Abstract:
A furniture jig comprises a frame member positioning portion and a spring stretcher portion with at least the positioning frame portion having a rotating feature. The positioning frame portion may surround the spring stretcher portion and comprises constraint members that define receiving regions, such as slots or channels, into which furniture components, such a box frame members, may be inserted. The receiving regions of the jig frame maintain the furniture components upright or in other useful orientations at least until they are affixed together. In embodiments, the spring stretcher has a plurality of spring receiving portions on which the ends of a spring can be releasably engaged. Support members extending from the spring receiving portions operate to move the spring receiving portions from a spring loading position in which the springs can positioned on the tips to a spring attachment position where the springs are securable to the frame members. Drive portions, such as pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders move the spring receiving portions and support members between the respective positions. A control processor can automate the motions and be activated by a pedal or other switch.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/586,689, entitled FURNITURE ASSEMBLY JIG and filed Jan. 13, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/591,829, entitled SEAT WITH ELASTOMERIC SUSPENSION WEBBING AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE and filed Jan. 27, 2012, which are incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is generally directed to a furniture assembly jig for positioning furniture components for attachment of fasteners and other components in the assembly of a furniture item. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a furniture jig for tensioning and positioning springs or an elastomeric suspension webbing on frame components for securing the springs to the frame components in the assembly of a furniture item having a flexible seating surface. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A conventional chair or sofa typically comprises a rectangular frame or “seat box” having a having at least one cushion supported over a plurality of elongated springs stretched between the sides of the seat box. Another common configuration, particularly in sofas, is stretching a downwardly deflectable wire webbing between the sides of the seat box. The wire webbing frequently comprises interlinked wire, coiled springs or s-shaped springs, collectively referred to as the “seat springs.” The springs are typically stretched across the frame of the seat box to provide a flexible, yet supportive seating surface in which the seat springs stretch axially in response to weight applied transversely from a sitting individual being such that the seating surface flexes downward to provide a contoured and more comfortable seat. The springs are typically mounted to the frame such that the springs initially under tension maintaining at level surface until a person sits on the seat cushions. The pre-tensioned springs also bias the seat surface back to a level surface after a seated person stands up. The frame is often assembled prior to the springs being attached to provide the structural support for tensioning the springs. The inherent drawback of pre-assembling the frame is that the large frames used for sofas and other seating furniture can be difficult to maneuver and position for attachment of the springs making assembly tedious and labor intensive. 
     The springs stretch to provide a contoured seating surface for individuals seated on the sofa until the downward weight of the seated person equalizes with the force required to continue stretching the springs, thereby stopping the downward decent of the seated person. In order to accommodate the weight of a wide range of possible weights, including people weighing several hundred pounds, without breaking, the springs typically have high tensile strength requiring substantial axial force to stretch. The significant tensile strength required to tension the springs individually can be labor intensive requiring repeated application of significant physical exertion to stretch and attach each spring. In addition, the strength required to stretch all the springs at once is often too much for single individual requiring the springs to be attached individually or in small groups. An obvious manufacturing concern is always minimizing the amount of labor and time of construction in manufacturing furniture. In the arena of mass marketed furniture, the improving assembly time by even a minimal amount can result in cost savings. The tedious and tiring process of stretching and attaching the springs can create a substantial bottleneck in the manufacturing process, particular as workers continue to tire from manually stretching the springs. 
     Known spring stretchers can reduce fatigue in the assembler, but can be equally if not more time consuming than manually assembling the springs. Although handheld mechanical springs stretchers can make stretching and maintaining the springs in the stretched position easier, affixing the springs to the seat box while attached the handheld stretcher and then removing the stretcher can be even more tedious and time consuming. 
