WO1991010034A2

WO1991010034A2 - Pultruded fiberglass framing sections

Info

Publication number: WO1991010034A2
Application number: PCT/CA1990/000464
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stanley Rokicki
Original assignee: Stanley Rokicki
Priority date: 1989-12-21
Filing date: 1990-12-21
Publication date: 1991-07-11
Also published as: DE69027222D1; EP0517702A1; ATE138722T1; AU6969791A; DE69027222T2; CA2006287C; ES2090302T3; GR3020912T3; EP0517702B1; WO1991010034A3

Abstract

A thin walled fiberglass pultrusion used for forming framing sections (21, 24) for closure assemblies and when assembled including reinforcing means (40) with each pultrusion to allow for the joining of: the framing sections (21, 24) in the closure assembly, the hardware associated with the assembly to the assembly, and adjacent pultrusions to one another.

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION

PULTRUDED FIBERGLASS FRAMING SECTIONS

FIELD QF INVENTION

This invention relates to closure assemblies su as, patio doors and windows, and specifically to those whi are manufactured from fiberglass. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known in the prior art to manufacture portio of closure assemblies such as windows from fiberglas pultrusions .

Canadian Patent 1,216,722 assigned to Dynamit Nobe Ag of the Federal Republic of Germany, teaches a method o forming hollow profiles by extruding glass fibre-reinforce polyvinyl chloride wherein a synthetic resin shell is forme which surrounds at least a part of the core as best seen i relation to Figures 1 and 2 of this patent. However a core i required for this structure unlike the present subject matte of the instant application.

U.S. Patent 4,720,951 assigned to Therma-Tr Corporation, Toledo, Ohio, teaches an improved frame assembl for windows, doors and the like having a first and secon skin, having internal support ribs wherein an insert i provided in between the skins as illustrated best in Figure which provides a solid surface for attaching hinges, drillin holes for door or window handles and lock assemblies and th like. The skin is manufactured from fiberglass reinforce polyester because of the thermal advantages of the qualitie of fiberglass. The reinforcing portion extends throughout th frame between the skin portions as illustrated in the abov figure. Again the instant invention does not contain such a internal portion.

Great Britain Patent Application 2,148,963 provide a pultruded glass reinforced web which acts as a therma insulation within aluminum extrusions. European Patent Application 0 022,436 to Gam describes as best understood by the Applicant members of glas fibre reinforced plastic material having dovetail corne joints in a window assembly. Nowhere within this reference i taught the mounting of hardware as the substance of th application only relates to the dovetail corner joints.

West German Offenlegungsschrift 2,904,295 to Maun describes a compound window made from plastics and having wing of metal. The plastic window may be reinforced wit fiberglass.

The following patents describe in detail amon others the pultruding technique known in the prior art: U.S Patent 4,559,262 to Imperial Chemical Industries, U.S. Paten 4,394,338 to Mitsubishi Petrochemical Company Limited, U.S Patent 4,540,737 to Celanese Corporation, U.S. Paten 4,541,884 to Imperial Chemical Industries, Canadian Paten 1,011,612 to Ube-Nitto Kasei Co., Ltd.,of Japan, Canadia Patent 945,713 to Glastrusions, Inc., of California, Canadi Patent 920,310 to The English Electric Company Limite Canadian Patent 869,604 to Glastrusions, Inc.of Californi U.S. Patent 4,640,065 to Owens-Corning Fiberglass and U. Patent 4,564,540 by Davies . Referring now to U.S. Patent 4,640,065 there provided a core material of a shaped glass fiber boa impregnated with resin in the outer surface portion which cured. The structure is best observed in relation to Figu 3. A considerable amount of fiberglass therefore is used order to prepare such framing sections, it being co prohibitive and difficult to justify forming windows by su framing sections. Nowhere within the 4,640,065 Patent there taught the manufacture of thin walled pultrusio preferably in the range of twenty five thousandths of an in to two hundred and twenty five thousandths of an inch fr which framing sections may be manufactured by known pultrusi techniques .

Referring now to U.S. Patent 4,564,540, nowhe within this patent is there taught the use of thin wall pultrusions for anything more than a spacing member as clear seen in relation to Figures 1 and 2. The instant invention may be manufactured by an known pultrusion techniques and methods of those described i the prior art discussed above, the methods of which are herei incorporated by reference. In this respect. Applicant' structure may be formed by any of the above pultrusio techniques depending on the end product desired.

It is known within the prior art to reinforce hollo framing sections. Great Britain Patent Specificatio 1,522,475 describes a window frame of plastic having thickness of between 3 1/2 to 6 mm of plastic. It i necessary to provide internal continuous reinforcing webs o plastic material to provide a frame of adequate strength When considering the cost of plastic to the higher cost o wooden frames it is possible to reduce the thickness of th plastic while maintaining the strength by providing continuou metal strengthening portions of any suitable metal alloy or b concrete members. Thus the elongate plastic members ar assembled to form a frame work and metal or reinforce concrete members are externally affixed to the framework, th metal or reinforcing concrete members serving to strengthe the hollow plastic members . This invention is best observe in relation to the figures illustrated at Figure 2. However the forming of a plastic window does not have the therma properties known to be inherit in fiberglass. Thus, th thermal expansion of the plastic will be significantl different from the concrete or the window pane and it i impossible that the window may experience fogging problems i cold weather. Applicant's structure however being made fro fiberglass having all of the known qualities of fiberglas will tend to have improved response to thermal expansion.

Another example of reinforcing portions found withi the prior art are found in West German Patent 2,818,696 t Frei, and West German 3,132,938 to Brickenstein . Anothe reference, European Patent 156,108, shows the use o trapezoidal metal reinforcing profiles inserted withi cavities. However, the reinforcing profiles are not used fo mounting hardware thereto.

Within the prior art there also exists a number o publications and patents which teach reinforcing of fram portions. These teachings are exemplified by West Germa Offenlegungsschrift 2,545,209 to Bruder which describes reinforcing angle piece for the corner of window or glas panes. West German Offenlegungsschrift 3,040,625 whic describes a stiffened hollow plastic window frame by a corne member. West German Offenlegungsschrift 2,730,633 to Schoc which teaches the angle portion to square the corners of miter joint. West German Offenlegungsschrift 2,300,281 t Kopke which describes a corner reinforcement for a plasti profile door or window frames and U.S. Patent 3,836,274 whic describes a corner joint for a miter cut hollow profile membe of plastic.

U.S. Patents 4,662,110, 4,726,145 and 4,691,474 t Rokicki describe my sliding door assembly wherein are provid cam portions as best seen in Figures 5 and 6 of U.S. Paten 4,726,145, the cam portions being connected together by cable portion which is fastened together by a turn buckle ty arrangement. By fastening the cable together by a turn buck arrangement it has resulted in a very time consuming assemb process for the sliding door assembly. Further the joint formed has proven to fail in time and slip resulting in t cams going out of coincident motion. This specificati further teaches an improvement for joining cable systems a specifically for joining the cables together within t instant invention. The teachings of the above-mention patents to Rokicki are hereby incorporated by a reference relation to the structure of the sliding door assembly.

Nowhere within the prior art is there taught a th walled pultrusion manufactured from fiberglass which forms framing section for a closure member, preferably the thin wa pultrusion having a thickness of between twenty five to t hundred and twenty five thousandths of an inch and havi reinforcing portions disposed within the channels, flanges, grooves formed with the pultrusion to allow for the mountin of hardware on the framing sections when formed into closur assemblies or to allow the mounting of the closure assembl within an opening. One of the problems facing commercial success o forming closure assemblies of thin walled pultrusions is th fact that fiberglass is very brittle. Whenever a fastener i inserted in such a pultrusion the glass fibres will crack an shatter around the opening. The prior art indicates tha closure assemblies can be formed from fiberglass only whe there is a core member such as wood or fiberglass betwee outer shells of fiberglass .

Fiberglass of course is expensive. By forming thi walled pultrusions of the thickness described above, one woul be able to improve the yield in forming framing sections b known pultrusion methods . Further by providing reinforcin portions contained in strategic locations with each pultrusio the formation of a closure assembly allows for the mounting o hardware on the thin walled pultrusion or the mounting of th assembly itself which would not be mountable unless th fiberglass pultrusion were reinforced around the point upo which the hardware will be mounted. For example, the ends o the pultrusion may be moulded with nylon reinforcing portion to ensure that the brittle properties normally associated wit fiberglass are not prevalent when mounting the hardware or th frame members to each other. By providing such reinforcin portions such as plastic mouldings proximate the end of th framing section or wherever the hardware may be mounted, considerable savings is realized in forming the thin walle pultrusions which would flake and crack easily if it were no for the reinforcing portions. Reinforcing portions may als be metal portions or any portion convenient to reinforce thin walled pultrusion of the instant invention. The prio art structures allow for continuous reinforcement throughou the entire length of the framing portions rendering the much less economical. Supplementary portions for squaring miter framin sections and joining pultrusion sections are also provide with this disclosure which are not found in the prior art i combination with the teachings of the instant invention. It is therefore a primary object of this inventio to provide thin walled pultrusions preferably between twent five and two hundred and twenty five thousandths, of an inch i thickness which may be used to form framing members fo closure assemblies, when the pultrusions are reinforce proximate their ends and at positions where hardware or th assembly will be mounted.

It is a further object of this invention to provid closure assemblies manufactured from thin walled pultrusio sections as described above having unique portions for bracin and squaring the corners .

It is another object of this invention to provide closure assembly which is economical to manufacture and whic has the recognized thermal properties of fiberglass and th strength thereof. It is a further object of this invention to provid an improved joint for cable systems especially those foun within sliding door assemblies having cam portions an separate pivots as found in the prior art described above.

