Abstract: A composite frame member that includes a longitudinally extending external member that defines a longitudinally extending internal cavity within which a longitudinally extending internal member is disposed. The internal member and external member, while being distinct components, are constructed and arranged to cooperate in a substantially synergistic fashion that seeks to provide a frame member having superior strength characteristics. Further, the internal member and the external member cooperate to define an accessible stapling channel that is capable of being readily stapled into. The external member includes walls that at least partially bound the internal cavity. The internal member is disposed within the internal cavity and defines the stapling channel, wherein the stapling channel receives a cover sheet and staples through an opening defined by the external member.

Abstract: A frame construct for holding at least one planar mesh or membrane in set-apart relationship from a structural port(a1). Individual frame pieces, top, bottom and sides, are cut to desired lengths and joined to form a glazable frame. Shapes other than of rectangular geometry are obtainable through use of variously angled joiners. Peripheral grooving on both frame faces is receptive of a spline that secures the planar mesh or membrane to the frame, which is then dogged to or otherwise secured in place on/over an opening such as a window, door or the like. Corner elements of the construct also serve as joiners; and, one spline may also comprise a weather strip.

Abstract: A double channel mounting strip is provided for a fabric-covered awning with a beaded end of the covering fabric secured in place in one of the channels and a beaded end of a flap fabric is held in place in the other channel so that the flap hangs down in a uniform and smooth unruffled fashion when the covering fabric is pulled taut on the awning mounting frame.

Abstract: A construction assembly for closures, including awnings, canopies, boat coverings, signs and displays having a frame composed of aluminum and the like including channelled, joinable members preferably for assembly by welding into a frame, a covering material formed from a textile, and flexible trim pads for interlocking the covering material into the channels of the joinable members. The assembly includes staples to act as anchors to hold the material into place before forced insertion of the flexible fasteners. The joinable members may have a square, rectangular, round, or triangular shape when viewed in cross section. In one embodiment, the joinable members may have one or more cantilevered flanges suspended therefrom for framing or to provide for attachment to another structure or to provide support for other structures such as a light diffuser. This construction also improves the overall integrity of the member. In cross section, the joinable members have a round or a multi-sided configuration.

Abstract: A method of installing insulation under a pre-existing roof of a building of a type having a spaced apart structural beams standing in one direction under the roof and a plurality of spaced apart elongated purlins extending transversely to the structural beams and being supported by the structural beams. Purlin clips are used which connect to the purlins at the top and to a lower support member at the bottom thereof. The method includes installing an upper support member across from one to the other of an adjacent pair of purlins. An upper strip of insulation is positioned between adjacent pairs of purlins above the upper support member whereby the strip of insulation will be supported by the upper support member. A lower strip of insulation is attached at one end into one of the structural beams, under the upper layer of insulation, and to the other of the structural beams at the other end thereof.

Abstract: A composite frame member that includes a longitudinally extending external member that defines a longitudinally extending internal cavity within which a longitudinally extending internal member is disposed. The internal member and external member, while being distinct components, are constructed and arranged to cooperate in a substantially synergistic fashion that seeks to provide a frame member having superior strength characteristics. Further, the internal member and the external member cooperate to define an accessible stapling channel that is capable of being readily stapled into. The external member includes walls that at least partially bound the internal cavity. The internal member is disposed within the internal cavity and defines the stapling channel, wherein the stapling channel receives a cover sheet and staples through an opening defined by the external member.

Abstract: A convertible top having improved supporting means (16, 36, 46, 50, 56 and 58) for securing pliable covering (10, 12, and 14) to the linkage assembly. The means for securing the pliable covering (10, 12, and 14) includes one or more grooves (18, 20 and 22) supporting means (16, 36, 46, 50, 56 and 58) and attaching means (24, 26, 28) on the pliable covering (10, 12 and 14) which engages a groove (18, 20 or 22) in the supporting means (16, 36, 46, 50, 56 and 58) to secure the pliable covering (10, 12 and 14) in place. A method of assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hydrotherapy bed includes a substantially water-tight enclosure having an open top. The top of the enclosure is covered by an upper and lower layer of thin rubber having an intermediate layer of thixotropic gel approximately one half inch thick. The rubber layers are mounted in a peripheral groove using a strip of T-shaped molding and a supporting net is mounted beneath the lower rubber layer in another peripheral groove by attaching edge loops of the net to a plastic coated half hinge which is inserted into the peripheral groove. A pair of parallel tracks is mounted inside the enclosure and an array of upwardly directed water jets is carried on a cross member which is movable along the tracks. The cross member is coupled to an endless cable wound around pulleys mounted at ends of the tracks. One of the pulleys is coupled to a motor which drives the cross member along the tracks. The cable is kept from crossing over itself on the drive pulley by threading it through a TEFLON.RTM.

