U.S. patent application number 14/163718 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-31 for system for tightening fabric panels.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hawkeye Steel Products, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Hawkeye Steel Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jonathan Reed WENSTRAND.
Application Number | 20140209258 14/163718 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51221650 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140209258 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WENSTRAND; Jonathan Reed |
July 31, 2014 |
SYSTEM FOR TIGHTENING FABRIC PANELS
Abstract
A system for tightening panels between two fixed structural
members. The system includes a mechanism which can selectively
loosen or tighten the panels between the structural members. The
system can also include flaps to conceal any gaps between the
panels as well as conceal certain structural elements. A series of
these systems can be used to create a covering for a frame made of
a plurality of fixed structures.
Inventors: |
WENSTRAND; Jonathan Reed;
(Mt. Pleasant, IA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hawkeye Steel Products, Inc. |
Houghton |
IA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Hawkeye Steel Products,
Inc.
Houghton
IA
|
Family ID: |
51221650 |
Appl. No.: |
14/163718 |
Filed: |
January 24, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61756531 |
Jan 25, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
160/392 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 15/322
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
160/392 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/61 20060101
E04B001/61 |
Claims
1. A system for tightening panels between structural members,
comprising: a housing member; a connecting member; a tensioning
bracket; the tensioning bracket and connecting member are
connected; at least one mechanism for selectively changing the
tautness of the panel wherein the panel can be stretched to a
desired tautness between the structural members.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein: the at least one mechanism is a
tensioning mechanism.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein: the housing member comprises a
first channel and a second channel; the tensioning bracket is
placed in the first channel and a second tensioning bracket is
placed in the second channel.
4. The system of claim 3, further comprising: the connecting member
attachable to the tensioning member; the connecting member
attachable to a receiving member; the receiving member connected to
the panel.
5. The system of claim 4, further comprising: a fastener at a first
end of the connecting member whereby the fastener can be tightened;
the tightening of the fastener corresponding to a greater tautness
of the panel between the two structural members.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein: the receiving member is a tube;
the tube has at least one opening wherein the connecting member
passes.
7. The system of claim 6, further comprising: a panel flap; the
panel flap attachable to the panel; the panel flap attachable to
the housing member; wherein the flap covers at least a portion of
the housing member.
8. They system of claim 7, wherein: the tensioning member comprises
a hook; the hook engageable within the first channel; the
tensioning member is L-shaped, whereby the hook will not disengage
from the first channel once the fabric reaches a particular
tautness.
9. A system for tightening panels between structural members,
comprising: a housing member; the housing member having a first
side and a second side; a first panel; a second panel; the first
side having a channel; the second side having a channel; a
tensioning bracket having a first end and a second end; a second
tensioning bracket having a first end a second end; wherein the
first end of the tensioning bracket is secured in the first
channel; wherein the first end of the second tensioning bracket is
secured in the second channel; the second end of the tensioning
bracket is connected to a connecting member; the second end of the
second tensioning bracket is connected to a second connecting
member; the tensioning bracket slidable on the connecting member;
wherein the further the tensioning member moves relative to a first
end of the connecting member, the greater the tautness of the first
panel.
10. The invention of claim 9, wherein: the second tensioning
bracket slidable on the second connecting member; wherein the
further the second tensioning member moves relative to a first end
of the second connecting member, the greater the tautness of the
second panel.
11. The invention of claim 10, further comprising: a panel flap;
the panel flap attachable to the first panel; the panel flap
attachable to the housing member; wherein the flap covers at least
a portion of the housing member.
12. The invention of claim 11, wherein: the tensioning member
comprises a hook; the hook engageable within the channel on the
first side of the housing member; the tensioning member is
L-shaped; the hook has a flat portion whereby the hook is biased in
a position that limits rotation of the hook within the channel.
13. The invention of claim 12, further comprising: a second panel
flap; the second panel flap attachable to the housing member;
wherein the second panel flap covers at least a second portion of
the housing member.
14. A system for tightening panels between structural members,
comprising: a housing member; the housing member having at least
one channel; a panel; a connecting member; a tensioning member; the
tensioning member receivable within the at least one channel; the
tensioning member connected to the tensioning member; wherein a
distance between the housing member and the connecting member can
be selectively changed and a lesser distance corresponds to the
panel having a greater tautness between structural members.
15. The system of claim 14, further comprising: a panel flap; the
panel flap attachable to the panel; the panel flap attachable to
the housing member; wherein the flap covers at least a portion of
the housing member.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein: the tensioning member is a
bracket; the bracket has a first end and a second end; the first
end within the channel; the connecting member slidable through the
second end.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein: the first end of the
tensioning member comprises a hook; the tensioning member is
L-shaped.
