Abstract: A method of welding a window frame provides a welding system (10) having movable head fixtures (16). Certain of the head fixtures include cutting structure (37) and each head fixture includes heat supplying structure (40). A one-piece lineal (20) has first and second ends and notches therein. The lineal is loaded with respect to the head fixtures, with portions of the lineal being folded about the notches to define folded corners. Head fixtures are moved to clamp on the lineal. The cutting structure cuts the lineal generally at each notch to separate each of the folded corners from the lineal, with each corner of the lineal being defined by a pair of ends. The head fixtures are repositioned so as to provide a space between each pair of ends. A heat supplying structure is inserted into the space to heat each pair of ends and then removed. The head fixtures are moved so that each pair of ends contact and join in a thermally welded manner.

Abstract: A system and method for producing window components using polymer based, metallurgy based, extruded, injection molded, or wooden lineal material. The lineal material is notched at intervals calculated to include a stretch treatment and folded to form window components such as window sashes, frames, and the like. Internal reinforcing members may be welded within the joints formed by folding at the notches. The notching system and method provide low cost, highly reliable, low defect production of multi-sided window components from a continuous piece of lineal material.

Abstract: A system and method for producing window components using polymer based, metallurgy based, extruded, injection molded, or wooden lineal material. The lineal material is notched at intervals calculated to include a stretch treatment and folded to form window components such as window sashes, frames, and the like. Internal reinforcing members may be welded within the joints formed by folding at the notches. The notching system and method provide low cost, highly reliable, low defect production of multi-sided window components from a continuous piece of lineal material.

Abstract: A method of welding a window frame provides a welding system (10) having movable head fixtures (16). Certain of the head fixtures include cutting structure (37) and each head fixture includes heat supplying structure (40). A one-piece lineal (20) has first and second ends and notches therein. The lineal is loaded with respect to the head fixtures, with portions of the lineal being folded about the notches to define folded corners. Head fixtures are moved to clamp on the lineal. The cutting structure cuts the lineal generally at each notch to separate each of the folded corners from the lineal, with each corner of the lineal being defined by a pair of ends. The head fixtures are repositioned so as to provide a space between each pair of ends. A heat supplying structure is inserted into the space to heat each pair of ends and then removed. The head fixtures are moved so that each pair of ends contact and join in a thermally welded manner.

Abstract: A method of joining two components of a vinyl frame provides first and second components each having an end and having surfaces defining at least one channel open at the end and extending into the associated component. A coupling structure is provided and has at least a first member and a second member and includes energy receiving structure. The first member is inserted to extend at least partially into the channel of the first component and the second member is inserted so as to extend at least partially into the channel of the second component so that the energy receiving structure is generally adjacent to certain surfaces defining the associated channel. Energy is directed to the coupling structure to cause the energy receiving structure to fuse with the certain surfaces, thereby joining the first and second components together. Improved component sealing and water pathways are also provided.

Abstract: A method of joining two components of a vinyl frame provides first and second components each having an end and having surfaces defining at least one channel open at the end and extending into the associated component. A coupling structure is provided and has at least a first member and a second member and includes energy receiving structure. The first member is inserted to extend at least partially into the channel of the first component and the second member is inserted so as to extend at least partially into the channel of the second component so that the energy receiving structure is generally adjacent to certain surfaces defining the associated channel. Energy is directed to the coupling structure to cause the energy receiving structure to fuse with the certain surfaces, thereby joining the first and second components together. Improved component sealing and water pathways are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for producing window components using polymer based, metallurgy based, extruded, injection molded, or wooden lineal material. The lineal material is notched at intervals calculated to include a stretch treatment and folded to form window components such as window sashes, frames, and the like. Internal reinforcing members may be welded within the joints formed by folding at the notches. The notching system and method provide low cost, highly reliable, low defect production of multi-sided window components from a continuous piece of lineal material.

Abstract: A method for producing window components using polymer based, metallurgy based, extruded, injection molded, or wood material is provided. This invention provides a low cost, highly reliable, low defect method of producing window components by machining from a singular piece of material, providing bendable portions, with angled portions adapted to fit together to define a wide range of window shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing and sealing a composite frame is provided. The method includes receiving material for processing, the material having surfaces defining at least one continuous channel therein; cutting the received material to a desired length; forming at least one notch in the material by cutting the material at certain angles thereby defining a pair of notch surfaces; placing reinforcing structures and sealing measures within at least a portion of the channel; and folding the material at the notch so that the notch surfaces are in abutting relation and moving the ends to be in abutting relating to define a closed frame. The reinforcing and sealing structure increases the structural integrity of the frame and provides a seal tight exterior as well as an aesthetically pleasing finished product.

Abstract: A method of joining two components of a vinyl frame provides first and second components each having an end and having surfaces defining at least one channel open at the end and extending into the associated component. A coupling structure is provided and has at least a first member and a second member and includes energy receiving structure. The first member is inserted to extend at least partially into the channel of the first component and the second member is inserted so as to extend at least partially into the channel of the second component so that the energy receiving structure is generally adjacent to certain surfaces defining the associated channel. Energy is directed to the coupling structure to cause the energy receiving structure to fuse with the certain surfaces, thereby joining the first and second components together. Improved component sealing and water pathways are also provided.

Abstract: A method for producing window components using polymer based, metallurgy based, extruded, injection molded, or wood material is provided. This invention provides a low cost, highly reliable, low defect method of producing window components by machining from a singular piece of material, providing bendable portions, with angled portions adapted to fit together to define a wide range of window shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A method for producing window components using polymer based, metallurgy based, extruded, injection molded, or wood material is provided. This invention provides a low cost, highly reliable, low defect method of producing window components by machining from a singular piece of material, providing bendable portions, with angled portions adapted to fit together to define a wide range of window shapes and sizes.