Patent Publication Number: US-9403356-B2

Title: Method for making a frame member including a locking strip groove for tensioning a screen

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of and claims priority and benefit to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/016,231, (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,869,693) filed on Sep. 3, 2013 and titled “LOCKING STRIP PANEL FOR SILKSCREEN FRAME,” which is a continuation of and claims priority and benefit to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/550,852, (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,522,681) filed on Jul. 17, 2012 and titled “LOCKING STRIP PANEL FOR SILKSCREEN FRAME,” which is a continuation of and claims priority and benefit to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/409,522, (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,220,387) filed on Mar. 24, 2009 and titled “PIVOTING LOCKING STRIP SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR SILKSCREEN FRAME,” which claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/070,702 filed on Mar. 24, 2008 titled “Pivoting Locking Strip System and Apparatus for Silkscreen Frame,” and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/130,362, filed on May 31, 2008 and titled “Panel and Mesh for Pivoting Locking Strip and Silkscreen System;” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/409,522, (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,220,389) is also a continuation in part and claims priority and benefit to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/827,729, (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,752,963) filed on Jul. 13, 2007 and titled “Apparatus and Method for Screen Tensioning,” which claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/830,712, filed on Jul. 13, 2006 and titled “Improved Apparatus and Method for Screen Tensioning.” All of the above applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Application 
     The present application relates generally to a silkscreen apparatus, and more particularly to silkscreen fabric tensioning. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Generally, a screen tensioning and printing frame is capable of handling fabrics across the wide range of weight and texture. One method is to use a roller frame member including a longitudinal groove and a locking strip to secure the fabric into the groove. Another is to use a rectangular frame member including a longitudinal groove and a locking strip. The fabric is pushed into the groove. The locking strip is inserted into the groove from an end of the groove and pushed or pulled lengthwise through the groove to secure the fabric. The locking strip is extracted from the groove by sliding it the length of the groove out one end of the groove to release the fabric. Often the groove is the length of the roller. Another method is to glue the mesh to a frame. Frequently, solvents are used during the silk screen process that can degrade the bond, causing further failure. Special glues may be required to withstand the tension and/or effects of the solvents. An emulsion is applied to a surface of the mesh before gluing for use during the silkscreen process. 
     SUMMARY 
     Various embodiments of the technology include a frame for tensioning a mesh, the frame comprising an elongated frame member configured to use a locking strip to secure the mesh for tensioning and a groove disposed in an upper surface along a long axis of the elongated frame member and configured to receive and orient the locking strip for securing the mesh upon application of tension to the mesh. The groove comprises a groove entrance including a first groove edge and a second groove edge in the upper surface of the elongated frame member, a groove floor forming a central cavity between the groove entrance and the groove entrance, and an insertion cavity. The insertion cavity is adjacent the first groove edge and configured to receive insertion of a leading edge of the locking strip to a depth sufficient to provide clearance for rotation of a trailing edge of the locking strip past the second groove edge into the groove. The groove further comprises a side cavity opposite the central cavity. The side cavity includes a vertex, an upper vertex surface between the second groove edge and the vertex and a lower vertex surface between the vertex and the floor, the central cavity disposed between the insertion cavity and the side cavity. 
     Various embodiments of the technology include a locking strip groove for a screen tensioning the frame. The locking strip groove comprises a groove entrance disposed between a first groove edge and a second groove edge, a groove floor below the groove entrance forming a bottom of the groove, and an insertion cavity between a ceiling and a portion of the groove floor. The insertion cavity is configured to receive insertion of a leading edge of the locking strip. The locking strip groove further comprises a side cavity formed by an upper vertex surface adjacent to the second groove edge and a lower vertex surface between the upper vertex surface and the groove floor. The upper vertex surface and lower vertex surface intersect at an angle. The locking strip groove further comprises a central cavity above the floor and below the entrance. The central cavity is between the side cavity and the insertion cavity. 
     Various embodiments of a method for making a frame member comprises extruding the frame member including a groove. The groove includes a groove entrance, a central cavity between a groove floor and the groove entrance, and an insertion cavity coupled to the groove entrance and the floor. The insertion cavity is adjacent the central cavity. The groove further includes a side cavity opposite the central cavity from the insertion cavity and coupled to the groove entrance and the floor. The side cavity includes a vertex. The groove further includes a pivot disposed on the groove floor. The method further comprises removing a portion of the side cavity and vertex above the floor from an end of the frame member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a top plan view of an embodiment of a screen tensioning and printing frame in accordance with aspects of the technology. 