Further and other objects of this invention wil become apparent to a man skilled in the art when considerin the following summary of the invention and the more detail description of the preferred embodiments illustrated herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To these ends and according to a primary aspect the invention there is provided a thin walled fiberglas pultrusion preferably of a thickness of substantially betwe twenty five and two hundred and twenty five thousandths of inch, the pultrusion used for forming framing sections f closure assemblies and when assembled including reinforci means with each pultrusion to allow for the joining of; t framing sections in the closure assembly, the hardwa associated with the assembly to the assembly, and adjacen pultrusions to one another. In another embodiment th thickness of the wall of the pultrusion is substantially i the range of ten to two hundred and twenty five thousandths o an inch. Preferably the reinforcing means are discret discontinuous reinforcing portions which are fastened t predetermined portions of each pultrusion such as channels grooves, and/or flanges provided with the pultrusion whe formed. According to one aspect of the invention, there i provided a closure assembly comprising thin walled fiberglas pultrusions of sufficient thickness to require reinforcemen when the pultrusions are joined to adjacent pultrusions mounted within an opening for the closure assembly or whe hardware is mounted to the pultrusions .

According to another aspect of the invention ther is provided for use as a framing section for doors and window or the like, a thin walled fiberglass pultrusion comprisin two ends, each pultrusion having formed therewith at least on channel, groove, flange or the like, the pultrusion being o predetermined thickness, preferably the wall thickness of eac pultrusion being substantially in the range of twenty five t two hundred and twenty five of an inch, in another embodiment the pultrusion has a thickness of substantially in the rang of ten to two hundred and twenty five thousandths of an inch each pultrusion in use having disposed proximate at least on end thereof first reinforcing means for interconnection of th pultrusion with like pultrusions in forming a framing section in one embodiment the first reinforcing means including corne brackets, preferably made from nylon, having mounting means preferably arms, preferably each bracket being an angl bracket, preferably being substantially L shaped, each arm o the bracket being affixed to proximate the end of eac pultrusion when the frame is assembled, in another embodimen the first reinforcing means further comprises a reinforcin member having compatible flanges, channels or grooves whic engage with the pultrusion and allow fastening thereof t adjacent pultrusions proximate the end of the pultrusion, preferably the first reinforcing means having detent portion therewith, preferably cylindrical channels for receivin threaded fasteners the pultrusion and/or adjacent pultrusion being connected thereto; preferably each pultrusion havin disposed therewith at predetermined locations secon reinforcing means for mounting hardware means, for exampl latches, locks, tracks, handles, pivots, or the like, or an hardware normally attached to conventional framing sections the second reinforcing means preventing cracking of th pultrusion proximate the hardware means when the hardwar means is mounted thereto, preferably the second reinforcin means being formed in predetermined shapes to compliment th shapes of the at least one channel groove or flange when th second reinforcing means are affixed therewith. In a preferre embodiment the second reinforcing means includes portion which engage the outer flanges of the framing section t stiffen the section and to further provide a flange to faste the sections within an opening when assembled.

According to yet another aspect of the inventio there is provided a closure assembly comprising a firs peripheral frame defining an opening within which a moveabl closure member is supported, preferably the closure membe further comprising a second peripheral frame, each fram including first and second framing portions, preferably a least one of the first and second framing portions an preferably all portions of the first and/or second periphera frame includes at least one framing portion being at least on thin wall fiberglass pultrusion having at least one groove channel or flange formed therewith, the wall of the pultrusio being of a predetermined thickness preferably substantiall between twenty five to two hundred and twenty five thousandth of an inch or alternatively substantially between ten to tw hundred and twenty five thousandths of an inch, eac fiberglass pultrusion being affixed to the adjacent pultrusio by first reinforcing means, the closure member having affixe thereto hardware means, the hardware means being mounted wit pultrusions at predetermined locations by providing secon reinforcing means to reinforce the fiberglass pultrusio proximate each predetermined location for mounting th hardware means . In a preferred embodiment the secon reinforcing means includes portions which engage with flange on the exterior of pultrusions to reinforce the flanges an further to provide a mounting flange for mounting the closur assembly in an opening.

According to yet another aspect of the invention th first and/or second framing portion may further comprise i use first reinforcing means being brackets made of nylo having compatibly shaped portions to engage with the at leas one groove, channel or flange of the framing portions, thereb connecting adjacent framing portions. In another embodimen the first and/or second reinforcing means may be molded i predetermined positions with some of the pultrusions.

According to yet another aspect of the invention th framing portion may further comprise in use first reinforcin means being right angled brackets engaged with the at leas one groove, channel or flange of the framing portion, thereb squaring the orientation of adjacent framing sections wit respect to each other when assembled. According to yet another aspect of the invention th framing portion may further comprise in use second reinforcin means having a base and at least one appendage extendin upwardly away from the base preferably the appendage bein flanges disposed with the base, to brace the secon reinforcing means in the at least one channel, groove, o flange, thus rigidifying the channel, groove or flange, preferably the base having detent means disposed therewit preferably aligned with detent means disposed with th pultrusion for mounting hardware therefor. Preferably th detent means are openings . In another embodiment the base ha a coplanar tang extending therefrom to abut the pultrusion i use .

In a preferred embodiment the pultrusion forming th sill portion of the closure assembly further comprises deten portions proximate the edges thereof to engage with detent disposed with supplementary portions, such as aluminu extrusions for track assemblies, to be assembled therewith i use, preferably the pultrusion and the extrusion also bein connected to reinforcing portions which are affixed to bot the pultrusion and the extrusion with the flanges, grooves and/or channels formed therewith.

According to yet another aspect of the invention the closure assembly may further comprise a substantial righ angled three-dimensional bracket having two appendages, th appendages for joining adjacent pultrusions proximate the a least one groove, channel or flange thereof, preferably th bracket being manufactured from resilient materials such a fiberglass, plastic, nylon or the like and preferably fo insertion within an opening or channel disposed proximate eac end of adjacent pultrusions. In one embodiment the three dimensional bracket is moulded from moldable materials havin reinforcing portions therewith preferably truss like portion to provide the necessary strength for connected adjacen pultrusions .

In one embodiment the hardware means may compris window opening mechanisms. In another embodiment the hardwa means may comprise locking portions, or handle portions. yet another embodiment the hardware means may compris mounting brackets for mounting the closure assembly in opening, preferably the mounting bracket having dete portions which engage and rigidify the pultrusions and mounting or nailing flange disposed therewith for mounting t closure assembly in an opening.

In yet another embodiment the first reinforci means may further comprise a first portion preferably form from metal, having compatible shaped portions form therewith to engage the at least one groove, channel or flan of pultrusions, preferably the first portion having dispose therewith first detent portions, preferably openings, t fasten the first portion to the pultrusion, the first portio having second detent portions therewith, preferabl substantially C-shaped cylinders preferably for receivin threaded fasteners, to fasten adjacent pultrusions to th first portions and the pultrusion to which it is fastened Preferably the fasteners used are threaded fasteners Preferably notches disposed with either the first portion an or the pultrusion engage flanges with either the first portio or pultrusions when fastened.

According to yet another aspect of the inventio there is provided a closure assembly comprising a periphera frame defining an opening in which a moveable closure membe is supported, the closure assembly having disposed proximat at least one end thereof cam portions upon which the closur member moves, each cam portion being affixed to other ca portions at the same end of the closure member by connectin means, preferably a length of cable, each cam portion havin disposed therewith detent means to engage the connecting mean and to be fastened therewith by fastening means engaging th detent means and the connecting means, preferably th connecting means is a cable having two ends formed in a figur eight passing through openings in each cam and being tightene and fastened thereat by a block insert through which the cabl ends pass and are pulled tight when assembled, the bloc inserts are disposed within the opening of each cam and locke in position with the cable and block by a threaded fastener, whereby during assembly the connecting means is pulled tigh with respect to the detent means of each cam prior to engagin the fastening means thus fastening the connecting mean proximate the detent means of the cam ensuring substantiall coincident motion of each cam with other cams disposed at th same end of the closure member. According to yet another aspect of the invention th closure assembly may further comprise framing portions wherei at least one framing portion is a thin walled fibre glas pultrusion preferably having a thickness of substantiall between twenty five to two hundred and twenty five thousandth of an inch. Alternatively the thickness may be substantiall in the range of ten to two hundred and twenty five thousandt of an inch.

According to yet another aspect of the invention th reinforcing portions may further comprise abutting portion which abut the portions formed with the pultrusions in us thereby reduce the amount of free play in the assembly.

In yet another aspect of the invention there i provided a method of assembling a closure assembly comprising

(i) Forming a closure member having two en from framing portions, the closure membe suspended or supported from a closu assembly, the framing portions of t closure member having at least two openin at both ends of the closure member a extending laterally from the closu assembly,

(ii) Inserting a link member through each pair openings of the closure member, (iii) Placing cam portions having first dete means therewith (preferably an opening) engage the ends of each link member, a having second detent means, (iv) Providing interconnecting means (preferab a cable) extending between adjacent c portions, for engagement with the seco detent means of each cam,

(v) Looping the interconnecting means arou adjacent cam means in a loop preferab engaging the cam in a groove disposed abo the perimeter of each cam, preferably figure eight loop.

(vi) Passing the end of the interconnecting mea proximate the second detent means of eac cam to engage therewith and pulling tight .

(vii) Fastening the interconnecting means b fastening means to the second detent mean of each cam portion whereby adjacent cam will move in unison as a result of th assembly. According to yet another aspect of the invention th method may further comprise framing portions which are thi walled fiberglass pultrusions having a thickness o substantially between twenty five to two hundred and twent five thousandths of an inch or alternatively substantially i the range between ten and two hundred and twenty fiv thousandths of an inch. According to yet another aspect of the invention th method may further comprise the assembly of patio doors preferably the patio door being slideable on truck portion disposed in channels at both ends of the closure member wherein the cam portions are connected, thereby allowin sliding and pivoting motion of the patio door assembly.

According to yet another aspect of the invention th method may comprise interconnecting means being a cable whic loops around adjacent cam portions and is inserted with block portion which is fastened with the cam portion by thread fastener thus locking the block portion and cable i position allowing for presetting of the tension on the cable.

