Method of processing a molded plastic glazing panel
AssigneeExatec LLC
InventorsDavid Kusuma, Mark M. Matsco, Thomas Hovatter, Dimitris Katsamberis
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of handling molded plastic glazing panels during processing is disclosed, using one or more stabilizing handling tabs projecting outwardly from the perimeter of each panel, and which is molded at the same time as with the glazing panel itself is molded. Each tab has spaced apart bosses, each having through opening adapted to mate with pins projecting from a holder structure. Gussets may be molded into the bosses to control drip when the panel is coated with a liquid and to stiffen the bosses. The tabs enable stable positioning of the panel to avoid formation of optical flaws in the panels, and to facilitate compact vertical stacking of the panels during handling.
Claims14
A method of processing a molded plastic glazing panel comprising the steps of:
- molding at least one integral handling portion projecting in an outward direction from said glazing panel;
- configuring said handling portion to be interfit to a portion of a holder structure of a transfer device so as to stabilize said glazing panel position on said holder structure;
- transferring said glazing panel through one or more processing sites whereat one or more operations are performed on said glazing panel using engagement of said handling portion with holder structure on one or more transfer devices;
- and
- thereafter removing said at least one handling portion from said glazing panel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.