         FIG. 1B  is a top plan view of an embodiment of a screen tensioning and printing frame in accordance with aspects of the technology. 
         FIG. 2A  is a cross section view taken along line a-a of  FIG. 1A  illustrating a silkscreen frame member and the base in accordance with various features of the technology. 
         FIG. 2B  is a cross section view taken along line b-b of  FIG. 1B  illustrating a silkscreen frame member in accordance with various features of the technology. 
         FIG. 3A  is a front perspective view of a locking strip 
         FIG. 3B  is a cross section view illustrating the locking strip of  FIG. 3A  attached to the mesh. 
         FIGS. 4-7  illustrate insertion of the mesh and locking strip into the locking strip groove of frame member. 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view illustrating the locking strip in the locked position in the locking strip groove. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross section view of a frame member taken along line c-c of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIGS. 10A-10D  illustrates fabrication of a mesh panel with the locking strip for use in the locking strip groove. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a groove disposed in the frame member. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1A  is a top plan view of an embodiment of a screen tensioning and printing frame generally designated  100 , in accordance with aspects of the technology. A screen fabric or mesh  106  may be applied to one face of the frame  100 . The frame  100  includes a base  102  and a plurality of frame members designated  104 . The frame members  104  may be about mutually perpendicular or parallel to each other. The screen fabric or mesh  106  may be suspended between the frame members  104 . Edges of the mesh  106  may be secured to the frame members  104 . The frame members  104  may be supported on and/or secured to the base  102 . The base  102  may be configured to support the frame members  104  under tension for stretching the suspended mesh  106 . 
       FIG. 1B  is a top plan view of an embodiment of a screen tensioning and printing frame generally designated  110 , in accordance with aspects of the technology. The mesh  106  may be applied to one face of the frame. The frame  110  includes a plurality of frame members designated  112  which may be about mutually perpendicular or parallel to each other. The frame members  112  may be rotatably supported at their respective ends by a plurality of corner members  122 . 
     In some embodiments, the frame members  104  and/or  112  are hollow frame members made from a light weight, non-corrosive material such as aluminum, steel, plastic, and/or the like. The frame members  104  and/or  112  may be extruded and cut to a desired length. Hollow frame members may be sealed using plugs. In some embodiments, the frame members  104  and/or  112  are sealed using welds. 
     The plurality of corner members  122  are rigid members and may be made from a lightweight non-corrosive material such as aluminum, steel, plastic, and/or the like. The plurality of corner members  122  may be supported by a frame assembly  136 . In some embodiments, one or more frame members  112  are secured in a predetermined rotative position using a nut  124  so that a desired tension may be applied to a screen fabric or mesh  106 . The tension may be applied to the mesh  106  by a rotation of one or more of the frame members  112 . The frame members  112  may be rotated individually or in various combinations to apply tension to the mesh  106 , as is well understood by persons skilled in the art. 
     In some embodiments, one or more frame members  104  may be secured in a predetermined translational position such that a desired tension may be applied to a mesh  106 . The tension may be applied to the mesh  106  by a translation of the frame members  104  in about the plane of the frame  100 . For example, the frame members  104  may be secured to the base  102 . In some embodiments, a bottom surface of frame members  104  include a ratchet assembly. Similarly, a top surface of the base  102  may include a ratchet assembly that is complimentary and configured to engage the ratchet assembly on the bottom of the frame members  104 . The ratchet/complimentary ratchet assemblies may be used to aid in applying tension to the mesh  106  and/or constrain the frame member  104  to a desired position on the base  102  in a manner well known by persons having ordinary skill in the art. The frame members  112  may be translated individually or in various combinations to apply tension to the mesh  106 , as is well understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art. 
       FIG. 2A  is a cross section view taken along line a-a of  FIG. 1A  illustrating the silkscreen frame member  104  and the base  102  in accordance with various features of the technology. The frame member  104  includes a locking strip groove  200  and an optional ratchet assembly  230  disposed on a bottom surface. The base member includes an optional ratchet assembly  232  disposed on the top surface. The locking strip groove  200  is defined by various surfaces and features including an upper vertex surface  202 , a vertex  204 , a lower vertex surface  206 , floor  220 , a pivot  208 , a insertion cavity  210 , a wall  212 , a ceiling  214 , a first edge  216 , and a second edge  218 . An entrance  222  is disposed between the first edge  216  and the second edge  218 . Direction  2  is toward the center of the frame  100 . Direction  1  is toward the outside of the frame  100 . The cross section illustrated in  FIG. 2A  is rectangular. However, a person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the frame member  112  may have a cross section that is generally a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a polygon having five or more sides, or an irregular shape. 
