Means and method of securing uniform tension upon and extending the life of silkscreen

Abstract

A linking element for use in conjunction with silk screening. The linking element, which includes apparatus enabling securement to the screening fabric, is attached to a strip of fabric to be secured to the stretching frame, enabling the use of a smaller screening fabric and more control over the tension. The element may be used in tandem.

1 . The method of securing silk screen to stretching frames, comprising the steps of: 
 cutting the screen to size;    securing the edges of the screen to a linking member, wherein the linking member includes means for securement to the screen and means for securement to the frame;    securing the linking member to the frame; and    stretching the silk screen to the proper tension.    
     
     
         2 . A securement means for use in conjunction with a silkscreen panel to prolong the life thereof, comprising a first rigid elongated element including a pair of parallel grooves extending lengthwise thereof, one to receive the edge of the silkscreen panel and one to receive the edge of a durable material membrane and means along the opposite edge of the durable material membrane for connection to a stretching frame.  
     
     
         3 . A method of securing silk screen mesh to a stretching frame, comprising the steps of: 
 cutting the silk screen mesh to size in the shape of a rectangle;    securing an elongated rigid element along each edge of the silk screen mesh;    securing a relatively strong strip of mesh to the elongated rigid elements;    securing the relatively strong strip of mesh to the stretching frame; and    placing the fabric under the appropriate tension.    
     
     
         4 . A method as in  claim 3  and further including securing a flexible strip along each edge of the silk screen mesh prior to securement to the rigid element.  
     
     
         5 . Means for securing a silk screen fabric to a frame, comprising: 
 an elongated rigid element adapted to be secured along one edge of the silk screen fabric; and    a relatively strong strip of fabric secured to the elongated rigid element at a location different from where the silk screen fabric is to be attached, whereby when the silk screen fabric is attached to the elongated rigid element and the relatively strong strip is attached to each side of the frame, the silk screen fabric may uniformly and repeatedly be tensioned.    
     
     
         6 . A device for securing adjacent pieces of fabric, comprising: 
 an elongated strip; and    said elongated strip comprising a squared wide asymmetrical W in cross section, wherein the two outside legs are approximately parallel and perpendicular to the base, and the middle leg is an asymmetrical T providing opposing outwardly protruding lips to capture the fabric.    
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the linking member includes strips of material less expensive than the silk screen thereby reducing the use to expensive silk screen.  
     
     
         8 . A method as in  claim 3  wherein the elongated rigid elements serve to prevent overtensioning of the fabric.  
     
     
         9 . A device as in  claim 6  wherein the device serves as an elevated barrier containing ink and thereby facilitates clean up.  
     
     
         10 . A device as in  claim 6  wherein the device provides a surface to support masking material.