Abstract: A system for securing the edges of plastic sheeting or the like is formed from metallic extrusions using three elements: a base element; an intermediate element; and a cap element. The base element is mounted to the surface to which the sheeting is to be attached and the cap element is placed over the sheeting and interlocks with the base element. If multiple sheets of plastic film are to be secured, intermediate elements may be used with the cap element installed to secure the top sheet. Tension on the sheetings serves to lock the elements in place.

Abstract: Method for assembling an awning, including method for tensioning awning material about an awning frame. The awning material is secured to the top rear of the frame and stretched over the bottom front and each bottom side of the frame. Pieces of spline are thereafter placed atop the material and pressed into slots defined by frame members on the bottom front and bottom sides of the frame. Keeper members are thereafter inserted into the slots in abutting engagement with the spline and are secured to the inner frame members.

Abstract: A clip for retaining thin plastics film material (6) in tension formed of a pair of elongate channel members (2,4) removably assembled together in inverted relationship. The film material passes through the fixing between opposed cooperating complementary sinuous surfaces (8,3;9,12) of the flanks of the channel members and in so doing passes over surface portions of the fixing at the entrance to the cooperating surfaces of each flank pair, which are exposed to direct radiation. To avoid degradation of the plastics at these surface portions, means (30,32) are provided on one of the channel members to cover or shield these surface portions from such direct radiation. The covering or shielding (30,32) may be integrally formed with one of the channel members of removably afixed thereto.

Abstract: A roll tarp system for covering the open top of a truck semi-trailer, characterized by the use of a novel roll bar construction in combination with an adjustable toggle clamp for locking the tarp in its closed unrolled condition. A rectangular tarp or cover member is connected at one longitudinal edge with the upper edge of one longitudinal side wall of the container. A roll bar is connected with the other longitudinal edge of the tarp via a first longitudinally extending peripheral groove contained in the roll bar. The roll bar includes at least one longitudinally slidable and positionable fastening device arranged in a second groove diametrically opposite the first groove, a cable member being fastened at one end to the fastening device.

Abstract: An edge clamp assembly for an inflatable form membrane used in erection of a concrete shell comprises a steel channel having an internal width W mounted at the base of the shell with the longitudinal opening of the channel facing upwardly; a guide lip on one channel leg projects a short distance over the channel opening. A first rectangular wood rail is wrapped in an edge portion of the membrane and inserted into the channel, fitting loosely into the bottom of the channel; a second rectangular wood rail having a width just slightly smaller than W is inserted into the top of the channel, tightly filling the channel opening immediately below the guide lip and releasably clamping both rails and the edge portion of the membrane into the channel.

Abstract: A mechanical fastening system for securing a flexible sheet within a channel member via an insert member wherein the latter is made of flexible resilient material having a central longitudinal flex notch that serves to define two adjacent wing portions and permits a temporary elastic deformation of the insert member into an inverted V-shape for insertion of the insert member, together with the flexible sheet, into the channel member. A method for securing the flexible sheet within the channel member, via the resilient insert member, is also presented.

Abstract: A tentering apparatus for tensioning a sheet-like member, for example, a membrane used in an electrolyzer. The tentering apparatus includes four clamping assemblies arranged in a picture frame shape configuration with four corner members and a connector member for connecting the clamping assemblies to the corner members and adapted for tensioning the sheet-like member.