     The upper vertex surface  202 , the vertex  204  and the lower vertex surface  206  form a side cavity  226 . The floor  220  and the entrance  222  form a central cavity  224  between the side cavity  226  and the insertion cavity  210 . Dotted lines are used to indicate approximate regions for the insertion cavity  210 , the central cavity  224 , and the side cavity  226  and are not a part of the structure. The locking strip groove  200  may resemble an inverted T-slot. The entrance  222  and the central cavity  224  form a vertical portion of the T-slot while the insertion cavity  210  and the side cavity  226  complete a cross for the inverted T-slot. 
       FIG. 2B  is a cross section view taken along line b-b of  FIG. 1B  illustrating the silkscreen frame member  112  in accordance with various features of the technology. The frame member  112  includes a locking strip groove  200 , an optional holding slot  229 , and an optional knifepoint groove  228 . The locking strip groove  200  of frame member  112  is similar to the locking strip groove  200  of frame member  104  and is defined by various surfaces and features including an upper vertex surface  202 , a vertex  204 , a lower vertex surface  206 , floor  220 , a pivot  208 , a insertion cavity  210 , a wall  212 , a ceiling  214 , a first edge  216 , and a second edge  218 . An entrance  222  is disposed between the first edge  216  and the second edge  218 . Direction  2  is toward the center of the frame  110 . Direction  1  is toward the outside of the frame  110 . The cross section illustrated in  FIG. 1A  is circular. However, a person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the frame member  112  may have a cross section that is generally an oval shape, an oblong shape or an irregular shape. As in  FIG. 2B , the upper vertex surface  202 , the vertex  204  and the lower vertex surface  206  form a side cavity  226 . The floor  220  and the entrance  222  form a central cavity  224  between the side cavity  226  and the insertion cavity  210 . 
       FIG. 3A  is a front perspective view of a locking strip  300 . The locking strip  300  includes a leading edge  302  and a trailing edge  304 . Generally, locking strips are symmetric and a designation of leading edge refers to an edge of the locking strip  300  that is inserted into the locking strip groove  200  before the trailing edge. In various embodiments, the locking strip is fabricated using semi-rigid, flexible materials including plastic, aluminum, fiber glass, rubber, and/or the like embodiments, plastic. 
       FIG. 3B  is a cross section view illustrating the locking strip  300  of  FIG. 3A  attached to the mesh  106 . In  FIG. 3B , the locking strip  300  is attached to the mesh  106  using stitching  306 . The stitching  306  may be applied using an industrial grade sewing machine configured for sewing fabric and mesh to plastic materials. Two layers of the mesh may be stitched to the locking strip  300  and the mesh  106  may folded over the top of the locking strip  300 . While two layers of the mesh  106  are illustrated as attached to the locking strip  300  more or fewer layers of the fabric of the mesh  106  may be stitched to the locking strip. 
       FIGS. 4-7  illustrate insertion of the mesh  106  and locking strip  300  into the locking strip groove  200  of frame member  104 . The frame member  104  is used for illustration in these figures, however, the mesh  106  and locking strip  300  may be inserted into the locking strip groove  200  of frame member  112  in a manner similar to the illustrations of  FIGS. 4-7 . Referring to  FIG. 4 , the locking strip  300  and mesh  106  may be inserted through the entrance  222  into the insertion cavity  210 . For example, a thumb or finger may be used to push on the trailing edge  304 . The leading edge  302  of the locking strip  300  may apply force to the mesh  106  generally in the direction  1  to push the mesh  106  into the locking strip groove  200  and into the insertion cavity  210 . The insertion cavity  210  is configured to receive the leading edge  302  of the locking strip  300 . The insertion cavity  210  is further configured to provide sufficient distance for the trailing edge  304  of the locking strip to clear the second edge  218  and to rotate into the locking strip groove  200 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates pivoting of the locking strip  300  about the pivot  208 . When the trailing edge  304  clears the second edge  218 , it can be pivoted into the locking strip groove  200 . This pivoting action results in the trailing edge  304  of the locking strip  300  to move downward along upper vertex surface  202  into the side cavity  226 . The leading edge  302  of the locking strip  300  simultaneously moves upward and away from the deepest portion of the insertion cavity  210 . A portion of the locking strip  300  between the leading edge  302  and the trailing edge  304  bears on the pivot  208 . A force downward on the trailing edge  304  causes the locking strip to pivot about the pivot  208  and the leading edge  302  to move out of the insertion cavity  210 . The downward force on the trailing edge  304  may be applied manually by a user, for example using a thumb or finger. As the locking strip  300  pivots, it also moves in direction  2  deeper into the side cavity  226 . In some embodiments, the trailing edge  304  of the locking strip  300  snaps past the second edge  218  as it is rotated or pivoted into the locking strip groove  200 . 
