Head and sill tensioning system

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.

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.