Abstract: A locking clamp for use in a cable system for stretching a sheet across a surface and maintaining it under tension, the locking clamp having a base member defining a first grasping surface; an elongate tongue member rotatively coupled to a first portion of the base member and defining a second grasping surface, and a locking member that is rotatively coupled to a second portion of the base member and that is configured to selectively rotate the tongue member to urge at least a portion of the second grasping surface of the tongue member into engageable contact with the first grasping surface of the base member. The base member of the locking clamp also has a hook configured to removably engage a cable of a tensioning system.

Abstract: A locking clamp for use in a cable system for stretching a sheet across a surface and maintaining it under tension, the locking clamp having a base member defining a first grasping surface; an elongate tongue member rotatively coupled to a first portion of the base member and defining a second grasping surface, and a locking member that is rotatively coupled to a second portion of the base member and that is configured to selectively rotate the tongue member to urge at least a portion of the second grasping surface of the tongue member into engageable contact with the first grasping surface of the base member. The base member of the locking clamp also has a hook configured to removably engage a cable of a tensioning system.

Abstract: A locking clamp for use in a cable system for stretching a sheet across a surface and maintaining it under tension, the locking clamp having a base member defining a first grasping surface; an elongate tongue member rotatively coupled to a first portion of the base member and defining a second grasping surface, and a locking member that is rotatively coupled to a second portion of the base member and that is configured to selectively rotate the tongue member to urge at least a portion of the second grasping surface of the tongue member into engageable contact with the first grasping surface of the base member. The base member of the locking clamp also has a hook configured to removably engage a cable of a tensioning system.

Abstract: A hinge for use in a billboard framing system comprising a stationary plate and a rotating plate. The hinge has a curved recess and motion limiting track in the stationary plate that retain a mating feature on the rotating plate. A load distribution feature on the first plate conforms to and contacts an exterior surface on the rotating plate in the open position.

Abstract: A locking clamp for use in a cable system for stretching a sheet across a surface and maintaining it under tension, the locking clamp having a base member defining a first grasping surface; an elongate tongue member rotatively coupled to a first portion of the base member and defining a second grasping surface, and a locking member that is rotatively coupled to a second portion of the base member and that is configured to selectively rotate the tongue member to urge at least a portion of the second grasping surface of the tongue member into engageable contact with the first grasping surface of the base member. The base member of the locking clamp also has a hook configured to removably engage a cable of a tensioning system.

Abstract: A cable tensioning system for mounting a vinyl sheet to a billboard frame, comprising a cable secured on a frame at one end and secured to a spring-loaded cable tensioning device at the other end. A plurality of cable guides are mounted at intervals around the frame, each of the cable guides having a channel adapted to receive the cable. Portions of the edges of a sheet are secured within a plurality of locking clips around the perimeter, each clip also having a channel to receive the cable. The sheet with the clips affixed is secured to the frame whereby cable travels through the channels in the locking clips and is guided around the perimeter of the frame by the channel guides and secured to the spring-loaded cable tensioning device. The spring-loaded cable tensioning device is deployed to tighten the cable around the frame and secure the sheet to the frame.

Abstract: A cable tensioning system for mounting a vinyl sheet to a billboard frame, comprising a cable secured on a frame at one end and secured to a spring-loaded cable tensioning device at the other end. A plurality of cable guides are mounted at intervals around the frame, each of the cable guides having a channel adapted to receive the cable. Portions of the edges of a sheet are secured within a plurality of locking clips around the perimeter, each clip also having a channel to receive the cable. The sheet with the clips affixed is secured to the frame whereby cable travels through the channels in the locking clips and is guided around the perimeter of the frame by the channel guides and secured to the spring-loaded cable tensioning device. The spring-loaded cable tensioning device is deployed to tighten the cable around the frame and secure the sheet to the frame.

Abstract: A tensioning system for a sign mounted to frame, such as a billboard sign. A single tensioning cable is provided, having a plurality of movable hooks positioned at various intervals therealong. The cable is confined by pulleys attached to the frame and extends along one horizontal portion of the frame, then along one vertical portion of the frame, to one or more tensioning winches. The movable hooks are engaged with the rods along a corresponding horizontal and vertical edge of the sign. The opposite horizontal and vertical edges of the sign are affixed by stationary or fixed hooks to the frame. By tightening the cable with the tensioning winch or winches, the cable is pulled taut along the one horizontal and one vertical edge of the sign. There is no need for separate tensioning belts and devices, which are replaced by a single tensioning cable.

Abstract: In a photocopier, a sheet hold down member with a rounded end, extends to the photosensitive drum surface from a resilient support, adjacent the edge of a pick-off blade, near where sheets conveyed to the drum surface transfer station arrive. Portions of the sheet adjacent the blade are held down by the member to contact the image bearing drum surface, thereby minimizing image lost to the sheet.