Patent ID: 8528182

Claim:
A method for generating tension in an article of fabric that spans a frame by pre-forming the frame prior to assembling the fabric article thereto, the method comprising: placing the frame into an assembly fixture including one or more compression mechanisms; activating the one or more compression mechanisms to apply a force to a perimeter of the frame, wherein the force that is applied deforms the frame from an initial shape by compressing a portion of the perimeter inward: loading fabric article onto the frame in a loose condition without stress applied thereto while the frame is deformed; securing the fabric that is in the loose condition within a groove of the frame along the perimeter, such that the fabric article substantially spans the perimeter of the frame; releasing the one or more compression mechanisms, wherein releasing allows the frame to substantially return to the initial shape; and upon the frame substantially returning to the initial shape, the frame consequently generating tension in the fabric article such that the fabric article assumes a taut condition that has a level of firmness.