Abstract: A tensioning device includes a tensioning frame having stretcher bars disposed in parallel pairs and displaceable relative to one another, on which bars the edges of a piece of fabric can be clamped. Each stretcher bar has two cooperating clamping devices which extend over the entire length of the stretcher bar, each device being formed by a tube of elastic material adapted to be pneumatically or hydraulically pressurized. Each tube is held in aligned grooves in a closed row of longitudinally movable runners. The clamping force obtained through pressurization acts at every point over the entire length of the clamped edge of the piece of fabric. The elongation of the tubes, which can be increased by gradually raising the pressure, follows the stretching of the piece of fabric during the tensioning operation. The runners move apart during this process, but without losses of tension occurring because of the resulting gaps. Uniform tensioning of the pieces of fabric in line with the threads is thus possible.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a rubber membrane to a roof, the apparatus including an elongated channel having a bite portion adapted to be secured to the surface of the roof and a pair of sidewalls extending upwardly and outwardly from the opposite edges of the bite portion. The apparatus also includes an elongated cap strip adapted to clampingly fit over the elongated channel to clamp a portion of the rubber membrane to the elongated channel without puncturing the membrane. The elongated cap strip includes a bite portion and a pair of sidewalls extending downwardly from the bite portion, the sidewalls sloping inwardly so as to converge toward one another and being adapted to snap over the upper edges of the channel sidewalls and adapted to secure the membrane against the channel and against the deck surface.

Abstract: An attachment device for securing a flexible sheet within a channel member via an insert member of generally inverted V-shape wherein the latter is made of a ductile but rigid material having a central longitudinal portion of reduced rigidity that serves to define two adjacent wing portions and permits the subsequent plastic deformation of the insert member into its installed shape after its insertion, together with the flexible sheet, into the channel member. A method for securing the flexible sheet within the channel member, via the ductile but rigid member, is also presented.

Abstract: In an attachment device, comprising a channel member and an insert member, for securing an elastic membrane within the channel member via the insert member, one of the insert and channel members being capable of deformation to permit the insertion of the insert member, together with adjacent portions of the elastic membrane, into the channel member, the improvement, taking the form of a locking device, insertable into the channel member to prohibit the subsequent removal of the elastic membrane by elastic deformation of one of the channel and insert members.

Abstract: Device for laying and stretching covering sheets over surfaces to be protected, the device comprising a first channel element, having a bottom and lateral walls, a second channel element having a bottom and lateral walls, smaller in depth than those of the former; first fastening means for securing one of said channel elements with its bottom facing towards the surface to be covered. Second fastening means being also provided in order to secure the other of said channel elements in position over the first one and with its lateral edges facing towards the bottom of the first channel element securing and tensioning the covering sheets interposed between the aforementioned channel elements.

Abstract: A film fastening system including a rigid base extrusion, and a locking member which fits into the extrusion to securely hold a sheet such as polyethylene or the like along edges or at its midportions relative to a support. The fastener includes a hinged locking cover which places a clamping force on the sheet being held. The cover also covers the free edge of the sheet material when installed.

Abstract: An art needlework scroll frame is disclosed in which the free edges of the base fabric are held in step clamps which provided uniform transverse tension to the fabric without damage thereto and which maintains perpendicularity in the warp and weft of the fabric.

Abstract: A fastener kit for securing flexible sheet materials such as polyethelene film to a structure to provide greenhouse coverings, wind screens and the like. The kit comprises an elongate channel member securable to the structure as with screws, an elongate lock member which can be forced into the channel member with sheet materials secured therebetween, and an elongate clip member which can be used to secure second material between the clip and lock members. The clip member is formed of a rigid material which can be flexed to place two longitudinal gripping portions of the clip member into gripping engagement with corresponding surface portions of the lock and channel members, or flexed to remove the clip member. The arrangement permits the second sheet material to be secured to or removed from the structure without requiring total disassembly of the kit members and removal of the first sheet material.

Abstract: A coupling structure for a screen with a fixing rod comprises the screen having at its end a predetermined length of an accessory section provided with a pair of rigid engaging plates, and the fixing rod having a pair of curved side walls separated by an intermediate partition for forming a pair of coupling chambers. The pair of rigid engaging plates holding the accessory section therebetween are inserted and propped within the coupling chamber. The accessory section has a length enough to cover an outer face of the side wall for obtaining a good appearance.

Abstract: The edge portions of a screen fabric are attached to a screen printing frame. The frame has discrete springs in contact with the fabric adjacent the location of securement of the fabric to the frame. The springs provide for a limited amount of movement of the fabric toward a substrate by deformation of the springs instead of relying only on stretching the fabric.

