Abstract: The present invention is generally directed towards clamps for high tension load applications. In particular, the invention relates to high holding power clamps in which fabric can be secured, and which can withstand a large amount of force, including, in at least some embodiments, the maximum amount of tension permitted in various modern high strength fabrics and/or fiber weaves. In at least one embodiment, a holding clamp has a single-V design, with at least three areas that exert pinching effects on fabric held in the clamp, and at least four capstan areas that exert capstan effects on the clamped fabric. In at least a further embodiment, a holding clamp has a double-V design, with at least six areas that exert pinching effects on fabric held in the clamp, and at least seven capstan areas that exert capstan effects on the clamped fabric.

Abstract: A hanger system including at least an upper assembly affixed to a vertically suspending location and which, in combination with a lower assembly, supports and tensions a garment therebetween to assist in either or both of de-wrinkling or steam assisted cleaning of the garment. The upper assembly includes vertically respositionable upper and lower support surface (e.g. door jamb) engaging portions. A stem extends downwardly from the upper assembly and is linearly repositionable in order to adjust a height of a garment engaged by clips defined upon a lower width extending member of a triangular frame supported by the stem. The lower assembly includes an inverted triangular design with additional clips for securing lower edge extending locations of the garment and which is also weighted to facilitate the steam cleaning and de-wrinkling process.

Abstract: A cap platen to securely hold headwear, such as caps, hats, and the like, so that graphics, including custom graphics, can be printed on the cap automatically. The platen has a vise plate to support the bill of a cap and a face plate attached to the vise plate to hold the crown of cap. Arms can be attached to the vise plate or the face plate to apply a biasing force against the sides of the cap pushed the sides of the cap outwardly away from the face plate.

Abstract: Canvas stretching locking pliers having upper and lower lateral plates disposed on the jaws thereof with the upper lateral plate having a plurality of pointed prongs for crimping the canvas and the lower lateral plate having corresponding prong apertures for receiving the prongs and canvas therein. A fulcrum extension is provided on the lower lateral plate for placement against the stretcher bar wherein lowering the articulating arms of said locking pliers pulls the canvas in a regulated manner without overstretching.

Abstract: An accessory for a clothes dryer is disclosed. The accessory for the clothes dryer is installed to clothes that will be dried in the clothes dryer, and serves not only to smooth out wrinkles in the clothes, but also to pleat the clothes. The accessory for the clothes dryer includes a load member, which is inserted into a predetermined portion of clothes in a state in which the cloths are accommodated in the clothes dryer and which serves to downwardly apply tension to the clothes, and an anti-slip member configured to prevent the load member from being separated from the clothes.

Abstract: Embodiment of the invention provide a garment support system, which may include a garment hanger and a garment bar physically unconnected to the hanger that can attach to the bottom of a garment supported by the hanger. The garment bar may include one or more clips for attaching the supporting to a garment. The support also may be weighted to provide additional support to the garment and/or to maintain a garment in a desired configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for applying canvas to a frame comprising a surface (112) for supporting a sheet of canvas and a frame, a pair of parallel members (114) mounted on the support surface of the apparatus, means (141) for retaining the canvas and the frame on the support surface and control means for controlling operation of the apparatus. Each member (114) has a clamping bar arrangement (128) operable to engage a side end of the canvas to be applied, a stretcher bar (137), clamping drive means (125) operable to engage the canvas against side edges of the frame and stretcher bar drive means (139) operable to stretch the canvas over the edge of the frame and retain the canvas in the stretched state to enable the canvas to be secured to the frame. Means (129) for adjusting the clamping bar arrangement (128) and the clamping drive means (125) are provided.

Abstract: A sheet material tensioning apparatus includes frame members interconnected one with another to define a closed contour. The apparatus applies tension to sheet material by imposing a separation between frame members to expand the closed contour. Beneficially, the sheet material tensioning apparatus includes an edge-bridging mechanism, such as a spline, to span the gap between the separated frame members. The edge-bridging mechanism maintains the continuity of the edge supporting the sheet material. The sheet material apparatus may include a crossbar assembly to add rigidity to long frame members, while maintaining planar alignment even under considerable compression.

