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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         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.