According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a closure assembly comprising a closur member moveable with respect to the assembly and having tw ends formed from framing portions, the closure member bein suspended or supported from a closure assembly, the closur member having at least two openings at both ends extendin laterally from the closure assembly and having a link membe with each pair of openings of the closure member, having ca portions having first detent means therewith preferably a opening to engage the ends of each link member, and havin second detent means disposed therewith, having interconnectin means preferably a cable extending between adjacent ca portions for engagement with the second detent means of eac cam, having interconnecting means looping around adjacent ca means in a loop, preferably engaging the cam in a groov disposed about the perimeter of each cam, preferably in figure eight loop; whereby in use the end of th interconnecting means proximate the second detent means o each cam is engaged therewith and pulled tight and whereb fastening means disposed with each cam portion fastens th interconnecting means of the second detent means of each ca thereby allowing adjacent cams to move in unison.

According to yet another aspect of the invention the closure assembly may comprise interconnecting means bein a cable which loops around adjacent cam portions and i inserted within a block portion which is fastened with the ca portion by a threaded fastener thus locking the block portio and cable in position allowing for presetting of the tensio on the cable. According to yet another aspect of the invention the closure assembly may further comprise framing portion which are thin walled fiberglass pultrusions having thickness of substantially between twenty five to two hundre and twenty five thousandths of an inch or alternativel substantially in the range of ten to two hundred and twent five thousandths of an inch.

According to yet another aspect of the invention the closure assembly may further comprise an assembly of pati doors, preferably the patio door being slideable on truc portions disposed in channels at both ends of the closu members, wherein the cam portions are connected thereb allowing sliding and pivoting motion of the patio doo assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The following figures illustrate preferred a alternative embodiments of the invention, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a patio doo embodying components therefor illustrated in preferred an alternative embodiments of the invention.

Figure 2 is a close-up perspective view of th corner A of Figure 1, illustrating the interconnection of th framing portions of the patio door assembly in a preferre embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2A is a top view of the joint of Figure 2 illustrating the interconnection of the framing portions in preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 is a view similar to that of Figure 2 illustrating the joint between framing portions at union B illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 is a close up perspective view of corner A illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 is an assembled perspective view of th corner B illustrated in a preferred embodiment of th invention.

Figure 6 is a close-up view of corner A and th components of the guide rails of the bottom portion of th patio door assembly illustrated in a preferred embodiment o the invention.

Figure 7 is a exploded perspective view of joint C illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 8 is a top view of Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a stop devic incorporated in the patio door assembly of Figure 1.

Figure 10 is a top view of the framing section 22 o Figure 1 illustrating the positioning of the stop mechanism o Figure 9 illustrated in the preferred embodiment of th invention.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a corner bracke for joining framing portions of the moveable closure member 3 of the patio door assembly illustrated in a preferre embodiment of the invention.

Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of th framing sections making up the moveable closure assembly 30 o Figure 1 incorporating the bracket of Figure 11 an illustrating the interconnection thereof in a preferre embodiment of the invention. Figure 13 is a cut away perspective view of th handle assembly 36 of the patio door illustrated in Figure showing the reinforcement of the handle assembly illustrate in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 14 is a partial perspective view of th outside handle 37 and the components therefor mounted to th framing portion 34 of the moveable closure assembly 3 illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of th cams illustrated in Figure 1 showing the interconnection o the components therefor illustrated in a preferred embodimen of the invention.

Figure 16A and Figure 16B are supplementary view illustrating the components of Figure 16 in a method o assembling those components illustrated in a preferre embodiment of the invention.

Figure 17 is an assembled view of the components o Figures 16, 16A and 16B.

Figures 18 and 19 illustrate the motion of th closure member 30 in relation to the truck portions on whic the closure assembly 30 slideably moves.

Figure 20 and Figure 21 illustrate the correspondin motions illustrated in Figures 18 and 19 in a partial cut awa perspective view of the patio door assembly of Figure illustrating the components therein, in a preferred embodimen of the invention.

Figure 22 is a perspective view of a window assembl incorporating components and portions which represen preferred and an alternative embodiments of the invention.

Figure 23 illustrates a bracket for joining th corners of the outer framing portions of the window assembl illustrated in Figure 22 in a preferred embodiment of th invention.

Figure 24 illustrates the use of the bracket o Figure 23 illustrated in a preferred embodiment of th invention. Figure 25 is an exploded perspective view of th assembled components of Figure 24 illustrated in a preferre embodiment of the invention.

Figure 26 is an exploded perspective view of bracket similar to that illustrated in Figure 25 illustrate in an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Figure 27 is a perspective view of a reinforcin portion used to mount the window winding assembly 120 o Figure 22 in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view from the en 107a of Figure 22 illustrating the use of reinforcing portio G of Figure 27.

Figure 29 is an exploded perspective view of th framing portions which make up the moveable closure member o the window assembly illustrated in Figure 22 illustrating bracket used for reinforcing and joining the end portions o the framing sections of the closure assembly illustrated in preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 29A is a perspective view of the bracket use in Figure 29. Figure 30 illustrates a cut away perspective view o the fixed framing portion and the moveable framing portion o the window 100 illustrated in Figure 22, illustrating th interrelationship of the components therefore illustrated in preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view of the framin portion embodying the moveable closure member of windo assembly 100 including a reinforcing portion within the hollo of the framing portion illustrated in a preferred embodimen of the invention. Figure 31A is a perspective view of the reinforcin portion illustrated in Figure 31. Figure 32 is a cut away exploded perspective view o the handle assembly 130 of Figure 22 mounted to the hollo framing section 106 thereof and illustrated in a preferre embodiment of the invention. Figure 33 is a side cross-sectional view i elevation of the handle assembly of Figure 32 illustrated in preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 34 is a exploded perspective partially cu away view of framing portion 111 of the moveable closure o the window assembly of Figure 22 showing the mounting of th striker assembly on the hollow framing portion 111 thereo illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 35 is a perspective view of a reinforcin portion 190 inserted within the hollow of a framing portio 107 as illustrated in Figure 25 shown in a preferre embodiment of the invention.

Figure 36 is a cross-sectional view of the profil of Figure 25 illustrating the use of the bracket portio illustrated in Figure 35 shown in a preferred embodiment o the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to Figures 1 through 21 inclusive there is illustrated a patio door assembly incorporatin components and assemblies of the instant invention. Figure 22 through 36 illustrate many components of the instan invention assembled as a pivotable window assembly. It is no intended that the instant invention be considered only a applicable to patio door assemblies and window assemblies The instant invention finds practical application in doo assemblies and other assemblies requiring a framing of closure member such as a window, door, sky light, or the like The components of both the patio door assembly and the windo assembly are illustrated in preferred and alternativ embodiments of the invention. It is not the intention o Applicant to limit the interpretation of the breadth of th invention by only the merits of the preferred and alternativ embodiments illustrated and described herein.

Referring now to Fig. 1 there is provided a pati door assembly 10 having a top and bottom and two ends. Th patio door assembly is made up of a fixed framing assembly 2 and a moveable closure member 30. The fixed framing assembl 20 includes a top member 21, a bottom member 23, a end membe 22 and another end member 24. The end members 22 and 2 having disposed therebetween an intermediate portion 25 th use for which will be described hereinafter. The moveabl closure assembly 30 includes a window pane not shown an framing portions 31 at the top thereof, 33 at the botto thereof, 32 at one end thereof and 34 at the other en thereof. The closure assembly 30 is moveable on truc portions 90 which are attached to cam portions 60, the use o which is found in the previous Rokicki patents described i the background of the invention. The truck portions 90 ar moveable on a track assembly which will be describe hereinafter. Cam portions 60 are disposed proximate the fou corners of the closure member 30. A window, 35 is dispose within the moveable frame including members 31, 32, 33 and 3 and 26 within the fixed frame including a portion of to framing portion 21 and bottom portion 23 and the intermediat portion 25 and the side portion 22. A stop portion 22a i provided to provide a resilient bumper for the closur assembly 30 when moved from its current position illustrate in Figure 1 to the position wherein the framing portion 32 i located proximate the framing portion 22.

The framing portions 21, 22, 23 and 24 are hollo profiles manufactured by known processes and methods fro fiberglass. In the art the manufacture of such framin sections is known as pultrusion. The framing sections 21, 22 23, 24, 31, 32, 33, 34 and 25 are pultruded by methods such a those described in the prior art. The thickness of the wal of the pultrusions may vary from twenty five thousandths of a inch to two hundred and twenty five thousandths of an inc depending on the application of the instant invention Applicant has formed pultrusions as thin as twenty fiv thousandths of an inch but it is believed that a thickness i pultrudable to ten thousandths of an inch. Since it i believed that such a thickness would not be suitable fo window or door frames I have not recommended this thickness Currently I am forming pultrusions at ninety thousandths of a inch for the finished product .

As is known in the art, pultrusion of fiberglas into thin forms results in a brittle member which does no readily accept screws and fasteners such as threade fasteners. In order to assemble the patio door assembly mad up of hollow pultruded framing sections of thickness o preferably ninety thousandths of an inch it is necessary t provide corner brackets 40 which act as joining portions an reinforcing portions at the ends of the pultruded framin members. A more detailed description of the brackets an their use will follow.

Pultrusion 23 is an exception in that pultrusion 2 has affixed thereto two aluminum track sections for the doo assembly to allow for the motion of a truck portion 90 in th aluminum tracks joined to the pultrusion 23. Therefore a aluminum section 55 and 56 are connected to the pultrusion 2 using a bracket reinforcing portion similar in use to that o the structure of bracket 40 used to interconnect the portion 23, 55 and 56 together, the portions 23, 55 and 56 furthe interconnecting by detent portions provided on portions 55, 2 and 56 separate from the bracket 40 as will be describe hereinafter. A wooden member may be inserted within th pultrusion 23 to provide the extra rigidity required whe using the door frame as load bearing members.