Abstract: An attachment structure for a load bearing fabric. The attachment structure includes interfitted inner and outer rings. The outer ring includes a fabric leg 74 carrying a load bearing fabric. The inner ring defines a channel receiving the fabric leg 74. The inner ring and outer ring are configured to stretch the fabric upon insertion of the fabric leg 74 into the channel. The present invention also provides a method for securing a load bearing fabric to a support structure, generally including the steps of (a) providing an outer ring having fabric leg 74, (b) attaching a section of load bearing fabric to the fabric leg 74, (c) providing an inner ring having a channel adapted to receive the leg of the outer ring and (d) installing the outer ring to the inner ring by inserting the leg into the channel, the insertion forcing the fabric down into the channel and stretching the fabric to the desired tension.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for attaching guide means (106) to a flexible sheet (100), preferably as part of a shading system for a vehicle, and to a device provided therefor. Holding regions (102a, 102b), spaced apart from one another in a Y-direction, of a flexible sheet (100) extending in an X-direction and a Y-direction are spaced apart from one another by being acted upon with a predetermined pretensioning force (Fv) acting in the Y-direction, with the result that a pretension state is achieved. Subsequently, in a further processing state which corresponds to the pretension state or to a pretension state relieved by the amount of a predetermined relief distance (S3) in the Y-direction with respect to the pretension state, guide means (106) extending parallel to one another in the X-direction and spaced apart from one another in the Y-direction are fastened to the sheet (100).

Abstract: A quilt design holding device comprising a non-woven fabric sheet with top and bottom surfaces both impregnated with a non-transferable dry tack adhesive. Printed on the front surface of the fabric sheet is a grid pattern made of perpendicularly aligned first and second straight gridlines spaced one-inch apart with a one-inch margin along the top, bottom, and side edges. Inches and feet are labeled in the one-inch margin along the top, bottom, and side edges of the grid. The top and bottom edges and two side edges of the grid are marked with indicia at ½-inch, ¼-inch, and ?-inch intervals. Optional diagonal guidelines are printed on the grid pattern to help temporarily align selected pieces of fabric used to make a quilt on the device for viewing.

Abstract: A quilt design holding device comprising a non-woven fabric sheet with top and bottom surfaces both impregnated with a non-transferable dry tack adhesive. Printed on the front surface of the fabric sheet is a grid pattern made of perpendicularly aligned first and second straight gridlines spaced one-inch apart with a one-inch margin along the top, bottom, and side edges. Inches and feet are labeled in the one-inch margin along the top, bottom, and side edges of the grid. The top and bottom edges and two side edges of the grid are marked with indicia at ½-inch, ¼-inch, and ⅛-inch intervals. A first diagonal guideline is printed on the grid pattern from the top edge twelve-inch vertical gridline to the left side twelve-inch horizontal gridline. A second diagonal guideline is printed on the grid pattern from the right edge 48-inch horizontal gridline to the bottom edge 36-inch gridline and is parallel with the first diagonal guideline.

Abstract: A method includes steps for modifying tensile stresses in an unpainted canvas that is mounted on a frame under applied tensile stresses. The canvas is formed of material that can undergo heat-shrinking when at or above a thermoplastic shrinking temperature, and can undergo heat-softening when at or above a thermoplastic softening temperature. The method includes heating the canvas to a temperature at or above the thermoplastic shrinking temperature and the thermoplastic softening temperature. The method further includes maintaining the canvas at a temperature at or above the thermoplastic shrinking and softening temperatures. This induces heat-shrinking, and thereby increases the tensile stresses in any portions of the canvas in which the applied tensile stresses are less than the opposing stresses of the heat-shrinking.

Abstract: Members to be coupled have hollow coupling parts at opposite side surfaces, a coupling member has, at opposite ends, press-fitting parts which are press-fitted in the hollow coupling parts, and angle shape concavities and convexities having crests which are corrupted upon press-fitting are formed on at least either one of an inner peripheral surface of the hollow coupling part and an outer peripheral surface of the press-fitting part. When the opposite end parts of the coupling members are press-fitted in the hollow coupling parts of the members to be coupled, the crests of concave parts of the angle shape concavities and convexities are corrupted by the opposed surface so as to be made into close contact with and firmly coupled to the associated surface, thereby it is possible to surely couple a pair of members to be coupled with a simple work.

Abstract: A V-shaped spring steel frame having depending legs coacts with a manually gripped, T-shaped pelt-drawing member that is longitudinally movable along the frame legs for forcibly stretching a fur pelt attached to the drawing member downwardly over the frame. The drawing member provides variable spacing between the frame legs, releasable locks for securing the member and the frame against relative longitudinal movement, and a sizeable flat handle to which portions of the pelt are removably secured during pelt stretching and drying.

