Abstract: A device for zone-by-zone tensioning of a flat material, especially an embroidery hoop. According to one possible solution, tensioning and clamping are brought about by a change in the circumferential length of a tensioning member that can be filled, by a gas or a fluid and another solution brings this about by twisting a tensioning member. To generate a strong tensioning force in the material, it is proposed in the first solution that the tensioning member be designed as a crease-free tube with a body. By selecting a cord angle of the body, tensioning can be achieved by increasing or decreasing the pressure and by increasing or decreasing the circumferential length. According to another solution, the tensioning member is designed as a torsion body that can be twisted in itself, preferably as a reinforced hollow body, which may also form a closed ring. To increase the tensioning force without unduly stressing the material, the device is designed with a rigid outer ring and a twistable inner ring.

Abstract: An armrest storage assembly (20) disposed for use with a vehicle seat assembly (22) includes a lower tray (28) and a top closure member (30) generally referred to as substrates (28,30). Each substrate (28,30) includes an upper periphery forming a U-shaped channel (46). A fabric material (20) is wrapped about the substrate (28,30) having an edge (52) disposed within the U-shaped channel (46). The armrest assembly (20) further includes a U-shaped retainer ring (54) for interlocking disposition in the channel (46). The retainer ring (54) includes gripping members (72) for gripping the material (20) as the retainer ring (54) is forcibly inserted in the channel (46) and for retaining the material (20) in the U-shaped channel (46).

Abstract: A construction for supporting a flexible sheet is disclosed which includes a U-shaped channel having opposing flanges that are adapted to receive a complimentary spline member for frictionally engaging a flexible sheet, such as window screen, between a surface of the spline member and an adjacent inner surface of one flange of the U-shaped channel. The structure has several practical applications including the construction of window screens, electrostatic air filters of the charged media type, storm windows of plastic film and the like. An improved construction for an electrostatic air filter of the charged media type is also disclosed.

Abstract: In the representative embodiments of diffusion devices disclosed in the specification, a diffusor support member and a flexible sheet-like diffusor are connected in sealing relation along peripheral edges by continuous clamping and sealing arrangements. One form of the clamping and sealing arrangement comprises a U-shaped clamp which embraces the edge of the support member and the peripheral edge of the diffusor. In another form of clamping and sealing arrangement, two strip members held apart by a third strip are inserted into a groove in the support member so as to clamp the diffusor in the groove. Additional strengthening members for the support member and hold-down members for the diffusor are also disclosed.

Abstract: An upholstery system for a vehicle accessory includes a substrate with a U-shaped channel adjacent an edge and including a lip extending from one wall. A trim member includes spaced locking tabs which underlie the lip for compressibly holding an edge of upholstery material in the channel. In one embodiment, pins in the trim ring extend through the material and into apertures in an outer flange of the channel. In another embodiment, the locking tabs are formed on the substrate and the trim member includes interengaging locking slots.

Abstract: A clip formed from a resilient wire rod having a circular cross sectional configuration utilized for installing a canvas stretcher frame within a decorative picture frame. The clip has an elongated central body portion connecting first and second legs at opposite ends thereof. A sharpened projection extends from the free end of a first leg while a resiliently deformable retaining portion is formed adjacent the free end of the second leg. The diameter of the wire rod is smaller than the clearance space formed between the rabbet groove of the picture frame and the adjacent rail or stile of the stretcher frame. The first leg is inserted into the clearance space with the central portion overlaying the clearance space portion of the rearwardly facing edge of the rabbet groove, and thereafter the clip is rotated so the central section swings over the adjacent rail or stile of the stretcher frame.

Abstract: Improvements to the design of metal frames of security screens are disclosed. The improvements, each of which may be applied individually or in conjunction with any combination or all of the other improvements, include a retainer groove in the frame into which is inserted the ends of the screen mesh and of a tension retainer bar to prevent the mesh and bar from pulling away from the screen frame when a force is applied against the screen mesh, a second line of tension retainer bar fasteners, grooves on the retainer wall of the tension retainer bar to prevent fasteners from slipping during insertion, vinyl or felt extender tongues extending from the frame perpendicularly to each other, refinements to the design of the screen frame to maintain the structural integrity of the screen frame while accommodating the aforesaid retainer groove, and the insertion of the ends of a center brace into slots in the outside frame members or the use of insertion keys to better secure the center brace.