     The inherent manufacturing challenge of tensioning and installing high tensile springs on the seat box of a furniture item creates a need for a means of efficiently attaching tensile springs in furniture assembly. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a furniture jig for assembling the components of a furniture item including assembly of a seat box frame and stretching springs or an elastomeric webbing between the components of the seat box frame. The webbing can comprise a network of interconnected elastomeric strands that can be elongated when a weight is placed on the webbing and return to their original length when the weight is removed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the furniture jig generally comprises, a furniture frame positioning portion and a spring stretcher. The furniture frame positioning portion defines a plurality of receiving regions, such as slots or channels, for receiving frame components for the seat box. The receiving regions are positioned around the spring stretcher portion such that the frame components are arranged in a generally rectangular configuration around the spring stretcher portion when the frame components are inserted into the receiving regions. In certain embodiments, the receiving regions are shaped to maintain the furniture components upright or in other useful orientations at least until the components are affixed to each other. The spring stretcher portion comprises at least one pair of arms each having a tip with a spring receiving portion to which an end of a spring or a loop of the webbing section can be releasably engaged. The pair of arms can be moved by a positioning assembly including drive portions, such that the spring receiving portions are moved apart to axially stretch the spring or webbing section. In certain embodiments, the arms can be oriented such that the movement of the spring receiving portions to tension the spring or webbing section, positions the ends of the spring into engagement or proximate the corresponding frame members when the spring is properly tensioned for easy engagement of the spring to the seat box. 
     In certain embodiments, an elastomeric webbing can be attached with the furniture jig instead of a metal spring. The elastomeric material may be less likely to be deformed or damaged than metal coil springs thereby preventing sagging and reducing the likelihood of product returns. Different elastomers can be used to vary the resilience of the receiving surface according to the intended use of the furniture item. In one aspect, the network can comprise more than one layer of interconnected elastomeric strands, each layer having the same or different resiliencies to customize the resilience of the seat cushion receiving surface. 
     In an aspect of the present invention, the density or thickness of strands can be varied across the network such that the resilience of the receiving surface varies across the surface. In one aspect, the density or thickness of strands can be greater along the edges of the receiving surface than in the center of the receiving surface. In this configuration, the center can more easily deform, while the edges are more rigid thereby providing a receiving surface that is both comfortable and supportive. In particular, the more rigid edges are particularly advantageous at the arm rests which will typically not have lateral connection to the frame. 
     In another aspect, the strands of the network can be arranged into a plurality of interlocking diamonds. In this configuration, the interior strands of the network each define a shared strand between two diamonds. Each diamond can define a first diagonal and a second diagonal, wherein the first diagonal is transverse to the second diagonal. The first diagonal can also be greater in length than the second diagonal. In one aspect, the network can be oriented such that the first and second diagonals are transverse to the edges of the seat box. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the furniture jig can further comprise a rotatable mount for rotation of the jig frame and the spring stretcher portion allowing operators to quickly reposition the furniture item during assembly for efficient insertion of the seat box frame components as well as fasteners for securing the frame components and the springs. In certain embodiments, the rotatable mount can further comprise an elevating assembly for moving the jig frame vertically relative to the spring stretcher portion to position the seat box into engagement with the ends of the spring for fixation of the spring to the seat box frame. 
     A furniture jig, according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a jig frame and included within or part of the jig frame, a furniture frame positioning portion, a spring stretcher portion, and a rotatable mount. The jig frame can further comprise a plurality of frame members each defining a slot for receiving a component of the seat box, wherein the frame members are arranged in a generally rectangular orientation. The spring stretcher portion further comprises a positioning assembly with powered portions and at least one pair of arms movable by the positioning assembly between a first orientation and a second orientation. Each arm can comprise a curved shape with a tip having a spring receiving portion, wherein the pair of arms is arranged in a mirrored orientation such that the tips having spring receiving portions are pointed in opposing directions. In certain embodiments, the positioning portion is adapted to rotate the arms between a first position and a second position, wherein the tips are moved apart horizontally as the arms are rotated into the second position. In this configuration, the rotation of the arms also lowers the tips vertically such that the spring receiving portions are positioned proximate to the slots of the frame members. In certain embodiments, the positioning assembly is adapted to move the arms horizontally between a first position and a second position to increase the horizontal distance between the spring receiving portions of the corresponding arms. In this configuration, the positioning assembly can be adapted to raise the jig frame to position the spring receiving portions are positioned proximate to the slots of the frame members. In certain embodiments, the positioning assembly is adapted to move the arms in a complex curve between a first position and a second position to increase the horizontal distance between the spring receiving portions of the corresponding arms and for attachment to the furniture frame components. 