Abstract: A flexible sheet of material such as plastic film is attached to a supporting surface by a two-piece retainer strip assembly including a bottom strip member and a top strip member extruded from a semi-rigid plastics material and having the same width. The bottom strip member has a recess with undercut portions defined by opposing inwardly projecting protuberances, and the top strip member has an inner portion with outwardly projecting protuberances, one of which is formed with a cam surface. In one embodiment, the bottom strip member has projecting bottom corner portions which assure an air-tight seal between the bottom strip member and the supporting surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for stretching sheets of synthetic material across rigid frames, such as those used in sunray captors, are disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device for attachment to a free margin of flexible webbing material, as for example, a map, wherein the device comprises an elongated mounting strip to which the free margin of flexible webbing material may be affixed and a rigid elongated substantially hollow holder element having an open end, an outer wall, and a longitudinal slot within the outer wall having a width approximating the thickness of the webbing material. The outer wall is continuous in cross-section circumferentially from one edge of the slot to the other edge of the slot. The holder element further includes elongated rib means within the holder element extending substantially the entire length thereof. The rib means defines an aperture communicating with the slot and is shaped to accommodate the mounting strip lengthwise through the open end with the webbing material extending through the slot.

Abstract: A thermal barrier is mounted in a window opening in inwardly spaced relationship with respect to the existing window in the opening. The thermal barrier is comprised of individual channel members mounted on the header, sill and upright side members of the window frame so as to provide a peripheral opening about the window facing inwardly of the window opening. A sheet of rigid thermoplastic film material has horizontal and vertical edges received in a corresponding portion of the opening provided by the channel members, and the edges of the sheet are frictionally interengaged with corresponding side walls of the channel members by U-shaped retaining members removably received in each of the channel members with the legs of the U extending toward the bottom wall of the channel.

Abstract: A method for making an irregularly configured endless metal frame and fixedly attaching a sheet of flexible material thereto.

Abstract: A storm window or the like formed of plastic extrusions with a frame, glazing sheet, and lock strips pushed into grooves of the frame, holding the glazing sheet between the frame members and lock strips. A removable frame formed of frame members joined together at the corners by corner fasteners with arms which push into slots of the frame members. Mounting clips for mounting the window to a support surface, with variations for flush mounting and recess mounting, with the mounting clips snapping into grooves in the lock strip.

Abstract: A device for releasably holding flexible sheet material, comprising a holding member having a longitudinal slot with an entrance opening to the slot extending along the length of the slot, a first elongate locking member inserted through the entrance opening into the slot, and a second elongate locking member inserted through the entrance opening, after the first locking member, into the slot, the second locking member having a thickness greater than the entrance opening and being inserted through the opening by force, the device being such that the flexible sheet material extends around the first locking member and has two layers of material unsecured to each other and extending past the second locking member and out through the entrance opening adjacent a first wall of the slot, and the second locking member, when in its effective locking position in the slot, is in contact with the first locking member through one of the layers and situated between the two layers of the flexible material on one side and a

Abstract: A two piece extrusion for use in forming storm windows or the like is cut to frame an existing window opening. One extrusion comprises a locking element of which the main portion is formed of a substantially rigid plastic material, which is provided with spaced integral, flexible projections extending angularly outwardly from the stem of the element. The locking element is adapted to be inserted in a channel which comprises the second extrusion. The second extrusion is formed into a rectangular frame so as to hold a flexible translucent, transparent, or opaque sheet locked in the channel by the first extrusion. In assembly the flexible sheet is forced into the channel by the insertion of the locking element. In so doing the flexible sheet is stretched to give a smooth appearance. A second channel is formed by the second extrusion which also extends completely around the frame but is located inwardly of the first channel.