     A tension T is a force on the mesh in direction  2 . Once the locking strip trailing edge has rotated past the second edge  218 , the tension T may be applied to the mesh  106  to further urge the locking strip  300  to pivot into position in the locking strip groove  200 . It will be appreciated by persons having ordinary skill in the art that tension T may be applied to the mesh  106  by applying a force to the frame member  104  in direction  1  and/or by applying a force to the mesh  106  in direction  2 . As the locking strip  300  further pivots, the trailing edge  304  may slide along upper vertex surface  202  in general downward in direction  2  while the leading edge  302  moves up along an upper surface of the insertion cavity until it is at about the wall  212 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the tension T may slide the leading edge  302  up the wall  212  until it reaches the ceiling  214 . The leading edge  302 , in its uppermost position, bears against ceiling  214 . The tension T on the mesh  106  may pull the leading edge  302  of the locking strip  300  along the ceiling  214  as the trailing edge  304  continues to slide downward along the upper vertex surface  202  and into the side cavity  226 . The tension T on the mesh  106  also pivots the locking strip  300  about the pivot  208  to rotate the trailing edge  304  into the vertex  204 . The lower vertex surface  206  tends to constrain the trailing edge  304  against the vertex  204 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the locking strip  300  is illustrated in the locked position in the locking strip groove  200 . Increasing the tension T forces the trailing edge  304  of the locking strip  300  to slide upward along lower vertex surface  206  and/or downward against upper vertex surface  202 , urging the trailing edge  304  into the vertex  204 . The trailing edge  304  tends to pinch the fabric of the mesh  106  against the upper vertex surface  202  and the lower vertex surface  206 . The increased tension T may also lift the locking strip  300  up off the pivot  208  against the ceiling  214 . The leading edge  302  also tends to pinch the fabric of the mesh  106  against ceiling  214 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , when the width of the locking strip  300  (the distance between the leading edge  302  to the trailing edge  304 ) is greater than the distance between vertex  204  and the first edge  216  the leading edge  302  of locking strip  300  can not pivot past the first edge  216  and exit the groove. This prevents the mesh  106  and/or the locking strip  300  from being pulled out while manipulating the frame member  104  and/or the mesh  106 . 
     The tension T on the mesh  106  will generally lock the mesh in position as shown in  FIG. 7  resulting in the mesh being pinched or jammed between the leading edge  302  and ceiling  214  in the insertion cavity  210 . The tension T also results in the mesh  106  being jammed or pinched between the trailing edge  304  and the vertex  204  in the side cavity  226 . The jamming or pinching of the mesh  106  by the locking strip  300  against ceiling  214  and vertex  204  (upper vertex surface  202  and lower vertex surface  206 ) prevents the mesh from slipping out of the locking strip groove  200 . This pinching of the mesh  106  against the various surfaces of the locking strip groove  200  relieves force on the stitching  306 . Thus, the stitching  306  serves to secure the mesh  106  to the locking strip  300  while manipulating the locking strip  300  and inserting it into the locking strip groove  200 . A novel feature is that most of the forces on the mesh  106  resulting from the tension T are applied between the mesh  106  and the locking strip  300  rather than directly between the mesh  106  and a surface of the frame member  104 . Flexibility of the locking strip permits distribution of the forces over a larger area and reduces tearing of the mesh. 