     In operation, the first position corresponds to a first horizontal distance between the spring receiving portions that approximates the length of a standard spring at rest or slightly compressed. In the first position, the ends of the spring receiving portions can be operably engaged to the spring receiving portions without tensioning the spring or webbing. The second position corresponds to a second horizontal distance between the spring receiving portions that approximates the length of the spring at the appropriate tension, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance. Similarly, the spring holding portions position the ends of the spring proximate to the furniture components inserted into the slots of the frame members for engagement to the components when the arms are positioned in the second position. In one aspect, the furniture components can each be pre-fitted with at least one engagement member for engaging the ends of the spring or loops of the webbing. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the furniture jig can further comprise an elevating assembly for elevating the jig frame independently of the spring stretcher portion to move furniture components independently of a spring positioned on each pair of arms. In this configuration, the spring stretcher portion can initially stretch the spring by positioning the arms into the second position before the jig frame is lifted by the elevating assembly such that the furniture components retained on the jig frame proximate with the ends of the spring for engagement of the springs to the furniture component. 
     A furniture item, in one aspect of the present invention, can comprise a seat box having a rectangular frame and at least one suspension webbing section. The rectangular frame can comprise at least two opposing walls defining the sides of the frame and two opposing end walls defining the ends of the frame. Each opposing wall can comprise a plurality of engagement features spaced along the length of the wall for engaging and affixing the edges of the webbing to the opposing walls. The opposing walls are spaced such that engaging the edges of the webbing to the opposing walls tensions the webbing. In this configuration, the webbing defines a planer receiving surface over the seat box. In one aspect, the engagement features can define hooks insertable into the diamonds positioned along the periphery of the network to secure the webbing to the opposing walls. In another aspect, the seat box can comprise at least one seat stretcher extending between the opposing walls for preventing bowing of the opposing walls due to the stretched webbing. 
     A furniture jig for assembling a furniture item, according to an aspect of the present invention, comprises a first frame vise, a second frame vise and a positioning assembly. The first frame vise defines a first slot for receiving and positioning one of the opposing walls. Similarly, the second frame vise defines a second slot for receiving and positioning the other opposing walls. The positioning assembly is adapted to move the first and second frame vises between a first position in which the frame vises are separated by a first distance and a second position in which the frame vises are separated by a second distance. In operation, the edges of each webbing section are affixed to the opposing walls when the frame vises are positioned in the first position. The when the frame vises are separated by the first distance, the webbing can be affixed to the opposing walls without significantly tensioning the webbing. Once the webbing is affixed to the opposing walls, the frame vises are pulled apart until separated by a second distance to tension the spring. The end walls can then be affixed to the opposing walls to fix the opposing walls and maintain the tension on the spring. 
     A method of assembling furniture according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises providing the furniture jig having the jig frame and spring stretcher portion mounted on a rotatable mount, wherein the jig frame comprises a plurality of frame members each defining a channel for receiving a furniture component, wherein the spring stretcher portion comprises a pair of arms each having a tip. The method also comprises inserting a furniture component into each of the channels, wherein the channels are arranged in a generally rectangular configuration around the spring stretcher. In one aspect, the method can comprise fastening furniture components retained by the jig frame to each other with fasteners. The method further comprises positioning the arms of the spring stretcher portion in the first position with the positioning assembly such that the ends of the arms are positioned a first horizontal distance and engaging the tips of the arms with the ends with a spring or loops of a webbing such that the spring or webbing extends between the tips. The method further comprises stretching the spring or webbing by moving arms into the second position in which the tips are separated by a second horizontal distance greater than the first horizontal distance, wherein the ends of the spring or webbing are positioned proximate to the components positioned in the primary channels. Finally, the method can comprise elevating the jig frame to engage the components to the ends of the spring or webbing. 
