CA1307165C - Prefabricated window system - Google Patents
Prefabricated window systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA1307165C CA1307165C CA000551493A CA551493A CA1307165C CA 1307165 C CA1307165 C CA 1307165C CA 000551493 A CA000551493 A CA 000551493A CA 551493 A CA551493 A CA 551493A CA 1307165 C CA1307165 C CA 1307165C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- panel
- window
- another
- channel
- frame portion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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- Door And Window Frames Mounted To Openings (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A prefabricated window system includes a main frame which is fabricated from thermoplastic elements having substantially the same cross-sectional configuration.
Windows and a screen are slideably mounted in the main frame. A thermoplastic sill is snap-connected to the bottom portion of the frame and a decorative cover is snap-connected to the top portion. Stop elements, having the same cross--sectional configuration as the cover element, are snap-connected to the side portions of the frame in order to prevent the windows from being raised or lowered too far.
The windows can be pivoted for cleaning, and the frame includes portions which overlap the outer peripheries of the windows to prevent them from inadvertently being rotated outward. These portions also reduce air incursion. A latch is mounted on one window and a keeper which cooperates with the latch is mounted on the other, the keeper being firmly mounted in the window sill by upwardly extending screws.
Slots are provided around the periphery of the main frame to accommodate nailing fins which are used during installation of the window system or to receive mullion covers which join adjacent window systems.
A prefabricated window system includes a main frame which is fabricated from thermoplastic elements having substantially the same cross-sectional configuration.
Windows and a screen are slideably mounted in the main frame. A thermoplastic sill is snap-connected to the bottom portion of the frame and a decorative cover is snap-connected to the top portion. Stop elements, having the same cross--sectional configuration as the cover element, are snap-connected to the side portions of the frame in order to prevent the windows from being raised or lowered too far.
The windows can be pivoted for cleaning, and the frame includes portions which overlap the outer peripheries of the windows to prevent them from inadvertently being rotated outward. These portions also reduce air incursion. A latch is mounted on one window and a keeper which cooperates with the latch is mounted on the other, the keeper being firmly mounted in the window sill by upwardly extending screws.
Slots are provided around the periphery of the main frame to accommodate nailing fins which are used during installation of the window system or to receive mullion covers which join adjacent window systems.
Description
PREFABRICATED WINDOW SYSTEM
BACKGROUND OF THE I~JENTION
The present invention relates to a prefabricated window system, and more particularly to a prefabricated window system having a main frame and other elements which are fabricated ~rom extruded thermoplastic elements.
Prefabricated windows are frequently used, both for new construction and replacement purposes, in order to provide high quality at a moderate cost The desireable attributes of a prefabricated window are easier to state than to achieve. The window should be relatively inexpensive both to purchase and to install, but it should nevertheless o~fer excellent security against the elements. Furthermore the window should be attractive and sufficiently rugged to withstand abuse. Finally, these qualities should be present not only at the time of installation but for many years thereafter, so that the window sashes can be moved without sticking despite the passage of time.
The S 698 (TM~ prefabricated window system of Rehau Plastics, Inc., having an o~ice in Leesburg, Virginia, achieves the aforesaid qualities to an admirable degree. The S ~98 window employs a main frame and other members fabricat-.~
ed from extruded thermoplastic elements. The pres~nt invention ~urther advances the quali~i~s of the S 698 window system.
An object of the inYention is to provide an improved window system.
Another object of the invention is to provide a prefab-ricated window system having an improved main frame with wall portions which overlap the outer edges of the window sashes to reduce air incursion and to prevent inadvertent outward rotation of the windows.
Another object of the invention is to provide a prefab-ricated window system having an improved main frame which has a top portion which receives a snap-in decorative cover and side portions which receive snap in window stops, the window stops and decorative cover having the same cross-sectional configuration.
Another object of the invention is to provide a prefab-ricated window system having an improved main frame with grooves at the periphery thereo~ to receive nailing fins for attaching the ~ain frame to a structure or to receive mullion covers for connecting one main frame to another.
.~3~ i5 Another object of the invention i5 to pro~Jide a prefabricated window system having a keeper which is connected to a window sash by screws which extend upwardly through the sash to the keeper, which has a hoo~ to engage a rail molded into the sash, an~ which has tabs that extend into cavities in glazing beads on either side of the keeper.
In a broad aspect, the present inventio~ relates to a window system for use on a wall of a building, comprising: a generally rectangular main frame having a top frame portion, a bottom frame portion that is spaced apart from the top frame portion, and a pair of spaced-apart connecting frame portions which connect the top and bottom frame portions, all of the frame portions having substantially the same cross-~ectional configuration, each frame portion being a thermoplastic element which has an inner region facing toward the interior of the main frame and an outer region facing away from the interior of the main frame and which includes an outer panel, a first intermediate panel which is spaced apart from the outer panel and which is disposed closer to the interior of the main frame than the outer panel, first and second walls which are attached to the first intermediate panel and which extend toward the interior of the main frame, the first and second walls being spaced apart to provide a channel, a second intermediate panel which is spaced apart from the outer panel and which is disposed closer to the interior of the main ~5 frame than the first intermediate panel, third and fourth walls which are attached to the second intermediate panel and which extend toward the interior of the main frame, the-third and fourth walls being spaced apart to provide a further channel, first means connecting the second and third walls for forming a first step between the channel and the further channel, an inner panel connected to the fourth wall, and second means connected to the inner panel for forming a second step; a window having an outer side; third means for slidably mounting the window in the main frame so that the outer side of the window faces the first step of the connecting frame portions, the third means extending into the channels of the connecting frame portions, a further window having an outer side; fourth means for slidably mounting the further window in the main frame so that the outer side of the further window faces the second step of the connecting frame portions, the fourth means extending into the further channels of the connecting frame portions; and a thermoplastic sill having an upper sill portion which is configured to drain water toward the outside of the building, having a bottom sill panel which is spaced apart from the upper 5ill portion to provide a region between the upper sill portion and the bottom sill panel, having at least one internal sill wall which connects the upper sill portion and the bottom sill panel and which divides the region between the upper sill portion and the bottom sill panel into a plurality of sill chambers, and having means extending from the bottom sill panel into the channel and further channel for snap-connecting the sill to the bottom frame portion.
I~ another broad aspect the present invention relates to a window system for use on a wall of a building, comprising:
a generally rectangular main frame having a first frame portion, a second frame portion that is spaced apart from the first frame portion, and a pair of spaced apart connecting frame portions which connect the first and second frame portions, each of the connecting frame portions being a thermoplastic element which has an inner region facing toward the interior of the main frame and an outer region facing away from the interior of the main frame and which includes and outer panel, and intermediate panel which is spaced apart from the outer panel and which is disposed closer to the interior of the main frame than the outer panel, the intermediate panel having an inner side with an elongated groove and having an outer side with at least one elongated protrusion which is adjacent and parallel to the groove, first and second walls which are attached to the inner side of the intermediate panel and which extend toward the interior of the main frame, the ~3~ i5 first and second walls being spaced apart to provide a channel, the groove in the inner side of ~he intermediate panel being disposed in the channel, another intermediate pa.nel, the other intermediate panel having an inner side with an elongated groove and an outer side with a-t least one elongate~ protrusion which is adjacent and parallel to the groove in the another intermediate panel, and thir~ and fourth walls which are attached to another intermediate panel and which extend toward the interior of the main frame, the third and fourth walls being spaced apart to provide another channel, the groove in the inner side of the another intermediate panel being disposed in the another channel; a window; means for slidably mcunting the window in the main frame, the means for slidably mounting including a pair of attachment mechanisms, each attachment mechanism being slidably disposed in the channel of a respective one of the connecting frame portions; a pair of elongated balance mechanisms, each balance mechanism being disposed in the channel of a respective one of the connecting frame portions and being joined to the attachment mechanism in the channel of the respective connecting frame portion; and a pair of screws, each screw attaching a balance mechanism to the respective connecting frame portion, each screw extending through the groove in the intermediate panel of the respective connecting frame portion and engaging the at least one elongated protrusion on the intermediate panel of the respective connecting frame portion;
another window; means for slidably mounting the another window in the main frame, the means for slidably mounting the another window including another pair of attachment mechanism, each another attachment mechanism being slidably disposed in the another channel of a respective one of the connecting frame portions; another pair of elongated balance mechanisms, each another balance mechanism being disposed in the another channel of a respective one of the connecting frame portions and being joined to the another attachment mechanism in the another channel 5~
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of the respective connecting frame portion; and ano-ther pair of screws, each another screw at~aching one of the another balance mechanisms to the respective connecting frame portion, each another screw extending through the groove in the another intermediate panel of the respective connecti.ng frame portion and engaging the at least one elongated protrusion on the another intermediate panel of the respective connecting frame portion.
In a further broad aspect, the present invention relates to a window system for use on a wall of a building, comprising: a generally rectangular main frame having a first frame portion, a second frame portion tha~ is spaced apart from the first frame portion, and a pair of spaced-apart connecting frame portions which connect the first and second frame portions, each connecting frame portions being a thermoplastic element which has an indoor side facing toward the interior of the building and an outdoor side facing toward the exterior of the building and which includes and outer panel disposed between the indoor and outdoor sides, an intermediate panel which is spaced apart from the outer panel, first and second walls which are attached to the intermediate panel and which extend toward the interior of the main frame, the first and second walls being spaced apart to provide a channel, and means in one of the sides for defining an elongated slot adjacent the outer panel; a window: means for slidably mounting the window in the main frame, the means for slidably mounting extending into the channels of the connecting frame portions; and means entering the slot of at least one of the connecting frame portions for connecting the main frame to the wall, the means entering the slot including a nailing fin having an attachment portion which is nailed to the wall and having an arrowhead portion which enters the slot, the arrowhead portion being configured to be forced through the slot and having means for thereafter preventing the arrowhead portion from being withdrawn from the slot.
