Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor belt housing access port and elastic closure therefor, for use on a conveyor belt cleaner installation wherein hinges, catches, gaskets and the like are completely eliminated. The cover is retained in place by inherent tension and includes securing means which may incorporate a magnetic force, or interengaging means between the cover and a continuous rim about the opening. The securement may involve an enlargement of the rim such as a ledge, or a flange and an interengaged groove, or flange on the cover operatively related to such enlargement.

Abstract: An apparatus by which artist's canvas can be uniformly stretched on a frame. A first edge flap of the canvas is stapled to an edge of the frame at enough locations to withstand a predetermined tension without tearing. Thereafter, the frame is stood vertically on its opposite edge with a second flap of canvas extending beyond the edge of the frame into engagement with a plurality of pins of a predetermined diameter, which pass therethrough at predetermined intervals. The pins are located at an edge of a flat, horizontal surface of the apparatus but at a predetermined distance below the surface. The frame thereafter is rotated 90.degree. downwardly tearing the canvas about the pins so that a predetermined tension in the canvas is established which depends upon the gauge of the canvas, the diameter of the pins and the distance between pin centers. The second edge is then stapled at enough points to prevent further tearing.

Abstract: A fabric tensioning roller has a longitudinally extending channel within which is disposed a fabric holder. A threaded member on the roller is connected to the fabric holder for selectively moving the fabric holder relative to the roller in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the roller for fabric repositioning at selected locations along the roller.

Abstract: An assembly for stretching and securing upholstery fabric or the like in place utilizes a pair of bars contained by pockets along opposite edges of the fabric. The bars are articulatedly secured at corresponding ends thereof to a framework, and are forced apart at their opposite ends by a bendable rod which engages the free bar ends and urges them apart when the rod is straightened. The bendable rod and engaged bar ends, along with an additional upholstery bar, together sandwich fabric therebetween and secure the fabric in place. The sandwich assembly is concealed by a flap of upholstery material.

Abstract: A stretch frame for sheet material such as printing screen utilizes tensioning rollers to be secured to the sheet edges and then rotated to stress the sheet material. The rollers may be rotatably received within laterally opening channels in the frame and restrained against reverse rotation to release the sheet tension by a ratchet device extending along a substantial length of each roller. This construction insures that the printing screen or other web shaped material is rigidly held in place.

Abstract: A projection screen assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a screen which can be lifted into an extended position or lowered into a collapsed configuration for permitting a building in which the screen is installed to be used for other purposes. Lifting means is provided for raising the screen and tensioning it in the vertical direction. Lateral tensioning is effected simultaneously by tensioning elements disposed one adjacent each side edge of the screen. The tensioning elements are coupled to the screen by lateral tensioning members which are of progressively decreasing length in directions extending inwardly from the upper and lower margins of the screen so that the tensioning elements adopt the shape of caternary curves. When the screen is tensioned vertically, these curves are flattened so that the screen is tensioned laterally by the lateral tensioning members.

Abstract: A box frame for the display of fabric prints and the like, comprising a shallow, closed box formed from folded sheet material, with the fabric stretched over the front face of the box and stapled or otherwise secured to the rear surface. The rear of the box is formed by overlying flap pairs extending inward from opposite sides of the box, each flap pair having flap tabs formed by folded down edges of the flaps, the tabs abutting each other and the inside front surface and extending across each other to stiffen the box. The tabs of the outer flap pair lock into slots formed in the underlying flap pairs to secure the flaps in the folded position. Slotted perforations are provided through flap pairs to enable ready wall mounting of the box frame.

Abstract: A reflector construction is disclosed. A semi-rigid reflector having a curved configuration includes a front reflecting surface and an opposite back surface. A semi-rigid backing has a peripheral margin substantially co-extensive with the periphery of the reflector. The peripheral margin of the backing projects forwardly with respect to the remainder of the backing. The remainder of the backing has a curved configuration generally approximating the curved configuration of the reflector. The peripheral margin of the backing is attaching to the periphery of the back surface of the reflector. The remainder of the backing is thus spaced from the reflector, and the reflector and the backing in combination provide a substantially rigid structure.

Abstract: A peripheral frame member holds flexible sheets of material tightly over a central open area. A channel around the back of the frame is adapted to receive a flexible strip member having a longitudinally extending bifurcated projection engageable within the length of the channel. When a thin sheet of flexible material is placed over the back of the frame and the strip member pressed down so that the projection fits tightly within the channel, the material is locked in place and stretched taut across the central open area. The frame is preferably rectangular with channels along each side and a plurality of longitudinal strips engage respective sides. The device provides a simplified structure which is particularly useful for holding and displaying fabrics for embroidery and needlecraft projects.

Abstract: A protective, flexible membrane structure for installation in a framed opening with corners. Typically a clear plastic structure having a peripheral tension element running through affixed tubes lying in peripheral circular arcs. Tensioning members at the corners apply tension to the tension element to produce a flat, wrinkle-free surface. In preferred embodiments the tension means also have clamping means to hold folded corners of the flexible membrane, a fold of the membrane along the perimeter of the membrane lying against the frame of the opening to provide a sealing arrangement.