Abstract: A construction system comprising a method and an article employed in said method which is used to engage the edge of adjacent membranes along the top of a beam constituting an arch in a tension membrane structure and pull the membranes toward each other by tightening alternate bolts attached to the beam and the edge of the membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and an apparatus for mounting and deployment of retractable covering devices, in particular, light control window covering including a lobed head rail to prevent creasing and/or skewing of the window covering when rolled up, the head rail having means for attaching the window covering which insures proper alignment of the window covering. Also included are a bottom rear rail having an antiskewing device which comprises a slidable weight for compensating for skewed roll up; a flip-catch device for preventing wrong-way roll up of the window covering; and a top-catch mechanism for preventing both wrong-way roll up and over rotation in the proper roll up direction.

Abstract: A stretching frame for a fabric material provides for spring mounting of the four frame sides. The frame sides are tubular. At each corner of the frame is a bracket which slides within the adjacent frame tubes. A tensioning device at each end of each of the frame sides may be set to provide an appropriate urging force by tensioning a spring. Each side has a slot for insertion of the fabric edge and a locking rod to hold the fabric edge in place within the slot. The frame may be used for a range of fabric sizes by changing spring length or characteristic used for tension development. In use as a silk-screen, the side forces applied to the fabric during the printing stroke is taken up by the springs such that a minimal amount of distortion is experienced by the fabric and stencil thereon.

Abstract: A low-profile, light-weight advertising display is provided for exhibiting advertisements on trucks, billboards and the like. The advertising display is provided with a self-tensioned display panel which resists sagging and wrinkling by virtue of its own elasticity, and a display panel mounting which allows convenient installation and removal.

Abstract: A structural member useful for awning structures, including: an elongated bottom wall; two elongated side walls orthogonally joined to the bottom wall; two inwardly facing, elongated top wall segments orthogonally joined to the side walls to define a stapling groove between the opposing distal edges of the top wall segments, such that a portion of a sheet of fabric may be inserted into the groove; a stapling platform disposed internally of the structural member, parallel to the bottom wall, and orthogonally attached to and extending between the side walls, such that the fabric may be stapled to the stapling platform; a first, elongated hollow channel disposed internally of structural member, defined between the stapling platform, the first and second side walls, and the bottom wall; first and second reinforcing walls disposed between and attached to the first and second top wall segments, respectively, and the stapling platform; second and third elongated hollow channels disposed internally of the structural

Abstract: A construction assembly for attaching a flexible covering material to a fixture. The construction assembly employs a reusable support member having a pair of substantially circular openings with griping teeth protruding therefrom. At least one elongated locking bead employed for securely positioning a covering within the circular openings and an elongated trim pad operatively associated with the support member for securely maintaining locking beads in position.

Abstract: A vinyl lattice panel mounting structure of aluminum comprising a channel fixed to or formed as a part of a panel supporting structure member and a fixing strip for engagement with the vinyl lattice panel edge which is received in the channel and resists withdrawal of the panel edge from the channel.

Abstract: In the roller screen unit of the present invention, a clutch mechanism based on centrifugal effect using balls is provided with a ratchet member in which a cylindrical portion having notches between engaging grooves of a stator member and floating grooves of a rotator member, to perform stepwise operations of drawing/expanding, winding/housing and stopping the screen member. The roller screen unit of the present invention is provided with a braking mechanism having a top member, for controlling rotation of the rotator member during winding/housing of the screen member, centrifugally in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the rotator member. In addition, a connecting portion having side edge turnups or beads portion is provided at an end of the screen member and are engaged with groove provided in the longitudinal direction of the roller sleeve to simplify and facilitate to attach the screen member to the roller sleeve.

Abstract: An environmental barrier having a flexible panel member such as a screen panel for easy cleaning, said barrier attached to a window frame and having insert members on opposite sides of the panel member which are positioned in insert receipt channel members positioned on the window frame with resilient strips on the panel members being compressed and sealing the other edges of the panel member which is held in place by catch members and a window utilizing such panel member.

