US20060179740A1

US20060179740A1 - Head and sill tensioning system

Info

Publication number: US20060179740A1
Application number: US11/047,414
Authority: US
Inventors: Paul Schroder
Original assignee: Pella Corp
Current assignee: Pella Corp
Priority date: 2005-01-31
Filing date: 2005-01-31
Publication date: 2006-08-17

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.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to devices for assembling window and door systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ideally, window and door systems are manufactured as unitary systems and put into place in the rough opening at the job site. The problem is that the size of some window and door systems is such that it is not practical to ship an entire assembled system to a job site for installation. Accordingly, some window and door systems are manufactured in component parts assembled on the job site. For example, the head, sill and head cover members may be shipped in pieces to the job site and then assembled into a window or door system for installation in the rough opening. This approach potentially results in defective assembly and/or installation of the window and door system. In particular, it may be difficult to tightly splice or join together opposing pieces and angled joints.
One example of an installation system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,285,606 (Hagemeyer) titled “Window and Door Assembly Manufactured in Sections and Method of Installing Same.” The device included a flat member provided with a plurality of screws received in holes disposed at an angle such that the screws are directed downwardly and outwardly toward the opposite ends for drawing the head members together in an end-to-end, abutting relationship.
What is desirable, then, is a window and door system that can be manufactured as fully as possible but yet be of such a size that it can be readily shipped to the job site and then installed on a basis so that there is a minimal opportunity for mistakes to be made which will cause the system to be inoperative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment, the present invention is a tensioning system for drawing together abutting first and second portions of a closure assembly. The tensioning system 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.
A tensioning system according to the present invention provides a convenient means of assembling a closure system. Opposing sections may be drawn together tightly, increasing the overall stability and strength of the completed closure assembly. Torque applied to the splicing screws is efficiently transferred to forces drawing the closure members together. Furthermore, the tensioning assembly is self-contained; that is, the closure assembly need not be provided with additional structure to accommodate the tensioning assembly or to facilitate installation and operation of the tensioning assembly.
Typically, the installer will use a screwdriver to exert a driving force on the splicing screws in a direction perpendicular to the axis of splicing or drawing together of the closure members. Installation and operation may therefore be performed in tight spaces. The closure members may be secured together with other means as is known and the art and the tensioning system removed. Alternately, the tensioning system may be left in place permanently to provide a tight connection, or to provide additional support to further securing means. Furthermore, the tensioning system may be installed on the non-front facing sides of closure members to avoid marring the decorative element of the closure assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front view of a closure system manufactured in sections for transportation to a job site.
FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the closure system of FIG. 1A showing the head and sill sections.
FIG. 2 is a front view of a tensioning system including a plurality of deformable members according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an end view of the tensioning system of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a top view detailing the deformable members of FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is a detailed front view of the deformable member of FIG. 2.
FIG. 6A is a front sectional view of the tensioning system of FIG. 2 mounted on a head cover section prior to tensioning.
FIG. 6B is a front sectional view of the tensioning system of FIG. 6A after tensioning.
FIG. 7 is a top view of a tensioning system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a side view of the tensioning system of FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the tensioning system of FIG. 7 mounted on sections of a head member.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a tensioning system according to another embodiment of the present invention mounted on sections of a sill member.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the tensioning system of FIG. 7 mounted on members forming a 90° angled joint.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the tensioning system of FIG. 7 mounted on members forming a 135° angled joint.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a tensioning system according to another embodiment of the present invention mounted on members forming a 90° angled joint.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a tensioning system according to another embodiment of the present invention mounted on the side faces of members forming a 90° angled joint.
FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a tensioning system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15B is a front view of a portion of the tensioning system of FIG. 15A in an un-deformed state.
FIG. 15C is a front view of the tensioning system of FIG. 15B in a deformed state.