Abstract: A rectangular cloth fixing frame for use in painting or embroidery. The frame including a plurality of frame portions. Each frame portion including a surface projection near an outer periphery of a front surface thereof and a fixing fitting groove on the outer peripheral end surface. Corner members connect the frame portions so as to form the cloth fixing frame. A cloth such as a canvas of a desired shape is spread over the rectangular frame, a plurality of fixing elements are driven through the canvas and into the fixing fitting groove to thereby fix the canvas to the rectangular frame under tension.

Abstract: A device for stretching a screen on a roller frame includes at least three torsion stations and a support structure. Each torsion station includes a torsion tool, for example, a wrench head, which can be attached to one end of one of the sides of the frame and torqued for the purpose of stretching the screen. Each torsion tool is attached to a shaft structure at a first pivot point. Each shaft structure is attached to the support structure at a second pivot point. Each shaft structure has a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder positioned intermediately along its length for altering the length of the shaft structure between its first and second pivot points, thereby causing the wrench head to torque and rotate one of the rollers of the frame. A control panel allows the operator to activate all of the pneumatic cylinders simultaneously and with substantially equal forces, thereby resulting in a more rapidly and evenly stretched screen.

Abstract: A sheet stretcher (7) comprises a base (7a), which has a hole (17) for slidably receiving an expanded portion (5) formed at an edge of a sheet (2), a slit (18) communicating with the hole (17) and through which the end portion (11) of the sheet (2) continuous to its expanded portion (5) is insertable, a hole (19) for slidably receiving a further expanded portion (5) formed at an edge of a further sheet (2), a slit (20) communicating with the hole (19) through which the end portion (11) of the further sheet (2) continuous to the further expanded portion (5) is insertable.

Abstract: A free-standing, ergonomically adaptable support stand for needleworkers and similar craftspersons has a single support leg, which may be arranged for positioning on either the right or left of a seated artisan, an adjustable work support arm, a rotatable work holding clamp and an adjustable pattern holder. A floor-mounted base, which may be placed to the right or left of the legs of a seated artist, has a portion which passes under the chair and allows a work piece to be conveniently positioned without obstruction to the feet or legs and permits the craftsperson to sit in a comfortable and relaxed position. All movable parts are provided with friction adjustments which, once set, require little attention. Being of wooden construction, the stand is light-weight, easily managable and maintenance-free.

Abstract: A frame is provided to conveniently hold and store a contoured stretch sheet having pretensioned elastic at the ends and corners. After folding the sheet with the ends together, the ends are stretched around one end of the frame and the sheet is connected the other end of the frame at the fold line. The frame has central joints to allow subsequent lengthwise folding and storing of the sheet.

Abstract: A panel fabric fastening system is disclosed which includes fastening devices mounted along the edges of the panel, each of which includes a plurality of pointed elements. Fabric is stretched over the panel and is engaged by the pointed elements to retain the fabric in a stretched position over the sides of the panel. A cap device may be installed over the fastening devices to cover the ends of the fabric and provide an aesthetic finish. The fastening devices may be easily installed and removed.

Abstract: A machine for stretching fabric over a panel frame has a surface for supporting the frame in a preferably horizontal position. The frame is usually rectangular, and sets of opposed jaws are arranged around the perimeter of the supported frame, with the jaws being interconnected by a pneumatic piston-cylinder actuator. One of the jaws is also connected to a second actuator, which induces downward movement of the jaws to stretch the grasped fabric over the panel frame. The latter actuators are energized by a common pressure source to equalize the tension on the opposite sides of the panel frame.

Abstract: An apparatus including an outer hoop securable about an inner hoop to secure a web of fabric therebetween for embroidery thereof. The inner hoop includes lighting means directed interiorly thereof including an independent battery supply to effect illumination of the lighting means. The lighting means may include a series of bulbs formed within a central hollow cavity of the hoop, or alternatively may include an elongate, fiber optic transmission cable mounted through the inner hoop formed of translucent material.

Abstract: A method of gripping corner of a strip of cloth, which may be applied to, for example, systems for spreading strips of cloth, including a first step of suspending a rectangular strip of cloth by gripping one corner thereof, a second step of gripping the lowermost corner portion of the strip suspended in the frist step, a third step of raising substantially vertically either one of the gripped points of the strip gripped in the first and second steps, a fourth step of applying braking force to the other gripped point in order to apply tension to the strip, and a fifth step of holding substantially horizontally one side of the strip having a corner portion which is adjacent to the gripped points, and gripping the corner portion of the strip which is adjacent to the gripped points of the strip gripped in the first and second steps, respectively.