Abstract: The present invention discloses various novel methods of conjoining parallel structural members of awning or other fabric framing structures, as well as an apparatus for accomplishing those methods. By properly orienting the structural members to be conjoined and securing them together with a properly formed clamp, the existing staple channel cover may also serve as a light and water tight seal between fabric covered sections of such structures. Various combinations of such structural members are disclosed, with methods described of conjoining those members and providing for sealing between such members.

Abstract: A screen enclosure apparatus, for use in screened windows, porches, doors and other screened-in builiding structures, capable of controllably breaking away upon excessive impact of resultant wind pressures on the frame of the apparatus. A frame structure having a channel running along the frame's length, serves to releasably or frangibly receive spline material which displaces or fractures at a predetermined resultant pressure. The spline serves to releasably secure a screen sheet, within the channel of the frame itself, so as to preclude damage which would otherwise occur not only to the screen sheet, but also to the supporting frame structures, when such high wind pressures are exerted thereon--to reduce the structural rigidity requirements for such frames.

Abstract: A fabric awning assembly, method of assembling the same from multiple sections of awning frames, and a novel divider bead for spanning the joint between adjacent sections of awning frames. Staple receiving channels in awning frame extrusions at the end of each section face like channels in adjacent sections so as to facilitate the use of only one divider bead between adjacent sections. The divider beads include protrusions for securing awning fabric within the channels and for protection from pooling moisture. The divider beads, when installed between adjacent sections of fabric awning frames, create the aesthetic impression that the adjacent sections are actually one continuous assembly.

Abstract: A spline channel in a frame member is used in combination with a spline for securing a screen to the frame member. The spline channel includes a bottom wall having two end walls extending upwardly therefrom and terminating in inwardly extending lips. One of the lips extends further inwardly than the other of the two lips. The spline includes opposite side edges, one of which is forced into the recess beneath the longest lip so as to force the screen into the recess between the spline and the end wall of the channel. The opposite edge of the spline is then pressed downwardly until it snaps into the channel and holds the screen in place.

Abstract: This invention relates to a false ceiling, constituted by a taut sheet fastened, along its edges, to a support fixed to the walls of a room, said false ceiling being characterized in that the rail presents a downwardly open recess, defined by two vertical flanges of different heights, namely a first flange of small height and a second flange of greater height and extending downwardly further than the first flange, and in that the first flange, of small height, of the rail terminates, at its lower end, in a shoulder extending horizontally in the direction of the second flange of greater height and stopping at a distance therefrom in order to define, between the second flange and the shoulder, a passage allowing the introduction of the harpoon, forming the edge of the taut sheet, upwardly in the recess.

Abstract: A fastener for sheet material includes a fork member mounted on a fixture and having a pair of outwardly diverging arms, and a keeper member which is placeable in a locking position between the arms. A portion of sheet material disposed between the fork member and the keeper member is held therebetween even when a tensioning force is applied to the portion, since the portion thereby applies a torsional force to the keeper member to bias the keeper member into a locking position within the fork member.

Abstract: A tensioning connector, particularly suitable for tensioning the flexible membrane of a sign. The sign membrane is tensioned with a mechanical connector having two connecting components with generally interlocking surfaces. The interlocking surfaces have interengaging, mating, linear ridges. The cross section of the ridges has a generally sawtooth configuration. Both of the surfaces of each sawtooth ridge made an acute angle with the plane of the ridge tips. Importantly, both of these surfaces are on the same side of a normal to the plane.

Abstract: A frame for canvas or other cloth is made up of rectilinear sections assembled to form a predetermined polygonal shape having rectilinear sections of channel members (10, 12, 14) having several sides. Each channel member have at least one longitudinal groove (20) along one of the sides thereof. The groove receives the edge of a cloth (28) mounted to the frame. An elonagted tensioner (26) extends around the entire frame and is held securely in the groove (20); the latter being provided with a narrow slit (24).

Abstract: A fabric juncture assembly comprising an interlock and connectors, where the fabric panels are secured to the latter. Assembly is assured by a male-female latching mode variously presented along adjacent edges of the interlock and the connectors. As a result, a secured relationship is positively achieved between the interlock and the connectors and, at the same time, a watertight relationship.