FIG. 16 is a top view of a tensioning system according to another embodiment of the present invention mounted on section of a head member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1A illustrates a closure system 10 including a pair of window and door sections 12, 14 as seen in FIG. 1B. As used herein, “closure” refers to a structure that is positioned in or across an architectural opening, such as for example doors, fixed and movable windows, side lights, transoms, gable air vents, portals, skylights, and the like. Each window and door sections 12, 14 includes a head member 16 and a sill member 18. Outer vertical frame members 20 interconnect the head and sill members 16, 18 at a series of corner joints 21.
By way of illustration, the sections 12 and 14 include fixed window units 22 and sliding door window units 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the head and sill frame members 16, 18 function as tracks for the sliding doors 24. Optionally, a pair of decorative head cover sections 26 snap onto the head members 16.
The head and sill members 16, 18 are tightly joined at the factory to the vertical members 20 to form the corner joints 21. The opposing head and sill members 16, 18 of the sections 12, 14, however, must also be joined tightly together in the field, without the benefit of factory equipment. As will be discussed in detail below, the various embodiments of the present tensioning system permits factory quality assembly of discrete closure sections.
FIGS. 2-5 illustrate a tensioning system 30 for assembling the closure system 10 of FIGS. 1A and 1B according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The tensioning system 30 includes a base member 31 and at least one deformable member 50. In the illustrated embodiment, two deformable members 50 a and 50 b are located on opposite sides of center segment 42 b.
The base member 31 is preferably constructed from a high tensile strength material, such as metal or certain plastics. The base member 31 can be formed by extrusion, roll forming, or a variety of other techniques. In the illustrated embodiment, the base member 31 includes a first portion 32, a second portion 34 extending perpendicularly from the first portion 32, a concave curved third portion 36 extending from the second portion 34, a fourth portion 38 extending from the third portion 36 parallel to the second portion 34, an angled fifth portion 40 extending from the fourth portion 38 and a sixth portion 42 extending from the fifth portion 40 parallel to the second portion 34 and spaced apart from the first portion 32. In combination, the first portion 32, the second portion 34, the third portion 36, the fourth portion 38, the fifth portion 40 and the sixth portion 42 define an open channel 46 extending the length of the base member 31.
The sixth portion 42 includes end segments 42 a, 42 c and center segment 42 b separated by openings 44 a and 44 b. The first deformable member 50 a is located in the opening 44 a and the second deformable member 50 b is located in the opening 44 b. In the illustrated embodiment, the deformable members 50 a and 50 b are generally the same and are positioned within the openings 44 a and 44 b to form mirror images of one another.
The follow description refers generally to the deformable member 50 a, but is equally applicable to the deformable member 50 b. FIGS. 4 and 5 detail the deformable member 50 a, which includes a deformable portion 76 interposed between a first support 52 and a second support 62. The first support 52 includes a vertical first leg 54 and a horizontal lip 56. A surface 54 a of the first leg 54 and a surface 56 a of the lip 56 define a recessed corner 58 for receiving segment 42 a of the sixth portion 42. The first support 52 further includes a vertical second leg 60 extending perpendicular from the lip 56 and aligned with the first leg 54.
The second support 62 includes a vertical first leg 64 and a horizontal lip 66. A surface 64 a of the first leg 64 and a surface 66 a of the lip 66 define a recessed corner 68 for receiving the segment 42 b of the sixth portion 42. A vertical second leg 70 extends perpendicular to the lip 66 and is aligned with the first leg 64. A tab 72 extends from the first leg 64 opposite the lip 66 and has a recessed region 73. An aperture 74 extends through the tab 72 at the recessed region 73.
Angled legs 78, 80 extend from the first and second supports 52, 62, respectively, to form the non-planar deformable portion 76. Angled legs 78, 80 meet at a crest 82 having an aperture 84 extending therethrough. The deformable portion 76 may be elastically or plastically deformable depending upon the application.
The deformable members 50 a and 50 b are positioned within the channel 46 of the base member 31 at the openings 44 a and 44 b. With respect to the deformable member 50 a, the lip 56 overlaps the segment 42 a while the lip 66 overlaps segment 42 b so that the deformable member 50 a is supported on the segments 42 a and 42 b. With respect to the deformable member 50 b, the lip 56 overlaps the segment 42 c and the lip 66 overlaps the segment 42 b so that the deformable member 50 b is supported on the segments 42 b and 42 c. The openings 44 a and 44 b are slightly shorter than the overall length of the deformable members 50 a, 50 b such that the deformable members 50 a, 50 b are slidable within the openings 44 a, 44 b, supported on the segments 42 a, 42 b and 42 c. The deformable members 50 a and 50 b are positioned within the openings 44 a, 44 b, respectively, as far towards the ends of the base member 31 as possible. Optionally, the first supports 52 are adhered to the segments 42 a, 42 c, respectively.
FIG. 6A shows the tensioning system 30 mounted to a section of head cover 26. One end of the base member 31 is partially inserted into an interior channel 27 defined in the head cover section 26 a. The opposing head cover section 26 b is slid over the other end of the base member 31 so that the tensioning system 30 is received in the assembled channel 27. The opposing head cover members 26 a, 26 b are positioned adjacent one another, preferably less than 1/16″ apart. The deformable members 50 a, 50 b, are positioned within openings 44 a, 44 b such that segments 42 a and 42 c, respectively, are received in the corners 58. Fasteners, such as screws or nails 45, are driven through each tab aperture 74 to mechanically couple the second supports 62 to their associated sections of the head cover section 26 a 26 b. The base member 31, retained in the opposing corners 58, is mechanically coupled to the head cover sections 26 as well. Fasteners, for example splicing screws 53, are partially driven through the crest apertures 84 and incrementally advanced in turn.
