Sheet material tensioning apparatus
US7735541B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jun 15, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 30, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB44D3/185
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.