Abstract: A retainer strip assembly for securing screening and the like to a framing member comprises a base strip fastened to the framing member and having preferably two grooves parallel to the long dimension of the base strip, each groove for holding one spline with the marginal portion of the screen wound thereabout and separated by a channel defined by a left and a right wall and a floor, and a cap strip releasibly secured to the base strip by downwardly depending catches hooking onto inwardly protruding lips formed on the left and right walls of the channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting sheet material of the type having perforated marginal edge portions comprises a base adapted to receive and support the sheet material with the base having upstanding ratchet toothed stanchions positioned about its periphery. A cover bearing a handle has latch means adapted to receive and operatively couple with the upstanding stanchions to allow the base, cover and sheet material contained therebetween to be easily hand carried. The base is provided with upstanding pins positioned to register with the marginal edge perforations of the sheet material and guide flanges mounted to the base guide the sheet material into proper position atop the base.

Abstract: A stretch frame in combination with a fabric anchoring member is formed from a lower section having a concave upper surface and a transparent flexible plastic upper section. Fabric is grasped between the sections when they are drawn compressably together. The curved surface grasps the fabric ends without damaging the fabric which is particularly advantageous with hemmed ends. The clear upper section allows the artist to visually observe the coloration of the fabric ends. The anchoring members are mounted on light weight side frame members to form a frame easily handled and placed on the artist's easel.

Abstract: A holder for flexible material comprising a flat base on which the material rests and at least one hinged side flap adapted to fold over on top of an edge of the material to hold the material in positon, characterized in that beneath the/or each hinged flap an upstanding wall extends from the base to form a backstop and a corresponding flange descends downwardly from the flap adjacent the hinge, the flange and wall being so arranged and dimensioned that when the flange is opened by upward hinged movement from the base ready to receive an edge portion of material, the bottom edge of the flange rests on the upper free edge of the wall to keep the flap open, on closure of the flap the bottom surface of the flange being arranged to `cam` over the upper surface of the wall, the wall, flange and/or hinge resiliently moving until the flange is free of the wall to close down over material positioned on the base.

Abstract: An embroidery hoop comprises an inner ring and a split outer ring circumscribing the inner ring. The outer ring is adjustable in diameter relative to the inner ring to bring the inside surface of the outer ring into abutment with the outside surface of the innner ring. A ridge and a mating groove provided on the abutting surfaces prevent lateral displacement of the rings and thereby enable the fabric to be stretched across either side of the hoop and to be embroidered on either surface. The ridge and groove also urge the rings together as the fabric is pulled taut within the hoop, increasing the bite of the hoop upon the fabric. Legs may be affixed to one of the rings for supporting the hoop on a supporting surface during embroidery.

Abstract: A device for clamping a multiplicity of emblems to be monogrammed or embroidered receives and positions the emblems in an assembly comprising a base plate, an emblem insert plate, and a clearance plate. A clip plate and a cover plate are hingedly attached to the base plate and the emblem insert plate. Aligned apertures are provided in all of the plates permitting access by the sewing needle to the emblem held within the device. A plurality of projections is provided around the periphery of each aperture in the clip plate to grippingly engage the edge of each emblem to be monogrammed or embroidered. The cover plate is formed so as to apply a substantially constant pressure across the clip plate and to the projections provided therein.

Abstract: A quilting frame assembly includes a first rectangular frame extending generally horizontally, and legs supporting the first frame to receive a quilt thereover, to drape downwardly adjacent the frame sides, and a second rectangular frame having four elongated members, at least two of such elongated members comprising sections which are relatively movable lengthwise of the members to vary the overall lengths of the members, whereby the second frame is adjustable in size to fit closely about the quilt, at the level of the first frame, to firmly position the quilt on the first frame; springs are usable to urge the sections of each member toward one another.

Abstract: An improved two-piece lock for securing polymeric sheeting for use in covering greenhouses. The lock has an elongated lower member affixed to the frame of the greenhouse and one or more layers of polymeric sheeting are held in the lock between the lower member and an upper member. The upper member has two downwardly extending bars one of which fits into a channel of the lower member and the other of which abuts a concave contact bar of the lower member which faces the channel.

Abstract: A tentering apparatus for tensioning a sheet-like member, for example, a membrane used in an electrolyzer. The apparatus includes four clamping assemblies arranged in a frame-shape configuration within an outer frame member, and a fastener, such as a threaded bolt and wing unit, for fastening the clamping assemblies to the outer frame members and for tensioning the sheet-like member.