     A method of assembling a furniture item having an elastomer spring suspension, according to an aspect of the present invention, comprises providing a furniture jig having a first frame vise defining a first slot, a second frame vise defining a second slot and a positioning assembly. The method further comprises positioning a first opposing wall having a first plurality of engagement features into the first slot and positioning a second opposing wall having a second plurality of engagement features into the second slot. The method also comprises positioning the first and second frame vises with the positioning assembly such that the first and second opposing walls are a first distance apart. The method further comprises engaging the edges of at least one webbing section to the first and second plurality of engagement features such that the webbing is suspended between the first and second walls. The method also comprises tensioning the webbing by moving the first and second frame vises apart with positioning assembly such that the first and second opposing walls are separated by a second distance, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance. Finally, the method comprises positioning at least one end wall between the opposing walls to maintain the separation between the opposing walls and tension on the spring. 
     The above summary of the various representative embodiments of the invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the invention. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art can appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the invention. The figures in the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention can be completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the furniture assembly jig according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the furniture assembly jig according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevational view of the furniture assembly jig according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a side elevational view of the furniture assembly jig according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective cross sectional view of the furniture assembly jig according to an embodiment of the invention with connecting lines removed for purposes of clarity. 
         FIG. 6  is an elevational cross sectional view of the furniture assembly jig according to an embodiment of the invention with connecting lines removed for purposes of clarity. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the jig of  FIG. 1  with furniture frame components received therein. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the jig and furniture frame components of  FIG. 5  with additional furniture frame components that together form a rectangular furniture frame. 
         FIGS. 9 through 15  illustrate an exemplary sequence of steps for attaching springs onto a furniture frame. 
         FIG. 16  is a side view of a hook clip attached to a cross frame member. 
         FIG. 17  is a view of the hook clip of  FIG. 16  with a spring secured therein and with the hook bent down to capture the spring. 
         FIG. 18  is a view of a spring suitable for attachment by the jig disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 19  is a schematic side view of a furniture assembly jig according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a representative top view of a seat box illustrating positioning of a webbing section on the seat box. 
         FIG. 21  is a representative top view of a seat box illustrating positioning of a webbing section on opposing walls of the seat box. 
         FIG. 22  is a representative top view of a seat box illustrating expanding the opposing walls to tension the webbing section. 
         FIG. 23  is a representative top view of a seat box illustrating affixing of an end wall to the opposing walls to maintain the tension on the webbing section. 
         FIG. 24  is a representative side view of a furniture jig illustrating insertion of opposing walls into vises of the furniture jig according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 25  is a representative side view of the furniture jig of  FIG. 24  illustrating closing of the vises to retain the opposing walls. 
         FIG. 26  is a representative side view of the furniture jig of  FIG. 24  illustrating positioning the vises such that the opposing walls are a first distance apart. 
         FIG. 27  is a representative side view of the furniture jig of  FIG. 24  illustrating positioning the webbing section onto the opposing walls. 
         FIG. 28  is a representative side view of the furniture jig of  FIG. 24  illustrating positioning the vises to pull the opposing walls apart and tensioning the webbing section. 
         FIG. 29  is a representative side view of the furniture jig of  FIG. 24  illustrating securing the webbing section to the opposing wall while tensioned by the furniture jig. 
         FIG. 30  is a representative side view of the furniture jig of  FIG. 24  illustrating affixing an end wall to the opposing walls to maintain the tension on the webbing section. 
         FIG. 31  is a representative side view of the furniture jig of  FIG. 24  illustrating opening the vises to release the webbing section. 
         FIG. 32  is a representative side view of the furniture jig of  FIG. 24  illustrating removing an assembled seat box from the furniture jig. 
         FIG. 33  is a representative side view of the furniture jig of  FIG. 24  assembled by the furniture jig according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 34  is a representative plan view of spring webbing, such as an elastomeric webbing, loaded on a series of arms each with two hook prongs. 
         FIG. 35  is a representative plan view of the webbing and arms of  FIG. 34  expanded into a hooking engagement with hooks on a furniture frame. 
         FIG. 36  is a representative plan view the webbing of  FIG. 35  with the arms retracted away. 