     In some embodiments, the lower vertex surface  206  forms an angle with respect to a floor  220  of between about 90 and 175 degrees. In some embodiments, the upper vertex surface  202  forms an angle with the lower vertex surface  206  of between about 20 and 170 degrees. In various embodiments, the angle between the lower vertex surface  206  and the upper vertex surface  202  is about 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, or 170 degrees. In various embodiments, an angle between the wall  212  and the ceiling  214  is about 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, or 90. In some embodiments, the wall  212  and the ceiling  214  form an acute angle of between about 20 and 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the wall  212  and the ceiling  214  form an acute angle of between about 40 and 90 degrees. 
     Optionally, a knifepoint groove  228  (illustrated in  FIG. 2B ) may be used for removing the mesh  106  after use of the silkscreen frame  100  and/or  110 . When the mesh  106  is under tension, it may be difficult to release the tension for removing the frame member  104  from the base  102 . A blade or pointed object may be slid longitudinally along the knifepoint groove  228  to cut and/or tear the mesh  106  to release tension for removal. 
       FIG. 8  is a top plan view illustrating the locking strip  300  in the locked position in the locking strip groove  200 . The vertex  204  provides a repeatable position for the trailing edge  304  of the locking strip  300  when locked. Under tension T, the trailing edge  304  tends to slide into the vertex  204  all along the longitudinal length or long axis of the locking strip  300 . Thus, the locking position of the trailing edge  304  in the vertex  204  may be repeated uniformly along the longitudinal length of the locking strip  300 . This repeatable positioning may reduce slippage of the mesh  106  along the long axis of the locking strip  300  and enhance uniform tension T on the mesh  106  along the long axis of the locking strip  300 . However, in some embodiments, the tension T may initially be non-uniform along the longitudinal axis of the locking strip resulting in a region of increased localized tension. This localized tension may be released by pressing down on the leading edge  302  at a selected release point near the increased localized tension. The point at which leading edge  302  is pressed down allows localized slippage of the mesh. The amount of the localized slippage is very small such that repeatedly pressing on a point can provide controlled adjustment of the tension on the mesh  106  in that point. 
     The upper vertex surface  202 , vertex  204 , and/or lower vertex surface  206  may be removed at an end of the frame member  104  and/or  112 . Line  800  is a vertical surface seen from edge on and illustrates a limit of removal the upper vertex surface  202 , vertex  204 , and/or lower vertex surface  206 . (see  FIG. 9 ). Region  802  illustrates a region at the end of the frame member  104  where the upper vertex surface  202 , vertex  204 , and/or lower vertex surface  206  have been removed. No support for resisting tension T may be provided to the locking strip  300  in the region  802 . As a result, the locking strip  300  may bend at the ends in the direction of the tension, thus relieving stress on the mesh  106  at the corners.  FIG. 8  illustrates a deflected portions  804  of the ends of the locking strip deflecting into a region adjacent the surface  800  and above the region  802 . This is sometimes referred to as “softening the corners.” In  FIG. 8 , the deflected portions  804  at the ends of the locking strip  300  are exaggerated. An actual bend in the deflected portions  804  may not be perceptible. The insertion cavity  210 , the wall  212 , the ceiling  214 , the upper vertex surface  202 , the lower vertex surface  206 , and the vertex  204  are represented in dotted line to show that they are hidden from view inside the locking strip groove  200 . The locking strip  300  is shown in solid line even though portions are interior to the locking strip groove  200  for clarity, to illustrate its shape. 
       FIG. 9  is a cross section view of the frame member  104  taken along line c-c of  FIG. 8 . The surface  800  is represented by a dotted line indicating that the surface  800  is not a part of the cross section but is offset from the cross section. Region  802  is seen from edge on and is represented as a line. A deflected portion  804  of an end of the locking strip  300  may be seen extending into the region above the region  802  and adjacent the surface  800 . In various embodiments, a length of unsupported locking strip  300  (deflected portion  804 ) is about 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, or greater than 5 inches. In various embodiments, a length of frame member  104  where an end of the upper vertex surface  202 , vertex  204 , and/or lower vertex surface  206  have been removed (region  802 ) is greater than about 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, or 5 inches. 
       FIGS. 10A-10D  illustrates fabrication of a mesh panel  1000  with the locking strip  300  for use in the locking strip groove  200 . Referring to  FIG. 10A  the mesh is cut to size. Locking strips  300  are secured to the edges. The panel  1000  includes mesh  106  that may be cut to a predetermined size that has been optimized for a type of mesh and anticipated stretch under an expected tension. The edges of the mesh  106  may be straight. The locking strips  300  may be secured the edges of the mesh  106 . Securing the locking strips  300  along the straight edges may simplify manufacturing. In some embodiments, an emulsion is applied to a surface of the mesh  106  before securing the locking strips  300  to the mesh  106 . 
