Esab, North America, Inc.

Abc Sign Products, Inc.

Gordon L Brooks

Jackson R Brooks

Brian D Brooks

Thomas M Frisby

A retention system for applying tension to a flexible sheet of material used in a sign system is shown. A support frame can be utilized to couple a material retainer which engages the flexible sheet of material. A tensioning member can be utilized to urge the material retainer into a tensioned position on the support frame. A coupling can be used to couple the tensioning member to the support frame and to allow the tensioning member to rotate about the axis of the hinged coupling, such as through a ball and socket arrangement. A spring arm integral to the support frame can be used to retain the tensioning member against the material retainer as well as to retain the material retainer against the support frame. An audible indication can be produced in establishing the tensioning member in its initial position as well as in establishing the material retainer in the tensioned position. A material retainer using an adhesive surface is disclosed for positioning the flexible sheet of material on this material retainer. In addition, a second material retainer which utilizes two interlocking members to retain the flexible sheet of material is disclosed.

Method and apparatus for retaining flexible material in a sign system

A system for automatically cutting a pattern in a material wherein a cutting blade is rotatably mounted in a holder which is also rotatably mounted in a tube. The holder also has limited linear movement in each direction within the tube. The tube is mounted to computer controlled apparatus and is moved in the desired pattern over the material to cut the pattern in the material.

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Fort Collins, CO, United States of America

Gordon L Brooks