Abstract: Edge finished and edge binding for tarpaulins and the method and apparatus for finishing edges of tarpaulins in which the tarpaulin or separate edge binding material is made from a heavy duty fabric of the type woven of high density yarn and in which, at desired intervals along a center line, a series of holes is provided. The apparatus includes a rotating punch die and a slack bar for slackening the material to be punch/cut in advance of the punching/cutting operation. The mechanisms for advancing punch/cutting, slackening and taking up the processed material are timed.

Abstract: The locating of a pet door within a screen, such as a screen door. A frame in the form of a molding is composed of a pair of members which are to be tightly clamped together with the screen therebetween. The frame forms an enclosed area. A portion of the screening material within the enclosed area has been removed. Within the enclosed area is swingably mounted a door. The door is to be swingable from a closed position located substantially within the enclosed area to an extended position permitting movement of a domesticated animal through the enclosed area.

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 adapted for clamping at least a portion of its periphery of a sheet-like member. One pair of clamping assemblies have studs at each end rotatably mounted at the ends of the second pair of clamping assemblies. A planar sheet-like member is tensioned by clamping the periphery of the sheet-like member and applying a pulling force generally outwardly and normal to the second pair of clamping assemblies and rotating the first pair of clamping assemblies to cause a pulling force generally normal to the first pair of clamping assemblies.

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 device for holding flexible sheet material to a structure including a fixed element that is attachable to the structure and has at one end an elongated cavity and at the other end an intrinsic lock mechanism and a locking device having at one end an arm for holding sheet material against the interior portion of the cavity and for bearing against the open edge of the cavity, the locking element also having the second half of an intrinsic lock device that is adapted to snap into the intrinsic lock device half on the fixed element.

Abstract: A hoop for holding a piece of textile and a backing web for embroidery on the textile piece comprises outer, intermediate and inner rings. The outer ring is generally rigid, formed of a limitedly elastically deformable synthetic resin, and has a generally polygonal inner periphery generally centered on an axis. The intermediate ring is formed of a limitedly elastically deformable synthetic resin and has an outer periphery generally complementary to and axially fittable with limited play within the inner periphery of the outer ring and a generally polygonal inner periphery. Thus the intermediate ring can be elastically deformed and snapped into the outer ring with the backing web gripped between the inner periphery of the outer ring and the outer periphery of the intermediate ring. The inner ring is formed of a limitedly elastically deformable synthetic resin and has an outer periphery generally complementary to and axially fittable with the limited play within the inner periphery of the intermediate ring.

Abstract: Window thermal insulation device for thermal insulation of a window opening area, including a plurality of linear members arranged in successive end to end relation for forming a perimetric selectively sized and shaped enclosure frame defining a window space therewithin, a like plurality of interconnectors for interconnecting the adjacent ends of the linear members, linear locking grooves in the linear members and extending therealong peripherally outwardly of the window space, a pliable plastic thermal insulation sheet extending across the window space of the frame and having its peripheral margins disposed correspondingly in the locking grooves of the linear members, a like plurality of linear cover strips having linear locking tongues projecting therefrom and disposed correspondingly in gripping contact with the adjacent portions of the peripheral margins of the plastic sheet and in releasable locking engagement with the adjacent locking grooves and arranged for maintaining the plastic sheet in substantial

Abstract: A stretcher frame for stretching and holding fabric during stitching and/or painting and for permanent display. The stretcher frame includes a first frame member with an outer rectangular U-channel portion and a second frame member having an inner rectangular U-channel portion which fits matingly within the outer U-channel portion of the first frame member so that fabric may be sandwiched between the inner and outer U-channel portions when they are fitted together. Further features are provided to snap-lock the inner U-channel within the outer U-channel and also to provide for removal of the inner U-channel from within the outer U-channel.

Abstract: This invention relates to carrying cases for fragile items in general, and more specifically to a unique carry case having cooperating panels that can be adjusted relative to one another to support various sized artist oil canvas.

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: The assembly comprises first and second tracks of extruded polyvinyl chloride plastic which, when interfaced, become a hinged clamp. When snapped or clamped together, the tracks tighten and securely clamp fabrics of varying weights. By providing relatively elongated tracks, the installation of the fabric is greatly facilitated in that extended marginal edges of the fabric can be clamped in a single clamping motion. There is no need for a special tool requiring successive stuffing of the fabric into a biased slot and the labor and time involved therewith.

