Head and sill tensioning system
AssigneePella Corporation
InventorPaul Schroder
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A tensioning system for drawing together abutting first and second portions of a closure assembly includes a base member and at least a first deformable member. The base member is attached to the first portion of the closure assembly. The first deformable member has a center portion, a proximal end mechanically coupled to the base member and a distal end attached to the second portion of the closure assembly. Deformation of the center portion generates a first tensioning force on the base member that draws the first portion of the closure assembly toward the second portion.
Claims26
A tensioning system for a closure assembly having first and second portions joined at a seam, the tensioning system comprising:
- a base member attached to the first portion of the closure assembly;
- and
- at least a first deformable member having a center portion, a proximal end mechanically coupled to the base member and a distal end attached to the second portion of the closure assembly such that deformation of the center portion generates a first tensioning force on the base member that draws the first portion of the closure assembly toward the second portion.
A tensioning system for a closure assembly having first and second portions joined at a seam, the tensioning system comprising:
- a base member attached to the first portion of the closure assembly;
- at least a first deformable member having a center portion, a proximal end mechanically coupled to the base member and a distal end attached to the second portion of the closure assembly such that deformation of the center portion generates a first tensioning force on the base member that draws the first portion of the closure assembly toward the second portion;
- at least a second deformable member having a center portion, a proximal end mechanically coupled to the base member and a distal end attached to the second portion of the closure assembly such that deformation of the center portion generates a second tensioning force on the base member at an angle relative to the first tensioning force;
- and
- at least a third deformable member having a center portion, a proximal end mechanically coupled to the base member and a distal end attached to the second portion of the closure assembly such that deformation of the center portion generates a third tensioning force on the base member at an perpendicular angle relative to the second tensioning force.
A method of assembling a closure system having a plurality of members forming joints, the method comprising:
- positioning the ends of opposing closure members adjacent one another to form a seam;
- positioning a tensioning assembly having a base member mechanically coupled to first and second deformable members over the closure members;
- securing the first deformable member to a first closure member and the second deformable member to a second closure member;
- exerting a driving force on the first and second deformable members in a first axis;
- transferring a portion of the driving force exerted on the first and second deformable members into splicing forces exerted on the base member perpendicular to the driving force;
- and
- drawing the closure members into tight abutment.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.