Multi tensioned composite profile
AssigneeCentury Glass, L.L.C.
InventorAbdul Lathief
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A self-locking support system includes a female profile having a first profile leg extending approximately orthogonally from a base, a first locking leg extending from the first profile leg, and a first tip extending from the first profile leg, wherein a gap is formed between the base and the first profile leg, and a first male profile having a fulcrum formed at an intersection of a second profile leg and a second locking leg, the second profile leg having a second tip extending therefrom. When the second locking leg is inserted into the gap, and a locking bead is positioned between the first and second tips, the first male profile is caused to rotate about the fulcrum and the first and second locking legs are caused to engage against each other.
Claims20
A self-locking support system, comprising:
- a female profile having a first profile leg extending approximately orthogonally from a base, a first locking leg extending from the first profile leg, and a first tip extending from the first profile leg, wherein a gap is formed between the base and the first profile leg;
- and
- a first male profile having a fulcrum formed at an intersection of a second profile leg and a second locking leg, the second profile leg having a second tip extending therefrom;
- wherein when the second locking leg is inserted into the gap, and a locking bead is positioned between the first and second tips, the first male profile is caused to rotate about the fulcrum and the first and second locking legs are caused to engage against each other.
A method of manufacturing a self-locking support system, the method comprising:
- providing a female profile having a first vertical leg extending approximately orthogonally from a base, a first locking leg extending from the first vertical leg, and a first tip extending from the first vertical leg, wherein a gap is formed between the base and the first locking leg;
- providing a first male profile having a fulcrum formed at an intersection of a second vertical leg and a second locking leg, the second vertical leg having a second tip extending therefrom;
- inserting the second locking leg into the gap;
- positioning a locking bead between the first and second tips;
- and
- rotating the first male profile about the fulcrum, such that the first and second locking legs engage against each other.
A method of assembling a self-locking support system, the method comprising:
- providing a female profile at a first length and extending in an axial direction, the female profile having:
- a first vertical leg that extends approximately orthogonally from a base;
- a first locking leg extending from the first vertical leg;
- a first tip extending from the first vertical leg;
- and
- a gap formed between the base and the first locking leg;
- providing a first male profile having a fulcrum formed at an intersection of a second vertical leg and a second locking leg, the second vertical leg having a second tip, the first male profile extending in the axial direction;
- inserting the second locking leg into the gap;
- and
- positioning a locking bead between the first and second tips, utilizing the fulcrum to rotate, causing the first and second locking legs to engage against each other.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.