Patent ID: 7516577

Claim:
A fabric covered rigid frame structure comprising: at least three elongate rafters, each having an axis; at least one column supporting each of the at least three elongate rafters; a fabric cover covering the at least three elongate rafters; a web system comprising a plurality of separate web strips, separate from the fabric cover, hemmed into edges of the fabric cover; and at least one tensioner formed in an end of at least one elongate rafter, wherein the tensioner comprises: an opening formed in an end of the at least one elongate rafter, wherein the opening is formed along the axis of the at least one elongate rafter; a first fitting disposed between the opening and an end of the at least one elongate rafter, wherein the first fitting is connected to the at least one elongate rafter; a rod disposed in the at least one elongate rafter along the axis of the at least one elongate rafter through the first fitting, wherein the rod comprises threads that are exposed to at least a portion of the opening; means for engaging the rod through the first fitting; and a cylindrical sliding block disposed within the at least one elongate rafter, wherein the cylindrical sliding block has an outer diameter substantially similar to an inner diameter of the elongate rafter, and wherein the cylindrical sliding block has a longitudinal threaded aperture for receiving the threaded rod and engaging the threads of the rod, and wherein a hook is attached to the cylindrical sliding block and the hook extends through the opening directly engaging the web strips and the fabric cover, and tensioning the fabric cover.