Referring now to FIG. 6B, the installer applies a torqueing force, as shown by arrows F_T, to the splicing screws 53, generating a driving force along an axis, as shown by arrow F_D, on the deformable members 50 a, 50 b. The driving force F_Ddeforms the deformable members 50 a, 50 b, causing the legs 78, 80 to be pushed apart. As discussed above, the first leg 78 is stopped against the segment 42 a or 42 c. Consequently, the driving force F_Dis transferred to a tensioning or splicing force, as shown by arrows F_S, driving each second support 62 towards the center segment 42 b along an axis in the direction of arrows F_S. As shown, the axis of the splicing force F_Sis perpendicular to the axis of the driving force F_D. The head cover sections 26 a, 26 b are pushed along the axis of the splicing force F_Stowards the center of the base member 31 via the fasteners 45. According to one embodiment, the axis of the splicing force F_Sextends along a longitudinal axis of the base member 31.
As the maneuver is alternately repeated on the deformable members 50 a and 50 b, the opposing head cover sections 26 a, 26 b are incrementally drawn towards one another until they firmly abut one another. As shown, the deformable members 50 a, 50 b deform along an axis perpendicular to the axis along which the head cover members 26 a, 26 b are drawn together. According to one embodiment, the tensioning system 30 is left in place to secure the head cover sections to one another. Additional fixation means may be employed to further secure the head cover sections to one another. According to another embodiment, the tensioning system 30 is removed after the head cover sections are secured together via other means.
According to another embodiment of the invention, shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a tensioning system 100 includes a generally planar base member 102 having four generally rectangular openings 104, 106, 108, 110 extending longitudinally along the base member 102. The openings 104, 106, 108, 110 are aligned with one another and each has a proximal side a towards an end of the base member 102 and a distal side b towards the center of the base member 102.
Each opening 104, 106, 108, 110 is provided with a deformable member 112. Each deformable member 112 has a proximal angled leg 122 and a distal angled leg 124 forming a crest 126. An aperture 128 extends through the crest 126. Each leg 122 is mechanically coupled to the base member 102 at the a side of the openings 104, 106, 108, 110. Optionally, the leg 122 is integrally formed with base member 102 at the a side of the openings 104, 106, 108 and 110. Each leg 124 is provided with a flat tab portion 116 extending toward but not engaging the b side of the openings 104, 106, 108 and 110. The flat tab portion 116 is provided with an aperture 118 extending therethrough. A plurality of peripheral apertures 130 extend through the base member 102 at each end and along the sides.
FIG. 9 shows the tensioning system 100 installed on head frame member sections 16 a and 16 b. In operation, the opposing head frame member sections 16 a and 16 b are positioned adjacent one another approximately 1/16″ apart to form a seam 17. The base member 102 is positioned on the sections 16 a and 16 b, centered over the seam 17 so that the apertures 104 and 106 are positioned over the head member 16 a and the apertures 108 and 110 are positioned over the head member 16 b. A fastener, such as a screw or nail 123, is driven through each of the flat tab apertures 118 to mechanically couple each deformable member 112 to the head frame member sections 16 a, 16 b. Fasteners, such as splicing screws 125, are partially driven through each of the crest apertures 128 and into the head members 16 a, 16 b and incrementally advanced in turn.
As the splicing screws 125 advance, they exert a driving force as shown by arrows F_Don the deformable members 112, driving the crests 126 downward. A portion of driving force F_Dis transferred to a perpendicular tensioning or splicing force as shown by arrows F_Sdriving each angled leg 124 and flat tab portion 116 towards the center of the base member 102, or towards the b sides of the apertures 104, 106, 108, 110. The axis of the splicing force F_Sis perpendicular to the axis of the driving force F_D. According to one embodiment, the axis of the splicing force F_Sextends along a longitudinal axis of the base member 102.
Once the head sections 16 a, 16 b firmly abut one another, they may be affixed to one another. Optionally, fasteners are driven through the peripheral apertures 130. In this case, the tensioning assembly 100 remains in place, holding the head sections 16 a, 16 b together permanently. Alternately, another device is employed to secure the head frame member sections 16 a, 16 b to one another and the tensioning assembly 100 is removed.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 10, the tensioning system 100 as described with respect to FIG. 9 further includes a pair of opposing side panels 140 extending from the base member 102 at an angle generally perpendicular to the plane of the base member 102. A tensioning assembly according to the present embodiment may be employed to assembly opposing sill member sections 18 a, 18 b as shown in FIG. 1. The tensioning system 100 forms a track for guiding sliding movement of a sliding door or window along the sill member 18.
FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of the present invention in which the tensioning system 100 is operable to splice together closure members forming a 90° angled corner. A head member 16 and a vertical member 20 each have a 45° mitered end surface 27, 28, respectively. End surfaces 27, 28 are positioned adjacent one another to form a seam 29 at a corner joint 21 as shown in FIG. 1. The tensioning system 100 is positioned over the seam 29 so that the longitudinal x axis of the base member 102 is perpendicular to the axis of the seam 29. As described above, fasteners are driven through the flat tabs 116 on the deformable member 112 on either side of the seam 29. Splicing screws are partially driven through the crest apertures 84 and into the head member 16 or vertical member 20. The splicing screws exert a driving force F_Don the deformable members 112. The driving force F_Dis converted into a perpendicular splicing force, F_S, as described above. Splicing force F_Stends to draw together the head member 16 and vertical member 20.
A tensioning system 100 in accordance with the present embodiment is operable to splice together closure members forming anywhere from about a 10° angled joint to about a 180° angled joint, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. For example, FIG. 12 shows tensioning system 100 mounted to members forming a 135° angled corner joint as is commonly constructed for bay windows.
According to another embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 13, a tensioning system 200 includes an L-shaped planar base member 202 having two leg portions 201, 203 extending perpendicular to one another. Rectangular openings 206 and 208 extend through legs 201 and 203, respectively, as shown. Each opening 206 and 208 has a proximal side a towards an end of the base member 202 and a distal side b towards the center of the base member 202.
Each opening 206 and 208 is provided with a deformable member 212. Each deformable member 212 has two angled legs 222, 224 forming a crest 226. An aperture 228 extends through the crest 226. Each leg 222 is fixed to and stationary with respect to the a side of the openings 206 and 208. Optionally, legs 222 are integrally formed with base member 202. Each leg 224 is provided with a flat tab portion 216 extending toward but not engaging the b side of the openings 206 and 208. The flat tab portion 216 is provided with an aperture 218 extending therethrough. A plurality of peripheral apertures 230 are positioned at each end and along the sides of the base member 202.
The tensioning system 200 has a structure and operation similar to that described with respect to the tensioning systems shown in FIGS. 7-10. A head member 16 having a 45° mitered surface 16′ is positioned adjacent a vertical member 20 also having a 45° mitered surface 20′, forming a seam 19. The head member 16 and vertical member 20 form a 90° angled joint 21 as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The base member 202 is positioned over the seam 19 so as to be aligned with the head member 16 and vertical member 20 as shown. The base member 202 is preferably positioned so that the seam 19 extends along the junction of the base member legs 201 and 203.
Fasteners 223 are driven through the flat tabs apertures 218 and into the base member 16 or vertical member 20 as appropriate. Fasteners such as splicing screws 225 are driven through the crests 226 and into the head member 16 or vertical member 20 as appropriate. Each splicing screw exerts a driving force F_Don the crests 226 of the deformable members 212. In this example, driving force F_Dis exerted into the page. The driving force F_Dis transferred into opposing splicing forces F_S1and F_S2driving the flat tabs 216 towards the b sides of the openings. Splicing forces F_S1and F_S2are exerted an at angle to one another, drawing the head member 16 and vertical member 20 into close abutment. The tensioning system 200 may be left in place and fasteners driven into the peripheral apertures 230 to permanently secure head member 16 and vertical member 20 together. Optionally, the head member 16 and vertical member 20 may be secured together via other means as is known in the art and the tensioning system 200 is removed.
The tensioning system 200 as shown is operable to splice together members forming a 90° angled joint. According to other embodiments, the base member legs 201, 203 extend at angles relative to one another of from about 10° to about 170° and are operable to splice together members forming an approximately like-angled joint.
According to another embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 14, a tensioning system 300 includes an L-shaped base member 302 having two leg portions 301, 303 extending in planes perpendicular to one another. A pair of generally rectangular openings 304, 306 and 308, 310 extend through legs 301, 303, respectively, as shown. Each opening 304, 306, 308 and 310 has a side a towards an end of the base member 302 and a side b towards a corner region 307 of the base member 302 between the two leg portions 301, 303.
Each opening 304, 306, 308 and 310 is provided with a deformable member 312. Each deformable member 312 has two angled legs 322, 324 forming a crest 326. An aperture 328 extends through the crest 326. Each leg 322 is fixed to and stationary with respect to the a side of the openings 304, 306, 308 and 310. Optionally, the angled leg 322 is integrally formed with the base member 302 at the a side of the respective openings. Each leg 324 is provided with a flat tab portion 316 extending toward but not engaging the b side of the openings 304, 306, 308 and 310. The flat tab portion 316 is provided with an aperture 318 extending therethrough. A plurality of peripheral apertures 330 are positioned at each end and along the sides of the base member 302.
The tensioning system 300 has a structure and operation similar to that described with respect to the tensioning systems shown in FIGS. 7-10. For example, a head member 16 is positioned adjacent a vertical member 20, forming a 90° angled corner joint. The base member 302 is mounted to a side face 15 of the head member 16 and to a side face 17 of the vertical member 20. Fasteners (not shown) are driven through the flat tabs apertures 318 and into the side faces 15 and 17 as appropriate. Splicing screws (not shown) are driven through the crests 326, into the side faces 15, 17 and incrementally tightened in turn.
