Granted Patent B2

US 7,802,365 · App. 11/085,704 · Granted Sep 28, 2010

Abstract

Claims (11)

1. A method of making multiple elongated spacer frame members for supporting spaced apart glass panes in a window or door that prevents a first spacer frame member in a series of spacer frame members from being scrapped, comprising:

a) providing a supply of thin relatively narrow sheet metal stock;

b) feeding the stock endwise to a stamping station;

c) passing the stock through the stamping station that stamps the stock to define a scrap length of stock followed by multiple connected spacer frame defining lengths of stock;

d) feeding the scrap length of stock and the connected spacer frame defining lengths of stock to a roll forming station;

e) forming the scrap length of stock and a connected first spacer frame defining length of stock into a rigid linearly extending generally channel shaped scrap element having opposite side walls and a base wall connected to a rigid linearly extending generally channel shaped first spacer frame element having opposite side walls for supporting spaced apart glass panes and a base wall; and

f) severing a connection between the scrap element and the first spacer frame element and discarding the scrap element.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising applying sealant material to external surfaces of the first and subsequent spacer frame elements.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising bending the first spacer frame element into a polygonal shape and telescoping ends of the first spacer frame element together.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the scrap element is substantially shorter than the first spacer frame element.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the scrap element is less than half as long as the first spacer frame element.

Assignments (8)