18. The system of claim 7, wherein: a plurality of tensioning
members housed within the channel; each tensioning member connected
to an individual connecting member.
19. The system of claim 18, further comprising: a receiving member;
the receiving member connected to each of the connecting
members.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein: each of the connecting members
distance from the housing member can be independently changed to
adjust the tautness of the panel.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to provisional
patent application 61/756,531 which was filed on Jan. 25, 2013, and
is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In recent years, a structure or building consisting mainly
of some type of fabric has been utilized for commercial, industrial
and agricultural uses. The name most commonly associated with this
structure is a `fabric building.` These fabric buildings typically
include structural elements such as a series of vertical beams,
horizontal beams, and/or trusses to form a frame for the structure
or building. The material used to cover the frame including the
roof and/or the sides of the building is a fabric instead of steel
panels. Fabrics can be utilized in a variety of applications other
than buildings including awnings and boat canopies.
[0003] In smaller buildings, the cover is typically one piece and
is pulled over the entire structure. In some larger buildings,
however, an individual section of fabric is attached between each
of the appropriate structural elements using a keder system. In
order to stretch the fabric tight between each structural element,
the structural elements are placed in a first position wherein one
or more of the structural elements can be manipulated until each
section of fabric becomes tight. The structural elements are then
secured to one another, which may require cables or perlongs to be
cut to length at the location of the structure. The manipulation of
the structural elements is complicated, takes a relatively long
time to achieve the desired tautness in the fabric panels, and adds
costs to the construction of these panel fabric buildings.
[0004] It is an object of the invention to provide a system for
tightening fabric between structural elements without manipulating
the structural elements.
[0005] It is a further object of the invention to provide a system
far covering any gaps between the fabric and the structural
elements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A system for tightening panels of fabric between structural
elements in which the structural elements have been previously
positioned. Several embodiments are possible, including ones with
different tightening mechanisms and the number of mechanisms per
structural element.
[0007] The first embodiment is a mountable system on a structural
member such as a vertical, horizontal, or truss-like beam. The
system includes dual mechanisms for tightening fabric panels
between beams. The mechanisms are tensioning bracket systems which
are opposite one another. Through manipulation of the tensioning
brackets and the tightening of bolts, one or more pieces of fabric,
or panels, can be stretched tight between metal structures such as
beams.
[0008] A second embodiment achieves similar results to the first
embodiment but utilizes a webbing or ratchet strap mechanism. The
system includes dual mechanisms for tightening fabric between metal
structures such as beams.
[0009] A third embodiment achieves similar results to the first
embodiment but utilizes a nut and bolt mechanism. The system
includes dual mechanisms for tightening fabric between metal
structures such as beams.
[0010] A fourth embodiment utilizes a similar mechanism to the
first embodiment, however, there is only one mechanism on each
beam. When there is a plurality of beams, each section between
beams will contain one tensioning bracket mechanism instead of the
dual systems of the first embodiment.
[0011] A fifth embodiment utilizes a similar mechanism to the
second embodiment, however, there is only one mechanism on each
beam When there is a plurality of beams, each section between beams
will contain one webbing or ratchet strap mechanism instead of the
dual systems of the second embodiment.
[0012] A sixth embodiment utilizes a similar mechanism to the third
embodiment, however, there is only one mechanism on each beam. When
there is a plurality of beams, each section between beams will
contain one nut and bolt mechanism instead of the dual systems of
the second embodiment.
[0013] All six embodiments can contain at least one flap in
connection with a tube and cable which can used to conceal any gaps
between the fabric panels and the structural elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a top view of a first embodiment of a tensioning
bracket based mechanism wherein there are dual mechanisms;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a top view of a first embodiment of a webbing or
ratchet strap based mechanism wherein there are dual
mechanisms;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a top view of a first embodiment of a nut and bolt
based mechanism wherein there are dual mechanisms;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the
tensioning bracket mechanism wherein there is one mechanism;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the
webbing or ratchet strap mechanism wherein there is one
mechanism;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the nut
and bolt based mechanism wherein there is one mechanism;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a top view of two dual tensioning bracket
mechanisms, one on each side of a structural element;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the systems of FIG. 7;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a top view of two dual webbing or ratchet strap
mechanisms, one on each structural element;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the systems of FIG. 9;
[0024] FIG. 11 is a top view of two nut and bolt mechanisms, one on
each structural element;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the systems of FIG. 11;
[0026] FIG. 13 is a top view of two nut and bolt mechanisms, one on
each structural element;
[0027] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the systems of FIG. 13;
[0028] FIG. 15 is a top view of two dual webbing or ratchet strap
mechanisms, one on each structural element;
[0029] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the systems of FIG. 15;
[0030] FIG. 17 is a top view of two nut and bolt mechanisms, one on
each structural element;
[0031] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the systems of FIG. 17.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] Now referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a preferred
embodiment of a system for tightening panels between structural
beams. Panels 10 are in connection with a housing member 20 similar
in purpose to what is known as a keder channel. The housing member
20 comprises at least one tensioning channel 23. The housing member
20 is secured to a structural member 24, typically with a fastener
25 such as a self-drilling screw.