The strength of fiberglass is well known in the art However the use of hollow sections, such as those found withi the patio door assembly of Figure 1 is the substance o Applicant's invention in part. Referring now to Figure 2, there is illustrated th interconnection of the pultrusion 21 and the pultrusion 24 a corner A of Figure 1. A reinforcing portion 40 is located a the end of the pultrusion 21, wherein the reinforcing portio is fastened by fasteners Fl and F2 in predetermined location by passing the fasteners Fl and F2 through openings 21c an 40c of the pultrusion 21 and the reinforcing portion 4 respectively. In doing so many portions of the reinforcin portion 40 will marry with channels, grooves and ridge disposed on the cross-sectional portion of pultrusion 21. Fo example, as best seen in relation to Figure 4, flange 40d an 40a will be contained within opening 21a of pultrusion 2 wherein the flange 40d will abut the flange 21d of pultrusio 21. Portion 21b which represents the top of a substantiall inverted U-shaped channel of pultrusion 21 will be dispose within opening 40b of the reinforcing portion 40. Portion 43c disposed proximate the end of the reinforcing portio remote the flange 40a will abut the surface of pultrusion 2 extending generally around hole 21c. An opening or a slot 21 is provided in the pultrusion 21 proximate its end whic cooperates with a slot 40e of the reinforcing section whic when once assembled will contain the flange 24d of th pultrusion 24, thus interconnecting and aligning th pultrusions 21 and 24 in use. The reinforcing portion 40 ha disposed therewith openings 41, 42 and 43 which are generall cylindrical in shape and are surrounded by arcuate flanges 41 and 41b, 42a and 42b, and 43a and 43b. These arcuate flange provide the opening within which a threaded fastene illustrated best in relation to Figure 4 may be inserted t further fasten the pultrusion 24 to the pultrusion 2 proximate the end thereof. The openings 24a, 24b and 24 disposed at the end of the pultrusion 24 are provided throug which the fasteners not shown extend to join the pultrusion together. As can be readily seen from Figure 2 th pultrusions are hollow with the exception of the reinforcin portion at the ends thereof and are provided with compatibl flanges 24h, 24f, 24g which abut compatible flanges not show of pultrusion 21. Seals S2 are provided in openings 24e an 21ee which provide a circumferential seal around the doo assembly.

The need to provide the patio door assembly wit reinforcing portions stems from the fact that thin fiberglas pultrusions do not readily accept threaded fasteners and woul tend to rip, tear, shred and crack around the hole. It ha been found that hollow profiles are not connectable. Th instant invention provides reinforcing portions which allo the connection of hollow profiles proximate their ends withou the result of cracking, tearing etc., and without the need t fill the hollow profiles with a continuous reinforcin internal member such as a wooden insert.

Figure 2A illustrates the assembly of Figure 2 fro the top of pultrusion 24, wherein a flange 24d extends int the slots 40e and 21e, thus interconnecting the reinforcin portion 40, the pultrusion 21 and the pultrusion 24 Fasteners F engage the openings 41, 42 and 43 of th reinforcing portion 40 to fasten the pultrusion 24 to th reinforcing portion. The reinforcing portion is furthe fastened via threaded fasteners at openings 40c t interconnect the reinforcing member 40 with the pultrusion 21 Thus a joint is provided at corner A of patio door assembly 1 illustrated in Figure 1 which aligns the pultrusions wit respect to each other. Referring now to Figure 4, there is illustrated th components of Figure 2 when assembled showing the abutment o portions 43c with pultrusion 21 and the location of th cylindrical openings 41, 42 and 43 in relation to the opening 40c of the reinforcing portion. The openings 41, 42 and 4 are set out a predetermined distance to coordinate with th openings 24a, 24b and 24c disposed near the end of pultrusio 24. Thus, the positioning of the cylindrical portion providing openings 20, 41, 42 and 43 it is most important whe forming the reinforcing portion 40. All of the components a described in relation to Figure 2 are interconnected i similar fashion in Figure 4. Referring now to Figure 1, Figure 3, and Figure 5 there is illustrated the interconnection of pultrusion 24 nea corner B of the patio door assembly of Figure 1. Th components in Figure 3 are illustrated in exploded perspectiv to better describe their relationships. A pultrusion 23 i provided with a socket portion 23d near the front thereo which engages a generally T-shaped in cross-section portio 56c of an aluminum extrusion 56. The recessed 23d or groov thus captures the general T-shaped portion 56c thereb interconnecting the aluminum extrusion 56 with the pultrusio 23. The aluminum extrusion 56 has a front portion 56 behaving as a retaining portion, a rib 56b upon which th portion 90 of patio door assembly 10 of Figure 1 rides Disposed proximate the other side of aluminum extrusion 56 i a second aluminum extrusion 55 which is attached to the othe side of the pultrusion 23 by another groove 23x dispose within the pultrusion wherein a flange portion 55f extend therein to interconnect the extrusion with the pultrusion Further a lip portion 55e engages a flange portion 23e t further interconnect the extrusion 55 with the pultrusion 23 Once the pultrusions 55 and 56 are engaged with the pultrusio 23 the reinforcing insert 40 is inserted to align the slot 40 of reinforcing portion 40 with the slot 55f of the pultrusion Openings 40h, 40g extending through the reinforcing portion 4 will engage fasteners F7 and F6 which extend through th openings 55d and 56d in the aluminum extrusions 55 and 5 respectively to interconnect the extrusion of the reinforcin portion. An opening not shown may also be included to engag the pultrusion 23, but in use this has not found to have bee necessary. A weather seal not shown is disposed on the othe side of the upwardly extending web 55a to engage and ensur the sealing of the window portion therein. Abutting portion 40i and 40j abut the angled sloping portion proximate the hol 55d of the aluminum extrusion 55. The abutments abu underneath such portion of the extrusion. A flange 55 extends above the flange 40y of the reinforcing portion 40. Openings 40d, 40e and 4Of are disposed in cylindrical portion with the reinforcing members similar to that found in relatio to Figure 2. These portions will engage threaded fastener F3, F4 and F5 which extend through the openings 24h, 24i an 2 j of pultrusion 24 which will then fasten the pultrusion 2 to the reinforcing portion 40 which is attached to th pultrusion 23 and the supplementary aluminum extrusions 55 an 56. Abutting portions 401 and 40m will abut the underneat portion of the extrusion 56 on the other side of the rib 56b A tapered wall adjacent the opening 4Oh and near the abutmen 40i extending between the abutments 40j and 40i is compatibl engaged with the sloping surface of the underside of th aluminum extrusion 55 proximate the opening 55d. A seal S4 i provided which extends about the perimeter of the entir system.

Thus, in reviewing the joints of Figure 5 and o Figure 2 and 2A, it can be readily seen that pultrusions ar connected to other pultrusions as well as to other extrusion by means of a reinforcing portion. The pultrusions are hollo and are only joined by the reinforcing portion proximate th end thereof to compensate for the brittle nature of fiberglas pultrusions . In alternative embodiments of the invention is not necessary that the reinforcing portions such as porti 40 be made from metal, however it is preferred. For exampl the reinforcing portion may be made from other materials su as space age plastic which will provide strength at t corners for the joints of the pultrusion framing sections.

Referring now to Figure 6, there is illustrated t structure of Figure 5 and Figure 3, illustrated and connect at corner B of Figure 1. The aluminum extrusion 56 and 55 a connected as per the details of Figures 3 and 5 to form t footer portion of the assembly. The footer portion includ the pultrusion 23 along with the extrusions 55 and 56. A r 56b is disposed therewith between track Tl and Track T2. upwardly extending flange 55a extends from the alumin extrusion 55 which acts as a weather guard for the frami section. The pultrusion 24 is thus connected thereto to vi fasteners F3, F4, F5 as per the description in relation t Figure 3 and Figure 5. An upwardly extending portion 2 constitutes another framing section of the patio door assembl as shown in Figure 1. The upwardly extending portion 25 mus engage the top portion of pultrusion 23 as well as th upwardly extending flange portion 55a of the aluminu extrusion 55. Further, a reinforcing insert is provide within the pultrusion 25 to fasten the pultrusion 23 as bes seen in relation to Figure 7 and Figure 8.

Referring now to Figures 7 and 8, a pultrusion 25 i illustrated in portion having outwardly extending flange which extend laterally away from the end of the pultrusion 2 but stops just short of the bottom of the pultrusion befor opening 25c. An opening 25a, 25b, 25c and 25d are disposed o the sides of the pultrusion to engage the pultrusion with th upwardly extending web 55a of extrusion 55 and the opening 44i, 44j and 44k disposed within the reinforcing portion 44 The reinforcing portion is shaped to fit within the opening o the hollow of pultrusion 25. Thus, a fastener F8, for exampl will engage with the opening 25a and the opening 44k dispose within the reinforcing portion 44. The cylindrical portion 44a, 44b and 44c are used for the same purposes as for th other reinforcing members previously illustrated an described. At the bottom of pultrusion 23, there is provide openings, not shown, which engage the bottom of th cylindrical portions 44a, 44b and 44c respectively. Thi fastens the reinforcing portion 44 to the pultrusion 23. Th fastener Fll extends through the opening 55h of 55a into th bottom of 44c to fasten the aluminum extrusion 55 to th reinforcing portion. Abutment portions 44f and 44g, 44e an 44d are disposed within the profile of the reinforcing portio 44, which can be clearly seen in relation to Figure 8 and abu the walls proximate fasteners F9, F8 etc. to provid additional reinforcing proximate the fasteners. A sea portion S4 is disposed within a groove portion proximate th side of the pultrusion 25 adjacent opening 25b. According t the requirements of the structure the pultrusion 25 is no affixed to the aluminum extrusion 55 in the preferre embodiment . Alternatively, it may be done in a compatibl fashion to that wherein the member 56 is affixed to 25. O course, it is known that at the top of pultrusion 25 a simila reinforcing portion 44 is disposed used in similar manner t that described in relation to the subject matter of Figure and 8. Preferably the reinforcing portions such as 40 an

44 are made from extrude of aluminum. It is not necessar that they be made from aluminum and they may be alternativel manufactured from any other strengthening substance whic provides the same features as described above. Referring now to Figure 9 and Figure 10, there i described and illustrated the stop portion 22a illustrated i Figure 1. The stop portion is made from a resilient member preferably plastic or synthetic rubber. The stop portion 22 has an opening 22al therethrough extending from a generall planar portion 22a4. Laterally extending flanges 22a2 an 22a3 provide a generally U-shaped containment for an openi 22a5. The opening and portions 22a3 and 22a2 are compressib within the generally U-shaped channel of pultrusion 22. fastener fastens through the opening 22al to fasten the st to the pultrusion 22. This stop acts as a bumper or cushi when the moveable door assembly 30 abuts the stop portio 22a.