Abstract: A device for releasable attachment of a flexible cover to a flap or similar, preferably on a truck, trailer or similar.In order to eliminate problems of complexity, expense and functioning associated with earlier designs the device, in addition to a slightly modified flap section (1), consists of only two sections, preferably made of aluminum; a link section (2) and a locking section (3), the former pivoted at its lower end to the flap and the latter pivoted at its lower end to the former, by which arrangement the locking section can fasten the cover (4) against the flap section. Owing to the inherent resilience of the sections the pivot between the link section and the locking section may be snapped over a neutral line to bring about a secure locking of the device.

Abstract: A disposable self-pleating drape comprises an elongated sheet of expendable material. A pleating strip extends along an upper marginal portion of the sheet and is connected in face-to-face relation to the sheet at a longitudinally series of pleating locations. At least two prong receiving openings are formed between the pleating strip and the sheet at each pleating location and are spaced apart a distance substantially greater than the distance between corresponding parallel prongs on an associated drapery hook used to hang the drape.

Abstract: A fastening system for attaching a flexible sheet or cover such as a polyethylene film sheet to a structure comprising a rigid channel which extends along the line where the sheet is to be fastened and attached to the structure, and a plastic lock strip that inserts into the channel and will retain the film relative to the channel. The plastic lock strip includes a spring means that will continuously urge the lock strip into a detent holding position with respect to the channel to insure that this film is held securely even under situations where there is little tension in the sheet or film. The features further include a pinching type detent that increases the holding force for any given tension in the plastic sheet.

Abstract: A fabric is stretched across a sign framework to serve as a display face. Forming the framework are upper, lower and respective side support elements. Depending upon the particular version, a hinge or saddle is affixed to one or more of the support elements. A hinge pin tensioner has limited rotation and is coupled to a marginal portion of the farbric. In some versions, such hinge assemblies are included along more than one side of the framework. In others, different fasteners are employed along some of the support elements. In one particular approach, the fabric is stretched directly across a separate frame that, in turn, is hinged along a support element of the main framework, so that the frame may be swung away for the purpose of obtaining access to the interior of the main framework that usually encloses a source of illumination.

Abstract: A vertical corner post for use in constructing a room-bounding wall in which flexible screening and relatively rigid kick panels are vertically held between adjacently-disposed vertical support members.

Abstract: This invention is a trim lock for holding trim in relation to a frame member of upholstered furniture by wedging the edge of the trim in a slot in the frame with a flexible trim strip which prevents the trim from being pulled from the slot but can itself be pulled out to allow the trim to be released.

Abstract: A one piece extrusion for use in the manufacturing of structures including structures such as frames, wall partitions, display boards, signs, covers, filters, screens, mesh, window sash and window-like structures, such window frames, window sash and other structures and methods of making such structures and especially of making window sash. The extrusion comprises a locking element of which the main portion is formed of a substantially rigid plastic material, which is provided with spaced integral, flexible projections extending angularly outwardly from the stem of the element, and which is adapted to be inserted in a channel formed in the entire periphery of a rectangular frame so as to hold a flexible translucent, transparent, or opaque sheet locked in the channel. The flexible sheet is forced into the channel. In so doing the flexible sheet is stretched to give a smooth appearance and is locked in the channel and sealed by the extrusion.

Abstract: The attachment device is made of two piece separable construction for use in securing flexible films and fabrics, hereafter referred to as material. One element has two longitudinal grooves facing in opposite directions, one groove being larger than the other groove. The other element has two longitudinal beads that positively interlock with the grooves of the first element when the two elements are pushed together by one of said beads and the larger groove acting as a pivot and the other bead and smaller groove being engageable by relative rotational movement of said elements about said pivot. Flexing of one or both elements allows for engagement of the shallower groove and complementary bead. The said interlocking action of the two elements is utilized to capture and secure material placed between the two elements. The shallower groove and complementary bead are disengageable by relative rotational movement of the two elements about said pivot when the two elements are pulled apart.

Abstract: A space divider panel having fabric sheets positioned to extend across the side surfaces of the panel, with the edges of the fabric sheets being held by channel-like retainers which extend longitudinally along the panel edges. The improved retainer relies upon a spring-type clip for permitting secure holding of the fabric edge, which clip simplifies insertion of the fabric edge into the retainer while effectively providing a secure one-way holding of the edge to prevent its withdrawal. The spring clip solely holds the fabric edge, and accomplishes this without requiring the use of a deformable bead or strip.

