The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 18, 2000
Filed:
Apr. 11, 1997
Gordon L Brooks, Fort Collins, CO (US);
Jackson R Brooks, Windsor, CO (US);
Brian D Brooks, Fort Collins, CO (US);
ABC Sign Products, Inc., Fort Collins, CO (US);
Abstract
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.