Referring now to Figures 11 and 12, there described a corner bracket and the assembly thereof relation to components 34 and 33 of the moveable closu assembly 30. The pultrusions 33 and 34 are hollow fibergla pultrusions of the same dimensions described above in relati to the framing sections. The thickness is therefore betwe ten and one hundred thousandths of an inch. T interconnection bracket 70 is used to interconnect t pultrusions 34 and 33 at the corner proximate B of Figure The reinforcing portion 70 is a hollow member preferably mad from galvanized metal by conventional methods. Openings 70c 70d, 70a are set upon the top and sides of member 70. bushing B2 extends through an opening 70b extending from th top or bottom of the enforcing portion depending on th orientation thereof. Angled corners 73b and 73a are dispose within the galvanized reinforcing bracket . A stop plat extending upwardly away from the portion 70 at 72 and i provided to abut forward edge of the pultrusion 33. A secon stop 71 is provided to abut the mitered edge of the pultrusio 34c, thus orienting the pultrusions in relation to on another. An upwardly extending flange 74 abuts the materia wall 33b of the pultrusion 33 to align the pultrusion 33 i relation to pultrusion 34. Forwardly extending appendage suc as hollow 75 extends inwardly into the opening of pultrusio 33. An arcuate ramp 33e is disposed with the pultrusion t allow for the edge 77 which is stepped up from the bottom edg of the insert 70. To assemble and interconnect th pultrusions 34 and 33, the arm 75 extends into the pultrusio opening of 33 until the stop 72 abuts the forward edge 33bl o pultrusion 33 with the ramp or step 77 extending on th arcuate portion 33e. The opening 70b for the bushing B2 wil align with the opening 33a of the pultrusion 33. Insert 70 i hollow in order to provide an assembly which allows for th passage of link members best seen in relation to Figure 2 therethrough. To complete the assembly the pultrusion 34 i then extending downwardly upon the portion 70 until the hole 34d and 34g align with the holes 70a and the stop 71 and 7 interconnects with the mitered edges comparable to 33bl an 33d of pultrusion 34. This portion is not shown, however i will engage the portion of the member 70 including the stop 71, 72 and the upwardly extending portion wherein the hole 70 is disposed. Fasteners F12 and F13, F15 and F14 will then b interconnected through the openings 70d, 70c, 70a respectivel of the reinforcing portion which joins the two pultrusion together. In relation to joining framing pultrusions togethe proximate their ends, it is not necessary that the portion 7 be made from metal, in fact, in an alternative embodimen illustrated in relation to Figure 29, it is shown made fro plastic. However, in using the structure with patio doors i is beneficial if the structure is hollow at least in part t allow the passage of a link member through the bushing t interconnect with the cams illustrated in relation to Figur 20. In another embodiment bracket 70 may be molded from an suitable moldable material.

Referring now to Figure 13, 14 and 15, there i described and illustrated a reinforcing portion 80 which i disposed within the hollow of pultrusion 34. The reinforcin portion 80 is generally L-shaped in cross-section with slight hook portion at the end of the L. The hook portio extends into a compatibly shaped opening disposed within th hollow of the pultrusion 34 to allow for the fastening o handle portions 37 and 36 to the pultrusion 34. The handl portion 36 includes openings through which fasteners 36a, 36b 36c, and 36d extend. The handle portion 36 is pivotable via pivot P. The handle 36h has a locking portion 36c extendin at one end thereof remote the handle 36h. The outside handl 37 is formed into a generally U-shaped portion having flange extending away from the ends of the U. The U-shaped portio includes openings wherein fasteners 37a and 37b are disposed The handle portion 37c is therefore grippable by a individual. The unique aspect of the enforcing portion 80 i that it will allow the assembly of and fastening of the handl assembly 36 and or handle assembly 37 depending on the need of the patio door to the pultrusion 34. Thus the pultrusio is connected to the reinforcing portion proximate the assembl 36 via fasteners 36a and 36b, the reinforcement portion the extending away from the lock portion 36 towards the other .sid of the pultrusion 34, wherein on a slope surface through fastener 37a that face of the pultrusion 34 is fastened to web portion 80a of the reinforcing member 80. Thus we portions 80b and 80a are provided to mount both the insid handle and the outside handle. Abutting portions 80c, 80 allow for a good fit of the interconnecting reinforcin portion 80 within the hollow pultrusion 34. It is no necessary that the reinforcing portions of the pultrusion b required to affix handles and the like . In another embodimen of the invention, the reinforcing portion 80 has no fastener and is merely inserted within the hollow of the pultrusion a a reinforcing portion being connected thereto without the nee of handle portions. Such reinforcement would be necessary t improve the strength of the pultrusion under varying loads.

Referring now Figures 16, Figure 16A, Figure 16B an

Figure 17, there is illustrated one of the cam portions 60 o

Figure 1. In the prior patents to Rokicki there is describe the use of the cams as set out in the background of th invention, however, the present invention deals with a uniqu joint which speeds up the assembly of the doors and eliminate the need of any turn buckles required in the previou preferred embodiment of the inventions of the previous Rokick teachings. Therefore a cam C is provided having a pivot C disposed therewith at one end with a through portion C therewith. This pivot portion, for example would be inserte into the truck portions 90 of Figure 1, as best seen i relation to Figures 18 and 19. Specifically referring t Figure 16A, a block portion C3 is provided having an openin therewith CIO and two openings C9 through which a cable C4 extends one end El through the first opening, one end E through the second opening. The cable extends around th grooves C6 in use. An opening C5 is disposed within the cam to contain the block C3 when assembled. In use, the ends o the cable extend through the block through the openings thereof, the block is then inserted within the opening C5 as is clearly seen in relation to Figure 16b. The ends El, E2 are then pulled to establish the required tension of the cable as best seen in relation to Figure 18, so that the cams C will cooperate in motion which are connected by the cables C4 looped in a preferably figure eight fashion. The figure eigh is necessary to allow the cams to move in opposite direction when free to do so.

Figure 16 illustrates the passage of the cable C through a block_. B3 as a single pass, whereas the illustratio in Figures 16a and 16b illustrate a double pass through th two openings. This is representative of the two cams found a the top of the patio door assembly. It has been determine that the bottom cams will move in unison with the top cam without an additional cable system located there as well. Th cable is passed through the first block illustrated in Figur 16, looped around the groove C6 and tightened in position The cable then passes with its ends El and E2 through th block C3 at the other end of the patio door assembly, wherei the two ends are pulled tight and the threaded fastener i first fastened in the opening CIO at the end of the bloc where the cable passes once through the block of the cam an then the fastener C7 is fastened proximate the ends El and E after the ends have been pulled tight. This assembly is muc simpler than the previously known methods using turn buckle and vastly simplifies the construction and most importantl the installation of the assembly in the patio doors. It als has been found that the current cable system is much mor reliable than the previous system and will not slip a readily, and is easier to repair.

Referring now to Figure 17, 18 and 19, clearly th assembly is illustrated with the bushings B2, and the link extending being interconnected to the cam portions C. The ca portion C extend through the framing pultrusions 30 a illustrated in relation to Figure 11 and 12 through the hollo of the reinforcing portion 70 and is therefore interconnecte to the link member L. The link member L extends to the othe end of the patio door wherein it will extend to complementary set of cams reinforcing portions 30 bushings B2 As best seen in relation to Figure 18 and 19, the resilien member C4 will thus allow the compatible motion of ca portions C whether in the open position as shown in Figure 1 or in the closed position as shown in Figure 18. The portio C2 engages openings within the trucks 90 which have rollers 9 which roll along the rib 56b of the aluminum extrusion 5 previously illustrated.

As can be seen in relation to Figures 18 and 19, th opening C5 of each cam and the distance between the opening in terms of the amount of cable therebetween is a constan because of the fastening of the cable to those openings by th threaded fastener. Therefore, the orientation of the cams i ensured by the compatible motion thereof as required by th patio door assembly of Figure 1.