Abstract: An adjustable base for supporting a selected one of a plurality of needlework frames of different sizes includes an H-shaped structure and slider plates which are receivable in the end recesses of the H-shaped structure, each slider plate carrying a support arm which is attachable to an end of the needlework frame. When changing from one frame to a different frame of a different size, the slider plates are easily adjusted in or out to vary the distance between the support arms to accommodate the new frame.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a stretcher frame assembly for mounting fabrics such as are used by artists for mounting canvas for painting and other works. The stretcher frame comprises interconnected frame sections having ridges on the inner periphery thereof to which the edges of the fabric are secured by removable means such as spring clips. The stretcher frames are particularly suitable for use in art classes where such frames may be reused.

Abstract: Animal pelts of varying sizes are stretched on a hoop made of a single length of elongated resilient metal bar formed into a circular shape with its ends overlapping in a portion of its circumference. One end of the bar is terminated with a swivelled clamp comprising a toroidal guide through which the adjacent overlapping section of the hoop passes and through the side of which a screw having a T-handle is passed to engage and clamp the hoop. The other end of the bar is terminated with a swivelled, toroidal guide through which passes the adjacent overlapping section of the hoop. One or more flexible, tubular retainers are positioned between the two ends over both adjacent overlapping sections of the hoop to prevent warping.

Abstract: A planar mounting board for needlework designs includes a multiplicity of evenly spaced perforations or holes along the periphery thereof to facilitate the precise mounting thereto of a canvas or fabric containing a completed needlework design by stitching the canvas or fabric to the mounting board through the perforations therein.

Abstract: A novel pelting board removes the need for pins or other tack-like fasteners and allows for better drying of the pelts along edges of the board. The board's frame of non-absorbent plastic has channels along its edges, a dam to direct air to the channels, and a lattice of girders between the edges for improved airflow. Clips hook onto the lattice girders to hold the underside and tail. This pelting board allows faster drying with reduced sticking of the pelt to the board.

Abstract: A collapsible work holding structure adapted to position a work piece over a person's lap while the person is seated in a chair or the like. The structure can be easily folded into a compact unit without the necessity of removing the work piece and can be readily adjusted to position the work piece at various heights and angles to optimize accessibility to the work.

Abstract: A fabric stretcher includes a pair of clamps for holding the ends of a length of fabric. Each clamp includes a cylindrically-shaped member which has the fabric wrapped once there around. A semicylindrically-shaped cover member covers the fabric on one side of the cylinder and the fabric is wrapped once again around the clamp so as to force the cover onto the fabric beneath it to hold the same in place. A plurality of rods having pins extending from the ends thereof are located between the clamp members and stretch the fabric transversely.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for disposing and stretching fabric about a frame, including first and second fabric locking members for releasably receiving and securing thereto the opposing peripheral edges, respectively, of a piece of fabric drawn about the frame. Each such locking member includes a support surface for receiving the frame, and a mechanism for releasably receiving and securing the fabric's edge in a manner that the fabric is disposed against the rear of the surface of the frame to facilitate the securing of the fabric by suitable fastening means, such as nails, tacks, etc. to the frame.

Abstract: A holder for a needlework frame usable by a seated operator includes a base member upon which the operator may sit and a support member pivotally attached to the base member from which a clamp bar for holding the needlework frame extends. The needlework frame is attached to the clamp bar through the use of a C-clamp and the clamp bar may be vertically adjusted above the lap of the operator through the use of a longitudinal slot provided in the support post, while the clamp bar may also be rotated about its horizontal axis so as to adjust the angle of the needlework frame relative to the operator. The clamp bar may be removed and the support post may then be pivotally collapsed against the base member to facilitate storage and transporting of the holder.

Abstract: An apertured rectangular foil of substantially inextensible sheet metal, e.g. nickel or steel, has a hole at each corner engaged by a resiliently biased gripper exerting on it a diagonally outward force to hold the foil stretched in a surrounding tenter frame supporting these grippers. The frame is provided with marginal ledges, underlying the foil at least along the major sides of the rectangle, onto which the foil edges are releasably pressed by toggle clamps.