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In a further broad aspect, the present invention relates to a window system for use on a wall o~ a building, comprising: a generally rectanyular main frame haviny a first frame portion, a second frame portion that is spaced apart from the first frame potion, and a pair of spaced-apart connecting frame portions which connect the first and second frame portions, each of the connecting frame portions being a thermoplastic element which has an indoor side facing toward the interior of the building and outdoor side facing toward the exterior of the building and which includes an outer panel disposed between the indoor and outdoor sides, an intermediate panel which is spaced apart from the outer panel, first and second walls which are attached to the intermediate panel and which extend toward the interior of the main frame, the first and second walls being spaced apart to provide a channel, and means in one of the sides for defining an elongated slot adjacent the outer panel; a window: means for slidably mounting the window in the main frame, the means for slidably mounting extending into the channels of the connecting frame portions; and means entering the slot of at least one of the connecting frame portions for connecting the main frame to an adjacent main frame having a connecting frame portion with an elongated slot, the means entering the slot including elongated mullion means extending into the slots of the main frame and adjacent main frame for joining the main frames together.
In a further broad aspect, the present invention relates to a window system for use on a wall of a building, comprising: a generally rectangular main frame having a first frame portion, a second frame portion that is spaced apart from the first ~rame portion, and a pair of spaced-apart connecting frame portions which connect the first and second frame portions, each of the connecting frame portions being a thermoplastic element which has an indoor side facing toward the interior of the building an outdoor side facing toward the exterior of the 5c building and which includes an outer panel disposed between the indoor and outdoor sides, an intermediate panel which is spaced apart from the outer panel; first and second walls which are attached to the intermediate panel and which extend toward the interior of the main frame, the first and second walls being spaced apart to provide a channel, means in the outdoor side for defining an elongated slot adjacent the outer panel, and means in the indoor side for defining a further elongated slot adjacent the outer panel; a window; means for slidably mounting the window in main frame, ~he means for slidably mounting extending into the channels of the connectiny frame portions; and means entering a slot of at least one of the connecting ~rame portions for connecting the main frame to an adjacent main frame having a connecting frame portion with an outdoor side and an elongated slot in the outdoor side and with an indoor side and an elongated slot in the indoor side, the means entering a slot including elongated outdoor mullion means extending into the slots in the outdoor sides of the main frame and adjacent main frame for joining the main frames together, and elongated indoor mullion means extending into the slots in the indoor sides of the main frame and adjacent main frame for joining the main frames together.
In a further broad aspect, the present invention relates to a window system for use in a wall of a building, comprising: a generally rectangular main frame having a first frame portion, a second frame portion, and a pair of spaced-apart connecting frame portions which connect the first and second frame portions, each of the frame portions being an elongated element of extruded thermoplastic and at least one of the frame portions having an elongated slot; a window mounted in the main frame; and means entering the slot of said at least one of the frame portions for connecting the main frame to the wall, the means entering the slot including a nailing fin having an attachment portion which is hailed to the wall and having a 5d ~'7~ ~iS
locking portion which enters the slot, the loc~ing portion b~ing configured to be forced through the slot and having means for thereafter preventing the locking portion from being withdrawn from the slot.
In a further broad aspect, the present invention relates to a window system for use in a wall of a building, comprising: a generally rectangular main frame having a first frame portion, a second frame portion, and a pair of spaced-apart connecting frame portions which connect the firs-t and second frame portions, each of the frame portions being an elongated element of extruded thermoplastic and at least one of the connecting frame portions having an elongated slot; a window mounted in the main frame; means entering the slot of said at least one of the connecting frame portions for connecting the main frame to an adjacent main frame having a connecting frame portion with an elongated slot, the means entering the slot including elongated mullion means extending into the slots of the main frame and adjacent main frame for joining the main frames together.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a front view of a window system in accordance with the present invention in its un-installed state:
Figure 2 is a rear view of the window system in its un-ins~alled state;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the window system in its un-installed state;
Figure 4 i5 a sectional view, taken along line 4-4 of Se ~ ~. , .
Figure 1, illustrating the window system in its installed sta~e;
Figure 5 is a sectional view, taken along line 5-5 of Figure 1, illustrating the window system in its installed state;
Figure 6 is a sectional view through the main frame and sill;
Figure 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of Figure 6, Figure ~ is a sectional view of a cover elPment which snaps into the upper portion of the main frame;
Figure 9 is a sectional view of a portion of the window sash, a glazing bead, and a cover element;
Figure 10 i5 a sectional view taken along line 10-10 of Figure 6;
Figure 11 is a ~ront view of a keeper which is mounted on one of the sash elements;
Figure 12 is a front view illustrating the keeper of Figure 11 mounted with a sash element and glazing beads;
Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a button which is mounted on a window sash to permit retrac-tion of a tilt latch mechanism;
Figure 14 is a front view illustrating a pivot bar which extends from the lower corner of a window sash;
Figure 15 is a vertical sectional view illu~tratiny the main frame and 6ill installed as a replacement window;
Figure 16 is a horizontal sectional vi~w illustraking a corner of the main frame and ~ill o~ ~he window system used as a replacemant;
Figure 17 is a sectional view of a mullion cover for connecting adjacent main frames;
Figure 18 is a sectional view of modified mullion cover for connecting adjacent main frames when the main frames are to be disposed at an angle;
Figure 19 is a sectional view o~ a nailing fin having a decorative portion to simulate wooden brick molding;
Figure 20 is a sectional view o~ the nailing fin employed in Figures 4 and 5;
Figure 21 is a sectional view illustrating a mullion cover for connecting adjacent main frames that are disposed at a relatively large angle with respect to one another.
Figure 22 is an exploded perspective view illustrating how a tilt latch mechanism is mounted to a window sash;
Figure 23 is an exploded perspective view illustrating how a pivot bar is mounted to a window sash; and Figure 24 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a drainage tube in a window sash.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EM~ODIMENTS
A window system .in accordance with the present invention is illustrate~ generally in Figure 3 in its un-installed state, and includes a main ~rame 10 having side portions 12 and 14, top portion 16, and bottom portion 18. The window system also includes top window 20, bottom window 22, and screen 24, which are ~lideably mounted in channel~ provided by side portions 12 and 14. ~ ~ill 26 is ~ounted on bottom portion 18 of ~rame 10, and a decorative panel ~8 (see Figure 1) is mounted on top portion 16. Stop elements 30 ~re mounted in ~ide portions 12 ~nd 14 to prevent bottom window 22 from being moved upwards Par enough to ~mash into the handla 32 (see Figure 1) of top window 20, ~nd to prevent top window 20 from being moved downward far enough for its handle 32 to smash into bottom wind~w 22. The window ~ystem also includes mounting ~eans, which will be described later, and hardwara such as keeper 34, latch 36, buttons 3~ for actuat-ing tilt latch mechanisms 40, ~nd balance mechanisms 42 for biasing windows 20 and 22 upward. Balance mechanisms 42 are commercially availabl~ and typically either two ~uch mecha-nisms (one on each ~ide) or four (two on ~ach side) ~re used with each of windows 20 and 22. Each balance ~echani~m includes a 6pring (not illustrated) which i~ coiled within a tube 44 and which i5 csnnected via a link 46 to slideably - ~l --mounted window attachment mechanisms 48 (Figure 5). Pi~ot bars 50 (see Figures 14 and 23) extend from the bottom of either window to engage mechanisms 48.
Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view o~ sill 26 and bottom portion 18 o~ frame 10~ Frame 10 is a primary feature of the window system o~ the present invention, and is preferably fabricated ~rom a length of an extruded thermo-plastic such as vinyl which is cut into sections for use as portion 12, 14, 16, or 18. That is to say, each of these portions has the same general cross-sectional configuration, although for purposes of description the configuration illustrated in Figure 6 has been identified as portion 18.
With minor exceptions which will become apparent, portion 18 in Figure 6 could alternatively have ~orne re~erence number 12, 14, or lfi.
With continuing reference to Figure 6, portion 18 includes a wall 52 which ~aces the interior of the building in which the window system .is installed and a wall 54 which faces the outside (to ~acilitate di6cussion the term "wall"
in the ensuing description will generally be used to describe elements which are presented vertically in Figure 6, and "panel" will be used for horizontal members). An inner panel 56 faces the interior of rame 10 (~ee Figure 3) and is attached to wall 54. Walls 58 and 60, which are connected by ~3~7:~t~
a bridge panel 62, are 6upported by panel 56. A ~loping web 66 connects wall 54 to a wall 6~, which t~rminate~ ~t intermediate panel 70. Wall 71 extends from panel 70 and has a slot 72 and inwardly directed lipg 74 ~djacent slot 72.
Panel segment 76 and wall segment 78 are disposed behind slot 72 to provide a chamber into ~hich slot 72 communi-cates. In a 6imilar ~anner wall 52 i~ interrupted by ~ 610t 80 which is bordered by inwardly directed lips 82 and which is closed off by panel ~egment 84 and wall 85. Outer panel 10 87 faces away from the interior of frame 10 ~ee Figure 3) and connects wall 52 to wall 71~
With continuing reference to Figure 6, wall 8B extends between panel 56 and panel 70. An intermediate panel 90 connects wall 88 to wall 92, which extends inward from panel 15 70. A panel flange 96 is connected to wall 88, and panel 56 terminates in a panel flange g8 that is parallel to flange . Wall 92 extends inward to a panel 102 which terminates in a panel ~lange 104. Extending from wall 92 i~ a panel flange 106 parallel t~ flange 104. A ~tep ~08 c~nnects panel 20 102 to a panel 110 having a panel flange ~12. A panel flange 114 extends from a wall 116 which connects panel 110 to panel 70. Facing wall 116 i8 a wall 118 having a panel fl~nge 120. A panel 122 connects wall 118 to wall 52 and terminates in a panel flange 123.