Referring now to Figure 20 and 21, there i illustrated the components of the linkage linking cams C a one side of the patio door assembly of Figure 1, with the cam

C of the second side of the patio door assembly. Block C3 a previously described above engages cables C4 which ensures th cooperative motion of cams C on the right side of the page an on the left side of the illustration. These cams ar interconnected with compatibly positioned cams C disposed a the bottom of the patio door assembly as illustrated in Figur

1, wherein the trucks 90 are riding on wheels 91 which engag a rib portion 56b of the extrusion 56. The extrusion 56 i attached to the pultrusion 23 proximate the bottom of the doo assembly. A link portion L interconnects the upper cams an the lower cams thus the cable C4 may be disposed top or to and bottom and ensure the cooperative motion of the cams C i all respects . The structure of the patio door and the link therefore L has been clearly set out in the previous Rokick teachings . The substance of this invention is th interconnection of the cams by the elimination of the tur buckle on the cable now fastened within the openings CIO o blocks C3 by threaded fasteners C7. This allows for the quic and accurate installation of the patio door assembly whethe provided within an aluminum door assembly of a fiberglass doo assembly. Referring now to Figure 22 there is illustrated i perspective a window assembly 100 having a framing assembl made up of pultrusions 105, 106, 107 and 108, and a movable o pivotable closure member or window made up of fiberglas pultrusions 110, 111, 112 and 113. Of course as is the cas with the door previously described in relation in Figure through 21 inclusive it is not absolute necessary that th framing portions in alternative embodiments of the inventio be pultrusions for a 100% of the framing portions . For exampl the portions 110, 111, 112 and 113 may be hollow fiberglas pultrusion of 90 thousandths of an inch . The remainin framing sections may in alternative embodiments in th invention be made alternative materials. However, in th preferred embodiment of the invention framing sections as i the case with the framing sections of patio door are made fro hollow fiberglass pultrusion of the thickness described above The framing section 105 is connected to the pultrusion 108 an 106 by a corner reinforcing portions 105a which are insert within co-operative channels supports within the permitter pultrusion 105, 108 and 106. Similarly pultrusion 108 connected to pultrusion 107 by a similar corner reinforci portion 107a as it is clearly observe in relations to Figu 22. Fasteners 105c, 105d, 105e, 105f, 108c, 108d, 108a a 108b fasten the reinforcing corner portions to respecti pultrusions. The handle assembly 130 with the handle 133 a its fastener 131, are illustrated attached to pultrusion 10 This handle of course is as known in the art to lock t window from the inside. Further a pivotable handle assemb 120 is provided disposed upon pultrusion 107 which engages number of levers by rotations of the handle 126 thus t opening and closing the window supported between t pultrusions 110, 111, 112 and 113.

Referring now to Figures 23, 24 and 25 there illustrated therein a bracket portion 140 which is shaped be inserted within the openings of the pultrusion 107 and t pultrusion 106 as seen in the drawings. Referring to Figure 23 the reinforcing portion 14 includes openings 147, 148, 140a and 140b wherein fastener 108a, 108b, 107b and 107c will be affixed. The reinforcin portion 140 is preferably made from nylon or other moldabl material with conceivable strength and resilience having portion 141 which extends in use within for example th opening 107iii in Figure 25. Further the flanges 144, 145a an 145 will rest upon flanges 107i and 107ii of pultrusion 107 Similarly the ends 141, 145 and 144 as best seen in Figure 2 will engages lOδiii, 106ii and 106i similarly as in the cas of pultrusion 107. Openings 147 and 149 are reinforced b reinforcing portion 147a and 149a respectively. The same i true for openings 140a and 140b.

Alternatively referring now to Figure 26 there i provided a generally rectangular shaped bracket 107b a illustrated in relation to Figure 22 which is an alternativ form of the instant invention. The bracket is made from a extruded aluminum angled section included openings 107b whic align with fasteners 106b, 106a, 107c and 107b respectively a shown in figure 26. The upwardly extending portion of bracke 107b is inserted within the open end and secure above th ramps 106iii, 106ii, 106i,107iii and 107i of pultrusion 10 and 107 respectively. Otherwise the fastening thereof i similar to the fastening of the nylon bracket illustrated i Figures 23, 24 and 25. Further the pultrusions 107 and 10 include a groove 106xv and 107xv which engages an angular shaped member H which has two ends HI and H2 which ar inserted within the groove to align pultrusions 106 and 107 with respect to one another and square the corners therefo when assembled.

Referring now to Figure 27, 28 and Figure 1, the reinforcing portion of Figure 27 includes a generally triangular shaped portion having two ends having a downwardly extending appendage Gl of reinforcing portion G at one end and upwardly extending appendage G2 disposed at the other end thereof. An opening G7 is provided to affix the reinforcing portion within the upward extending flanges 107xiv. Th fasteners G10 is inserted therefor through the opening of th pultrusion through the opening G7 of the reinforcing portion the reinforcing portion thus hooking into the groove 107xi and the rearward flanges G2 and G6 are oriented to fit withi a space between the groove of 107xv and the portion G Reinforcing G4 and G3 extend in triangular fashion along som of the length of reinforcing portion G extending upwardl through to flanges G6 and G2 which stopping short of a hoo portion Gl. Clearly it can be seen that the reinforcin portions, normally two, are supposed to allow the portions G and G5 to extend within the channel of pultrusion 107 wherei portion G8 at the top of the pultrusion thereby allows th fixing and positioning of window winding mechanism 120 of th window assembly 100. As many reinforcing portions that ar necessary to adequately fix the reinforcing member to th window winding assembly may be provided. The fastening i done from the channel side of the pultrusion of the framin section 107 thus providing for a clean package hiding th fasteners yet reinforcing the window winding mechanism to th fiberglass pultrusion without the need of continuous insert which are solid such as wood etc.

Referring now to Figure 29 and 29a there is provide the bracket similar to the structure found within Figures 1 and 12 accept that the bracket is not hollow but is made fro moldable material such as plastic, polyethylene, fiberglass nylon or the like. The plastic member 150 is provided with top and bottom having disposed at the sides thereo reinforcing ribs 153 to reinforce the flanges 152 and 151 a one side thereof without the need to provide a solid form Thus the webs are separated by openings allow for economy i forming the bracket 150. Openings 150a and 150b are provide which allow for the fastening of pultrusions 112 and 111 vi openings llle and 112e to the bracket faces. The brackets h portions 154 and 155 wherein the portions of the generally shaped bracket meet further having flanges 152 and 151 where angled surfaces 151a and 152a extend into the openings Ili and 112a in use to allow the faces 151 and 152 to fit withi the opening 112a and Ilia. When the surface lllg abuts th surface 154 then the bracket will be assembled and fastened i position in relation to the pultrusion 111 and 112. A sea 112i is disposed within the groove 112c and 111c wit pultrusion 112 to provided a circumferential seal around th closure member. The closure assembly therefor is assembled b use of such bracket 150 having co-operative portions 150, 15 and 152 which engage with co-operative channels Ilia and 112 with the respective pultrusions thereby fastening th assembly. All four corners are joined by such a preferre bracket.

Referring now to Figure 31 and 31a there is provide a reinforcing portion 160 having two ends and having dispose proximate one end outwardly extending tang 161 and proximat the other end a upperly extending tang 163. Further th reinforcing portion 160 has an upperly and angularly extendin portion extending upwardly from near the tang portion 161 Such portion is label as 162. Openings 160a and 160b ar disposed on the bottom of the reinforcing portion in the sam plane as tang 161. The reinforcing portion is fastene through an opening in pultrusion 111. The fastener 160 fastens a pultrusion and the reinforcing portion togethe allowing for the reinforcing portion to reinforce the profil of the pultrusion 111. The upperly angularly extendin portions 162 abuts the pultrusion at surface lllf via abuttin portion 162a. Further the upperly extending tang 163 abuts th pultrusion at surface lllh and the tang portion 161 abuts th pultrusion remote lllh. Thus it is found that in between th corner brackets of Figures 29 and 29a there is disposed th reinforcing portion for further reinforce the pultrusion i use . Further the reinforcing bracket allows the fastening o the lever Kl as best seen in Figure 31B to the pultrusion 112 of Figure 22. As the window will be supported by the framin sections 110 and 112 when pivoting it is important that the reinforcing bracket 160 of Figure 31A be located within th pultrusion aligned with openings in each pultrusion wherea the fasteners will not only reinforce each pultrusion 110 an 112, but will also serve to fasten the levers Kl and K2 t each pultrusion at openings Ka and Kb.

The pultrusion further includes a flange portio llld which extends from the main body of the pultrusion t which a further reinforcing portion, which is best describe in relation to Figure 34, is disposed to connect the strike portion compatible with assembly 130 of the window assembly The latch portion 180 is therefor described in cross-sectio having a fastener to fasten the portion in position with th reinforcing portion 187a disposed therewith to engage th other side of the flange llld. Such assemblies are clearl shown in relation to Figure 34 wherein the reinforcin portions 189a and 187a are provided with openings 189b an 188a, 187b and 186a respectively which connect to the othe side of flanges llld with fasteners 189, 187, 186 and 188. Th fasteners extend through openings 181, 182, 183 and 184 o bracket member 180 which includes a striker portions of 18 which will engage the lever assembly 136b best illustrated i figure 33. Therefor reinforcing portions 189a and 187a ar required to properly mount the hardware 180 in the prope location the reinforcing portions as best seen in relation t Figure 31 and 34 are flat essentially in profile havin corrugated openings.

Referring now to Figure 30, there is illustrated connected corner of the window assembly proximate corner S o Figure 22 shown the squaring portion H having ends H2 to H and H4 support with a compatible shape groove 107xv and 106xv Therefor the pultrusions 106 and 107 comprise the oute framing section and the pultrusion 111 and 112 comprise th inward movable portion wherein a downwardly extending portio 112d will abut underneath the fully extending flanges 107xvi The edge 112f will abut above the edge 107xvii, the seal 112 will abut just below portion 107xvii wherein 112f will finall upon complete closure of the window rest adjacent 107xvii with the seal 112i located proximate 107xvii. All of th pultrusions in this example are hollow and reinforced a predetermined location as required by the strength of th assembly. The larger breadth that the framing section may hav to span, then the greater the reinforcing requirement. Howeve in all cases the reinforcing are discreet reinforcing portion which also serve as mounting brackets and are not continuou reinforcing portions extending the full length of th pultrusion but are localized only. In other aspects of th invention the reinforcing portions may extend the full lengt of the pultrusion. For example the reinforcing portion o Figure 31 and 31a may extend the full length of the pultrusio even though the pultrusion is hollow and still providin reinforcing portions therein.

