a, 280b preferably extend from an inwardly facing surface 284 of the stationary block 210 and are preferably arranged generally parallel to one another and generally parallel with the displacement axis 208.
- the guide rods 280a, 280b are preferably sized and shaped to be slidably received within the apertures 236a, 236b in the block 230, and serve to guide the movable element 204 relative to the stationary element 202 generally along the displacement axis 208.
- the adjustment screw 282 includes a partially threaded shank 286 and a head 288.
- the shank 286 extends through the central passage 234 in block 230 and is threadingly engaged within the threaded passage 214 in the block 210.
- a washer 290 is preferably disposed between the head 288 and the block 230.
- the handles 209a, 209b of tool 200 preferably include a connector shaft portion 292 and an enlarged gripping portion 294.
- the gripping portion 294 has a cylindrical configuration and is sized and shaped to be easily and comfortably grasped by the operator of the tool 200.
- one of the handles 209a extends from an upper surface 296 of the movable block 230, while the other handle 209b extends from an upper surface 297 of the stationary block 210. Providing each of the blocks 230, 210 with a respective handle 209a, 209b aids the operator in handling and manipulating the installation tool 200.
- both of the handles 209a, 209b may extend from the same block 210, 230 and/or from other portions of the blocks 210, 230.
- the handle 209a extends along a first axis 298a and the handle 209b extends along a second axis 298b, with the first axis 298a being angularly offset relative to the second axis 298b.
- Orienting the handles 209a, 209b at different angles relative to one another further aids the operator in handling and manipulating the installation tool 200 by providing a means for exerting forces onto the installation tool 200 in more than one plane and/or in more than one direction.
- the installation tool 200 has been illustrated and described as including a pair of handles, it should be understood that any number of handles may be used to aid in manipulation and handling of the installation tool 200, including a single handle, or three or more handles.
- any number of handles may be used to aid in manipulation and handling of the installation tool 200, including a single handle, or three or more handles.
- a specific configuration and orientation of the handles 209a, 209b have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that other configurations and orientations are also contemplated.
- the upper and lower frame sections 20a, 20b are preferably arranged in a substantially parallel and symmetrical relationship relative to one another.
- the right and left frame sections 20c, 20d are preferably arranged in a substantially parallel and symmetrical relationship relative to one another.
- the upper portion 22a of the flexible sheeting material 22 is initially secured to the upper frame section 20a by manually positioning the anchor rib 96 of the connector member 32 within one of the retention grooves 48 in the support member 30, with the anchor rib 96 interlocking with an adjacent anchor rib 46.
- the installation tool 200 may then be used to tension the flexible sheeting material 22 in both the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, and to secure the unanchored end portions of the flexible sheeting material 22 to the appropriate frame section 20a-d.
- the installation tool 200 engaged with one of the frame sections 20a-d of the frame assembly 20.
- the installation tool 200 is initially engaged with an end portion of the selected frame section 20a-d.
- displacement of the installation tool 200 along the length of the selected frame section toward the opposite end portion will correspondingly tension the flexible sheeting material 22 to a taut state.
- the connector member 32 may then be anchored to the corresponding support member 30 to maintain the flexible sheeting material 22 in the taut state.
- the rail 220 of the tool 200 is initially engaged with the support rail 80 of the support member 30.
- the convex engaging surface 224 defined by the distal end portion 222 of the rail 220 is positioned in abutment against the concave bearing surface 82 of the support rail 80.
- the tool rail 220 preferably extends substantially the entire length of the stationary block 210, thereby tending to stabilize engagement between the tool rail 220 and the support rail 80 to correspondingly reduce the likelihood of disengagement of the tool 200 from the frame assembly 20.
- the shape and configuration of the abutting bearing/engaging surfaces 82, 224 allows for substantially uninhibited axial displacement of the tool rail 220 along the support rail 80.
- the shape and configuration of the abutting bearing/engaging surfaces 82, 224 also allows for substantially uninhibited pivotal movement of the tool rail 220 relative to the support rail 80 about the longitudinal travel axis.
- the distal end portion 222 of the tool rail 220 is preferably formed of a material having a relatively low coefficient of friction, thereby tending to facilitate sliding engagement between the abutting bearing/engaging surfaces 82, 224, particularly during axial displacement of the tool rail 220 along the support rail 80.
- the engaging rollers 232a, 232b of the tool 200 are operatively engaged with the connector rail 130 of the connector member 32.
- the convex engaging surface 253 defined by the outer edge of the annular flange 252 of each roller 232a, 232b is positioned in abutment against the concave bearing surface 132 of the connector rail 130.
- the connector rail 130 preferably extends from the anchor plate 94 at an angle ⁇ (FIG. 5), and the annular flange 252 of the rollers 232a, 232b is preferably inwardly tapered at an angle ⁇ 2 (FIG. 7).
- the angle ⁇ of the connector rail 130 is somewhat larger than taper angle ⁇ 2 of the annular flange 252 of the rollers 232a, 232b to allow substantially uninhibited rotation of the rollers 232a, 232b.
- Such an angular relationship between the connector rail 130 and the annular flange 252 tends to reduce the likelihood that the rollers 232a, 232b will seize or bind up within the groove 134 of the connection rail 130.
- the angular relationship between the connector rail 130 and the annular flange 252 also substantially prevents lateral or pivotal movement of the rollers 232a, 232b relative to the connector member 32 to stabilize engagement therebetween and to correspondingly reduce the likelihood of disengagement of the tool 200 from the frame assembly 20.
- rollers 232a, 232b have been illustrated and described as being associated with the movable block 230, and the tool rail 220 has been illustrated and described as being associated with the stationary block 210, it should be understood that the rollers 232a, 232b may alternatively be associated with the stationary block 210 with the tool rail 220 being associated with the movable block 230.
- rollers 232a, 232b have been illustrated and described as being engagable with the connector member 32, and the tool rail 220 has been illustrated and described as being engagable with the support member 30, it should be understood that the rollers 232a, 232b may alternatively be engagable with the support member 30 with the tool rail 220 being engagable with the connector member 32.
- the force plane P defined by the flexible sheeting material 22 will be substantially aligned with the area of abutment between the roller engaging surfaces 253 and the connector rail bearing surface 132.
- such alignment is possible due to the inclusion of the offset 122 between the anchor plate 92 and the attachment plate 110 (FIG. 5).
- the compression force exerted by the rollers 232a, 232b onto the connector rail 130 will be substantially aligned with and will directly oppose the tension force F exerted by the flexible sheeting material 22 along the force plane P.