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It will be apparent that the variou6 wall~ ~nd panels heretoEore described provide channel~ 124, 12~, and 12~, along with chambers 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 14~, and 141.
With continuing reference to Figure 6, two grooves 142 are molded into panel 90 and into portion 1~ ~f panel 70.
Also molded into pan~l 90 ~ d portion 1~4 are a pair of ~crew bosses 146 corresponding to each groove 142.
The features identified by reference numbers 52 through 146 are present in each of frame portions ~2, 14, 16, ~nd 18 (see Figure 3). However not all of these feature~ are utilized in the same way in each of frame portions 12 lB.
For example, grooves 142 and screw bosses 146 have no function in top portion 16 and bottom portion 18, and are present in these portions only because of their utility in 15 side portions 12 and 14O Plan views of grooves 142 and bosses 146 are illustrated in Figures 7 ~nd lO, respective-ly. The tubes 44 (see Figure 3) of balance mechanisms 42 are attached to side portions 12 and 14, and grooves 142 and bosses 146 are used to f~cilitate this attachment. As will 20 be noted in Figure 5, the tubes 44 ~re ~ecured to portions 12 and 14 by sheet metal ~crews 148. Grooves 142 and bosses 146 extend the entire length of ~ide portions 12 and 14 (~s, indeed, they extend the entire lengths o~ top ~nd bottom portions 16 and 18), and accordingly during fabrication of the wind~w ~ystem a 6crew 14~ can be ~lid to the de~ired -heigth along a groove 142 and then 6crewed in with ~nfiden~e that it is aligned with bosses 146 on the other 6ide ~o reliably ~cure the ~crew. ~lthough two grooves 142 ~nd their corresponding bosses 146 are provided in each of channel~ 126 and 128 in Figure 6, and only one tube ~4 i6 mounted in each of the corresponding channel6 of Figure 5 ~which are not numbered in Figure 5), it will be recalled that additional balance mechanisms are used with large windows. Accordingly, just as an extruded element (not illustrated) having the general profile illustrated in Figure 6 can be used to fabricate any of the frame portions 12-lR, the provision of redundant grooves 14~ and 146 facilitates the use of ~uch elements as side portions 12 and 14 in either 6mall window systems (two balance mechanisms 42 for each of windows 20 and 22) or large window ~ystems (four balance mechanisms 42 for each of wind~ws 20 and 22).
Returning to Figure 6, Gill 26 ~ncludes an inner wall 150 from which extends a sloping web 152 which terminates in 20 an outer lip 154. Bottom panel 155 is connected by wall 156 and panel segment 158 to wall 150. Outer wall 160 and interior walls 162 and 164 connect web 152 to panel 155, and divide thi6 region into chamber6 166, 168, ~nd 170. Leg portions 172, 174, 176, and 178 extend downward from panel t ~
154, with leg portion 172 terminating in a hook l~0 and with -leg portion 178 terminating in ~ hook 182~ Like frame lo, ~ill 26 is fabricated from ~n extruded thermoplastic element (not illustrated) which i~ cut into the desired lenyth. Legs 172 and 178 are resilient, ~nd ~ill 26 is ~nap-connected to bottom frame portio~ 18 60 ~hat hook 182 is lodged between panel flanges 120 and 124 and hook 180 i~ lodged between panel flanges 96 and g8. Leg portion 176 ~upport6 the middle region of ~ill 26 against panel 102, and lip 154 is 6upp~rted on bridgP panel 62. Panel 158 re6t~ ~gainst panel 122 to support the inner end of ~ill 26.
Referring next to Figure 6 ~nd 16 together, each end of sill 26 is shaped to abut against panel 56, panel 90, panel 110, portion 144 of panel 70, and panel 122 of ~ide portions 12 and 14 (see Figure 3) of main frame 10, with tongue 184 extending into channel 126 and with tongue 185 extending into channel 128.
Turning next to Figures 1, 6, and 8, panel 28 is provided with a leg portion 186 which terminates in a hook 188 and with a leg portion 190 which terminates in a hook 192. Panel 28 is preferably fabricated from an element (not illustrated) of extruded thermoplastic, ~nd leg portion~ 186 and l90 are flexible. The ~ame extruded element ~rom which panel 28 is cut al~o provides 6horter ~egment~ ~or u~e as ~, . .
7~
~top elements 30, since elemenks 30 have the s~me cro~s-`-~ectional configuration as panel 28. When Ufi~d ~8 panel 2~, hook 188 snaps into the region between panel flanges 120 and 123 of top frame portion 16, and hook 192 snaps into the region between panel flanges 11~ and 114. This provides a cosmetic feature, hiding chamber 128 of top frame porti~n 116 from the interior of the building. Because of the interven-ing presence of top window 20, another panel 28 is not snapped into channel 12~ of top portion 16. ~hen the element is cut into short lengths for use as ~top elements 30, four such elements are needed. One is ~napped into the bottom part of channel 128 of ~ide portion 14 and another is ~napped into the bottom part of channel 12~ of 6ide portion 12, thereby providing stops which limit the downward motion of window 20. Another element is snapped into the top port~on of channel 126 of side portion 12, and the last element is snapped into the top portion of channel 126 of side portion 14, thereby providing stops to limit the upward motion of window 22.
Referring next to Figures 1, 2, and 3, portions 12, 14, 16, and 18 are joined at the corners by interior welds 193, exterior welds 194, and lateral welds 196, and these corner welds impart both ri~idity and a finished appearance to main frame 10. In this context the term ~weld" means that the ~3~
corners have been joined by ~olten therm~plastiG which, when -it cocls, 6eals one frame portion with ~n adjacent portion along a ~mooth ~eam. Sill 26, panel ~8, ~nd 6top elem~nts 30 are snapped into main frame ~0 ~s previou~ly mentioned but are not welded thereto.
Returning to Figure 3, window ~2 includes a sash 198 in which an insulated ylazing unit 200 (Which include~ two panes of 6paced-apart glass) i~ mounted. Weather proofing elements ~uch as brush 6eal~ 202 and qas~et ~eal 20~ ~re lo mounted at the edges of ~ash 198. Top window 20 6imilarly includes a sash 206, a glazing unit 208, and weather pr~ofing elements ~not illustrated in ~igure 3). Each of ~ashed 198 and 206 include~ four sash portions 210 of extruded thermo-plastic, ~ash portions being welded at the corners. A
glazing bead 212 is mounted on each ~ash portion 210.
Figure 9 illustrates, inter alia, the cross-6ectional configuration of a sash portion 210 and glazing bead 212.
Portion 210 includes walls 214 and 216 which are connected by panels 218 and 220. A lip 2~2, a rail 224, ~ flange 226, and a wall 228 haviny a cavity 230 extend from panel 220. Wall 210 terminates in a flange 231 and wall 214 terminates in a fl~nge 232. Wall segments 234 and 236 extend from panel 218 and terminate, respectively, in rails 238 and 240. Between wall 210 and wall 236 is a panel 242.
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Glazing bead ~12 i8 provlded with a h~ok 244 for engagement be~eath rail 224 ~nd with ~ f~ot 246 or engage ~ent with lip 222. ~ithln bead 212 is ~ channel 248, and flanges 250 extend to one side.
With reference next to Figure 4 in c~n~unction with Figure 9, the construction of window ~0 will now b des-cribed. Sealed glazing unit 208 i~ 6upported by flanges 226 and rails 224 of the ~our sash portions 210 of window 20~ On the outer 6ide, a resilient glazing ~pline 252 is lodged into the cavities 230 and presses against the outer pane of glazing unit 208. Hook 2~4 and foot 246 of glazing beads 212 mount beads 212 on sash elements 210 as previously described, and flanges 250 hold ~nother glazing spl~ne 254 ~yain~t the inner pane of glaæing unit 208. Brush seals 202 are retained between flange 231 and rail 240, and between flange 232 and rail 238, of the upper sash portion 210 of window 20.
Additionally, flange 231, rail 240, flange 232, and rail 238 of the sid~ ~ash por$ions of window 20 (~ee Figure 5) also mount brush ~eals 202.
Returning to Figure 9, cover element 256 has a wall 258 which terminates in an interlock lip 260. Cover element 256 has flanges 262 and 264.
Referring to Figures 4 ~nd 9 together, a tube 266 axtends through panels 218 and 220 of the lowermo~t ~ash portion 210 of top window 20 Sal~o 6ee Figure 24). Tube 266 drains condensation from the region ~djacent glaz~ng unit 208. Furthermore, a cover element 256 $~ ~ounted o~ this lowermost ~ash portion 210 by ~liding ~langes 264 beneath flanges 230 and 232. ~ brush 202 i~ ~ecured between flanges 262. As will be noted ~rom Figure 4, the interlock lip 260 of the cover element 256 mounted on the lower ~ash portion 210 of outer window 20 is directed upward. The construction of inner window 22 is very ~imilar to that of outer window 20, except that the cover ~leme~t 256 i6 mounted on the upper (rather than the lower) ~ash portion 210, and its interlock lip 260 (not numbered in Figure 4) faces downward. When windows 20 and 22 are closed, their interlock lips 260 are closely spaced and provide an additional barrier to incoming air. Additionally, as will be ~een ~rom Figure 4, each cover element 256 supports a brush seal 202 which en~ages the other element 256 and thus impedes air incursion.