The splicing screws exert a first driving force F_D1on the deformable members 312 coupled to the head member side face 15 and a perpendicular second driving force F_D2on the deformable members 312 coupled to the vertical member side face 17. A portion of first driving force F_D1is transferred to a first splicing force F_S1and a portion of second driving force F_D2is transferred to a second splicing force F_S2. Splicing forces F_S1and F_S2are exerted at an angle to one another and perpendicular to their respective driving forces F_D1and F_D2. Splicing forces F_S1and F_S2tend to push the flat tab portions 216 towards the b sides of the apertures 304, 306, 308 and 310, respectively, or towards the seam 319, drawing the head member 16 and vertical member 20 into close abutment.
The tensioning system 300 may be left in place and fasteners driven through the peripheral apertures 330 to permanently secure the head member 16 and the vertical member 20 together. Optionally, the head member 16 and vertical member 20 may be secured together via other means as is known in the art and the tensioning system 300 removed and discarded.
The tensioning system 300 according to the present embodiment is operable to splice together members forming a 90° angled joint. According to other embodiments, the base member legs 301, 303 extend at angles of from about 10° to about 170° relative to one another and are operable to splice together members forming an approximately like-angled joint.
The tensioning system 300 is operable to splice together members without defacing the front, or decorative surface. Tensioning system 300 is also operable to splice together closure members that are too thin to drive fasteners through as is shown in FIGS. 7-13.
FIGS. 15A-15C show a tensioning system 400 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 14 a, tensioning system 400 includes a tensioning body 402. The tensioning body 402 is a generally rectangular box-like member with a pair of cut-outs at 404 and 406. Deformable members 408, 410 extend along either side of the cut- outs 404, 406, joining ends 402 a, 402 b of the tensioning body 402. Peripheral apertures 412 extend through each end 402 a, 402 b. A center aperture 414 extends through each of the deformable members 408, 410. According to other embodiments, tensioning body 402 may have other cross-sectional shapes. For example, tensioning body 402 may be tubular and have a circular cross-sectional shape.
Fasteners (not shown) are driven through the peripheral apertures 412 to mechanically couple the tensioning body 402 to the opposing closure sections. A fastener, such as splicing screw 425, is driven through aperture 414. Unlike previous embodiments, deformable members 408, 410 are in a planar configuration and are deformed to a peaked or bent configuration as shown in FIGS. 15B and 15C. A driving force F_Dexerted on the deformable members 408, 410 will cause the deformable members 408, 410 to bend inwards, or towards one another, away from their original planar configuration. As the deformable members 408, 410 are deformed, the ends 402 a and 402 b are drawn closer to one another, exerting a splicing force F_Son the tensioning body 402. In this manner, closure sections attached to each end 402 a, 402 b are spliced or drawn together. According to another embodiment, deformable members 408, 410 are deformed outwardly or away from one another.
FIG. 16 shows a tensioning system 500 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention mounted on a pair of opposing closure sections, for example head member sections 16 a, 16 b. Tensioning system 500 includes a base member 502 provided with a plurality of deformable members 504 similar to those described in FIGS. 7-14. As described previously, each deformable member 504 is coupled or integrally formed at a proximal end a to the base member 502. Each deformable member 504 is coupled at a distal end b to the closure sections 16 a or 16 b. According to one embodiment, the deformable members 504 are positioned on the base member 502 in opposing pairs f, g and h. Each opposing pair f, g, h defines an axis A_f, A_gor A_halong which the respective pairs are operable to splice or draw together closure sections. According to one embodiment, pairs of opposing pairs, for example the f and h pairs, form perpendicular axes.
Deformation of the opposing pairs of deformable members 504 draws together the head member sections 16 a, 16 b along a plurality of axes. In this manner, lateral adjustments of the closure member sections 16 a, 16 b relative to one another are made as they are drawn together. The head member sections 16 a, 16 b may be aligned in multiple axes relative to one another as they are drawn together. This feature is useful in aligning head member sections already partially installed in a rough opening. It is also useful in re-aligning and drawing together the members of pre-existing closure systems which have become mis-aligned over time through, for example, gradual shifting and settling of the structure.
A tensioning system according to the present invention is preferably constructed of galvanized steel. However, it is contemplated that the tensioning system may be made of aluminum or other like materials.
According to one embodiment, the deformable members of the above described tensioning systems are elastically deformable. That is, following deformation, the deformable members may be returned to their pre-deformed configuration. Such a reverse maneuver may be employed to push apart closure members to correct for inadvertent over-tightening or mis-alignment throughout the installation procedure. Used tensioning assemblies may also be returned to a pre-deformed configuration and re-used.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, the invention is not to be taken as limited to all of the details thereof as modifications and variations thereof may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