Abstract: A manually adjustable open four-sided frame and a number of improved clips that cooperate to provide an assembly that removably and frictionally engages a sheet of fabric on which needlepoint or other decoration is being defined to maintain a desired portion of the sheet within the confines of the frame in a taut condition. The clips if desired may be of such structure as to positively as well as frictionally engage peripheral edge portions of the sheet material when the latter is supported in a taut condition on the frame.

Abstract: An extruded channel member is disclosed for attachment to the frame of a window or door for supporting and retaining a window barrier. The channel member has a relatively flat leg for sealing against the frame and a generally hook shaped leg attached to the flat leg and forming a longitudinal channel which opens substantially parallel to the flat leg. Preferably, the channel member is shaped in cross-section like a shepherd's crook. The channel members are sealingly attached in end-to-end relationship to the window frame and surround the window or door. A transparent barrier is mounted to the channel members to provide a sealed, insulating, dead air space between the room and the primary, all weather window pane. For use with a relatively rigid secondary barrier formed of a sheet of window pane material, or for use with a stiff flexible film such as Mylar, the channel members are attached with their channels opening inwardly toward the center of the window.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for securing a flexible sheet comprising (a) a first substantially U-shaped channel member having a web portion and a pair of opposed legs each of said legs being provided with a lip, which lips are directed substantially towards each other; (b) a second engaging member including a base and at least one depending arm, which member is adapted to engage one of the legs of said channel member with the back of the base of said engaging member facing the other leg of said channel member and the arm of said member disposed between said lip and said web; and (c) a third bar-like clamping member having a width substantially corresponding to the distance between the back of the base of said engaging member, when engaging one leg of said channel member, and the opposite leg of said channel member and a height along at least one of its sides substantially corresponding to the height of said channel member as measured between said lip and said web; the arrangement being such that upon the

Abstract: Each panel includes a pair of fibrous glass boards mounted in a generally rectangular frame having an inner peripheral flange between the fibrous glass boards and having five outer peripheral grooves for receiving finish fabric anchoring beads, generally semi-circular hollow moldings having finish fabric anchoring grooves, spaced cam members interlockable with those of an adjacent panel, and shelf bracket standards. Each panel has a pair of supporting legs and base side panels with snap-on connections to the legs. An alignment plate connects adjacent legs of adjacent panels and receives a post with a stabilizing foot extending transversely to the panels.

Abstract: A sheet material securement, including a base presenting a recessed channel, is provided with an interlocking, material-holding element adapted to be frictionally received within the channel and having a groove extending longitudinally of the element for receiving a bladed tool to provide leverage when inserting the element into the channel. In preferred forms, the groove extends the full length of the element and the tool is configured to be complementally received within a substantial portion of the groove such that the element is not deformed along its length by torque developed during insertion into the channel. The position of the groove is such that its depthwise axis is oblique to the plane of the channel mouth when the element is coupled with the channel for holding the tool remote from the sheet material.

Abstract: The device is used for fastening sheet material, such as plastic sheeting, to a framework, such as a greenhouse framework, to enclose the framework with the plastic sheeting. The device comprises an elongated channel having, in cross-section, the shape of a dovetail groove, and a zig-zag spring member which is operatively inserted into the channel, after the sheeting has been trained over and into the channel, to serve as a retaining member positively connecting the sheet material to the channels which, in turn, are secured to the framework by bolting or the like. The flanges of the channel are curved at their connection to the base thereof, and the outer edges of the channel are re-entrantly curved to form "pipes" extending longitudinally thereof. The curved edges and the inner curves of the flanges provide for smooth training of the sheeting into the channel and over the edges of the flanges.