With reference next to Figure~ 3, 13, and 22, near either end of the uppermo~t ~ash portion 210 of inner window 22 is mounted a tilt latch mechanism 40, which is a manually retractable mechanism biased outward by a ~pring (not illustrated). Mechani~ms 40 are mounted to p~nel 218 by screws (not illustrated). Cover element 256 is provided with openings 267 which are positioned above each mechanism .~;~
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~0. Buttons 38 have resilien~ legs 268 which terminat~ in feet 270 which snap into reces6e5 272 of tilt latch ~echan-isms 40 to operatively connect the buttons 38 to the mechan-isms 409. The openings 267 are dimensioned to permit buttons 38 to be manually displaced in order to withdraw tilt latch mechanisms 40 and permit window 22 to be pivoted inward on its pivot bars 50 (see ~igures 14 and 23) aF illu~trated in Figure 3~ Although not illustrated, top window 20 i6 also pivotably mounted and provided with latch ~echani6ms flO.
Turning next to Figures 9, 11, and 12, keeper 34 i6 a metal element having a downward projection ~74 ~nd a cavity 276 which extends around projection 274. (When latch 36 is actuated, a cam me~ber, not illustrated, rotates from latch 36 into cavity 27~ to lock windows 20 and 22). Bosses 278 having threaded ~crew holes (not illustrated) ~re provided at the bottom of keeper 34, and ~ hook 280 i6 provided at the rear. Tabs 282 extend from either 6ide of keeper 34. Reeper 34 is c~ntrally mounted on the lowermo~t sash portion 210 ~f outer window 20. During fabrication holes (not illustrated) for accommodating bosses 278 are drilled through panel 220, between lip 222 and rail 224. Holes ~not illustrated) for screws 284 are also drilled through panel~ 218 and 242, with the holes through panel 242 ha~ing a ~ufficient diameter to pe~mit the heads of screw 284 to pass through. ~ith the sash portion 210 beiny prepared in this way, k~eper 34 ~ ~n~erted . between two leng~hs of glazing bead 212, wi~h the tabs 28~
extending in~o the channels 248. The glazing beads 212 and keeper 34 are then ins~alled as a unit into the sash portion 210, with the hook 280 of keeper 34 being engaged together with hooks 244 beneath rail 224. Screws 283 are then installed to permanently connect keeper 34 to the ~ash portion 210. As a result keeper 34 is attractively and very securely mounted, since hook 280, tabs ~2, and screws 278 all participate in the mounting.
Re.ferring next to Figures 3, ~, 5; ~nd 6, the window system of the present invention is provided with ~eans for draining water from main Prame 10. Screen 24 i8 slideably guided by channels 124 of the ~ide frame psrtion~ 12 and 14, and outer wall 54 of ~ottom frame portion 18 i~ provided with an opening (not illustrated) for draining rain which accumu lates in channels 142. Outer window 20 is connected by its-pivot bars 50 to window attachment mechanisms 4B which are slideably mounted in the channels 126 of side portions 12 and 14, and it will be apparent that rain water can run through channels 126 of ~ide portion6 12 and 14 when outer window 20 is in its raised position. This water drains into the channel 126 of lower frame portion 18, The pivot bars 50 of inner window 22 extend to window ~ttachment mechanisms 48 .
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:
which are slideable along the channels 1~8 of side portions ~2 and 14, and although channels 128 are not as exposed as channel 126 it is still possible ~or small amounts of water to seep to into channels 128 via the crevices between inner window 22 and side frame portions 12 and 14. This water, too, drains into bottom frame membPr 18. Finally, water may enter bottom frame portion 18 at sill 26, in the region of tabs 184 and 186 (Figure 16)o To provide drainage, and thereby prevent an accumulation of stagnant water or perhaps even a discharge of water inside the building, bottom portion 18 is provided with drainage holes 2B4 through panel 90 and walls 68, 92, 94, and 116.
Returning to Figure 6, one of the f~atures of a window system in accordance with the present invention is its resistance to sticking. Most windows have a tendancy to stick as time progresses; for example, a window with a wooden main frame and wooden sashes may absorb water and swell, and metal used for these elements may corrode. While thermo-plastic neither absorbs water nor corrodes, it is subject to distortion due to long exposure to the sunshine. The distortion problem is exacerbated in warm climates, particu-larly if the thermoplastic is colored so as to absorb rather than reflect infrared radiation. To combat this problem, in Figure 6 walls 162 and 164 not only contribute mechanical .
strenyth to ~ill 26, they ~l~o ~eparate the ~nterior ~nto cha~bers 166~ 16~ and 170. Th~6e chambers ~re relatively isolated from each other in a thermal ~en~e ~nd thus provide buffers which inhibi~ transfer of heat to surfaces subject to sticking. Chambers 130, 132, 134, 136, and 140 also provide buffer chambers which tend to ~hield the inner portions of main frame lO ~rom the deleteriou6 effect6 of ~olar heatiny.
Referring next to Figure 3 and 6, walls 60 ~nd ~tep 108 have a two fold significance. Step 108 overlaps the outer edge of bottom window 22 when it i~ in it~ normal position, and thus inh,~its air infiltration around the edges of window 22. Moreover, when window 22 is returned to its normal position after h~ving been pivoted as illustrated ln Figure 3, ~tep 108 limits the motion of window 22 ~nd, even if window 22 is slammed, prohibits it from rotating outward. It will ~e apparent that wall 60 provides the ~ame advantages for upper window 20. For upper window 20 the stopping function of wall 60 when the window i~ pivoted i6 eYen more important, ~ince w;thout the ~topping function there would be a danger that window 20 might become detached, if it were ~lammed hard enough, and constitute ~ possible ~aety hazard to those outside the building. During normal u~e ~he outer ~urface of window 20 i8 quite close to ~tep 108 ~nd the outer 6urface of window 22 is ~imilarly close to wall 60. ~indows ~J'~ 5 20 and 22 may touch step 108 and wall 60, but at any rate ~or good resistance to air incursions ~he gap ~hou~d be limited to less than five millimeters, and preferably in the range of one or two millimeters.
Figures 4 and 5 illustrate how the window system o~ the present invsntion may be installed in new construction. In these Figures interior and exterior panels 286 and 288 are supported by framing members such as two by fours 290.
During construction an opening is left for the window system, and the interior portion o~ ~his opening is lined with strips 292. Internal trim 29~ is also attached. After this preparation has been completed, the window is inserted into the opening through the outer side, with shims 296 being used to avoid gaps. The window system is then completed by 15 "nailing fins" 298, which are plugged into main frame 10 as will be discussed and which are then secured by nails 300.
Thereafter outer siding 302 is applied and the window system is sealed thereto by caulk 304. It will be apparent that differences in construction and material may lead to varia-tions in the installation procedure that has been described.
Because of the reduced scale of Figures 4 and 5 it is appropriate to continue the discussion of nailing fin 298 with reference to Figures 6 and 20. Nailing fin 298 is preferably an sxtruded thermoplastic element having a ~ ~t~
cross-sectional configuration as illustrated in Figure 20.
An attachment portion 306 is connected to an outwardly extending portion 308, which in turn is connected by over-lapped portion 310 and insertion portion 312 to a locking or arrowhead portion 314. Arrowhead portion 314 is conflgured to have a resilient leg 316 which is normally biased outward but which is moveable inward. During installation of nailing fin 298, extending portion 308 is pressed against panel 87 of the appropriate frame portion 12, 14, 16, or 18, with arrowhead portion 314 poised to enter the slot 72. The overlap portion 310 is then pounded with a rubber mallet (not illustrated) to drive arrowhead portion 314 through slot 72.
In the installed position insertion portion 312 extends between lips 74 and arrowhead portion 314 is locked against the inner ends of lips 74 to permanently attach fin 298 to main frame 10. Thereafter nails 300 are driven through attachment portion 306.
The window system of the present invention may be shipped with four separate nailing fins, one for the slot 72 ~0 of each o~ frame portions 10, 12, 14, and 16. Advantageous-ly, each such nailing fin 298 would be long enough to extend substantially the entire length of the respective slot 72.
Instead of shipping separate nailing fins 298 to the con-struction site, however, it is desireable to weld four ~3~
nailin~ fins at their corner~ ~o that they can be shipped a~
-a ~ingle article, ready for installation, ~long w~th the remainder of the window ~y~tem.
With reference next to Figures 3 and ~, nail holes 318 are provided in ~ide frame members 12 ~nd 14. Although not illustrated in Figur~ 6, each hole 318 extends through panel 87 and is aligned with nail holes in panels 70 and 102. ~he holes through panel 102 are closed with plugs (not illus-trated) which are removed ~f the nail holes are to be used.
Figures 15 and 16 illustrate the window ~ystem installed as a replacement for a wooden window (not illustrated) that was previously present. Structure~ ~uch ~ 6ill board 320 and ledge 322 remain from the previous installation. Frame 10 is installed with the aid of shims 332, the previously mentioned plugs (not illustrated~ are removed, and nails 324 are driven through the nail holes (e.g., 318 in Figure 3).
Sill fin 326 has an arrowhead portion (not r.umbered) 6imilar to portion 314 in Figure 20. This arrowhead portion is inserted into the slot 72 of the lower ~rame element 18, as illustrated in Figure 15. Additionally, inner and outer strips 328 and 330, caulk 333, and external trim 334 are installed.