- the adjustment screw 282 may be rotated to threadingly advance the screw 282 into the threaded passage 214 of the stationary block 210.
- Such threading advancement will correspondingly displace the movable block 230 toward the stationary block 210, with the guide rods 280a, 280b directing the movable block 230 generally along the displacement axis 208.
- displacement of the movable block 230 toward the stationary block 210 will correspondingly reduce the distance d between the engaging surface 224 of the tool rail 220 and the engaging surface 253 of the rollers 232a, 232b, which will correspondingly increase the tension force F within the flexible sheeting material 22.
- the anchor rib 96 of the connector member 32 When the flexible sheeting material 22 is tensioned to the appropriate level of tautness, the anchor rib 96 of the connector member 32 will be correspondingly positioned adjacent the lateral opening of a corresponding retention groove 48 defined along the support member 20.
- the tool 200 may then displaced along the length of the frame assembly 20, with the engaging surface 224 of the tool rail 220 being slidably displaced along the bearing surface 82 of the support rail 80, and with the engaging surface 253 of the rollers 232a, 232b being rotatably displaced along the bearing surface 132 of the connector rail 130.
- Axial displacement of the tool 200 along the length of the frame assembly 20 will correspondingly position the anchor rib 96 adjacent the lateral opening of the corresponding retention groove 48 along substantially the entire length of the support member 20.
- the simultaneous application of a slight inward force onto the movable block 230 (toward the frame assembly 20) will cause the tool 200 to pivot about the abutting surfaces 82, 224 of the support rail 80 and the tool rail 220.
- Such pivotal displacement will in turn cause the anchor rib 96 to be laterally displaced and correspondingly received within the adjacent retention groove 48 as the installation tool 200 is progressively displaced along the frame assembly 20.
- the anchor rib 96 of the connector member 32 will become interlocked with the adjacent anchor rib 46 of the support member 30.
- the interlocking engagement between the anchor ribs 46, 96 will limit lateral displacement of the connector member 32 relative to the support member 30 to prevent disengagement therebetween so long as the flexible sheeting material 22 remains in a taut state.
- the flexible sheeting material 22 is preferably slightly over-tensioned to accommodate for the slight release of tension force F necessary to cause the anchor ribs 46, 96 to interlock with one another.
- the rigid nature of the support member 30 provides the support necessary to retain the flexible sheeting material 22 in its taut state and to resist any lateral forces that might be exerted by the flexible sheeting material 22 onto the frame assembly 20.
- the flexibly resilient nature of the connector member 32 provides a certain degree of freedom or play to compensate for any misalignment between the connector member 32 and the support member 30 during the installation procedure.
- the flexibly resilient nature of the connector member 32 also acts as a means for reducing the potential build-up of stress at the location of attachment between the attachment plate 110 and the sheeting material 22 which might otherwise result in detachment of the sheeting material 22 from the connector member 32.
- the flexible sheeting material 22 may be removed from the frame assembly 20 by essentially reversing the above-discussed method for tensioning and mounting.
- the installation tool 200 is initially engaged with an end portion of a selected frame section 20a-d, with the tool rail 220 engaging the support rail 80 and with the rollers 232a, 232b engaging the connector rail 130 (FIG. 10).
- the adjustment screw 282 may then be rotated to threadingly advance the screw 282 into the threaded passage 214 of the stationary block 210 to correspondingly displace the movable block 230 toward the stationary block 210.
- the movable block 230 is displaced toward the stationary block 210 until the anchor rib 96 of the connector member 32 is correspondingly positioned adjacent the lateral opening of the retention groove 48, with the distal end of the hook portion 102 positioned beyond the distal end of the hook portion 52.
- the tool 200 may then be axially displaced along the length of the frame assembly 20 to correspondingly position the anchor rib 96 adjacent the lateral opening of the retention groove 48 along substantially the entire length of the support member 20.
- the simultaneous application of a slight outward force onto the movable block 230 (away from frame assembly 20) will cause the tool 200 to pivot about the abutting surfaces 82, 224 of the support rail 80 and the tool rail 220.
- FIG. 11 shown therein is a frame assembly 300 according to another form of the present invention for mounting a flexible sheeting material, such as the flexible sheeting material 22 illustrated and described above, to a substrate.
- the frame assembly 300 is generally comprised of an elongate support member 330, an elongate connector member 332, and an elongate cover member 334, each having a length extending along a longitudinal axis L.
- the support member 330 is anchored to a substrate while the connector member 332 is operatively secured to the flexible sheeting material 22 and is displaced along a transverse axis T (in the direction of arrow A) to tension the flexible sheeting material 22 to a taut state.
- the support member 330 and the connector member 332 include structural features that interlock with one another to releasably interconnect the connector member 332 with the support member 330 to maintain the flexible sheeting material 22 in the taut state.
- the cover member 334 is releasably coupled to the support member 330 and/or the connector member 332 to conceal or shield the interconnection location between the support member 330 and the connector member 332 from the outer environment.
- FIGS. 12-14 illustrate additional structural details regarding the support member 330, the connector member 332, and the cover member 334, each of which will be discussed in order below.
- FIG. 15 illustrates an assembled view of the frame assembly 300, as attached to a substrate 24.
- the support member 330 generally includes an anchoring portion 340 and a tool engaging portion 342.
- the anchoring portion 340 is configured for attachment to the substrate 24 and also provides a means for releasably interlocking with the connector member 332 and the cover member-334.
- the tool engaging portion 342 is configured for engagement with an installation tool to provide a means for tensioning the flexible sheeting material 22 to a taut state, the details of which will be discussed below.
- the support member 330 is preferably formed of a substantially rigid material, such as, for example, aluminum. However, other materials are also contemplated, including other metallic materials such as steel, or non-metallic materials such as a plastic material or a polymeric material.
- the support member 330 is preferably formed as an extrusion. However, other suitable manufacturing methods are also contemplated, including casting, molding or machining.
- the anchoring portion 340 of the support member 330 preferably includes an anchor plate 344 defining a number of anchor elements 346 extending substantially the entire length of the plate 344.
- the anchor plate 344 is relatively flat and the anchor elements 346 are comprised of a plurality of rows of ribs extending laterally from the plate 344.
- the rows of anchor ribs 346 are spaced apart from one another so as to define a number of retention grooves 348 between adjacent rows of anchor ribs 346.
- the anchor ribs 346 are preferably oriented in a substantially parallel arrangement and are preferably uniformly offset from one another. However, it should be understood that other configurations and orientations of the anchor plate 344 and/or the anchor ribs 346 are also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention. It should also be understood that the support member 330 may include any number of anchor ribs 346, including a single anchor rib 346 or two or more rows of anchor ribs 346.