         FIG. 37  is a representative view of an example of the motion of an arm attaching the elastomeric webbing of  FIGS. 34-36  and then moving away there from. 
     
    
    
     While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 1-6 , a furniture assembly jig  20 , according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises a jig frame  24 , a furniture frame member positioning portion  25  and a spring stretcher portion  28 . Generally, the jig frame  24  is adapted to receive and position a plurality of frame components for a seat box. The jig frame  24  can position the frame components at the proper spacing and orientation for receiving fasteners to assemble the seat box or attaching other furniture components for the furniture item. Similarly, the spring stretcher portion  28  is adapted to receive at least one axially stretchable spring and apply an axial force to the spring to stretch the string to a predetermined tension. The spring can comprise coiled springs, s-shaped springs, interconnected spring webbing and other conventional springs or elastic structures that are attached to furniture seat boxes for providing a flexible seating surface. The spring stretcher portion  28  also positions the springs after stretching such that the ends of the spring are positioned proximate to the frame components of the seat box for receiving fasteners or engagement with fasteners secured to the frame components to attach the springs to the seat box. As depicted in  FIGS. 20-23 , the furniture jig  20  can be used to attach a webbing  206  comprising at least one webbing section  216  each comprising a network of interconnected elastomeric strands  218 . In one aspect, the strands  218  can be arranged in a cross-webbing configuration extending between the opposing walls  210 . In this configuration, the strands  218  form a plurality of diamonds that expand or contract to provide a spring force. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 20-23 , in one aspect, each webbing section  216  can comprise an edge strand  220  that is thicker than the internal strands  218 . The thicker edge strand  220  provides additional support along the edges of the webbing section  216 . As depicted, the edge strand  220  can be positioned along the unattached edges the webbing section  216  perpendicular to the opposing walls  210 . In one aspect, the strands  218  can be arranged such that the density of strands  218  increases near the edges of each webbing section  216 . As shown in  FIGS. 20-23 , the density of strands  218  can be increased by making the diamonds formed by the strands  218  smaller and increasing the strands  218  in that area. 
     The webbing  206  can be formed from injection molding of various commercial quality thermoplastic elastomers such as, but not limited to styrene block copolymers, polyolefin blends, elastomeric alloys, thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplastic copolyester and thermoplastic polyamides. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 1-6 , the jig frame  24  can comprise a furniture frame positioning portion  25  that comprises a plurality of frame members  40  arranged in a rectangular configuration such that the jig frame  24  has a rectangular footprint. In certain embodiments, the frame members  40  can comprise a tubular shape. Certain constraint members  40  defines receiving regions  42  configured as slots or channels  44  for receiving furniture frame components. In the rectangular configuration, receiving regions  42  are arranged to correspond to the sides of the seat box to be assembled. In operation, the appropriate furniture frame components can be inserted into the corresponding slots or channels  44  to be positioned in the proper spacing and orientation for receiving fasteners to assemble the seat box. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 1-6 , the spring stretcher portion  28  comprises at least one pair of opposing arms  50 , each arm  50  defining a tip  51  comprising a spring holding portion  52 . As depicted in  FIGS. 5-6 , in certain embodiments, the arm  50  can comprise a fin shape with a pointed tip  51  on which the spring holding portion  52  is affixed. In this configuration, the arms  50  can be arranged in a mirror configuration in which the tips  51  are oriented in opposite directions as depicted in  FIGS. 5-6 . The spring holding portion  52  can comprise a U-shaped bracket in certain embodiments, but can also comprise a hook shape, a notched tip  51  and other configurations capable of releasably receiving the ends of the springs. The spring stretcher portion  28  further comprises a positioning assembly  54  for moving the arms  50  between a first position in which the spring holding portions  52  are spaced apart a first horizontal distance and a second position in which the spring holding portions  52  are spaced apart at a second horizontal distance, wherein the second horizontal distance is greater than the first horizontal distance. 
