U.S. Farathane Corporation

Bank of America, N.a., As Administrative Agent

Gerald N Strich

Steve Porter

Kevin Charles Baxter

Timothy John Brown

An extrusion process for creating a roof ditch molding including forming a main body from a plastic material in a first stage extrusion, conveying the main body through a stacked array of die plates and into a first stage cooling tank, and communicating the main body from an outlet of the first stage cooling tank to a second stage extruder with crosshead die for applying a skim film bonding layer to the main body. Additional steps include applying a decorative layer over the skim bonding layer, communicating the main body to a third stage extruder with cross head die for applying wing portions in partially overlapping fashion along opposite side edges of the decorative layer and drawing the completed ditch molding through a second stage cooling tank prior to conducting one or more finishing operations.

Extrusion process and assembly for producing a roof ditch molding having a bright film exterior layer

A method and assembly for reshaping an elongated plasticized article including a pair of first and second spaced apart fixtures adapted to supporting extending ends of an elongated article. The fixtures each exhibit a contoured upper surface upon which the elongated article is adapted to being supported in adhering fashion. A heated airflow is delivered in communication with at least one surface of the article and, upon cooling, the article exhibits an extending profile matching the contoured upper surface. A pre-heat station pre-softens at least an extending subset portion of the article prior to transfer to the fixture. Pluralities of gripping fingers communicate with an underside of the contoured upper surface and are adapted to engage at least underside accessible cross sectional profile locations of the article.

Roof ditch molding assembly and process with heated air assist

An assembly for reshaping an elongated plasticized article includes a heated fixture upon which the elongated article is supported in adhering fashion to a contoured upper surface. Following heating, the article is transferred to a cooling fixture exhibiting a further contoured upper surface and, upon subsequent cooling, the article exhibits a final multi-dimensional extending profile matching the contoured upper surface of the cooling fixture. A further variation of the assembly includes an elongated and bowed track supporting a fixed jig at an end thereof. A slidable jig is traversable along the track and actuated by a ram in directions towards and away from the first jig. Upon a first length extending portion of the article being pre-secured to the slidable jig, a first forward feed direction of the article results in an end extending portion communicating within a multi-dimensional cavity establishing a contoured surface withing the fixed jig, subsequent rearward displacement of the slidable jig causes forcible reshaping of the elongated article as it is stretched and drawn against the contoured surface of the fixed jig.

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North Branch, MI, United States of America

Gerald N Strich