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

Abstract: The device consists of a pair of semicircular, transparent sheets of resilient plastic material, one of the sheets having molded on one surface a series of pegs which are insertable through the mesh of the screening. The other sheet has a corresponding pattern of holes to receive the pegs such that the two semicircular sheets can be secured together with a portion of screening between them in sandwich fashion. The device is used to reinforce and protect the mesh screening adjacent to the handle of a screen door so that bulging or accidental puncturing of the screening is avoided.

Abstract: A thin-film window for a nuclear instrument comprising a frame ring, a thin film tightly stretched about the frame ring, a clamp ring for securing the thin film about the frame ring in a tightly stretched condition, and securing means such as a weld or glue, for securing the clamp ring to the frame ring. The thin-film window is manufactured by first preparing the frame ring and clamp ring by cleaning and removing stresses on the rings, cooling the frame ring to a temperature below that of the clamp ring, stretching a thin-film over the frame ring, clamping the clamp ring over the thin-film and frame ring while the film is stretched thereover, maintaining the clamp ring over the frame ring until they are at the same temperature, removing the excess film along the outside edges of the rings, and securing the rings together.

Abstract: A screen assembly includes a rectangular mesh sheet with several parallel security strands of insulated conductive wire extending between opposite sides of the sheet. Insulated cross wires lie on a face of the mesh near the opposite sides thereof, are joined by welding or soldering to points on the security strands, and are cut at selected locations to provide a sinuous electrical path through the screen. A spline of insulative material extends around the border of the mesh sheet and encapsulates the locations where the cross wire is joined to the security strands, the spline including upper and lower spline portions lying on opposite faces of the mesh and sealed together through the mesh. A frame for holding the screen includes a pair of frame halves that snap together, with the lower half having an undercut slot that receives a flange at the periphery of the spline, the lower frame half also having a stop surface opposite the undercut slot which abuts the inner edge of the spline.

Abstract: The covering for a window has a pair of base and top or cap frame strips having complementary shaped engaging surfaces including longitudinally extending ribs and grooves, and where the base frame strip is adapted to be secured to a window frame casing or wall surface and such strip has a series of sharp pointed devices carried thereby and extending upwardly therefrom less than the thickness of the top frame strip so that a plastic sheet can be impaled on the sharp pointed devices and means secure the frame strips together and to the window frame in such a manner that the plastic sheet is in sealed engagement with and between the frame strips.

Abstract: The within improvements are applicable for window construction kits of the type used for providing storm, screen, sun-block, and/or tinted window coverings wherein, as understood, an appropriate film, such as plastic or the like, is attached by a so-called spline about its peripheral edges within a supporting frame. Among other improvements, the disclosure contemplates an optimum T-shape in the spline which provides an attached, conveniently gripped flat surface to the spline to facilitate its film-stretching entrance into said frame, to more readily place the spline into and remove it from its attached connection to said frame, as well as contributing to an enhanced appearance in the window and providing a dust cover thereto. The within disclosure also contemplates an adhesive system to facilitate attachment of the frame to a variety of surfaces.

Abstract: A frame for holding and stretching liquid crystal films for thermographic diagnosis of cutaneous and sub-cutaneous disorders. A foil coated with the liquid crystals is held and stretched by the frame. The frame comprises an outer member 1 which is secured to inner member 2 by clips 3 registering in openings 8. The frame members are contoured so the stretching is effected without formation of folds.

Abstract: A tarpaulin composed of a sheet and edge reinforcing strips attached to the sheet along the edges thereof, only the strips being provided with perforations, at the intended locations of holding eyes, and the sheet being free of perforations so that the perforations in the strips present blind holes, whereby, for use, the sheet can be punched through only at the locations where holding eyes are required while the remaining edge portions of the sheet are left unperforated and thus unweakened.

Abstract: A frame for holding and stretching liquid crystal films for thermographic diagnosis of cutaneous and subcutaneous disorders. A foil coated with the liquid crystal is held and stretched by the frame. The frame comprises an .[.outer.]. .Iadd.inner .Iaddend.member 1 which is secured to .[.inner.]. .Iadd.outer .Iaddend.member 2 by clips 3 registering in openings 8. The frame members are contoured so the stretching is effected without formation of folds.