     In one aspect, the positioning assembly  54  comprises a movable plate  56  from which at least one of the pair of arms  50  extends. In this configuration, the plate  56  comprises followers  60  that slidably engage guide bars  62  attached to the jig frame  24 . A power portion configured as drive portion configured as a pneumatic cylinder  66 , extends between opposing arm plates  56  and has an extension stroke and a retraction stroke. In another aspect, the positioning assembly  54  is adapted to rotate the pair of arms  50  between a first position and a second position such that the horizontal distance between the spring holding portions  52  increases from a first horizontal distance to a second horizontal distance. In this configuration, the spring holding portions  52  also move vertically such that the spring holding portions  52  are proximate to or engage at least one of the receiving regions  42 . Other motions would be appropriate in particular configurations. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 1-6 , in an embodiment of the present invention, the spring stretcher portion  28  can positioned within and attached to the jig frame  24  and a rotational mechanism  32  is attached to the jig frame  24  and to a base  34  configured as work bench. The jig frame  24  can rotate on the work bench by way of the rotatable mount  32  allowing a worker on one side of the work bench to rotate the jig frame  24  to provide ready access the furniture components therein. The rotatable mount  32  can comprise a conventional industrial style turntable bolted or screwed or otherwise attached to both the work bench and the jig frame  24 . 
     The spring stretcher portion  28  comprises a pair of opposing arms  50  each with a spring holding portion  52 . In one aspect, the arm  50  can comprise a half crescent curved shape defining a tip at one end of the arm  50  to which the spring holding portion  52  is affixed. In this configuration, the arms  50  can be arranged in a mirror configuration in which the tips are pointed in opposing directions as depicted in  FIGS. 5-6 . The spring holding portion  52  can comprise as a U-shaped bracket. The arms  50  are movable by a positioning assembly  54  between a first position in which spring holding portions  52  are spaced apart a first horizontal distance and a second position in which the spring holding portions  52  are spaced apart at a second horizontal distance, wherein the second horizontal distance is greater than the first horizontal distance. 
     In certain embodiments, the furniture assembly jig  20  further comprises an elevation assembly  70  comprising a plurality of air cylinders  72  with actuation arms  74 . The air cylinders are connected to a control portion  80  including an actuation switch  82  and air lines  84 , air tank  86 . In this configuration, the air cylinders  72  can be extended to change the vertical position of the jig frame  24  relative to the seat stretcher  28 . 
     A seat box for use with the present invention can comprise a plurality of frame components  46  including at least two parallel side frame components  90  and two parallel cross-frame components  94  arranged transversely side frame components  90 . The side frame components  90  and the cross-frame components  94  are arranged in a rectangular configuration in which the springs are stretched between either side frame components  90  or the cross-frame components  94 . The seat box can be sized to accommodate an arm chair, a sofa or other furniture with a flexible seating surface. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 7-15 , in operation, furniture frame components  46 , such as side frame components  90 , are inserted into the receiving regions  42  of the jig frame  24 . The receiving regions  42  of the jig frame  24  are arranged such that when the side frame components are arranged in a generally rectangular arrangement around the seat stretcher  28  and fixed in place when inserted into the receiving regions  42  as depicted in  FIG. 7 . Then cross frame members  94  can be positioned extending between the two side frame components  90  as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . Fasteners, such as staples or nails can comprise utilized to secure the cross frame members to the side frame members to provide a furniture frame having a rectangular footprint. As depicted in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the cross members have attachment features  98 . In certain embodiments, the attachment features can comprise spring clips  100  with a wire spring receiving groove  102  and a polymer cushion  104  therein. In certain embodiments, the spring clips  100  can comprise hooks inserted into the diamonds defined at the edge of the webbing section  216  to engage the webbing section  216  to the frame components  46 . In other embodiments, the spring clips  100  can also comprise hooks, clamps, butterfly screws and other conventional means of affixing the springs or webbing  206  to the frame components  46 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 9-18 , after assembly of the seat box, each pair of arms  50  are positioned by the positioning assembly  54  in the first position, wherein the first position corresponds a first