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US 2006/0283554 A1Published application
Method and apparatus for vibration welding of thermoplastic components
OwnerStephen Field, Michael Gloverinventors
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OwnerStephen Field, Michael Gloverinventors
Estimating the term…
Vibratory welded connections are formed between first and second members of thermoplastic material by interposing a junction piece of similar material and vibrating the junction piece at high speed while pressing the first and second members in a controlled manner against opposite sides of the junction piece. Friction created by the vibration generates heat which melts a small amount of material at the engaging surfaces which upon cooling provides a strong welded joint having minimal flash. Entire frame systems such as window frames can be fabricated by an apparatus system which forms a friction welded joint between adjacent ends of the frame members. Furthermore the frame can be fabricated around a panel such as a glazing panel. The welded connections formed by the system do not mar the finish of the frame members and produce no unsightly flash bead requiring subsequent machining steps for its removal.
A frame comprising a plurality of elongate frame members, adjacent ends of pairs of said members being interconnected through an interposed junction piece, wherein said frame members and said junction piece are each composed at least in part of a thermoplastic resin, wherein each said junction piece is secured to a pair of adjacent frame members by vibratory welded bonds on opposite sides of said junction piece, and wherein said junction piece has a planar flange that extends at an angle with respect to each said frame member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.