Figure 19 illustrates a nailing fin 336 for u~e ln brick construction. Fin 336 includes an attachment portion 338 )t~
(corresponding to portion 306 in Figure 20), an extending portion 342 (corresponding to portion 308 in Figure 20), and an arrowhead portion 340 (corresponding to portion 314 in Figure 20). Unlike arrowhead portion 314, portion 342 is not provided wlth a resilient leg 316 (although this could, of course, be done). Decorative portion 344 is molded to simulate wooden brick molding.
The fact that main frame 10 has peripheral slots 72 on the outer side and peripheral slots 80 on the inside (see Figures 1, 2, and 6) makes it easy to mount windows side by side. Figure 17 illustrates a mullion cover 346 having locking or arrowhead portions 348 and 350. Two mullion covers 346 would be used to join a pair of side-by-side windows mounted in a flat wall. On the outer side, arrowhead portion 348 would be lodged in the slot 72 of one frame 10 and arrowhead portion 350 would be lodged in the adjacent slot 72 of the other frame 10. Similarly, on the inner side arrowhead portions 348 and 350 would be lodged in the slots 80. It will be apparent that the mullion covers 346 thus mechanically connect the windows and avoid an unsightly crack between them.
Figure 18 illustrates a bow mullion cover 352 for use when adjacent windows are disposed at small angles (e.g., 9) with respect to each other, as in a bow window. For such use bow mullion cover 352 is used on the outer ~ides of the windows and connects ~he slots 72, while a mullion cover 346 is used on the inner sides to connect the slots 80. Being made of thermoplastic, bow mullion cover 352 is ~omewhat flexible and is thus bendable through 2 ~all ~rc upon install~tion.
For larger angles a bay mull~on cover 354, as illu~-trated in Figure 21, ~ay be u~ed on the outer 6ide to connect adjacent ~lots 720 Bay mullio~ cover 35~ permits ~ window-to-win~ow ~ngle of about 30- ~although it will be ~pparent that cover ~54 could be fabricated for other ~ngle~, ~uch ~s 45'). Again, on the ~nner ~i~e of the windows a ~ullion ~ cover 346 would be used.
It will be understood that the ~bove description of the present invention is ~usceptable to various ~odifications, changes, and ~daptations, ~nd the ~a~e are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the appended claims.
BACKGROUND OF THE I~JENTION
The present invention relates to a prefabricated window system, and more particularly to a prefabricated window system having a main frame and other elements which are fabricated ~rom extruded thermoplastic elements.
Prefabricated windows are frequently used, both for new construction and replacement purposes, in order to provide high quality at a moderate cost The desireable attributes of a prefabricated window are easier to state than to achieve. The window should be relatively inexpensive both to purchase and to install, but it should nevertheless o~fer excellent security against the elements. Furthermore the window should be attractive and sufficiently rugged to withstand abuse. Finally, these qualities should be present not only at the time of installation but for many years thereafter, so that the window sashes can be moved without sticking despite the passage of time.
The S 698 (TM~ prefabricated window system of Rehau Plastics, Inc., having an o~ice in Leesburg, Virginia, achieves the aforesaid qualities to an admirable degree. The S ~98 window employs a main frame and other members fabricat-.~
ed from extruded thermoplastic elements. The pres~nt invention ~urther advances the quali~i~s of the S 698 window system.
An object of the inYention is to provide an improved window system.
Another object of the invention is to provide a prefab-ricated window system having an improved main frame with wall portions which overlap the outer edges of the window sashes to reduce air incursion and to prevent inadvertent outward rotation of the windows.
Another object of the invention is to provide a prefab-ricated window system having an improved main frame which has a top portion which receives a snap-in decorative cover and side portions which receive snap in window stops, the window stops and decorative cover having the same cross-sectional configuration.
Another object of the invention is to provide a prefab-ricated window system having an improved main frame with grooves at the periphery thereo~ to receive nailing fins for attaching the ~ain frame to a structure or to receive mullion covers for connecting one main frame to another.
.~3~ i5 Another object of the invention i5 to pro~Jide a prefabricated window system having a keeper which is connected to a window sash by screws which extend upwardly through the sash to the keeper, which has a hoo~ to engage a rail molded into the sash, an~ which has tabs that extend into cavities in glazing beads on either side of the keeper.
In a broad aspect, the present inventio~ relates to a window system for use on a wall of a building, comprising: a generally rectangular main frame having a top frame portion, a bottom frame portion that is spaced apart from the top frame portion, and a pair of spaced-apart connecting frame portions which connect the top and bottom frame portions, all of the frame portions having substantially the same cross-~ectional configuration, each frame portion being a thermoplastic element which has an inner region facing toward the interior of the main frame and an outer region facing away from the interior of the main frame and which includes an outer panel, a first intermediate panel which is spaced apart from the outer panel and which is disposed closer to the interior of the main frame than the outer panel, first and second walls which are attached to the first intermediate panel and which extend toward the interior of the main frame, the first and second walls being spaced apart to provide a channel, a second intermediate panel which is spaced apart from the outer panel and which is disposed closer to the interior of the main ~5 frame than the first intermediate panel, third and fourth walls which are attached to the second intermediate panel and which extend toward the interior of the main frame, the-third and fourth walls being spaced apart to provide a further channel, first means connecting the second and third walls for forming a first step between the channel and the further channel, an inner panel connected to the fourth wall, and second means connected to the inner panel for forming a second step; a window having an outer side; third means for slidably mounting the window in the main frame so that the outer side of the window faces the first step of the connecting frame portions, the third means extending into the channels of the connecting frame portions, a further window having an outer side; fourth means for slidably mounting the further window in the main frame so that the outer side of the further window faces the second step of the connecting frame portions, the fourth means extending into the further channels of the connecting frame portions; and a thermoplastic sill having an upper sill portion which is configured to drain water toward the outside of the building, having a bottom sill panel which is spaced apart from the upper 5ill portion to provide a region between the upper sill portion and the bottom sill panel, having at least one internal sill wall which connects the upper sill portion and the bottom sill panel and which divides the region between the upper sill portion and the bottom sill panel into a plurality of sill chambers, and having means extending from the bottom sill panel into the channel and further channel for snap-connecting the sill to the bottom frame portion.
I~ another broad aspect the present invention relates to a window system for use on a wall of a building, comprising:
a generally rectangular main frame having a first frame portion, a second frame portion that is spaced apart from the first frame portion, and a pair of spaced apart connecting frame portions which connect the first and second frame portions, each of the connecting frame portions being a thermoplastic element which has an inner region facing toward the interior of the main frame and an outer region facing away from the interior of the main frame and which includes and outer panel, and intermediate panel which is spaced apart from the outer panel and which is disposed closer to the interior of the main frame than the outer panel, the intermediate panel having an inner side with an elongated groove and having an outer side with at least one elongated protrusion which is adjacent and parallel to the groove, first and second walls which are attached to the inner side of the intermediate panel and which extend toward the interior of the main frame, the ~3~ i5 first and second walls being spaced apart to provide a channel, the groove in the inner side of ~he intermediate panel being disposed in the channel, another intermediate pa.nel, the other intermediate panel having an inner side with an elongated groove and an outer side with a-t least one elongate~ protrusion which is adjacent and parallel to the groove in the another intermediate panel, and thir~ and fourth walls which are attached to another intermediate panel and which extend toward the interior of the main frame, the third and fourth walls being spaced apart to provide another channel, the groove in the inner side of the another intermediate panel being disposed in the another channel; a window; means for slidably mcunting the window in the main frame, the means for slidably mounting including a pair of attachment mechanisms, each attachment mechanism being slidably disposed in the channel of a respective one of the connecting frame portions; a pair of elongated balance mechanisms, each balance mechanism being disposed in the channel of a respective one of the connecting frame portions and being joined to the attachment mechanism in the channel of the respective connecting frame portion; and a pair of screws, each screw attaching a balance mechanism to the respective connecting frame portion, each screw extending through the groove in the intermediate panel of the respective connecting frame portion and engaging the at least one elongated protrusion on the intermediate panel of the respective connecting frame portion;
another window; means for slidably mounting the another window in the main frame, the means for slidably mounting the another window including another pair of attachment mechanism, each another attachment mechanism being slidably disposed in the another channel of a respective one of the connecting frame portions; another pair of elongated balance mechanisms, each another balance mechanism being disposed in the another channel of a respective one of the connecting frame portions and being joined to the another attachment mechanism in the another channel 5~
~ .
of the respective connecting frame portion; and ano-ther pair of screws, each another screw at~aching one of the another balance mechanisms to the respective connecting frame portion, each another screw extending through the groove in the another intermediate panel of the respective connecti.ng frame portion and engaging the at least one elongated protrusion on the another intermediate panel of the respective connecting frame portion.
In a further broad aspect, the present invention relates to a window system for use on a wall of a building, comprising: a generally rectangular main frame having a first frame portion, a second frame portion tha~ is spaced apart from the first frame portion, and a pair of spaced-apart connecting frame portions which connect the first and second frame portions, each connecting frame portions being a thermoplastic element which has an indoor side facing toward the interior of the building and an outdoor side facing toward the exterior of the building and which includes and outer panel disposed between the indoor and outdoor sides, an intermediate panel which is spaced apart from the outer panel, first and second walls which are attached to the intermediate panel and which extend toward the interior of the main frame, the first and second walls being spaced apart to provide a channel, and means in one of the sides for defining an elongated slot adjacent the outer panel; a window: means for slidably mounting the window in the main frame, the means for slidably mounting extending into the channels of the connecting frame portions; and means entering the slot of at least one of the connecting frame portions for connecting the main frame to the wall, the means entering the slot including a nailing fin having an attachment portion which is nailed to the wall and having an arrowhead portion which enters the slot, the arrowhead portion being configured to be forced through the slot and having means for thereafter preventing the arrowhead portion from being withdrawn from the slot.