- Each of the anchor ribs 346 preferably has a substantially uniform shape and configuration.
- the anchor ribs 346 have an L-shaped hook configuration, including a web portion 350 extending laterally from an outwardly facing surface 354 of plate 344, and a hook portion 352 extending from the web portion 350.
- the web 350 extends substantially perpendicularly from the surface 354 of plate 344
- the hook 352 extends substantially perpendicularly from the web 350.
- the web 350 may extend from the anchor plate 344 at an oblique angle.
- the hook 352 may extend from the web 350 at an oblique angle.
- the anchoring portion 340 of the support member 330 also preferably includes an attachment plate 360 extending from a first end portion 344a of the anchor plate 344.
- the attachment plate 360 is relatively flat to facilitate secure engagement against a corresponding flat surface of the substrate 24.
- a notch 362 may be defined along the length of the attachment plate 360 through which extend a number of fasteners 28 to secure the support member 330 to the substrate 24.
- the attachment plate 360 is connected to the anchor plate 344 by an intermediate spacer portion 364 to provide an offset distance 366 therebetween, the importance of which will become apparent below.
- a spacer rail 368 preferably extends laterally from an inwardly facing surface 370 of a second end portion 344b of the anchor plate 344.
- the spacer rail 368 preferably extends a distance substantially equal to the distance of the offset distance 366. As shown in FIG. 15, when the support member 330 is secured to the substrate 324, an open area or recess 372 is established between the inner surface 370 of the anchor plate 344 and the substrate 24, with the attachment plate 360 and the spacer rail 368 abutting the substrate 24 to provide stabilization to the support member 330.
- the substrate 24 may include a number of rows of projections or protuberances, such as, for example, the heads of rivets R or other types of fasteners.
- the recessed area 372 defined between the anchor plate 344 and the substrate 24 may be positioned over such projections or protuberances to maintain secure abutment against the substrate 24 via the attachment plate 360 and the spacer rail 368.
- the tool engaging portion 342 is configured for engagement with an installation tool to provide a means for tensioning the flexible sheeting material 22 to a taut state.
- the tool engaging portion 342 includes an engagement element 380 that preferably extends along substantially the entire length of the support member 330.
- the engagement element 380 is configured as a support rail extending laterally from the anchor plate 344 and oriented at an oblique angle relative to the anchor plate 344 in a direction extending away from the anchor ribs 346.
- the support rail 380 preferably includes a bearing surface 382 generally facing away from the anchor ribs 346 and preferably extending along substantially the entire length of support member 330.
- the bearing surface 382 in turn defines a groove 384.
- the groove 384 has a circular bottom portion, and in a more specific embodiment has a hemi-cylindrical bottom portion.
- the inner periphery of the concave surface 382 may extend about less than 180 degrees or greater than 180 degrees. Further details regarding the function of the tool engaging portion 342 will be discussed below.
- the connector member 332 generally includes an anchoring portion 390 and a tool engaging portion 392.
- the anchoring portion 390 is configured for attachment to the flexible sheeting material 22 and also provides a means for releasably interlocking with the support member 330.
- the tool engaging portion 392 is configured for engagement with an installation tool to provide a means for tensioning the flexible sheeting material 22 to a taut state, the details of which will be discussed below.
- the connector member 332 is preferably formed of a flexibly resilient material, such as, for example, a plastic material or a polymeric material.
- the connector member 332 is formed of a vinyl material, such as, for example, a poly vinyl chloride (PVC).
- the connector member 332 may be formed of other types of plastic or polymeric materials, such as, for example, polyethylene, or any other suitable flexibly resilient material that would occur to one of skill in the art.
- the connector member 332 may be formed of metallic materials, such as, for example, aluminum or steel. Due to its relatively complex geometric configuration and substantially uniform longitudinal cross-section, the connector member 332 is preferably formed as an extrusion. However, other suitable manufacturing methods are also contemplated, including casting, molding or machining.
- the anchoring portion 390 of the connector member 332 preferably includes an anchor plate 394 defining at least one anchor element 396 extending substantially the entire length of the plate 394.
- the anchor plate 394 is relatively flat and the anchor element 396 is comprised of a rib extending laterally from the plate 394.
- the anchor rib 396 is configured similar to correspond with the anchor ribs 346 associated with the support member 330.
- the anchor rib 396 preferably has a hook-shaped configuration, including a web portion 400 extending laterally from the anchor plate 394, and a hook portion 402 extending from the web portion 400.
- the web 400 extends substantially perpendicularly from the plate 394 and the hook 402 extends from the web 400 at an oblique angle r i.
- the angle ⁇ i falls within a range of about 30 degrees and about 60 degrees. In a specific embodiment, the angle at is about 45 degrees. It should be understood, however, that in other embodiments of the invention, the angle ⁇ i may be less than 30 degrees or greater than 60 degrees.
- the connector member 332 may define any number of anchor ribs 396, including two or more rows of anchor ribs 396.
- the anchoring portion 390 of the connector member 332 also preferably includes an attachment plate 410 extending from the anchor plate 394.
- the attachment plate 410 is relatively flat to facilitate secure engagement with the flexible sheeting material 22.
- the flexible sheeting material 22 is secured to a surface 412 of the attachment plate 410 by bonding, such as, for example, by radio- frequency (RF) welding or by any other bonding technique that would occur to one of skill in the art.
- RF radio- frequency
- Other methods of securing the flexible sheeting material 22 to the attachment plate 410 are also contemplated, such as, for example, by adhesion, impulse or heat sealing, fastening, sewing or any other suitable method of attachment that would occur to one of skill in the art.
- attachment plate 410 could be integrally formed with the flexible sheeting material 22 to form a unitary single-piece structure. Additionally, although the sheeting material 22 is illustrated and described as being attached to the surface 412 of attachment plate 410, it should be understood that the sheeting material 22 could alternatively be attached to other portions of the plate 410, including the surface 414 opposite the surface 412.
- the tool engaging portion 392 is configured for engagement with an installation tool to provide a means for tensioning the flexible sheeting material 22 to a taut state.
- the tool engaging portion 392 includes an engagement element 430 that preferably extends along substantially the entire length of the connector member 332.
- the engagement element 430 is configured as a connector rail extending laterally from the anchor plate 394 and positioned generally opposite the anchor rib 396.
- the connector rail 430 preferably extends from the anchor plate 394 at an oblique angle ⁇ .