Abstract: A construction assembly for closures, including awnings, canopies, boat coverings, signs and displays having a frame composed of aluminum and the like including channelled, joinable members preferably for assembly by welding into a frame, a covering material formed from a textile, and flexible trim pads for interlocking the covering material into the channels of the joinable members. The assembly includes staples to act as anchors to hold the material into place before forced insertion of the flexible fasteners. In cross section, the joinable members have a round or a multi-sided configuration.

Abstract: A molding strip assembly is provided to secure a flexible covering on a support surface. The assembly includes a molding element attachable to the surface, and a mounting element that snap-fits into and is secured by the molding element. Each molding element has a retaining channel to lockably receive a latching structure that projects downwardly from a support wall of the mounting element. The covering may extend along the support wall and be retained by the latching structure. Prefabricated contour elements may be used at angular intersections of two or more molding elements, and an optional base molding element may be used to form routing channels for electrical wires. Molding strip assemblies are combined into framework systems to cover wall or other surface areas with great flexibility of design.

Abstract: A canopy assembly includes a frame composed of a plurality of elongated elements interconnected to form an array to which a fabric is secured and stretched. Portions of the fabric are secured in tension into corresponding different ones of the elements, and corresponding ends of respective elements are connected together to form the frame. At least some of the elements each respectively have an H-shaped cross-section with space-opposed pairs of each of mutually-spaced legs projecting individually away from respective opposite ends of the crossbar of that cross-section. A variety of different devices may be used alternatively to secure the portions of fabric to the different elements, while creating tension in the fabric. A number of different interconnectors may be used alternatively or in various different combinations to connect corresponding ends of respective different elements in the formation of the frame.

Abstract: An improved track and spline or clip member defining a mechanical fastening system for attaching sheet or cover material to the track in a positive manner, wherein the track includes a channel having an improved configuration comprising a base member with a central V-shaped bottom wall surface fluted at the outer edges thereof, inclined inner side wall surfaces, a dual durometer plastic insert clip or spline having a central semi-rigid body member, and integrally formed outer rigid wing members arranged to be inserted in the channel for locking engagement therein with the sheet material being interposed between the track cahnnel and the spline.

Abstract: A sheet gripping assembly for gripping either single ply or double ply thin pliable sheet material such as plastic film. The gripping assembly has a mating channel to be secured to a support with the sheet material spanning the open channel side, and a channel-shaped cap which snaps over the base channel to grip the sheet material between the channel and cap in such a way that edgewise tension in the sheet material tending to separate the cap from the base channel urges their sheet gripping edges into more firm sheet gripping relation, thereby to more firmly grip the sheet material. The primary application of the invention is securing plastic film to an open frame structure to form a greenhouse enclosure.

Abstract: A two-piece closure device for a shower curtain includes a wall attachment strip having a pre-applied adhesive backing for adhering such strip to a vertical wall surface adjacent an end edge of the shower curtain, and a curtain attachment clip adapted to be fastened to an end edge of the shower curtain in alignment with the wall attachment strip by folding a flap on one side of the curtain attachment clip over until a projecting rib portion on the flap moves into locking engagement in a channel on the curtain attachment clip with the curtain edge disposed therebetween. The wall attachment strip and curtain attachment clip have releasably interfitting male and female portions for releasably connecting the two pieces together.

Abstract: A molding strip assembly is provided for use in covering a support surface with a flexible material and is particularly adapted for retaining facing interior marginal edges of a pair of material panels within the interior of a framework which surrounds the area to be covered on the support surface. The molding strip assembly has a base wall to be positioned adjacent the support surface and first and second raised support walls along opposite lateral sides of the base wall. The support walls are oriented and supported in spaced relation above the support surface. Preferably, first and second interior side walls extend between the base wall and the first and second raised support walls, respectively, to define a U-shaped channel region; first and second outer side walls extend downwardly from the first and second raised support walls, respectively, and terminate in outwardly turned attachment flanges for securing the strip to the support surface.

Abstract: A sheet gripping assembly for thin pliable sheet material, such as plastic film comprising either a single sheet or two separate sheets disposed face to face. The sheet gripping assembly has an elongate base with a longitudinal channel opening through one longitudinal side of the base for receiving the sheet material to be gripped and a sheet lock insert which coacts with the channel side walls to grip the sheet material between interengaging longitudinal edge formations on the sidewalls and insert. A second sheet lock insert is provided to secure one sheet of dual sheet material within a second channel in the base.