1. 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.

2. The tensioning system of claim 1 wherein the base member comprises an elongated linear structure.

3. The tensioning system of claim 1 wherein the base member comprises an elongated non-linear structure.

4. The tensioning system of claim 1 wherein the base member comprises a generally planar structure.

5. The tensioning system of claim 1 wherein the base member comprises a non-planar structure.

6. The tensioning system of claim 1 wherein the base member comprises an open channel.

7. The tensioning system of claim 1 wherein the center portion is non-planar.

8. The tensioning system of claim 1 wherein the center portion is planar.

9. The tensioning system of claim 1 wherein the center portion is plastically deformable.

10. The tensioning system of claim 1 wherein the center portion is elastically deformable.

11. The tensioning member of claim 1 wherein the distal end of the deformable member is positioned closer to the seam than the proximal end.

12. The tensioning system of claim 1 comprising:

an aperture extending through the center portion; and

a fastener extending through the aperture and into the second portion, such that advancing the fastener into the second portion increases the tensioning force on the base member.

13. The tensioning system of claim 1 wherein the deformable member comprises a discrete component.

14. The tensioning system of claim 1 wherein the deformable member comprises a portion of the base member.

15. The tensioning system of claim 1 wherein the tensioning force acts along a longitudinal axis of the base member.

16. The tensioning system of claim 1 wherein the tensioning force acts at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the base member.

17. The tensioning system of claim 1 wherein the base member is attached to the first portion by a second deformable member having a center portion, a proximal end mechanically coupled to the base member and a distal end attached to the first portion.

18. The tensioning system of claim 17 wherein the first deformable member generates a first tensioning force on the base member and the second tensioning member generates a second opposing tensioning force on the base member.

19. The tensioning system of claim 1 comprising 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.

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. The method of claim 21 further comprising inserting the tensioning assembly into a channel formed by the closure members.

23. The method of claim 21 further comprising securing the first deformable member to a first closure member extending in a first plane and securing the second deformable member to a second closure member extending in a second plane different from the first plane.

24. The method of claim 21 wherein exerting a driving force further comprises advancing a screw extending through each deformable member into the closure members.

25. The method of claim 21 further comprising securing the base member to the assembled closure members.

26. The method of claim 21 further comprising positioning the un-assembled closure members in a rough opening.