[0033] A tensioning bracket 31 is placed in the tensioning channel
23. The shape of the tensioning bracket 31 is preferably one that
assists in sliding the tensioning bracket 31 into the tensioning
channel 23. The preferred shape of the bracket 31 is an L-shape
with a hook 41 at one end. The L-shape is comprised of a first
elongated member 35 and a second elongated member 38 wherein the
second elongated member 38 is the longer of the two members 35, 38.
The hook 41 can be slid in at any location of the channel 23 and is
slid in at a high angle such that the tensioning bracket 31 will be
secured once the panels have been installed. Additionally, the hook
41 preferably has a flat portion 43 which corresponds to a flat
portion of the tensioning channel 23, so that it is less likely to
rotate upward within the tensioning channel 23 in forces such as
wind events. Once the panel 10 reaches a particular tautness, the
tensioning bracket 31 cannot be disengaged from the channel 23. The
bracket 31 is held in place in the channel 23 during both
compression and/or tensioining events that cause force on the
overall structure.
[0034] A lateral tightening pocket 12 is attached to a fabric panel
10, one on either side of the structural member 24. Each of the
lateral tightening pockets 12 is attached on the other end to a
lateral tightening tube 28. The lateral tightening tube 28 has
openings 52 that allow the connecting member 26 to be inserted into
and through the lateral tightening tube 28. One end of the
connecting member 26 has a stop 50. The connecting member 26 and
stop 50 are typically one piece and can be a standard bolt.
[0035] A second end of the connecting member 26 is inserted into an
opening 52 of the tensioning bracket 31. A fastener 27 which can be
a standard nut sized to fit the connecting member 26 is tightened
until the panels 10 achieve the desired tautness. The more the
fastener 27 is tightened, the tauter the panels become.
[0036] A pair of panel flaps 11 can then be manipulated to cover
the structural member 24 and the tensioning brackets 31. A fabric
panel flap tie down tube 29 can have a cable 30 housed inside the
tube 29. The tube 29 is placed on an outside edge of the housing
member 20. The panel flaps 20 is then wrapped around or put
underneath the tube 29. Once the flaps 11 are secured and
tightened, the cable 30 can be tightened to a foundation. The flaps
11 serve both a functional purpose as the flaps seal off the gap
and the structural elements from the weather; and an aesthetic
purpose as the flaps 11 conceal the structural elements of the
invention and any open gaps.
[0037] FIGS. 7 and 8 further depict the first embodiment of the
invention wherein there are dual tensioning bracket mechanisms 55,
one on either side of each structural member 24. These figures
further show the openings 52 of the tensioning bracket 31 as well
as the ability of the invention to have more than one tensioning
bracket 31. Furthermore, these figures demonstrate how the
invention can be utilized in tandem with a number of units of the
invention.
[0038] FIGS. 4, 13, and 14 show an embodiment of the invention
wherein only one side of the housing member 20 utilizes a
tensioning channel 23 that has a tensioning bracket 31 secured in
the tensioning channel 23. This embodiment works in much the same
way as the first embodiment, however, with certain differences.
First the housing member 20 has two distinctly shaped channels. A
first side 71 has a channel that is shaped similar to the first
embodiment and can be used in conjunction with the L-shaped
tensioning bracket 71. The second side 73 has a channel preferably
of a circular shape and can be used to house a circular cord 75
known as a keder cord. The cord 75 is attached to a cord pocket 76
which extends to a panel 10. FIGS. 13 and 14 show several
embodiments used in conjunction with one another.
[0039] FIGS. 2, 9 and 10 show an embodiment of the invention
wherein there are dual mechanisms, however, the mechanisms are
webbing or ratchet strap mechanisms. Panels 110 are in connection
with a housing member 120. The housing member 120 comprises at
least one tensioning channel 123. The housing member 120 is secured
to a structural member 124, typically with a fastener 125 such as a
self-drilling screw.
