Frame support for paneled screens and like structures

Abstract

A frame for a projection screen or the like may be fabricated of elongated round tubular members running one direction and polygonal (preferably rectangular) cross section members running in the other direction connected together into a grid by clamps at their intersections. The clamps are parallel plates affixed to the parallel surfaces of the polygonal support members and have a rounded groove in an edge generally conforming to the rounded cross section. Clamp means to hold the round members in the grooves are conveniently formed of U-bolts which are secured to flanges generally normal to the planar surfaces of the bracket. The frame is particularly useful for compound curved surfaces including generally spherical domes. In such configurations the rectangular elongated support members are arranged as latitudes and the round section members as longitudes outside of the rectangular members. Panels may be designed with proper curvature to have their edges mounted directly on the longitudinal frame member and butt against other panel edges supported on the frame member. An alternative form of mounting provides a flexible resilient support member supported at multiple support points from a supporting frame member and having at least one adjustable member connecting it to that support member whereby at least the radial dimension can be changed to change the curvature of the flexible members.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.