- the angle ⁇ 2 falls within a range of about 30 degrees and about 60 degrees. In a specific embodiment, the angle ⁇ is about 40 degrees.
- the angle ⁇ may be less than 30 degrees or greater than 60 degrees.
- the location adjacent the intersection between the connector rail 430 and the anchor plate 394 defines a bearing surface 432 generally facing the flexible sheeting material 22.
- the concave bearing surface 432 in turn defines a groove 434 preferably extending along substantially the entire length of the connector member 332.
- the groove 434 has a circular bottom portion, and in a more specific embodiment has a hemi-cylindrical bottom portion.
- other shapes and configurations are also contemplated, such as, for example, other types of arcuate configurations, a polygonal configuration, or a flat configuration.
- the inner periphery of the hemi-cylindrical bottom portion of the groove 434 may extend about less than 180 degrees or greater than 180 degrees. Further details regarding the function of the tool engaging portion 392 will be discussed below.
- the hook-shaped anchor rib 396 of the connector member 332 is sized and shaped to be laterally received within a corresponding retention groove 348a in the support member 330 in the direction of arrow B.
- a slight axial displacement of the connector member 332 in the direction of arrow C will cause the hook-shaped anchor rib 396 to interlock with an adjacent hook-shaped anchor rib 346 of support member 330.
- the hook portions 352, 402 of the respective anchor ribs 346, 396 extend in substantially opposite directions, the hook portions 352, 402 cooperate with one another to prevent lateral disengagement of the connector member 332 from the support member 330.
- the lateral interlocking engagement between the hook portions 352, 402 will prevent the anchor rib 396 from being laterally displaced and removed from the corresponding retention groove 348 in the support member 330.
- the connector member 332 may be slight displaced in a direction opposite arrow C, and the hook-shaped anchor rib 396 may be laterally displaced in a direction opposite arrow B to selectively release the connector member 332 from the support member 330.
- the hook-shaped anchor rib 396 may be positioned in any one of the corresponding retention grooves 348 to produce the requisite amount of tension force F within the flexible sheeting material 22.
- the rigid nature of the support member 330 provides adequate support to resist the axial tension force F exerted by the flexible sheeting material 22, as well as any lateral forces that might be exerted by the flexible sheeting material 22.
- the flexibly resilient nature of the connector member 332 provides a certain degree of freedom or play between the connector member 332 and the support member 330 to compensate for any misalignment therebetween and/or to aid in the insertion/removal of the anchor rib 396 into/from the corresponding retention groove 348.
- the cover member 334 generally includes an anchoring portion 450 and a cover portion 452.
- the anchoring portion 450 is configured for releasable attachment to the support member 330.
- the cover portion 452 is configured to extend or wrap about the tool engaging portion 392 of the connector member 332. In this manner, the cover portion 452 serves to aesthetically conceal the interconnection location between the support member 330 and the connector member 332 and to shield the interconnection location from environmental elements such as direct sunlight, thermal radiation, heat, rain, snow, ice, debris, or any other environmental element.
- the cover member 334 is illustrated and described as being releasably attached to the support member 330, it should be understood that the cover member 334 may additionally or alternatively be releasably attached to the connector member 332.
- the cover member 334 is preferably formed of the same material as the support member 330, such as, for example, aluminum. However, other materials are also contemplated, including other metallic materials such as steel, or non- metallic materials such as a plastic material or a polymeric material. Due to its relatively complex geometric configuration and substantially uniform longitudinal cross-section, the cover member 334 may be formed as an extrusion. However, other suitable manufacturing methods are also contemplated, including casting, molding or machining.
- the anchoring portion 450 of the cover member 334 preferably includes at least one anchor element 460 extending substantially the entire length of the cover member 334. In one embodiment of the invention, the anchor element 460 is comprised of an anchor rib configured similar to the anchor ribs 346 associated with the support member 330.
- the anchor rib 460 preferably has a hook-shaped configuration, including a base portion 462 and a hook portion 464.
- the hook portion 464 extends substantially perpendicularly from the base portion 462 in a direction generally opposite the hook portions 352 of the anchor ribs 346.
- the cover member 334 may define any number of anchor ribs 460, including two or more rows of anchor ribs 460.
- the cover portion 452 includes a first portion 470 extending from the anchoring portion 450 in a first direction, and a second portion 472 extending from the first portion 470 in a generally opposite second direction so as to define a substantially U-shaped or V-shaped cover configuration.
- a lip or flange portion 474 is also provided which extends from the first portion 470 and beyond the base portion 462 of the anchor rib 460.
- the cover member 334 may be attached to the support member 330.
- the first portion 470 of the cover portion 452 extends generally along the tool engaging portion 392 of the connector member 332, with the second portion 472 wrapping about the connector rail 430 and extending inwardly toward the groove 434 formed between the connector rail 430 and the attachment plate 410.
- the cover portion 452 serves to aesthetically conceal the interconnection location between the support member 330 and the connector member 332, and also provides a protective barrier to shield the interconnection location from various environmental elements.
- the cover portion 452 also serves as a secondary coupling mechanism to maintain engagement between the support member 330 and the connector member 332 in the event that the anchor rib 396 should become disengaged or dislodged from the retention groove 348a. More specifically, if the anchor rib 396 were to somehow become disengaged from the retention groove 348a, the second portion 472 of the cover member 334 would slide into and be retained within the groove 434 formed along the tool engaging portion 392 of the connector member 332. As a result, the cover member 334 would temporarily serve to maintain engagement between the support member 330 and the connector member 332 until such time as the anchor rib 396 could be reinserted into the retention groove 348a.
- the hook-shaped anchor rib 460 of the cover member 334 is sized and shaped to be inserted within a corresponding retention groove 348b in the support member 330.
- the anchor rib 460 is slidably received within the retention groove 348b in a direction extending along the longitudinal axis L, entering the retention groove 348b adjacent either end of the support member 330.
- the hook portions 352, 464 of the respective anchor ribs 346, 460 extend in substantially opposite directions, the hook portions 352, 464 cooperate with one another to prevent lateral disengagement of the cover member 334 from the support member 330.
- the anchor rib 460 is received within the retention groove 348b immediately adjacent the retention groove 348a within which the anchor rib 396 of the connector member 332 is received.
- the anchor rib 460 may be received within any of the retention groove 348 in the support member 330 which are not covered by the connector member 332.
