Movable or removable closures – With means mounting closure for reciprocation – Slide or guide feature for closure removal
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-12
2001-08-28
Stodola, Daniel P. (Department: 3634)
Movable or removable closures
With means mounting closure for reciprocation
Slide or guide feature for closure removal
C049S419000, C049S408000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06279270
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Window assemblies with sliding window sash include opposingly positioned window jamb liners that guide vertical movement of the sliding window sash. The jamb liners are often extruded since this is a cost-effective way of manufacturing an elongated, continuous shape. Typically, the window jamb liner includes one or more channels extending the length of the jamb liner that act as guides for the sash, and the sliding window sash include one or more friction-generating sash supports operably movably positioned in the jamb liner channels for controlling the movement of the sliding window sash. A sash-engaging member extends from each friction-generating sash support through a slot in the jamb liner into engagement with the window sash.
A variety of window jamb liners are known which have slots extending the full length of the window jamb liner. However, dirt, debris and foreign objects may collect in the slots, particularly at an end of the window jamb liner where the slots are not wiped clean by movement of the sliding window and the sash-engaging member. Further, long open slots create an unattractive appearance since they are in a highly visible location.
One alternative to resolve this prpblem is to cover the window jamb liner slot, and various ways have been contrived for attempting to do so with respect to all or portions of this slot. Some jamb liners use a striplike insert positioned in the slot to cover portions of it. In another type of jamb liner, the slot comprises a narrow slit in a deformable portion of a dual-durometer co-extruded jamb liner. However, these methods require secondary operations which are expensive and labor-intensive and/or utilize separate parts, complex extrusions, etc., which may present quality control problems. Further, the slot-covering insert or flap may come loose or deform over time, thus resulting in the same problem they were intended to solve.
Thus, an apparatus and process for efficiently and cost-effectively forming elongated holes or discontinuous slots or grooves of predetermined length and position in window jamb liners, and particularly in extruded jamb liners, has long been needed. Further, apparatus, processes and articles are desired which solve the aforementioned problems.
However, forming discontinuous slots, holes or grooves in an extrusion requires the use of special measures and equipment, or secondary operations which are labor intensive and may present quality control problems. It is desirable to form the discontinuous slots, holes or grooves without the need for complex machinery, since complex machinery requires continuing maintenance. Also, it is desirable to form these features without using rotary or other cutting bits or blades, which require frequent sharpening of the cutting surfaces, are likely to leave rough or sharp edges, and impose additional expense.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present. invention provides a window jamb liner having an integral spring cover as well as a preferred process for manufacturing the same by extrusion so that the jamb liner has one or more discontinuous slots or other such openings to accommodate connection of the window, such to the positioner mounted in the jamb liner. The preferred process includes extruding the extrusion and forming one or more discontinuous opening in the extrusion as an integral part of the extrusion process. In one aspect, the process includes use of a shaper or cutter element associated with or directly adjacent the extruding die. The shaper or cutter element is configured to be periodically extended into and retracted out of the path of the extrusion, for removing or otherwise repositioning a predetermined amount of material from the extrusion as or immediately after it is initially formed, to thus form one or more discrete, discontinuous openings of predetermined shape and position in the extrusion. In another aspect, the process includes using a cutoff device to cut the extrusion into a predetermined length, and operating the cutoff device to separate the extrusion into segments having a predetermined length and having one or more of the discontinuous openings defined in a predetermined position along and within the predetermined length.
The preferred method of manufacturing the jamb liner contemplated by the invention provides an extrusion having one or more discontinuous slots, holes or grooves therein, which items are formed by a cutter/diverter positioned adjacent an extruding die for extruding the extrusion, and which thus are accurately located and also provide optimal shaping characteristics around the slots, holes or grooves.
An object of the present invention is to provide a novel jamb liner having an integral spring cover which is fixed in place and made as part of the jamb liner itself, preferably as part of a low cost extrusion having one or more discrete, discontinuous openings of predetermined size and shape which are integrally defined in the extrusion on an “as formed” basis. By using a cutoff device, an extrusion having a slot of predetermined size and shape in a predetermined location can be efficiently manufactured at low cost and with high quality. Preferably, the apparatus forms the slot/hole in the extrusion while the extrusion is adjacent the extruding die outlet and its material is still soft and pliable, thus improving tool life and reducing maintenance.
These and other features, objects, and benefits of the invention will be recognized by those who practice the invention and by those skilled in the art, based on a thorough reading and review of the specification, the claims, and the appended figures.
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Cohen Curtis A.
Newell Manufacturing Company
Price Heneveld Cooper DeWitt & Litton
Stodola Daniel P.
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