[0040] The tensioning channel 123 houses at least one slidable
member 126 which can be a structure such as a D-ring. The slidable
member 126 is connected to the panel 110 through a webbing 127.
Each panel 110 is connected to a lateral tightening pocket 112
which in turn each house a lateral tightening tube 128. The webbing
127 is manipulated around the D-ring and lateral tightening tube
128 such that each panel 110 can be drawn closer or farther from
the tensioning channel 123. As the panels 110 can be connected to
two structural members 124 (one on either side of the panels 110),
the panel 110 is either stretched tighter between the two
structural members or loosened.
[0041] Due to the width of the D-rings (or the bolts in another
embodiment) and the need to tighten the panels, a gap may exist
between the tensioning channel 123 and the panels 110, therefore,
exposing certain structural elements or having openings in the
overall building design. In order to conceal the gap, flaps 111 are
connected to panels 110. A pair of panel flaps 111 can then be
manipulated to cover the structural member 124 and member 120. A
fabric panel flap tie down tube 129 can have a cable 130 housed
inside the tube 129. The tube 129 is placed on an outside edge of
the housing member 120. The panel flaps 20 is then wrapped around
or put underneath the tube 29. Once the flaps 111 are secured and
tightened, the cable 130 can be tightened to a foundation. The
flaps 111 serve both a functional purpose as the flaps seal off the
gap and the structural elements from the weather; and an aesthetic
purpose as the flaps 111 conceal the structural elements of the
invention and any open gaps.
[0042] FIGS. 9 and 10 further depict the embodiment of the
invention wherein there are dual webbing or ratchet strap
mechanisms 155 one on either side of each structural member 124.
These figures further show the attachment of the webbing 127 to the
D-ring and lateral tightening tube 128, as well as the ability of
the invention to have more than one webbing mechanism 155.
Furthermore, these figures demonstrate how the invention can be
utilized in tandem with a number of units of the invention.
[0043] FIGS. 5, 15 and 16 show an embodiment of the invention
wherein only one side of the housing member 120 utilizes a
tensioning channel 123 that is attached to a D-ring. This
embodiment works in much the same way as the dual webbing
mechanism, however, with certain differences. First, the housing
member 120 has two distinctly shaped channels. A first side 171 has
a channel that is shaped similar to the dual embodiment and can be
used in conjunction with the webbing or ratchet strap mechanism
155. The second side 173 has a channel that is preferably circular
and can be used to house a circular cord 175 known as a keder cord.
The cord 175 is attached to a cord pocket 176 which extends to a
panel 110. FIGS. 15 and 16 show several embodiments used in
conjunction with one another.
[0044] FIGS. 3, 11, and 12 show an embodiment of the invention
wherein there are dual mechanisms, however, the mechanisms are bolt
mechanisms. Panels 210 are in connection with a housing member 220.
The housing member 220 comprises at least one tensioning channel
223. The housing member 220 is secured to a structural member 224,
typically with a fastener 225 such as a self-drilling screw.
[0045] The channel 223 houses at least one slidable member 226
which a bolt sized to fit and be secured within the channel 223. A
lateral tightening pocket 212 is attached to a fabric panel 210,
one on either side of the structural member 224. Each of the
lateral tightening pockets 212 is attached on the other end to a
lateral tightening tube 228. The lateral tightening tube 228 has an
opening that allows the connecting member 226 to be inserted into
and through the lateral tightening tube 228. One end of the
connecting member 226 has a free end which allows a fastener 227 to
be connected.
[0046] The fastener 227 which can be a standard nut sized to fit
the connecting member 226 is tightened until the panels 210 achieve
the desired tautness. The more the fastener 227 is tightened, the
tauter the panels become.
[0047] Due to the width of the bolts and the need to tighten the
panels, a gap may exist between the tensioning channel 223 and the
panels 210, therefore, exposing certain structural elements or
having openings in the overall building design. In order to conceal
the gap and structural elements, flaps 211 are connected to panels
210. A pair of panel flaps 211 can then be manipulated to cover the
structural member 224 and member 220. A fabric panel flap tie down
tube 229 can have a cable 230 housed inside the tube 229. The tube
229 is placed on an outside edge of the housing member 220. The
panel flaps 220 are then wrapped around or put underneath the tube
229. Once the flaps 211 are secured and tightened, the cable 230
can be tightened to a foundation. The flaps 211 serve both a
functional purpose as the flaps seal off the gap and the structural
elements from the weather; and an aesthetic purpose as the flaps
211 conceal the structural elements of the invention and any open
gaps.