5b .
~3(~716S
In a further broad aspect, the present invention relates to a window system for use on a wall o~ a building, comprising: a generally rectanyular main frame haviny a first frame portion, a second frame portion that is spaced apart from the first frame potion, and a pair of spaced-apart connecting frame portions which connect the first and second frame portions, each of the connecting frame portions being a thermoplastic element which has an indoor side facing toward the interior of the building and outdoor side facing toward the exterior of the building and which includes an outer panel disposed between the indoor and outdoor sides, an intermediate panel which is spaced apart from the outer panel, first and second walls which are attached to the intermediate panel and which extend toward the interior of the main frame, the first and second walls being spaced apart to provide a channel, and means in one of the sides for defining an elongated slot adjacent the outer panel; a window: means for slidably mounting the window in the main frame, the means for slidably mounting extending into the channels of the connecting frame portions; and means entering the slot of at least one of the connecting frame portions for connecting the main frame to an adjacent main frame having a connecting frame portion with an elongated slot, the means entering the slot including elongated mullion means extending into the slots of the main frame and adjacent main frame for joining the main frames together.
In a further broad aspect, the present invention relates to a window system for use on a wall of a building, comprising: a generally rectangular main frame having a first frame portion, a second frame portion that is spaced apart from the first ~rame portion, and a pair of spaced-apart connecting frame portions which connect the first and second frame portions, each of the connecting frame portions being a thermoplastic element which has an indoor side facing toward the interior of the building an outdoor side facing toward the exterior of the 5c building and which includes an outer panel disposed between the indoor and outdoor sides, an intermediate panel which is spaced apart from the outer panel; first and second walls which are attached to the intermediate panel and which extend toward the interior of the main frame, the first and second walls being spaced apart to provide a channel, means in the outdoor side for defining an elongated slot adjacent the outer panel, and means in the indoor side for defining a further elongated slot adjacent the outer panel; a window; means for slidably mounting the window in main frame, ~he means for slidably mounting extending into the channels of the connectiny frame portions; and means entering a slot of at least one of the connecting ~rame portions for connecting the main frame to an adjacent main frame having a connecting frame portion with an outdoor side and an elongated slot in the outdoor side and with an indoor side and an elongated slot in the indoor side, the means entering a slot including elongated outdoor mullion means extending into the slots in the outdoor sides of the main frame and adjacent main frame for joining the main frames together, and elongated indoor mullion means extending into the slots in the indoor sides of the main frame and adjacent main frame for joining the main frames together.
In a further broad aspect, the present invention relates to a window system for use in a wall of a building, comprising: a generally rectangular main frame having a first frame portion, a second frame portion, and a pair of spaced-apart connecting frame portions which connect the first and second frame portions, each of the frame portions being an elongated element of extruded thermoplastic and at least one of the frame portions having an elongated slot; a window mounted in the main frame; and means entering the slot of said at least one of the frame portions for connecting the main frame to the wall, the means entering the slot including a nailing fin having an attachment portion which is hailed to the wall and having a 5d ~'7~ ~iS
locking portion which enters the slot, the loc~ing portion b~ing configured to be forced through the slot and having means for thereafter preventing the locking portion from being withdrawn from the slot.
In a further broad aspect, the present invention relates to a window system for use in a wall of a building, comprising: a generally rectangular main frame having a first frame portion, a second frame portion, and a pair of spaced-apart connecting frame portions which connect the firs-t and second frame portions, each of the frame portions being an elongated element of extruded thermoplastic and at least one of the connecting frame portions having an elongated slot; a window mounted in the main frame; means entering the slot of said at least one of the connecting frame portions for connecting the main frame to an adjacent main frame having a connecting frame portion with an elongated slot, the means entering the slot including elongated mullion means extending into the slots of the main frame and adjacent main frame for joining the main frames together.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a front view of a window system in accordance with the present invention in its un-installed state:
Figure 2 is a rear view of the window system in its un-ins~alled state;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the window system in its un-installed state;
Figure 4 i5 a sectional view, taken along line 4-4 of Se ~ ~. , .
Figure 1, illustrating the window system in its installed sta~e;
Figure 5 is a sectional view, taken along line 5-5 of Figure 1, illustrating the window system in its installed state;
Figure 6 is a sectional view through the main frame and sill;
Figure 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of Figure 6, Figure ~ is a sectional view of a cover elPment which snaps into the upper portion of the main frame;
Figure 9 is a sectional view of a portion of the window sash, a glazing bead, and a cover element;
Figure 10 i5 a sectional view taken along line 10-10 of Figure 6;
Figure 11 is a ~ront view of a keeper which is mounted on one of the sash elements;
Figure 12 is a front view illustrating the keeper of Figure 11 mounted with a sash element and glazing beads;
Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a button which is mounted on a window sash to permit retrac-tion of a tilt latch mechanism;
Figure 14 is a front view illustrating a pivot bar which extends from the lower corner of a window sash;
Figure 15 is a vertical sectional view illu~tratiny the main frame and 6ill installed as a replacement window;
Figure 16 is a horizontal sectional vi~w illustraking a corner of the main frame and ~ill o~ ~he window system used as a replacemant;
Figure 17 is a sectional view of a mullion cover for connecting adjacent main frames;
Figure 18 is a sectional view of modified mullion cover for connecting adjacent main frames when the main frames are to be disposed at an angle;
Figure 19 is a sectional view o~ a nailing fin having a decorative portion to simulate wooden brick molding;
Figure 20 is a sectional view o~ the nailing fin employed in Figures 4 and 5;
Figure 21 is a sectional view illustrating a mullion cover for connecting adjacent main frames that are disposed at a relatively large angle with respect to one another.
Figure 22 is an exploded perspective view illustrating how a tilt latch mechanism is mounted to a window sash;
Figure 23 is an exploded perspective view illustrating how a pivot bar is mounted to a window sash; and Figure 24 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a drainage tube in a window sash.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EM~ODIMENTS
A window system .in accordance with the present invention is illustrate~ generally in Figure 3 in its un-installed state, and includes a main ~rame 10 having side portions 12 and 14, top portion 16, and bottom portion 18. The window system also includes top window 20, bottom window 22, and screen 24, which are ~lideably mounted in channel~ provided by side portions 12 and 14. ~ ~ill 26 is ~ounted on bottom portion 18 of ~rame 10, and a decorative panel ~8 (see Figure 1) is mounted on top portion 16. Stop elements 30 ~re mounted in ~ide portions 12 ~nd 14 to prevent bottom window 22 from being moved upwards Par enough to ~mash into the handla 32 (see Figure 1) of top window 20, ~nd to prevent top window 20 from being moved downward far enough for its handle 32 to smash into bottom wind~w 22. The window ~ystem also includes mounting ~eans, which will be described later, and hardwara such as keeper 34, latch 36, buttons 3~ for actuat-ing tilt latch mechanisms 40, ~nd balance mechanisms 42 for biasing windows 20 and 22 upward. Balance mechanisms 42 are commercially availabl~ and typically either two ~uch mecha-nisms (one on each ~ide) or four (two on ~ach side) ~re used with each of windows 20 and 22. Each balance ~echani~m includes a 6pring (not illustrated) which i~ coiled within a tube 44 and which i5 csnnected via a link 46 to slideably - ~l --mounted window attachment mechanisms 48 (Figure 5). Pi~ot bars 50 (see Figures 14 and 23) extend from the bottom of either window to engage mechanisms 48.
Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view o~ sill 26 and bottom portion 18 o~ frame 10~ Frame 10 is a primary feature of the window system o~ the present invention, and is preferably fabricated ~rom a length of an extruded thermo-plastic such as vinyl which is cut into sections for use as portion 12, 14, 16, or 18. That is to say, each of these portions has the same general cross-sectional configuration, although for purposes of description the configuration illustrated in Figure 6 has been identified as portion 18.
With minor exceptions which will become apparent, portion 18 in Figure 6 could alternatively have ~orne re~erence number 12, 14, or lfi.
With continuing reference to Figure 6, portion 18 includes a wall 52 which ~aces the interior of the building in which the window system .is installed and a wall 54 which faces the outside (to ~acilitate di6cussion the term "wall"
in the ensuing description will generally be used to describe elements which are presented vertically in Figure 6, and "panel" will be used for horizontal members). An inner panel 56 faces the interior of rame 10 (~ee Figure 3) and is attached to wall 54. Walls 58 and 60, which are connected by ~3~7:~t~
a bridge panel 62, are 6upported by panel 56. A ~loping web 66 connects wall 54 to a wall 6~, which t~rminate~ ~t intermediate panel 70. Wall 71 extends from panel 70 and has a slot 72 and inwardly directed lipg 74 ~djacent slot 72.
Panel segment 76 and wall segment 78 are disposed behind slot 72 to provide a chamber into ~hich slot 72 communi-cates. In a 6imilar ~anner wall 52 i~ interrupted by ~ 610t 80 which is bordered by inwardly directed lips 82 and which is closed off by panel ~egment 84 and wall 85. Outer panel 10 87 faces away from the interior of frame 10 ~ee Figure 3) and connects wall 52 to wall 71~
With continuing reference to Figure 6, wall 8B extends between panel 56 and panel 70. An intermediate panel 90 connects wall 88 to wall 92, which extends inward from panel 15 70. A panel flange 96 is connected to wall 88, and panel 56 terminates in a panel flange g8 that is parallel to flange . Wall 92 extends inward to a panel 102 which terminates in a panel ~lange 104. Extending from wall 92 i~ a panel flange 106 parallel t~ flange 104. A ~tep ~08 c~nnects panel 20 102 to a panel 110 having a panel flange ~12. A panel flange 114 extends from a wall 116 which connects panel 110 to panel 70. Facing wall 116 i8 a wall 118 having a panel fl~nge 120. A panel 122 connects wall 118 to wall 52 and terminates in a panel flange 123.