Abstract: An adjustable frame for stretching sheet materials, such as canvas paintings, is disclosed. The frame comprises a plurality of individual frame segment members; and means for interconnecting and/or adjusting, the separation of adjacent frames. The sheet material or canvas is stretched by adjusting or separating the frame segments from adjacent segments to thus expand the overall dimension of the frame. The individual frame and corner segment members comprise light weight, substantially hollow structures which are easily manufactured, yet very sturdy in construction. The framing device of the invention is particularly adapted to be manufactured from light weight plastic materials which offer distinct advantage over known wooden frames. The framing device of the invention is particularly suitable for mounting very expensive oil paintings or masterpieces and overcomes the difficulties of known frames.

Abstract: An adjustable stretching frame for stretching sheet materials, particularly canvas paintings, is disclosed. The frame comprises a plurality of individual frame segment members; means for interconnecting the frame segment members with each other to form a frame; means for adjusting the separation between adjacent frames, and means for maintaining the canvas in a spaced apart relationship relative to the front face of the frame. The latter means may comprise a flexible beading mounted on the individual frame segment members. By adjusting the frame segment members in a manner so as to separate them from their adjacent members, thus expanding the overall dimension of the frame, the canvas is stretched over the frame. The stretchable beading is stretched in such a manner as to fill or complete the space between adjacent frame segment members thus maintaining the overall integrity of the shape of the frame.

Abstract: A portable frame for holding and transporting fabric-based murals. The frame comprises tubular members joined together and conforming to the shape of the canvas to be mounted thereon. The canvas is folded over to the back side of the frame, and pipe-like battens are secured to the ends of the canvas. Cords attached to the battens are pulled to insure a uniform, wrinkle-free mounting of the canvas.

Abstract: A portable sign assembly comprising a rigid knockdown frame and a flexible display web. In a collapsed condition elements of the sign assembly afford a relatively small package size which is conveniently handled and economically shipped. The sign is quickly assembled and disassembled by simple manipulation of the frame elements. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the display web is provided with relatively high elastic elongation properties and the frame is arranged to slightly stretch the web to thereby completely tension it and ensure that it is drawn into a planar configuration.

Abstract: A modular welding screen apparatus for shielding welding work locations. The apparatus is fabricated from a series of easy-to-handle panel sections which incorporate independent welding curtains within their framework respectively. The sections which are constructed of square tubular material, pivot relative to one another through a series of rotatable connections which further permits the separate panel section to be arranged to more effectively seal off the welding work location. Interchangeable parts lend to the invention the ability of constructing an individual apparatus as desired, together with the ability of rotating the securely restrained foot supports relative to the welding shield, as necessary.

Abstract: A plurality of turnbuckles are mounted upon a rigid base and affixed to a painting mounted upon a frame. The turnbuckles are disposed at angular intervals with respect to each other and are adjustable to maintain the painting in a predetermined position.

Abstract: A process for producing straw-bottomed chairs, wherein the fabric intended for making the seat thereof is woven by imitating a straw-bottom of chair, and the element thus woven is tensioned onto a framework or a plate corresponding to the shape of the seat, the sheet being woven in continuous and constituted by several elements which are cut after weaving.

Abstract: A display device including a display means which is in the form of one or more display faces made from a substantially flexible polymer and which is mounted on a frame about its peripheral portions such that sufficient or a predetermined amount of tension is placed on the face so as to at least somewhat resemble a rigid plate or face. Tensioning means may be attached to the face in opposed relation to one another and these tensioning means may be in the form of connecting means serving to interconnect the face to the frame while at the same time placing the desired amount of tension thereon. The display device may be interiorly lighted by providing a lighting assembly on the interior of the frame adjacent to the flexible face so as to transmit light thereto and clearly display any indicia formed on the face.

Abstract: A rigid non-expandable frame for holding an artist's canvas or the like, has permanently coupled thereto a plurality of independently operable clamps. The clamps have guides adapted to slide along the frame and include adjustable jaws for grasping the canvas. Each clamp includes a manually operable member with one end positioned against the frame for moving the clamp inward of the frame to selectively permit localized stretching and contraction of the canvas.

Abstract: A bedstead is disclosed including crossheads between which a woven mat support is stretched. The mat is made of spring steel wire, preferably plastic coated and includes longitudinal wire members having U-shaped ends. Hook rails are carried by the crossheads and have adjacent recesses between which they define V-shaped hook members. One of the hook rails is adjustable so as to tension the mat support. A U-shaped clamping bar is provided into which the U-shaped ends of the longitudinal wire members are fitted. A resilient intermediate layer is positioned between the clamping bar and the U-shaped ends of the longitudinal wire members. The clamping bar is positioned in the V-shaped hook members of the adjustable hook rail such that a clamping force is exerted on the U-shaped ends of the longitudinal wire members by the clamping bar in proportion to tension force applied to the mat support by the adjustable hook rail.

Abstract: A device for stretching or sizing canvas or like fabrics has a frame with detachable side and end portions. At least one side and one end portion are provided with beads in which levers are pivotally journaled. The opposite side and end portions having gripping means for the material to be stretched. The material is engaged on the opposite side and end portions by said gripping means, and the levers are depressed and engaged with temporary holding means during the stretching process.

Abstract: A sign of the type generally intended for internal illumination having a sign frame, a flexible material covering at least one face of said sign frame, and means for supporting the flexible material over the face of the sign frame and for stretching and tensioning such flexible material.