- the hook portion 464 of the anchor rib 460 has a height hj that is substantially equal to or slightly less than a height / ⁇ of the retention grooves 348 (FIGS. 12 and 14). In this manner, the anchor rib 460 is positively retained within the retention groove 348b to prevent disengagement of the anchor rib 460 from the retention groove 348b in a lateral direction (e.g., in a direction opposite arrow B), thereby preventing inadvertent or unintentional removal of the cover member 334 from the support member 330.
- the lip or flange 474 extending beyond the base portion 462 of the anchor rib 460 serves to limit pivotal displacement of the cover member 334 in a direction away from the support member 330 (via abutment against the hook portion 352 of the adjacent anchor rib 346) to further prevent disengagement of the anchor rib 460 from the retention groove 348b.
- the cover member 334 may be formed of a flexibly resilient material, such as, for example, a plastic or polymeric material.
- the anchor rib 460 and/or the first portion 470 of the protection portion 452 may be slightly deformed to permit lateral insertion of the hook portion 464 into the retention groove 348b in the direction of arrow B.
- the anchor rib 460 and or the first portion 470 of the cover portion 452 will resiliently return or snap back toward their undeformed configuration, thereby securely retaining the anchor rib 460 within the retention groove 348b to securely attach the cover member 334 to the support member 330.
- the installation tool 500 is configured to engage the support member 330 and the connector member 332 to produce a select amount of tension force F within the flexible sheeting material 22.
- the installation tool 500 is generally comprised of a stationary element 502, a movable element 504, an adjustment mechanism 506 adapted to displace the movable element 504 relative to the stationary element 502 along a displacement axis 508, and a pair of handles 509a, 509b to aid in the manipulation and handling of the installation tool 500.
- one of the handles 509a is preferably configured for positioning at either a first operational position extending generally along the displacement axis 508 (FIG. 16) or a second operation position extending generally along a second axis 508' angularly offset relative to the displacement axis 508 (FIG. 19).
- the stationary element 502 includes a block portion 510 and an engaging portion 512 attached thereto.
- the block portion 510 preferably includes a non-threaded central passage 514 (FIG. 17) formed therethrough and extending generally along the displacement axis 508, the purpose of which will be discussed below.
- the engaging portion 512 is preferably comprised of a tool rail or plate 520 that extends along substantially the entire length of the block portion 510.
- the tool rail 520 is securely attached to an end surface 522 of the block portion 510 via a number of fasteners 524.
- the tool rail 520 may be attached to the block portion 510 via other means for attachment as would occur to one of skill in the art.
- the tool rail 520 may be formed integral with the block portion 510 so as to define a unitary, single piece stationary element 502.
- the tool rail 520 is preferably inwardly tapered at an angle Q ⁇ relative to an axis arranged substantially parallel with the displacement axis 508.
- the angle ⁇ i falls within a range of about 15 degrees and about 45 degrees. In a more specific embodiment, the angle ⁇ i is about 30 degrees. However, it should be understood that other angles ® ⁇ are also contemplated, including angles less than 15 degrees or greater than 45 degrees.
- the tool rail 520 preferably includes a tapered distal end portion 526 defining a rounded distal engaging surface 528.
- the tapered distal end portion 526 and the distal engaging surface 528 are shaped and configured substantially complementary to that of the bearing surface 382 and the groove 384 defined by the support rail 380 of the support member 330.
- the tool rail 520 can take on other shapes and configurations as would occur to one of skill in the art.
- the tool rail 520 may alternatively be configured as one or more roller devices similar to the roller devices illustrated and described above with regard to the installation tool 200.
- the block portion 510 is preferably formed of a substantially rigid material, such as, for example, steel.
- a substantially rigid material such as, for example, steel.
- other materials are also contemplated, including other metallic materials such as aluminum, or non-metallic materials such as a plastic or polymeric material.
- the tool rail 520 is formed of material having a relatively low coefficient of friction to facilitate sliding engagement between the distal engaging surface 528 and the bearing surface 382 of the support rail 380.
- the tool rail 520 is formed of an ultra high molecular weight (UHMW) plastic material, such as, for example, a UHMW polyester material.
- UHMW ultra high molecular weight
- other materials are also contemplated, including other plastic or polymeric materials, such as, for example, Nylon, Teflon, or a polyethylene material.
- the tool rail 520 may be formed of a metallic material, such as, for example, steel or aluminum.
- the movable element 504 includes a block portion 530 and an engaging portion 532 attached thereto.
- the block portion 530 preferably includes a threaded central passage 534 (FIG. 17) formed therethrough and extending generally along the displacement axis 508, the purpose of which will be discussed below.
- the engaging portion 532 is preferably comprised of a tool rail or plate 540 that extends along substantially the entire length of the block portion 530.
- the tool rail 540 is securely attached to an end surface 542 of the block portion 530 via a number of fasteners 544.
- the tool rail 540 may be attached to the block portion 530 via other means for attachment as would occur to one of skill in the art.
- the tool rail 540 may be formed integral with the block portion 530 so as to define a unitary, single piece movable element 504.
- the tool rail 540 is preferably inwardly tapered at an angle ⁇ relative to an axis arranged substantially parallel with the displacement axis 508.
- the angle ⁇ 2 falls within a range of about 5 degrees and about 45 degrees. In a more specific embodiment, the angle ⁇ 2 is about 15 degrees. However, it should be understood that other angles ⁇ 2 are also contemplated, including angles less than 5 degrees or greater than 45 degrees.
- the tool rail 540 preferably includes a tapered distal end portion 546 defining a rounded distal engaging surface 548.
- the tapered distal end portion 546 and the distal engaging surface 548 are shaped and configured substantially complementary to that of the bearing surface 432 and the groove 434 defined by the connector rail 430 of the connector member 332.
- the tool rail 540 can take on other shapes and configurations as would occur to one of skill in the art.
- the tool rail 540 may alternatively be configured as one or more roller devices similar to the roller devices illustrated and described above with regard to the installation tool 200.
- the block portion 530 is preferably formed of a substantially rigid material, such as, for example, steel.
- a substantially rigid material such as, for example, steel.
- other materials are also contemplated, including other metallic materials such as aluminum, or non-metallic materials such as a plastic or polymeric material.
- the tool rail 540 is formed of material having a relatively low coefficient of friction to facilitate sliding engagement between the distal engaging surface 548 and the bearing surface 432 of the connector rail 430.
- the tool rail 540 is formed of an ultra high molecular weight (UHMW) plastic material, such as, for example, a UHMW polyester material.
- UHMW ultra high molecular weight
- other materials are also contemplated, including other plastic or polymeric materials, such as, for example, Nylon, Teflon, or a polyethylene material.
- the tool rail 540 may be formed of a metallic material, such as, for example, steel or aluminum.