Abstract: A snubbing assembly for releasably securing a sheet of covering material to a wall panel module. The peripheral frame of the wall panel module is comprised of channels having a web wall and at least one side wall. The channels are disposed with the web wall facing inwardly of the module and with the side wall extending outwardly thereof. A longitudinal flange extends parallel with the side wall and is spaced laterally inwardly thereof to present a footed snub. Selectively movable gate means are carried by the channel to oppose the snub. An anchor means is secured to the marginal edge portion of the covering material and is releasably secured by the opposed interaction of the snub and gate means to maintain the covering material tautly upon the face of the wall panel module.

Abstract: A two-piece assembly is provided for attaching sheet material, such as polyethylene film, to greenhouses and the like. An elongated base member is secured to a support and includes a channel longitudinally therealong for receiving a portion of the sheet material therein and which also receives a material holding element having a transverse configuration corresponding to that of the channel, the member and the element cooperating to releasably clamp the portion of the material in the channel. The element is nested in the channel in a manner such that no further tension on the material or further clamping is necessary to insure a positive holding action. The element is further designed to facilitate easy removal or replacement of the sheet material without the use of special tools or screwdrivers.

Abstract: A device for fastening sheet material, such as plastic sheeting, to a framework, such as a greenhouse construction, composes longitudinally extending channel members firmly attached to the framework at selected parallel locations, the channel members having opposing, outwardly projecting longitudinal flange portions which converge slightly towards each other to define a dove-tail cross-section groove. The entire network of channels is overlaid with the sheet material and the sheet material is depressed into the channels and held therein by a resilient retaining member, such as a zig-zag spring member which is operatively inserted into the channel and held therein by the converging flange portions, thereby positively connecting the sheet material to the channels and the framework. The sheet material is easily removed from the channel members and different thicknesses of sheet can be accommodated.

Abstract: A storm window construction includes longitudinally grooved framing strips attached to the four faces of a window casing either inside or outside the window glass. Edge portions of a clear flexible plastic membrane stretched across the window opening and spaced from the glass are held within the grooves of the framing strips by bead strips to maintain the membrane under tension and provide an insulating air space between the membrane and the glass. The bead strips are oblong and can be inserted in the framing strip grooves only along the short diameter of the bead. Once in the groove the bead strip tends to rotate into wedging engagement with cylindrical inner wall portions of the groove under membrane tension to secure the bead and membrane in place. Surface portions of each bead strip intersected by its short diameter and portions of each framing strip at the entrance to the groove may be scored or toothed longitudinally to resist removal of the bead strip from the groove of the framing strip.

Abstract: A fastener for attaching a flexible cover or sheet, such as a canvas tarpaulin, to a structure to provide a cover for the structure, and also to provide an acceptable weather seal around the cover. The device comprises a channel member fixed to the structure to be covered, and used in cooperation with a lock member having a pair of bead portions attached to the cover. The bead portions are separated by a very flexible portion of material so that the outer bead portion will move easily with respect to the inner bead portion. The two bead portions are then inserted into the channel one at a time and once in the channel are held by a detent from releasing under normal tension loads on the cover.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for hanging and stretching wall covering fabrics, characterized by the fact that it consists of a combination of sections fixed along the two lateral edges of the wall to be covered and constituted by a sole-piece one side of which is plane and the other side of which has three profiled ribs delimiting the fastening elements, and of further sections fixed along the two lateral edges of the fabric and constituted by a lath the two lengthwise edges of which have slots by which the said sections attached to the fabric are fixed by fastening to the said sections attached to the wall.

Abstract: The fabric end wall of a camper is fastened to the outer side of a frame member by a fastener detachable from inside the camper, to provide an escape opening in an emergency. The fastener comprises a pair of slotted tubular fastener elements on the outer side of the frame receiving a folded edge of the fabric wall and a flexible element in the fold and tubular elements to secure the edge of the fabric wall, the flexible element being accessible at its central portion for withdrawal to release the fabric wall.

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 manually adjustable, open, four-sided frame that may be dimensionally expanded or contracted to support a sheet of fabric on which needlepoint work is being performed in a taut condition.