Referring now to Figure 32 and 33 there is provide handle assembly 130 pivotable upon a pivot P within th housing 137 of the assembly. Disposed within the assembly ar openings 130b and 130a which fasteners 132 and 131 fasten th handle assembly through the pultrusion 106 to the flang portion 106k thereof. Reinforcing portions 134 and 135 ar provided with openings 134a and 135a respectively which engag with the fasteners 131a and 132 to fasten the handle mechanis on the hollow profile at flange 106k. The portion 136a an 136b engage with the edge 135a of the reinforcing portion 13 respectfully which acts as stops when the handle pivots in th direction indicated and moves from a horizontal position t substantially vertical position whereat the window would b locked. An arcuate portion 136 connects the handle to the en 136b of the locking portion which engages underneath th striker portion 185 as best illustrated in Figure 34. Lockin handle portions are already known in the art. It is th mounting of the handle assembly to the pultrusion by th reinforcing portion 134 and 135 that is the substance of th invention and preferably in combination with the hollo profile of the pultrusion. Any reinforcing portion similar i use to items 134 and 135 which fit within the require openings adjacent flanges 106k will be suitable.

Referring now to Figures 35 and 36 there is provided a mounting bracket 190 having two ends and having disposed proximate each end openings 190a, 190b, 190c and 190d respectively. At the end of proximate the openings 190a is disposed a flange portion 192 extending parallel to the plane in which the openings 190a and 190b are disposed. Below this plain but in a substantially parallel plane yet above the plane which the openings 190a and 190b are disposed there is another tang portion 193 extending opposite in direction to the tang portion 192. The same is the case in relation portions 194 and 191 found adjacent the openings 190c and 190d of the bracket. The bracket further includes a upwardly extending edge 196 proximate each side of the reinforcing bracket. It is clearly seen in relation of Figure 36 the portion 193 abuts the flange 107y by reinforcing the flange should a force extend downwardly on the flange tending to compress it. Further the reinforcing tab 194 extends into the recess bounded by end 107xx further reinforcing the hollow profile . The hollow profile is attached to the reinforcing portion via a threaded fasteners 195a and a opening 190a, 190b, and 190c respectively thus allowing planer portion 195 to lie flat against the flanges portion and thereat securing a hinge mechanism HM to the hollow profile 107. The hinge profile is not shown but would be that hinge profile which is conventually used in relation to the assembly 120 as best illustrated in Figure 22 including levers and rods to open an close the window frame comprising pultrusions 110, 111, 112 and 113 and swinging it pivotably such as a door on a doo hinge in relation to the stationary frame comprisin pultrusion 105, 106, 107 and 108. The handle 126 is connecte to a worm and worm gear. When the handle 126 is rotated th worm, not illustrated, rotates,the worm having a helica thread running down the length of it and engaging with sector or worm gear having a lever assembly attached to th sector at one end and to pultrusions 110 and 112 proximate the other end whereat reinforcing portion 160 of Figure 31A is disposed. The top portion attached to 110 of Figure 22 is slaved to the bottom portion 112. This general structure is know in the art but not in relation to hollow pultrusions. It is the fastening of the hinge assembly HM in Figure 36 via the reinforcing portion 190 disposed within the hollow profile adjacent flanges 107y, 107x and 107xx which is a portion of the invention of this application. A seal 107xxx is disposed in a groove 107aa of the profile of Figure 36. Clearly the profile of Figure 36 is identical to the profile of Figure 25. Referring to Figure 25 within the opening 107iii there is positioned but not illustrated this reinforcing portion of Figure 35 the tang portion 192 extending into the groove established by outwardly extending arcuate portion 107xx.

Referring now to Figure 22 and Figure 25 there is disposed a nailing flange 200 which has unique properties. Not only does the nailing flange act as a reinforcing portion for the pultrusion to which it is connected, but it also forms a strengthening box beam with the pultrusion. Further the nailing flange 200 has detent portions 201 202 and 203 which engage the flanges and grooves 24f, 24h and 24g as best seen in Figure 2. It is customary to provide nailing flanges with window assemblies. Nailing portion 200 offers unique advantages of mounting and strengthening when used with hollow pultrusions .

Although the reinforcing portions as described herein in relations to illustrations of Figure 1 through Figure 36 are shown in preferred embodiments, many alternatives structure may be design by those skilled in the art in light of the teachings of this disclose which include profiles in reinforcing portion which reinforce thin wall pultrusions and join the thin wall pultrusions together and prevent the ripping, tearing and shredding of the fiberglass. Reinforcing portions which allow for the mounting of hardware to the thin walled hollow pultrusions such as the hardware of assembly 120 and 130, 136 and 137 with patio door system are considered part of this invention. Any reinforcing portion which allows for the strengthening of hollow pultrusion and truly reinforces would perform equally as well whether it serves the double function of a mounting bracket or not . It is impossible to describe all the different embodiments reinforcing portions may take . All matter contained within the description of the preferred embodiment and alternative embodiments of the invention are considered to be represented of those which may be design by those skilled in the art to be analogous in use and therefor mechanical equivalents .

As many changes can be made to the preferred and alternative embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention; it is intended that all material contained herein by interpreted as illustrative of the invention and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A thin walled fiberglass pultrusion used for formin framing sections for closure assemblies and when assemble including reinforcing means with each pultrusion to allow fo the joining of; the framing sections in the closure assembly, the hardware associated with the assembly to the assembly, an adjacent pultrusions to one another.

2. The pultrusion of claim 1, wherein the pultrusion i of a thickness of substantially between twenty five and tw hundred and twenty five thousandths of an inch.

3. The pultrusion of claim 1, wherein the thickness o the wall of the pultrusion is substantially in the range o ten to two hundred and twenty five thousandths of an inch.

4. The pultrusion of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein th reinforcing means are discrete discontinuous reinforcin portions which are fastened to predetermined portions of eac pultrusion such as channels, grooves, and/or flanges provide with the pultrusion when formed.

5. For use as a framing section for doors and windows or the like, a thin walled fiberglass pultrusion comprisin two ends, each pultrusion having formed therewith at least one channel, groove, flange or the like, the pultrusion being of predetermined thickness, each pultrusion in use having disposed proximate at least one end thereof first reinforcing means for interconnection of the pultrusion with like pultrusions in forming a framing section.

6. The pultrusion of claim 5, wherein the wall thickness of each pultrusion is substantially in the range of twenty five to two hundred and twenty five thousandths of an inch.

7. The pultrusion of claim 5, wherein the pultrusion has a thickness of substantially in the range of ten to two hundred and twenty five thousandths of an inch.

8. The pultrusion of claim 5, wherein the first reinforcing means includes corner brackets, having mounting means .

9. The pultrusion of claim 8, wherein the corner brackets are made from nylon

10. The pultrusion of claim 8 or 9, wherein the corner brackets include arms each bracket being an angle bracket, preferably being substantially L shaped, each arm of the bracket being affixed to proximate the end of each pultrusion when the frame is assembled.

11. The pultrusion of claim 5, wherein the first reinforcing means further comprises a reinforcing membe having compatible flanges, channels or grooves which engag with the pultrusion and allow fastening thereof to adjacen pultrusions proximate the end of the pultrusion.

12. The pultrusion of claim 5 or 11, wherein the firs reinforcing means having detent portions therewith, th pultrusion and/or adjacent pultrusions being connecte thereto.

13. The pultrusion of claim 12, wherein the deten portions are cylindrical channels for receiving threade asteners.

14. The pultrusion of claim 5 through 13, wherein eac pultrusion has disposed therewith at predetermined location second reinforcing means for mounting hardware means, fo example latches, locks, tracks, handles, pivots, or the like or any hardware normally attached to conventional framin sections, the second reinforcing means preventing cracking o the pultrusion proximate the hardware means when the hardware means is mounted thereto.

15. The pultrusion of claim 14, wherein the second reinforcing means is formed in predetermined shapes to compliment the shapes of the at least one channel groove or flange when the second reinforcing means are affixed therewith.

16. The pultrusion of claim 14, or 15 wherein the second reinforcing means includes portions which engage the outer flanges of the framing section to stiffen the section and to further provide a flange to fasten the sections within an opening when assembled.

17. A closure assembly comprising a first peripheral frame defining an opening within which a moveable closure member is supported, each frame including first and second framing portions, at least one of the first and second framing portions and preferably all portions of the first and/or second peripheral frame includes at least one framing portion being at least one thin wall fiberglass pultrusion having at least one groove, channel or flange formed therewith, the wall of the pultrusion being of a predetermined thickness, each fiberglass pultrusion being affixed to the adjacent pultrusion by first reinforcing means, the closure member having affixed thereto hardware means, the hardware means being mounted with pultrusions at predetermined locations by providing second reinforcing means to reinforce the fiberglass pultrusion proximate each predetermined location for mounting the hardware means.

18. The closure assembly of claim 17, wherein the closure member further comprises a second peripheral frame .

19. The closure assembly of claim 17 or 18, wherein the predetermined thickness of the at least one fiberglass pultrusion is between twenty five to two hundred and twenty five thousandths of an inch.

20. The closure assembly of claim 17 or 18, wherein the predetermined thickness of the at least one fiberglass pultrusion is substantially between ten to two hundred and twenty five thousandths of an inch.

21. The closure assembly of claim 18, 19, or 20, wherein the second reinforcing means includes portions which engage with flanges on the exterior of pultrusions to reinforce the flanges and further to provide a mounting flange for mounting the closure assembly in an opening.

22. The closure assembly of claim 17, 18, 19, or 20, wherein the first and/or second framing portion further comprise in use first reinforcing means being brackets made of nylon having compatibly shaped portions to engage with the at least one groove, channel or flange of the framing portions, thereby connecting adjacent framing portions.

23. The closure assembly of claim 17, 18, 19 or 20, wherein the first and/or second reinforcing means are molde in predetermined positions with some of the pultrusions.

24. The closure assembly of claim 17, 18, 19 or 20, wherein the framing portion further comprises in use firs reinforcing means being right angled brackets engaged with th at least one groove, channel or flange of the framing portion, thereby squaring the orientation of adjacent framing section with respect to each other when assembled.

25. The closure assembly of claim 17, 18, 19, 20 or 23, wherein the framing portion further comprises in use secon reinforcing means having a base and at least one appendag extending upwardly away from the base preferably the appendag being flanges disposed with the base, to brace the secon reinforcing means in the at least one channel, groove, o flange, thus rigidifying the channel, groove or flange.