- the distal engaging surface 528 of the tool rail 520 is arranged generally opposite and slightly offset from the distal engaging surface 548 of the tool rail 540, with the engaging surfaces 528, 548 being separated by a distance d.
- the distance d separating the engaging surfaces 528, 548 is adjustable by way of the adjusting mechanism 506.
- the adjustment mechanism 506 is generally comprised of a pair of guide rods 580a, 580b and an adjustment screw or drive shaft 582.
- the guide rods 580a, 580b extend from the stationary block 510 and are preferably arranged substantially parallel to one another and with the displacement axis 508.
- the guide rods 580a, 580b may be secured to the stationary block 510 by any means of attachment known to those of skill in the art, such as, for example, by a number of fasteners extending axially through the stationary block 510 and into the end portions of the guide rods 580a, 580b.
- the guide rods 580a, 580b are sized and shaped be slidably received within apertures 584a, 584b formed through the movable block 530.
- the guide rods 580a, 580b serve to guide the movable block 530 relative to the stationary block 510 generally along the displacement axis 508 as the guide rods 580a, 580b are slidably displaced through the apertures 584a, 584b.
- the ends of the guide rods 580a, 580b opposite the stationary block 510 may be secured to a stabilizing plate 570 by any means of attachment known to those of skill in the art, such as, for example, by a number of fasteners extending axially through the stabilizing plate 570 and into the end portions of the guide rods 580a, 580b.
- the stabilizing plate 570 aids in maintaining proper alignment of the guide rods 580a, 580b in a substantially parallel orientation relative to the displacement axis 508 to facilitate uninhibited sliding displacement of the movable block 530 along the guide rods 580a, 580b.
- the stabilizing plate 570 also includes a non-threaded central passage 572 formed therethrough and extending generally along the displacement axis 508, the purpose of which will be discussed below.
- the adjustment screw or drive shaft 582 is formed as a two-piece construct, including a non-threaded shank portion 586 and a threaded shank portion 588.
- the adjustment screw or drive shaft 582 may be formed of three or more pieces or as a unitary, single-piece construct.
- the non- threaded shank portion 586 extends from and is secured to the handle 509a.
- the threaded shank portion 588 extends from and is secured to the handle 509b.
- the non-threaded shank portion 586 is removably coupled to the threaded shank portion 588 via an intermediate coupling mechanism 590.
- the coupling mechanism 590 functions to maintain general alignment of the shank portions 586, 588 and the handles 509a, 509b along the displacement axis 508, and also provides substantially synchronous rotation between the shank portions 586, 588.
- the coupling mechanism 590 is configured as a thrust bushing.
- the thrust bushing 290 extends about and interconnects an overlap joint defined between the end portions of the shank portions 586, 588. More specifically, the end portion of the shank portion 586 opposite the handle 509a defines a semi-cylindrical end portion 592a. Similarly, the end portion of the shank portion 588 opposite the handle 509b defines a semi- cylindrical portion 592b.
- a lock pin 594 is inserted through aligned openings defined through the outer bushing 590 and the overlapping semi-cylindrical portions 592a, 592b.
- the lock pin 594 is preferably of a type that can be manually removed by hand, the purpose of which will be discussed below.
- the outer bushing 590 and the lock pin 594 cooperate to securely couple the non-threaded and threaded shank portions 586, 588 of the adjustment screw 582 together so as to maintain alignment of the shank portions 586, 588 and to provide substantially synchronous rotation therebetween.
- the thrust bushing 590 is also secured to the end portion of the shank portion 588 via a setscrew or pin 596 to hold the thrust bushing 590 on the shank portion 588 upon removal of the lock pin 594 (FIG. 19).
- the threaded shank portion 588 of the adjustment screw 582 is threadingly engaged within the threaded passage 534 formed through the movable block 530, with the end portions of the threaded shank portion 588 extending through the non- threaded passages 514 and 572 formed through the stationary block 510 and the stabilizing plate 570, respectively.
- rotation of the adjustment screw 582 will correspondingly adjust the distance d between the opposing engaging surfaces 528, 548 of the tool rails 520, 540 via displacement of the movable block 530 toward and away from the stationary block 510. More specifically, when the adjustment screw 582 is rotated in a first direction, the movable block 530 is correspondingly displaced toward the stationary block 510 along the displacement axis 508 so as to decrease the distance d between the engaging surfaces 528, 548. Likewise, when the adjustment screw 582 is rotated in an opposite second direction, the movable block 530 is displaced away from the stationary block 510 along the displacement axis 508 so as to increase the distance d between the engaging surfaces 528, 548.
- the entire length of the adjustment screw 582 extending between the coupling mechanism 590 and the handle 509b has been illustrated and described as being threaded, it should be understood that only the portion of the adjustment screw 582 that is engagable within the threaded passage 534 of the movable block 530 need necessarily be threaded. It should also be understood that in another embodiment of the invention, the entire length of the adjustment screw 282 between the handles 509a, 509b may be threaded.
- each of the handles 509a, 509b includes a gripping portion having a substantially cylindrical configuration sized and shaped to be easily and comfortably grasped by the operator of the tool 500.
- FIG. 19 shown therein is an alternative configuration of the installation tool 500, illustrating one of the handles 509a in an alternative operational position.
- the non-threaded shank portion 586 of the adjustment screw 582 is removable coupled to the threaded portion 588 of the adjustment screw via the thrust bushing 590.
- the handle 509a may be selectively detached from the tool 500 and reattached to the tool 500 at an alternative position and/or orientation.
- the lock pin 594 is pulled from the thrust bushing 590 to allow the shank portion 586 of the adjustment screw 582 to be removed from the bushing 590.
- the bushing 590 remains in secure engagement with the shank portion 588 of the adjustment screw 582 via the setscrew 596.
- the stationary block 510 defines a passage 600 extending generally along an axis 508' that is oriented at an angle ⁇ relative to the displacement axis 508.
- the passage 600 includes a generally cylindrical portion 602 sized to receive the cylindrical shaft portion 586 therein.
- the passage 600 also includes a hemi-cylindrical portion 604 sized to receive the hemi-cylindrical end portion 592a of the shaft portion 586 therein.
- An aperture 606 extends through the stationary block 510 and intersects the hemi-cylindrical portion 604 of the passage 600.
- the aperture 606 is aligned with the aperture (not shown) extending through the hemi-cylindrical end portion 592a to receive the lock pin 594 therethrough to securely attach the handle 509a to the stationary block 510 at the orientation angle ⁇ .