horizontal distance approximating or less than the resting length of a spring  110 . As depicted in  FIG. 10 , the springs  110  are loaded onto the spring holding portions  52  of the arms  50  such that the ends of the springs  110  are engaged, such as by hand, to the spring holding portions  52  of the arms  50 . The corresponding resting length of the spring  110  and the first horizontal distance allows the spring  110  to be attached to the arms  50  in a relaxed state easing the installation of the spring  110 . In certain embodiments, the springs  110  will be attached to the spring holding portion  52  at a location  112  displaced from the end of the spring  110 , for example one half wave (considering the spring is essentially sinusoidal) away from the end to provide a free spring end as depicted in  FIG. 18 . Next, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the spring stretcher portion  28  is actuated and the positioning assembly  54  moves the arms  50  into the second position which increases the horizontal distance between the spring holding portions  52  of the corresponding pairs of arms  50 , thereby stretching the springs  110  horizontally. In certain embodiments, the ends  120  of the springs  110  are then moved vertically towards the spring clips  100  by way of a vertical raising of the jig frame  24  by the elevation assembly  70 . This occurs by the sequential actuation of the elevation assembly  70 , specifically the air cylinders positioned under the jig frame  24  which raises the jig frame  24  a predetermined distance to position the end  120  of the spring  110  at the mouth  122  of the groove  102  of the spring clip  100  for attachment of the spring  110  to the frame component  90  as depicted in  FIG. 12 . Then the positioning assembly  54  sequentially retracts moving the arms  50  inwardly as depicted in  FIG. 13 . The spring ends  120  then enter and are retained within in the grooves  102  in the spring clips  100 . The elevating assembly  70  then lowers the jig frame  24  to its original position as depicted in  FIG. 14 . The spring clips  100  may then be deformed, such as by hammering, to the configuration as depicted in  FIG. 17  to secure the spring  110  within the grooves  102  of the spring clips  100 . 
     In certain embodiments, the arms  50  can be rotated by the positioning assembly  54  such that the tips  51  and the spring holding portion  52  moves horizontally as well as vertically when transitioning between the first position and the second position. In this configuration, the springs  110  are stretched horizontally by the horizontal movement of the spring holding portion  52  while the ends  120  are lowed vertically into the moth of the grooves  102  of the spring clips  100  to secure the springs  110  within the grooves  102 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the furniture jig  20  can further comprise a controller  114  for operating the positioning assembly  54  to stretch and attach the springs  110 . In certain aspects, the controller  114  can comprise a switch  116  for initiating and completing a cycle of operation of the furniture jig  20 . As depicted, the switch  116  comprises a foot pedal, but can comprise a hand operated lever, button or other conventional means of imitating operation of the controller  114 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 19 , a furniture jig  120 , according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises at least two spring positioning elements  122 , at least one horizontal positioning element  124  and an elevation assembly  126 . Each positioning assembly  122  further comprises a spring receiving portion  128  for engaging a portion of the spring  110  proximate to the ends  112  of the springs. In one aspect, the horizontal positioning element  124  comprises a horizontal track wherein each positioning assembly  122  can be slidably engaged to the track such that the positioning assemblies  122  are movable along the track  124  in a horizontal axis. In other embodiments, the horizontal positioning element  124  can comprise a hydraulic assembly, a worm gear or other means of moving the positioning elements  122  along the horizontal axis. The horizontal positioning assembly  122  is positioned on the elevation assembly  126 , wherein the elevation assembly  126  is adapted to raise the horizontal positioning assembly  122  vertically to change the height of the horizontal axis defined by the horizontal positioning assembly  122  and align the horizontal positioning assembly  122  with the frame members. In certain embodiments, the elevation assembly  126  can comprise a hydraulic arm, worm gear or other conventional means of changing the height of the horizontal positioning assembly  122 . In certain embodiments, the elevation assembly  126  can be positioned on a rotatable mount  130  allowing rotation of the horizontal positioning assembly  122  to align the spring positioning elements  122  with the connectors on the furniture frame components. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 20-33 , the ends of the springs or webbing section  216  are engaged to the spring clips  100  of the opposing frame components  46  such that the spring or webbing section  216  is suspended between the frame components  46 . The opposing frame components  46  are initially positioned such that the springs or strands  218  are not tensioned when the springs webbing section  216  is suspended between the frame components  46 . Once the webbing section  216  is suspended, the opposing frame components  46  are pulled apart to tension the springs or webbing section  216  such that the springs or webbing section  216  defines a receiving surface on which at least one cushion can be positioned. The end frame components  46  can then be affixed to the opposing frame components  46  to maintain the separation between the opposing frame components  46 . In one aspect, the seat box can comprise at least one seat stretcher  221  extending between the opposing frame components  46  to prevent bowing of the opposing frame components  46  as a result of the tensioned webbing  206 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 24-33 , a furniture assembly jig  230  is illustrated. The jig  230  generally comprises a jig frame  232  and a stretcher assembly  234 . In embodiments, the jig frame  232  defines an elongated track  236  on which the stretcher assembly  234  is positioned. The stretcher assembly  234  comprises a first frame vise  238 , a second frame vise  240  and a positioning assembly  242 . The first frame vise  238  defines a first slot  243  and can be moved along the track  236  by the positioning assembly  242 . Similarly, the second frame vise  240  defines a second slot  244  and can be moved along the track  236  by the positioning assembly  242 . The positioning assembly  242  can comprise a pneumatic cylinder  245  extending between the first and second frame vises  238 ,  240 . The pneumatic cylinder  245  can be extended and retracted to move the first and second frame vises  238 ,  240 . In one aspect, the jig frame  232  can be placed on a rotation mechanism allowing the entire jig  230  to be rotated allowing a worker on one side of a bench to rotate the jig frame  232  to be able to readily access the furniture components therein. The rotation mechanism may be a conventional industrial style turntable bolted or screwed or otherwise attached to both the bench and jig frame  232 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6-15 , details of the operation of the jig  230  are presented. An opposing frame component  46  is positioned into the first and second slots  243 ,  244  before the first and second vises  238 ,  240  are closed to fix the opposing frame components  46  within the first and second vises  238 ,  240 . The pneumatic cylinder  44  is then operated to position the first and second vises  238 ,  240  at a first distance d 1  apart. Each webbing section  216  can then be engaged to the opposing frame components  46  held within the vises  238 ,  240 . In one aspect, the vises  238 ,  240  are sufficiently close together when separated by distance d 1  that the webbing section  216  can be positioned on the opposing frame components  46  without tensioning the webbing section  216 . The pneumatic cylinder  245  can then be operated to push the vises  238 ,  240  apart until the vises  38 ,  40  are separated by a second distance d 2  and tensioning the webbing section  216 . The end walls  12  can then be affixed to the opposing walls  14  to maintain tension on the webbing section  216 . The vises  238 ,  240  can then be opened and the assembled seat box can be removed. 
       FIGS. 20-33  depict a method of assembling the furniture item comprising providing the jig  230  having the first vise  238 , the second vise  240  and the positioning assembly  242 . The method further comprises inserting at least one opposing frame component  46  into each vise  238 ,  240 , wherein each opposing frame component  46  comprises a plurality of spring clips  100 . The method also comprises operating the positioning assembly  242  to position the vises  38 ,  40  at a first distance d 1  apart. The method then further comprises engaging the webbing section  216  to spring clips  100  of the opposing frame components  46  such that the webbing section  216  is suspended between the opposing frame components  46 . The method also comprises tensioning the webbing section  216  by actuating the positioning assembly  242  to move the vises  238 ,  240  apart until separated by a second distance d 2 . Finally, the method comprises affixing the end frame components  46  to the opposing frame components  46  to maintain the tensioning of the webbing section  216 .  FIGS. 34-37  illustrate the operation of attach elastomeric webbing  348  to hooks extending from the frame furniture members  349 . The arms  356  start in a retracted position and then expand outward in the x and y directions. The arms then may be lowered as illustrated in  FIG. 37  so that the pieces of webbing each being held by two prongs can be lowered, such as by automatic means, so the pieces of webbing in between each of the two prongs may be released and hooked in a hooked position and the arms may be moved out of the way, see  FIG. 37 . Such movements may be by tracks, pivots, or other mechanisms. 
     While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and described in detail. It is understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.