Patent ID: 8220387

Claim:
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 comprising: 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 floor, an insertion cavity 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, and a side cavity adjacent the second groove edge, the side cavity including a vertex, an upper vertex surface downward sloping from the second groove edge to the vertex and a lower vertex surface upward sloping from the groove floor to the vertex, the central cavity disposed between the insertion cavity and the side cavity.