3~3~
It will be apparent that the variou6 wall~ ~nd panels heretoEore described provide channel~ 124, 12~, and 12~, along with chambers 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 14~, and 141.
With continuing reference to Figure 6, two grooves 142 are molded into panel 90 and into portion 1~ ~f panel 70.
Also molded into pan~l 90 ~ d portion 1~4 are a pair of ~crew bosses 146 corresponding to each groove 142.
The features identified by reference numbers 52 through 146 are present in each of frame portions ~2, 14, 16, ~nd 18 (see Figure 3). However not all of these feature~ are utilized in the same way in each of frame portions 12 lB.
For example, grooves 142 and screw bosses 146 have no function in top portion 16 and bottom portion 18, and are present in these portions only because of their utility in 15 side portions 12 and 14O Plan views of grooves 142 and bosses 146 are illustrated in Figures 7 ~nd lO, respective-ly. The tubes 44 (see Figure 3) of balance mechanisms 42 are attached to side portions 12 and 14, and grooves 142 and bosses 146 are used to f~cilitate this attachment. As will 20 be noted in Figure 5, the tubes 44 ~re ~ecured to portions 12 and 14 by sheet metal ~crews 148. Grooves 142 and bosses 146 extend the entire length of ~ide portions 12 and 14 (~s, indeed, they extend the entire lengths o~ top ~nd bottom portions 16 and 18), and accordingly during fabrication of the wind~w ~ystem a 6crew 14~ can be ~lid to the de~ired -heigth along a groove 142 and then 6crewed in with ~nfiden~e that it is aligned with bosses 146 on the other 6ide ~o reliably ~cure the ~crew. ~lthough two grooves 142 ~nd their corresponding bosses 146 are provided in each of channel~ 126 and 128 in Figure 6, and only one tube ~4 i6 mounted in each of the corresponding channel6 of Figure 5 ~which are not numbered in Figure 5), it will be recalled that additional balance mechanisms are used with large windows. Accordingly, just as an extruded element (not illustrated) having the general profile illustrated in Figure 6 can be used to fabricate any of the frame portions 12-lR, the provision of redundant grooves 14~ and 146 facilitates the use of ~uch elements as side portions 12 and 14 in either 6mall window systems (two balance mechanisms 42 for each of windows 20 and 22) or large window ~ystems (four balance mechanisms 42 for each of wind~ws 20 and 22).
Returning to Figure 6, Gill 26 ~ncludes an inner wall 150 from which extends a sloping web 152 which terminates in 20 an outer lip 154. Bottom panel 155 is connected by wall 156 and panel segment 158 to wall 150. Outer wall 160 and interior walls 162 and 164 connect web 152 to panel 155, and divide thi6 region into chamber6 166, 168, ~nd 170. Leg portions 172, 174, 176, and 178 extend downward from panel t ~
154, with leg portion 172 terminating in a hook l~0 and with -leg portion 178 terminating in ~ hook 182~ Like frame lo, ~ill 26 is fabricated from ~n extruded thermoplastic element (not illustrated) which i~ cut into the desired lenyth. Legs 172 and 178 are resilient, ~nd ~ill 26 is ~nap-connected to bottom frame portio~ 18 60 ~hat hook 182 is lodged between panel flanges 120 and 124 and hook 180 i~ lodged between panel flanges 96 and g8. Leg portion 176 ~upport6 the middle region of ~ill 26 against panel 102, and lip 154 is 6upp~rted on bridgP panel 62. Panel 158 re6t~ ~gainst panel 122 to support the inner end of ~ill 26.
Referring next to Figure 6 ~nd 16 together, each end of sill 26 is shaped to abut against panel 56, panel 90, panel 110, portion 144 of panel 70, and panel 122 of ~ide portions 12 and 14 (see Figure 3) of main frame 10, with tongue 184 extending into channel 126 and with tongue 185 extending into channel 128.
Turning next to Figures 1, 6, and 8, panel 28 is provided with a leg portion 186 which terminates in a hook 188 and with a leg portion 190 which terminates in a hook 192. Panel 28 is preferably fabricated from an element (not illustrated) of extruded thermoplastic, ~nd leg portion~ 186 and l90 are flexible. The ~ame extruded element ~rom which panel 28 is cut al~o provides 6horter ~egment~ ~or u~e as ~, . .
7~
~top elements 30, since elemenks 30 have the s~me cro~s-`-~ectional configuration as panel 28. When Ufi~d ~8 panel 2~, hook 188 snaps into the region between panel flanges 120 and 123 of top frame portion 16, and hook 192 snaps into the region between panel flanges 11~ and 114. This provides a cosmetic feature, hiding chamber 128 of top frame porti~n 116 from the interior of the building. Because of the interven-ing presence of top window 20, another panel 28 is not snapped into channel 12~ of top portion 16. ~hen the element is cut into short lengths for use as ~top elements 30, four such elements are needed. One is ~napped into the bottom part of channel 128 of ~ide portion 14 and another is ~napped into the bottom part of channel 12~ of 6ide portion 12, thereby providing stops which limit the downward motion of window 20. Another element is snapped into the top port~on of channel 126 of side portion 12, and the last element is snapped into the top portion of channel 126 of side portion 14, thereby providing stops to limit the upward motion of window 22.
Referring next to Figures 1, 2, and 3, portions 12, 14, 16, and 18 are joined at the corners by interior welds 193, exterior welds 194, and lateral welds 196, and these corner welds impart both ri~idity and a finished appearance to main frame 10. In this context the term ~weld" means that the ~3~
corners have been joined by ~olten therm~plastiG which, when -it cocls, 6eals one frame portion with ~n adjacent portion along a ~mooth ~eam. Sill 26, panel ~8, ~nd 6top elem~nts 30 are snapped into main frame ~0 ~s previou~ly mentioned but are not welded thereto.
Returning to Figure 3, window ~2 includes a sash 198 in which an insulated ylazing unit 200 (Which include~ two panes of 6paced-apart glass) i~ mounted. Weather proofing elements ~uch as brush 6eal~ 202 and qas~et ~eal 20~ ~re lo mounted at the edges of ~ash 198. Top window 20 6imilarly includes a sash 206, a glazing unit 208, and weather pr~ofing elements ~not illustrated in ~igure 3). Each of ~ashed 198 and 206 include~ four sash portions 210 of extruded thermo-plastic, ~ash portions being welded at the corners. A
glazing bead 212 is mounted on each ~ash portion 210.
Figure 9 illustrates, inter alia, the cross-6ectional configuration of a sash portion 210 and glazing bead 212.
Portion 210 includes walls 214 and 216 which are connected by panels 218 and 220. A lip 2~2, a rail 224, ~ flange 226, and a wall 228 haviny a cavity 230 extend from panel 220. Wall 210 terminates in a flange 231 and wall 214 terminates in a fl~nge 232. Wall segments 234 and 236 extend from panel 218 and terminate, respectively, in rails 238 and 240. Between wall 210 and wall 236 is a panel 242.
~ '7~
Glazing bead ~12 i8 provlded with a h~ok 244 for engagement be~eath rail 224 ~nd with ~ f~ot 246 or engage ~ent with lip 222. ~ithln bead 212 is ~ channel 248, and flanges 250 extend to one side.
With reference next to Figure 4 in c~n~unction with Figure 9, the construction of window ~0 will now b des-cribed. Sealed glazing unit 208 i~ 6upported by flanges 226 and rails 224 of the ~our sash portions 210 of window 20~ On the outer 6ide, a resilient glazing ~pline 252 is lodged into the cavities 230 and presses against the outer pane of glazing unit 208. Hook 2~4 and foot 246 of glazing beads 212 mount beads 212 on sash elements 210 as previously described, and flanges 250 hold ~nother glazing spl~ne 254 ~yain~t the inner pane of glaæing unit 208. Brush seals 202 are retained between flange 231 and rail 240, and between flange 232 and rail 238, of the upper sash portion 210 of window 20.
Additionally, flange 231, rail 240, flange 232, and rail 238 of the sid~ ~ash por$ions of window 20 (~ee Figure 5) also mount brush ~eals 202.
Returning to Figure 9, cover element 256 has a wall 258 which terminates in an interlock lip 260. Cover element 256 has flanges 262 and 264.
Referring to Figures 4 ~nd 9 together, a tube 266 axtends through panels 218 and 220 of the lowermo~t ~ash portion 210 of top window 20 Sal~o 6ee Figure 24). Tube 266 drains condensation from the region ~djacent glaz~ng unit 208. Furthermore, a cover element 256 $~ ~ounted o~ this lowermost ~ash portion 210 by ~liding ~langes 264 beneath flanges 230 and 232. ~ brush 202 i~ ~ecured between flanges 262. As will be noted ~rom Figure 4, the interlock lip 260 of the cover element 256 mounted on the lower ~ash portion 210 of outer window 20 is directed upward. The construction of inner window 22 is very ~imilar to that of outer window 20, except that the cover ~leme~t 256 i6 mounted on the upper (rather than the lower) ~ash portion 210, and its interlock lip 260 (not numbered in Figure 4) faces downward. When windows 20 and 22 are closed, their interlock lips 260 are closely spaced and provide an additional barrier to incoming air. Additionally, as will be ~een ~rom Figure 4, each cover element 256 supports a brush seal 202 which en~ages the other element 256 and thus impedes air incursion.