- the orientation angle ⁇ is approximately 30 degrees to 45 degrees. However, it should be understood that the orientation angle ⁇ may range anywhere from 0 degrees to 180 degrees.
- the position and orientation of the handle 509a illustrated in FIG. 19 is particularly advantageous when the frame assembly 300 is mounted in such a manner as to provide limited clearance between the stationary block 510 and an immovable structure, such as, for example, a ceiling or wall. Repositioning of the handle 509a from the first operational position illustrated in FIG. 18 to the second operational position illustrated in FIG. 19 avoids interference with adjacent structures while still providing the operator with sufficient leverage to handle and manipulate the installation tool 500.
- repositioning and/or reorienting the handles 509a to different positions and/or at different orientations provides the installation tool 500 with increased flexibility and ease of use by providing a means for exerting forces onto the installation tool 500 in more than one plane and/or in more than one direction.
- the handle 509a has been illustrated and described as being attached to the stationary block 510 to define an alternative handle position, it should be understood that the handle 509a may be attached to other portions of the tool 500, such as, for example, the movable block 530.
- the handle 509b may be configured to be selectively removed from the tool 500 and reattached to the movable block 530 or other portions of the tool 500 to define an alternative handle position and orientation.
- the installation tool 500 has been illustrated and described as including a pair of handles 509a, 509b, it should be understood that any number of handles may be used to aid in the manipulation and handling of the installation tool 500, including a single handle, or three or more handles.
- FIGS. 20 and 21 shown therein is the installation tool 500 engaged with one of the frame sections of the frame assembly 300.
- the upper and lower frame sections 20a, 20b are preferably arranged in a substantially parallel and symmetrical relationship relative to one another.
- the right and left frame sections 20c, 20d are preferably arranged in a substantially parallel and symmetrical relationship relative to one another.
- the upper portion 22a of the flexible sheeting material 22 is initially secured to the upper frame section 20a by manually positioning the anchor rib 396 of the connector member 332 within one of the retention grooves 348 in the support member 330, with the anchor rib 396 interlocking with an adjacent anchor rib 346.
- one of the side portions 22c, 22d of the flexible sheeting material 22 is initially secured to a corresponding left/right frame section 20c, 22d.
- the installation tool 500 may then be used to tension the flexible sheeting material 22 in both the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, and to secure the unanchored end portions of the flexible sheeting material 22 to the appropriate frame section 20a-d.
- the installation tool 500 is initially engaged with an end portion of the selected frame section 20a-d.
- displacement of the installation tool 500 along the length of the selected frame section toward the opposite end portion will correspondingly tension the flexible sheeting material 22 to a taut state.
- the connector member 332 may then be anchored to the corresponding support member 330 to maintain the flexible sheeting material 22 in the taut state.
- the tool rail 520 mounted to the stationary block 510 is initially engaged with the support rail 380 of the support member 330.
- the engaging surface 528 defined by the distal end portion 526 of the rail 520 is positioned in abutment against the bearing surface 382 of the support rail 380.
- the tool rail 520 preferably extends substantially the entire length of the stationary block 510, thereby tending to stabilize engagement between the tool rail 520 and the support rail 380 to correspondingly reduce the likelihood of disengagement of the tool 500 from the support member 330.
- the shape and configuration of the abutting bearing/engaging surfaces 382, 528 preferably allows for substantially uninhibited axial displacement of the tool rail 520 along the support rail 380.
- the shape and configuration of the abutting bearing/engaging surfaces 382, 528 also preferably allows for substantially uninhibited pivotal movement of the tool rail 520 relative to the support rail 180.
- the distal end portion 526 of the tool rail 520 is preferably formed of a material having a relatively low coefficient of friction, thereby tending to facilitate sliding engagement between the abutting bearing engaging surfaces 382, 528, particularly during axial displacement of the tool rail 520 along the support rail 380.
- the tool rail 540 mounted to the movable block 530 is initially engaged with the connector rail 430 of the connector member 332.
- the engaging surface 548 defined by the distal end portion 546 of the rail 540 is positioned in abutment against the bearing surface 432 of the connector rail 430.
- the tool rail 540 preferably extends substantially the entire length of the movable block 530, thereby tending to stabilize engagement between the tool rail 540 and the connector rail 430 to correspondingly reduce the likelihood of disengagement of the tool 500 from the connector member 332.
- the shape and configuration of the abutting bearing/engaging surfaces 432, 548 preferably allows for substantially uninhibited axial displacement of the tool rail 540 along the connector rail 430.
- the distal end portion 546 of the tool rail 540 is preferably formed of a material having a relatively low coefficient of friction, thereby tending to facilitate sliding engagement between the abutting bearing/engaging surfaces 432, 548, particularly during axial displacement of the tool rail 540 along the connector rail 430.
- the force plane P defined by the flexible sheeting material 22 is substantially aligned with the area of abutment between the engaging surface 548 defined by the tool rail 540 and the bearing surface 432 defined by the connector rail 430.
- the compression force exerted by the tool rail 540 onto the connector rail 430 will be substantially aligned with and will directly oppose the tension force F exerted by the flexible sheeting material 22 along the force plane P.
- engagement of the installation tool 500 with the connector member 332 will not exert an appreciable torsional or rotational loading onto the connector member 332 during tensioning of the flexible sheeting. material 22.
- the tendency for the connector member 332 to rotate during tensioning of the flexible sheeting material 22 will therefore be substantially reduced if not eliminated entirely, thereby reducing the likelihood of the connector member 332 from becoming misaligned and/or misoriented relative to the support member 330 during tensioning of the sheeting material 22.
- the adjustment screw 582 is rotated in a direction which correspondingly results in threading displacement of the movable block 530 toward the stationary block 510, with the guide rods 580a, 580b directing the movable block 530 generally along the displacement axis 508.
- displacement of the movable block 530 toward the stationary block 510 will correspondingly reduce the distance d between the engaging surface 528 of the tool rail 520 and the engaging surface 548 of the tool rail 540, which will in turn correspondingly increase the tension force F within the flexible sheeting material 22.
- the anchor rib 396 of the connector member 332 is correspondingly positioned adjacent the lateral opening of the retention groove 348a defined along the support member 330.
- the tool 500 may then displaced along the length of the frame assembly 300, with the engaging surface 528 of the tool rail 520 being slidably displaced along the bearing surface 382 of the support rail 380, and with the engaging surface 548 of the tool rail 540 being slidably displaced along the bearing surface 432 of the connector rail 430.