     The locking may be mechanically secured to the edges of the mesh (e.g., by holding, pinning, clamping, tacking, etc.). Optionally, the locking strips  300  are attached to the mesh  106  using an adhesive.  FIG. 10B  is a cross section view of the locking strip  300  and a portion of the mesh  106  taken along line d-d of  FIG. 10A . An adhesive  1010  may be placed along the edge of the mesh  106  and the locking strip  300  is placed on the adhesive  1010 . In various embodiments, the adhesive includes glue, contact adhesive, single sided tape, double sided tape, tacking material, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the adhesive may be applied to the locking strip. The adhesive  1010  may be configured to bond to the locking strip  300  upon contact. For example, an adhesive such as contact cement may be applied to both the locking strip  300  and the mesh  106  to secure the locking strip  300  on contact with the mesh  106 . A strip of plastic film (not illustrated) may cover the adhesive  1010  to prevent it from unintentionally sticking to surfaces during handling of the panel  1000 . Upon mounting the locking strip  300 , the plastic film may be pealed off to expose the adhesive  1010  and the locking strip  300  may be placed in contact with the adhesive  1010  to attach it to the mesh  106 . Optionally, an emulsion (not illustrated) is applied to a surface of the mesh  106 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10C , an end of the mesh  1012  may be folded (fold  1014 ) around the locking strip  300 . Stitching  306  may be applied along the length of the locking strip  300 . The process may be repeated for locking strips along each edge of a rectangular mesh  106  to fabricate the panel  1000 .  FIG. 10D  is a plan view of a portion of a locking strip and folded mesh showing the stitching  306  along a length of the locking strip  300 . 
     While the adhesive is illustrated as being between the mesh  106  and the locking strip  300 , a person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that an adhesive, e.g. tape, may be applied to the distal side of the mesh  106  and bond to the locking strip  300  through the mesh  106 . Emulsion may be applied to the top and/or bottom side of the mesh  106  (not illustrated). Further, multiple layers of emulsion may be applied to a surface of the mesh  106 . While four locking strips  300  are illustrated in  FIG. 10A , a person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that fewer than four or more than four locking strips  300  may be attached to the silkscreen panel  1000 . While the adhesive  1010  is illustrated as being about the same width as the locking strip  300 , the adhesive  1010  may be wider or narrower than the locking strip  300 . For example, a width of adhesive  1010  two times a width of the locking strip  300  may be applied to an edge of the mesh  106 . Thus, when the mesh  106  is folded, the adhesive  1010  adheres to both sides of the locking strip  300 . 
     The adhesive may be used instead of the stitching  306  to keep the locking strip  300  attached to the mesh  106  during insertion of the locking strip  300  into the locking strip groove  200 . The tension is supported by the mechanical forces between the locking strip  300  and the locking strip groove  200  rather than the adhesive. Thus, a relatively weak adhesive may be used to attach the locking strips  300 . A decrease in strength of the adhesive  1010  in bonding to emulsion may have little or no effect on insertion of the locking strip  300  into the locking strip groove  200 . Thus, a wide range of adhesive bonding strengths may be used. The wide range of adhesive strengths permits consideration of adhesives that are easier and safer to use and are more compatible with the environment when cleaning up the materials after use. Moreover, degradation of the adhesive  1010  after the locking strip  300  is in position and tension has been applied to the mesh  106  may not effect the tension or use of the silkscreen panel  1000 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a groove  1100  disposed in the frame member  104 .  FIG. 11  differs from  FIG. 4-7  in that an insertion cavity  1102  does not include the wall  212 .  FIG. 11  further differs in that the insertion cavity  1102  is larger and extends further from the first edge  216 , and a ceiling  1104  is longer than ceiling  214 . As with  FIGS. 2-7 , the pivot  208  is optional. 
     The embodiments discussed herein are illustrative. As these embodiments are described with reference to illustrations, various modifications or adaptations of the methods and/or specific structures described may become apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art. All such modifications, adaptations, or variations that rely upon the teachings of the embodiments, and through which these teachings have advanced the art, are considered to be within the spirit and scope of the present application. Hence, these descriptions and drawings should not be considered in a limiting sense, as it is understood that the present application is in no way limited to only the embodiments illustrated.