26. The closure assembly of claim 25, wherein the bas has detent means disposed therewith preferably aligned wit detent means disposed with the pultrusion for mountin hardware therefor.

27. A closure assembly comprising thin walled fiberglas pultrusions of sufficient thickness to require reinforcemen when the pultrusions are joined to adjacent pultrusions, mounted within an opening for the closure assembly or whe hardware is mounted to the pultrusions.

28. The closure assembly of claim 25 or 26, wherein th base has a coplanar tang extending therefrom to abut th pultrusion in use.

29. The closure assembly of claim 17, 18, 19 or 20, wherein a pultrusion forms a sill portion of the closur assembly and further comprises detent portions proximate the edges thereof to engage with detents disposed wit supplementary portions, such as aluminum extrusions for trac assemblies, to be assembled therewith in use.

30. The closure assembly of claim 29, wherein the pultrusion and the extrusion are also connected to reinforcin portions which are affixed to both the pultrusion and the extrusion with the flanges, grooves, and/or channels forme therewith.

31. The closure assembly of claim 17, 18, 19 or 20, further comprising a substantial right angled three- dimensional bracket having two appendages, the appendages for joining adjacent pultrusions proximate the at least one groove, channel or flange thereof.

32. The closure assembly of claim 31, wherein the bracket is manufactured from resilient materials such as fiberglass, plastic, nylon or the like.

33. The closure assembly of claim 31 or 32, wherein the bracket is for insertion within an opening or channel disposed proximate each end of adjacent pultrusions.

34. The closure assembly of claim 31 and 32, wherein the three-dimensional bracket is moulded from moldable materials having reinforcing portions therewith preferably truss like portions to provide the necessary strength for connected adjacent pultrusions.

35. The closure assembly of claim 17, 18, 19 or 20, wherein the hardware means further comprises window opening mechanisms locking portions, or handle portions.

36. The closure assembly of claim 17, 18, 19 or 20, wherein the hardware means further comprises mounting brackets for mounting the closure assembly in an opening.

37. The closure assembly of claim 36, wherein the mounting bracket has detent portions which engage and rigidify the pultrusions and a mounting or nailing flange disposed therewith for mounting the closure assembly in an opening.

38. The closure assembly of claim 17, 18, 19 or 20, wherein the first reinforcing means further comprises a first portion preferably formed from metal, having compatible shaped portions formed therewith to engage the at least one groove, channel or flange of pultrusions.

39- The closure assembly of claim 30, wherein the first reinforcing means further comprises a first portion preferably formed from metal, having compatible shape portions formed therewith to engage the at least one groove, channel or flange of pultrusions.

40. The closure assembly of claim 38 or 39, wherein th first portion has disposed therewith first detent portions, t fasten the first portion to the pultrusion, the first portio having second detent portions therewith, to fasten adjacent pultrusions to the first portions and the pultrusion to which it is fastened.

41. The closure assembly of claim 40, wherein the first detent portions are substantially C-shaped cylinders preferably for receiving threaded fasteners .

42. The closure assembly of claim 38, 39, 40 or 41, wherein notches disposed with either the first portion and or the pultrusion engage flanges with either the first portion or pultrusions when fastened.

43. A closure assembly comprising a peripheral frame defining an opening in which a moveable closure member is supported, the closure assembly having disposed proximate at least one end thereof cam portions upon which the closure member moves, each cam portion being affixed to other cam portions at the same end of the closure member by connecting means, each cam portion having disposed therewith detent means to engage the connecting means and to be fastened therewith by fastening means engaging the detent means and the connecting means whereby during assembly the connecting means is pulled tight with respect to the detent means of each cam prior to engaging the fastening means thus fastening the connecting means proximate the detent means of the cam ensuring substantially coincident motion of each cam with other cams disposed at the same end of the closure member .

44. The closure assembly of claim 43, wherein the connecting means is a length of cable.

45. The closure assembly of claim 43, wherein the connecting means is a cable having two ends formed in a figure eight passing through openings in each cam and being tightened and fastened thereat by a block insert through which the cable ends pass and are pulled tight when assembled, the block inserts are disposed within the opening of each cam and locked in position with the cable and block by a threaded fastener.

46. The closure assembly of claim 43, 44 or 45, further comprising framing portions wherein at least one framing portion is a thin walled fibre glass pultrusion having a thickness of substantially between twenty five to two hundred and twenty five thousandths of an inch.

47. The closure assembly of claim 43, 44 or 45, further comprising framing portions wherein at least one framing portion is a thin walled fibre glass pultrusion having a thickness of substantially between ten to two hundred and twenty five thousandths of an inch.

48. The closure assembly of claim 38, 39, 40, 41 or 42, wherein the reinforcing portions further comprise abutting portions which abut the portions formed with the pultrusions in use thereby reduce the amount of free play in the assembly.

49. A method of assembling a closure assembly comprising:

(i) Forming a closure member having two ends from framing portions, the closure member suspended or supported from a closure assembly, the framing portions of the closure member having at least two openings at both ends of the closure member and extending laterally from the closure assembly,

(ii) Inserting a link member through each pair of openings of the closure member,

(iii) Placing cam portions having first detent means therewith to engage the ends of each link member, and having second detent means, (iv) Providing interconnecting means extendin between adjacent cam portions, fo engagement with the second detent means o each cam, (v) Looping the interconnecting means aroun adjacent cam means in a loop

(vi) Passing the end of the interconnecting mean proximate the second detent means of eac cam to engage therewith and pulling tight . (vii) Fastening the interconnecting means b fastening means to the second detent means of each cam portion whereby adjacent cams will move in unison as a result of the assembly.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein the interconnecting means is a cable.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein the cable engages the cam in a groove disposed about the perimeter of each cam.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein the cable is looped about the cams in a figure eight configuration.

53. The method of claim 49, further comprising framing portions which are thin walled fiberglass pultrusions having a thickness of substantially between ten to two hundred and twenty five thousandths of an inch.

54. The method of claim 49, further comprising framing portions which are thin walled fiberglass pultrusions having a thickness of substantially between twenty five to two hundred and twenty five thousandths of an inch.

55. The method of claim 49, 52, 53 or 54, further comprising the assembly of patio doors.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein the patio door is slideable on truck portions disposed in channels at both ends of the closure members wherein the cam portions are connected, thereby allowing sliding and pivoting motion of the patio door assembly.

57. The method of claim 49, further comprising interconnecting means being a cable which loops around adjacent cam portions and is inserted with a block portion - which is fastened with the cam portion by a thread fastener thus locking the block portion and cable in position allowing for presetting of the tension on the cable.

58. A closure assembly comprising a closure member moveable with respect to the assembly and having two ends formed from framing portions, the closure member being suspended or supported from a closure assembly, the closure member having at least two openings at both ends extending laterally from the closure assembly and having a link member with each pair of openings of the closure member, having cam portions having first detent means therewith, preferably an opening, to engage the ends of each link member, and having second detent means disposed therewith, having interconnecting means extending between adjacent cam portions for engagement with the second detent means of each cam, having interconnecting means looping around adjacent cam means in a loop whereby in use the end of the interconnecting means proximate the second detent means of each cam is engaged therewith and pulled tight and whereby fastening means disposed with each cam portion fastens the interconnecting means of the second detent means of each cam thereby allowing adjacent cams to move in unison.

59. The closure assembly of claim 58, wherein the interconnecting means is a cable.

60. The closure assembly of claim 59, wherein the cabl engages the cam in a groove disposed about the perimeter o each cam.

61. The closure assembly of claim 59 or 60, wherein th cable is disposed in a figure eight loop.

62. The closure assembly of claim 58 or 60, comprisin interconnecting means being a cable which loops aroun adjacent cam portions and is inserted within a block portio which is fastened with the cam portion by a threaded fastene thus locking the block portion and cable in position allowin for presetting of the tension on the cable.

63. The closure assembly of claim 58 or 62, furthe comprising framing portions which are thin walled fiberglas pultrusions having a thickness of substantially between twent five to two hundred and twenty five thousandths of an inch.

64. The closure assembly of claim 58 or 62, furthe comprising framing portions which are thin walled fiberglass pultrusions having a thickness of substantially between ten t two hundred and twenty five thousandths of an inch.

65. The closure assembly of claim 58, 61, 62, 63 or 64, further comprising an assembly of patio doors.

66. The closure assembly of claim 65, wherein the patio door is slideable on truck portions disposed in channels at both ends of the closure members wherein the cam portions are connected thereby allowing sliding and pivoting motion of the patio door assembly.

67. A window comprising a window framing structure having a plurality of framing parts, a plurality of mechanical fastening members, each of said framing parts comprising an elongate substantially rigid structural member having a wall shaped to define a window glass receiving portion and at least partly enclosing a hollow interior of the part, each end of each of said plurality of parts being connected by a respective one of said mechanical fastening members to an end of a respective one of the other parts to define said window framing structure with said receiving portions thereof cooperating to define a window glass receiving section, structural strength for each of said parts being provided solely by at least a portion thereof formed wholly of a thermosetting resin material reinforced by glass fiber material which is formed from fiber structures extending continuously longitudinally along the part, said part having aperture means defining a recess in an outer surface of said wall extending longitudinally thereof and receiving a weather- stripping material extending outwardly from said recess, said window framing structure having a coating on an outer surface of the wall of the parts thereof, and a sealed multiple glass sheet unit mounted in said receiving section, each said mechanical fastening member being rigid and including two legs at an angle, each leg extending into the hollow interior of the respective part and rigidly connected to the part, the wall of each frame part defining a hollow box section having an inner wall part, an outer wall part and two side wall parts, the outer wall part having at least one wall portion which defines a recess relative to an outer surface of the outer wall part, a screw passing through the wall portion into the leg with a head of the screw received wholly within the recess and the wall portion engaging the leg, and means on at least one of the inner wall part and the two side wall parts for cooperating with said outer wall portion for engaging and confining said leg.