- Axial displacement of the tool 500 along the length of the frame assembly 300 will correspondingly position the anchor rib 396 adjacent the lateral opening of the corresponding retention groove 348a.
- the anchor rib 396 of the connector member 332 will become interlocked with the adjacent anchor rib 346 of the support member 330. Interlocking engagement between the anchor ribs 346, 396 will thereby restrict lateral displacement of the connector member 332 relative to the support member 330 to prevent disengagement therebetween so long as the flexible sheeting material 22 remains in a taut state.
- the flexible sheeting material 22 is preferably slightly over-tensioned to accommodate for the slight release of tension force F necessary to cause the anchor ribs 346, 396 to interlock with one another.
- the rigid nature of the support member 330 provides the support necessary to retain the flexible sheeting material 22 in its taut state and to resist any lateral forces that might be exerted by the flexible sheeting material 22 onto the frame assembly 300.
- the flexibly resilient nature of the connector member 332 provides a certain degree of freedom or play to compensate for any misalignment between the connector member 332 and the support member 330 during the installation procedure.
- the flexibly resilient nature of the connector member 332 also acts as a means for reducing the potential build-up of stress at the location of attachment between the attachment plate 410 and the sheeting material 22 which might otherwise result in detachment of the sheeting material 22 from the connector member 332.
- the installation tool 500 may be removed from the frame assembly 300. Removal of the tool 500 may be accomplished by rotating the adjustment screw 582 in a direction which correspondingly results in threading displacement of the movable block 530 away the stationary block 510. As should be apparent, displacement of the movable block 530 away from the stationary block 510 will correspondingly increase the distance d between the engaging surface 528 of the tool rail 520 and the engaging surface 548 of the tool rail 540.
- the installation tool 500 may then be laterally removed from the frame assembly 300 and engaged with any other frame section 20a-d that remains in an unanchored condition until the flexible sheeting material 22 is tensioned in both the vertical and horizontal directions.
- the flexible sheeting material 22 may be removed from the frame assembly 300 by essentially reversing the above-discussed procedure for tensioning and mounting.
- the cover member 334 may be attached to the support member 330.
- the hook-shaped anchor rib 460 of the cover member 334 is slidably received within the retention groove 348b in an axial direction (along the longitudinal axis L), entering the retention groove 348b adjacent either end of the support member 330.
- the hook portions 352, 464 of the respective anchor ribs 346, 460 extend in substantially opposite directions, the hook portions 352, 464 cooperate with one another to prevent lateral disengagement of the cover member 334 from the support member 330.
- the cover member 334 may serve one or more functions, such as, for example, aesthetically concealing the interconnection location between the support member 330 and the connector member 332, shielding the interconnection location from various environmental elements, and/or providing a secondary coupling mechanism to maintain engagement between the support member 330 and the connector member 332 in the event that the anchor rib 396 should somehow become disengaged or dislodged from the retention groove 348a.
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Tents Or Canopies (AREA)
- Agricultural Chemicals And Associated Chemicals (AREA)
- Materials For Medical Uses (AREA)
- Radiation-Therapy Devices (AREA)
- Electric Connection Of Electric Components To Printed Circuits (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA002474528A CA2474528A1 (en) | 2002-01-29 | 2003-01-29 | System for mounting a flexible sheeting material to a substrate |
GB0418396A GB2401234A (en) | 2002-01-29 | 2004-08-18 | System for mounting a flexible sheeting material to a substrate |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US35303902P | 2002-01-29 | 2002-01-29 | |
US60/353,039 | 2002-01-29 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2003063574A2 true WO2003063574A2 (en) | 2003-08-07 |
WO2003063574A3 WO2003063574A3 (en) | 2004-07-29 |
Family
ID=27663167
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2003/002494 WO2003063574A2 (en) | 2002-01-29 | 2003-01-29 | System for mounting a flexible sheeting material to a substrate |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
CA (1) | CA2474528A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2401234A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2003063574A2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
AT512429A1 (en) * | 2012-01-16 | 2013-08-15 | Schuh Rainer | ASSEMBLY ELEMENT FOR A TENSIONING FRAME OF A TENSIONING FRAME AND METHOD FOR FIXING A TIGHTENING FRAME PART OF A TENSIONING FRAME THROUGH THE ASSEMBLY ELEMENT |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4862615A (en) * | 1988-04-28 | 1989-09-05 | Marketing Displays, Inc. | Releasable anchoring and tensioning apparatus for billboard displays |
US5042182A (en) * | 1987-06-25 | 1991-08-27 | Signcraft Pty. Limited | Sign |
US6250002B1 (en) * | 1997-06-04 | 2001-06-26 | Ron Leo Wittenberg | Visually symmetric removable low protrusion tensioned sign display system |
US6574895B2 (en) * | 2000-02-10 | 2003-06-10 | Roadshows, L.L.C. | Sign frame assembly and system for advertising |
-
2003
- 2003-01-29 CA CA002474528A patent/CA2474528A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-01-29 WO PCT/US2003/002494 patent/WO2003063574A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
-
2004
- 2004-08-18 GB GB0418396A patent/GB2401234A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5042182A (en) * | 1987-06-25 | 1991-08-27 | Signcraft Pty. Limited | Sign |
US4862615A (en) * | 1988-04-28 | 1989-09-05 | Marketing Displays, Inc. | Releasable anchoring and tensioning apparatus for billboard displays |
US6250002B1 (en) * | 1997-06-04 | 2001-06-26 | Ron Leo Wittenberg | Visually symmetric removable low protrusion tensioned sign display system |
US6574895B2 (en) * | 2000-02-10 | 2003-06-10 | Roadshows, L.L.C. | Sign frame assembly and system for advertising |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
AT512429A1 (en) * | 2012-01-16 | 2013-08-15 | Schuh Rainer | ASSEMBLY ELEMENT FOR A TENSIONING FRAME OF A TENSIONING FRAME AND METHOD FOR FIXING A TIGHTENING FRAME PART OF A TENSIONING FRAME THROUGH THE ASSEMBLY ELEMENT |
AT512429B1 (en) * | 2012-01-16 | 2016-01-15 | Schuh Rainer | ASSEMBLY ELEMENT FOR A TENSIONING FRAME OF A TENSIONING FRAME AND METHOD FOR FIXING A TIGHTENING FRAME PART OF A TENSIONING FRAME THROUGH THE ASSEMBLY ELEMENT |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB0418396D0 (en) | 2004-09-22 |
WO2003063574A3 (en) | 2004-07-29 |
CA2474528A1 (en) | 2003-08-07 |
GB2401234A (en) | 2004-11-03 |
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