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: 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: 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 frame strip for use in window frames or other arrangements for securing the edge of either a flexible sheet or a rigid sheet provides a strip member incorporating a cavity having two sides. One side is straight and the other side is generally parallel to the first side and incorporates a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being closer to the first side than the second portion and being interconnected by a curved section. The space between the first portion and the first side is sufficient to receive the narrow side of a rectangular locking member, the other side of which is shorter than the distance between the edge of the interconnecting portion and the bottom of the cavity and longer than the space between the second portion and the first side so that the locking member is prevented from rotation within the cavity to retain a flexible sheet wrapped therearound.

Abstract: A panel frame created by attaching molding pieces or tracks to a wall or other substrate to support a fabric panel whose margin has an excess tail that is anchored in the tracks. Each track is constituted by a plastic extrusion having a flat base that lies against the substrate and an overlying profiled strip having an edge wall joined to the base at right angles thereto along a line intermediate the upper and lower edges of the base, the section of the base below this line functioning as a mounting flange for the track. The strip further includes a raised flat face which is parallel to the base to define a storage channel therebetween, the face extending from the edge wall to a rounded cove terminating in a bent-in nose that normally abuts the upper border of the base to define a dilatable inlet leading into the storage channel.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for holding tensile sheet materials for covering a surface. The device comprises a two-part track adapted to be mounted on a surface to be covered; a first part of each track having one longitudinal slot. The slot has a pair of confronting side walls which are ridged. Elastic splines are inserted into the slot over the sheet material. The spline and ridged slot frictionally hold the sheet material in a tension position; and a second L-shaped second part which is parallel to said first track. The sheet material is adapted to be pulled over the edge of the edge of the L-shaped second part so that a hairline flat seam in the tensile sheet material is formed.

Abstract: An optical disk assembly includes a web assembly having a flexible disk-shaped support web carrying a record layer. The support web has an information storage region. A pair of annular retaining ring members engage opposite sides of an annular peripheral region of the web assembly to clamp the support therebetween are formed from malleable stock material which is deformed during assembly of the optical disk assembly to provide a locking interfit therebetween with the peripheral region of the web assembly interleaved between the ring members. The peripheral region of the support is wrapped about an annular reference surface of one ring member and is pushed into an annular recess with undercut area in that ring member. The other ring member is deformed into the recess undercut.

Abstract: An optical disc assembly includes a flexible disc-shaped support carrying a record layer. The support has an information storage region. A pair of annular retaining ring members engage opposite sides of an annular peripheral region of the support as the ring members close together to clamp the support therebetween. The peripheral region of the support is wrapped about an annular reference surface of one ring member and is pushed into an annular recess in that ring member. Cooperative surfaces on the ring members provide a locking interfit therebetween with the peripheral region of the support interleaved between the ring members.

Abstract: A silk screen printing frame includes a tensioning device for tensioning the silk screen printing fabric in such a way that in the side walls of the frame a groove of C-shaped cross-section is arranged. To tension the screen fabric, the fabric is looped around a clamping strip, which is inserted into the groove opening. The clamping strip is elastically deformable and occupies an increased width under tension, so that after the clamping strip has snapped into the groove, the screen fabric is taut. The clamping strip is arcuate and consists of an elastically bendable spring material of plastic or metal.

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: A device and method for holding tensile sheet materials to cover surfaces is disclosed. The device comprises a pair of parallel tracks adapted to be mounted on the surface to be covered with each track having at least one longitudinal slot. The slot has a pair of confronting side walls which are ridged. An elastic spline is inserted into the slot over the sheet material. The spline and ridged slots frictionally hold the sheet material in tension.

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: A device and method for holding tensile sheet materials to cover surfaces is disclosed. The device comprises a pair of parallel tracks adapted to be mounted on the surface to be covered with each track having at least one longitudinal slot. The slot has a pair of confronting side walls which are ridged. An elastic spline is inserted into the slot over the sheet material. The spline and ridged slots frictionally hold the sheet material in tension.

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 film retaining and tensioning element is provided in which the film passes between a pair of facing channel members adapted to be embedded one within the other and having complementary sinuous profiles whereby the inner channel pivots on the outer during assembly and progressively pinches and stretches the film. As tension on the film increases the locking effect further increases.