[0048] FIGS. 11 and 12 further depict the embodiment of the
invention wherein there are dual bolt mechanisms 255, one on either
side of each structural member 224. These figures further show the
attachment of the bolts 226 and lateral tightening tube 228, as
well as the ability of the invention to have more than one bolt
mechanism 255. Furthermore, these figures demonstrate how the
invention can be utilized in tandem with a number of units of the
invention.
[0049] FIGS. 6, 17 and 18 show an embodiment of the invention
wherein only one side of the housing member 220 utilizes a
tensioning channel 223 that is attached to bolt 226. This
embodiment works in much the same way as the dual bolt mechanism,
however, with certain differences. First the housing member 220 has
two distinctly shaped channels. A first side 271 has a channel
shaped similar to the dual embodiment and can be used in
conjunction with bolt mechanism 255. The second side 273 has a
channel that is preferably circular and can be used to house a
circular cord 275 known as a keder cord. The cord 275 is attached
to a cord pocket 276 which extends to a panel 210. FIGS. 17 and 18
show several embodiments used in conjunction with one another.
[0050] A summary of the process involved in any embodiment wherein
there are dual mechanisms is as follows. Once the frame which will
contain any of the embodiments is erected, the housing member
containing the channels is attached using self-drilling screws or
bolts to the structural member. The applicable connecting members
are slid into or placed within the keder channel. Location and
length of keder channel, bolts, and/or d-ring inserts are based on
documentation provided by manufacturer. The tube for the fabric
panel flap tie down and cable are then installed loosely in the top
part of the keder channel. The cable is secured on each side of the
foundation. The fabric panels are rolled out. The necessary
hardware is installed to the fabric panel, the fabric panel is then
pulled over the structure. Once over the structure and temporarily
secured at the sides, the lateral tightening tube is inserted into
the lateral tightening pocket (welded to the fabric panel) on each
end. If tensioning brackets, the bolts are slid through openings in
the lateral tightening tube and tensioning bracket, a nut is placed
on the end and is then tightened. If bolts, the bolts are slid
through openings in lateral tightening tube, a nut is placed on the
end and is then tightened. If d-ring inserts along with webbing and
ratchet straps are weaved around the d-ring and lateral tightening
tube. This is done on at all locations where the keder channel is
present. The fabric panel flap (welded to the fabric panel), is
then either wrapped around or put underneath the tube for the
fabric panel flap tie down. The fabric panel flaps are tightened.
The cable is then tightened down to the foundation.
[0051] A summary of the process involved in any embodiment wherein
there is one mechanism is as follows. Once the structure is
erected, the keder channel is attached using self-drilling screws
or bolts to the structural member. Tensioning brackets, bolts or
d-ring inserts are slid into the non-circular side of the keder
channel. Location, length and direction of keder channel, bolts,
and/or d-ring inserts are base on documentation provided by
manufacturer. The tube for the fabric panel flap tie down and cable
are then installed loosely in the top part of the keder channel.
The cable is secured on each side of the foundation. The fabric
panels are rolled out. The necessary hardware is installed to the
fabric panel. The fabric panel is then pulled over the structure,
simultaneously the keder cord and keder cord pocket are slid into
the circular side of the housing member. Once over the structure
and temporarily secured at the sides, the lateral tightening tube
is inserted into the lateral tightening pocket (welded to the
fabric panel). If tensioning brackets, the bolts are slid through
openings in the lateral tightening tube and tensioning bracket, a
nut is placed on the end and is then tightened. If bolts, the bolts
are slid through openings in lateral tightening tube, a nut is
placed on the end and is then tightened. If d-ring inserts, webbing
or ratchet straps are weaved around the d-ring and lateral
tightening tube. The fabric panel flap (welded to the fabric
panel), on the keder cord side is put underneath the tube for the
fabric panel flap tie down. The fabric panel flap (welded to the
fabric panel) on the lateral tightening pocket side is wrapped
around the tube for the fabric panel flap tie down. The fabric
panel flaps are tightened. The cable is then tightened down to the
foundation.
[0052] Having thus described the invention in connection with the
several embodiments thereof, it will be evident to those skilled in
the art that various revisions can be made to the several
embodiments described herein with out departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. It is my intention, however, that all such
revisions and modifications that are evident to those skilled in
the art will be included with in the scope of the following claims.
Any elements of any embodiments disclosed herein can be used in
combination with any elements of other embodiments disclosed herein
in any manner to create different embodiments.
* * * * *