With reference next to Figure~ 3, 13, and 22, near either end of the uppermo~t ~ash portion 210 of inner window 22 is mounted a tilt latch mechanism 40, which is a manually retractable mechanism biased outward by a ~pring (not illustrated). Mechani~ms 40 are mounted to p~nel 218 by screws (not illustrated). Cover element 256 is provided with openings 267 which are positioned above each mechanism .~;~
. .
~0. Buttons 38 have resilien~ legs 268 which terminat~ in feet 270 which snap into reces6e5 272 of tilt latch ~echan-isms 40 to operatively connect the buttons 38 to the mechan-isms 409. The openings 267 are dimensioned to permit buttons 38 to be manually displaced in order to withdraw tilt latch mechanisms 40 and permit window 22 to be pivoted inward on its pivot bars 50 (see ~igures 14 and 23) aF illu~trated in Figure 3~ Although not illustrated, top window 20 i6 also pivotably mounted and provided with latch ~echani6ms flO.
Turning next to Figures 9, 11, and 12, keeper 34 i6 a metal element having a downward projection ~74 ~nd a cavity 276 which extends around projection 274. (When latch 36 is actuated, a cam me~ber, not illustrated, rotates from latch 36 into cavity 27~ to lock windows 20 and 22). Bosses 278 having threaded ~crew holes (not illustrated) ~re provided at the bottom of keeper 34, and ~ hook 280 i6 provided at the rear. Tabs 282 extend from either 6ide of keeper 34. Reeper 34 is c~ntrally mounted on the lowermo~t sash portion 210 ~f outer window 20. During fabrication holes (not illustrated) for accommodating bosses 278 are drilled through panel 220, between lip 222 and rail 224. Holes ~not illustrated) for screws 284 are also drilled through panel~ 218 and 242, with the holes through panel 242 ha~ing a ~ufficient diameter to pe~mit the heads of screw 284 to pass through. ~ith the sash portion 210 beiny prepared in this way, k~eper 34 ~ ~n~erted . between two leng~hs of glazing bead 212, wi~h the tabs 28~
extending in~o the channels 248. The glazing beads 212 and keeper 34 are then ins~alled as a unit into the sash portion 210, with the hook 280 of keeper 34 being engaged together with hooks 244 beneath rail 224. Screws 283 are then installed to permanently connect keeper 34 to the ~ash portion 210. As a result keeper 34 is attractively and very securely mounted, since hook 280, tabs ~2, and screws 278 all participate in the mounting.
Re.ferring next to Figures 3, ~, 5; ~nd 6, the window system of the present invention is provided with ~eans for draining water from main Prame 10. Screen 24 i8 slideably guided by channels 124 of the ~ide frame psrtion~ 12 and 14, and outer wall 54 of ~ottom frame portion 18 i~ provided with an opening (not illustrated) for draining rain which accumu lates in channels 142. Outer window 20 is connected by its-pivot bars 50 to window attachment mechanisms 4B which are slideably mounted in the channels 126 of side portions 12 and 14, and it will be apparent that rain water can run through channels 126 of ~ide portion6 12 and 14 when outer window 20 is in its raised position. This water drains into the channel 126 of lower frame portion 18, The pivot bars 50 of inner window 22 extend to window ~ttachment mechanisms 48 .
-~ .
:
which are slideable along the channels 1~8 of side portions ~2 and 14, and although channels 128 are not as exposed as channel 126 it is still possible ~or small amounts of water to seep to into channels 128 via the crevices between inner window 22 and side frame portions 12 and 14. This water, too, drains into bottom frame membPr 18. Finally, water may enter bottom frame portion 18 at sill 26, in the region of tabs 184 and 186 (Figure 16)o To provide drainage, and thereby prevent an accumulation of stagnant water or perhaps even a discharge of water inside the building, bottom portion 18 is provided with drainage holes 2B4 through panel 90 and walls 68, 92, 94, and 116.
Returning to Figure 6, one of the f~atures of a window system in accordance with the present invention is its resistance to sticking. Most windows have a tendancy to stick as time progresses; for example, a window with a wooden main frame and wooden sashes may absorb water and swell, and metal used for these elements may corrode. While thermo-plastic neither absorbs water nor corrodes, it is subject to distortion due to long exposure to the sunshine. The distortion problem is exacerbated in warm climates, particu-larly if the thermoplastic is colored so as to absorb rather than reflect infrared radiation. To combat this problem, in Figure 6 walls 162 and 164 not only contribute mechanical .
strenyth to ~ill 26, they ~l~o ~eparate the ~nterior ~nto cha~bers 166~ 16~ and 170. Th~6e chambers ~re relatively isolated from each other in a thermal ~en~e ~nd thus provide buffers which inhibi~ transfer of heat to surfaces subject to sticking. Chambers 130, 132, 134, 136, and 140 also provide buffer chambers which tend to ~hield the inner portions of main frame lO ~rom the deleteriou6 effect6 of ~olar heatiny.
Referring next to Figure 3 and 6, walls 60 ~nd ~tep 108 have a two fold significance. Step 108 overlaps the outer edge of bottom window 22 when it i~ in it~ normal position, and thus inh,~its air infiltration around the edges of window 22. Moreover, when window 22 is returned to its normal position after h~ving been pivoted as illustrated ln Figure 3, ~tep 108 limits the motion of window 22 ~nd, even if window 22 is slammed, prohibits it from rotating outward. It will ~e apparent that wall 60 provides the ~ame advantages for upper window 20. For upper window 20 the stopping function of wall 60 when the window i~ pivoted i6 eYen more important, ~ince w;thout the ~topping function there would be a danger that window 20 might become detached, if it were ~lammed hard enough, and constitute ~ possible ~aety hazard to those outside the building. During normal u~e ~he outer ~urface of window 20 i8 quite close to ~tep 108 ~nd the outer 6urface of window 22 is ~imilarly close to wall 60. ~indows ~J'~ 5 20 and 22 may touch step 108 and wall 60, but at any rate ~or good resistance to air incursions ~he gap ~hou~d be limited to less than five millimeters, and preferably in the range of one or two millimeters.
Figures 4 and 5 illustrate how the window system o~ the present invsntion may be installed in new construction. In these Figures interior and exterior panels 286 and 288 are supported by framing members such as two by fours 290.
During construction an opening is left for the window system, and the interior portion o~ ~his opening is lined with strips 292. Internal trim 29~ is also attached. After this preparation has been completed, the window is inserted into the opening through the outer side, with shims 296 being used to avoid gaps. The window system is then completed by 15 "nailing fins" 298, which are plugged into main frame 10 as will be discussed and which are then secured by nails 300.
Thereafter outer siding 302 is applied and the window system is sealed thereto by caulk 304. It will be apparent that differences in construction and material may lead to varia-tions in the installation procedure that has been described.
Because of the reduced scale of Figures 4 and 5 it is appropriate to continue the discussion of nailing fin 298 with reference to Figures 6 and 20. Nailing fin 298 is preferably an sxtruded thermoplastic element having a ~ ~t~
cross-sectional configuration as illustrated in Figure 20.
An attachment portion 306 is connected to an outwardly extending portion 308, which in turn is connected by over-lapped portion 310 and insertion portion 312 to a locking or arrowhead portion 314. Arrowhead portion 314 is conflgured to have a resilient leg 316 which is normally biased outward but which is moveable inward. During installation of nailing fin 298, extending portion 308 is pressed against panel 87 of the appropriate frame portion 12, 14, 16, or 18, with arrowhead portion 314 poised to enter the slot 72. The overlap portion 310 is then pounded with a rubber mallet (not illustrated) to drive arrowhead portion 314 through slot 72.
In the installed position insertion portion 312 extends between lips 74 and arrowhead portion 314 is locked against the inner ends of lips 74 to permanently attach fin 298 to main frame 10. Thereafter nails 300 are driven through attachment portion 306.
The window system of the present invention may be shipped with four separate nailing fins, one for the slot 72 ~0 of each o~ frame portions 10, 12, 14, and 16. Advantageous-ly, each such nailing fin 298 would be long enough to extend substantially the entire length of the respective slot 72.
Instead of shipping separate nailing fins 298 to the con-struction site, however, it is desireable to weld four ~3~
nailin~ fins at their corner~ ~o that they can be shipped a~
-a ~ingle article, ready for installation, ~long w~th the remainder of the window ~y~tem.
With reference next to Figures 3 and ~, nail holes 318 are provided in ~ide frame members 12 ~nd 14. Although not illustrated in Figur~ 6, each hole 318 extends through panel 87 and is aligned with nail holes in panels 70 and 102. ~he holes through panel 102 are closed with plugs (not illus-trated) which are removed ~f the nail holes are to be used.
Figures 15 and 16 illustrate the window ~ystem installed as a replacement for a wooden window (not illustrated) that was previously present. Structure~ ~uch ~ 6ill board 320 and ledge 322 remain from the previous installation. Frame 10 is installed with the aid of shims 332, the previously mentioned plugs (not illustrated~ are removed, and nails 324 are driven through the nail holes (e.g., 318 in Figure 3).
Sill fin 326 has an arrowhead portion (not r.umbered) 6imilar to portion 314 in Figure 20. This arrowhead portion is inserted into the slot 72 of the lower ~rame element 18, as illustrated in Figure 15. Additionally, inner and outer strips 328 and 330, caulk 333, and external trim 334 are installed.
Figure 19 illustrates a nailing fin 336 for u~e ln brick construction. Fin 336 includes an attachment portion 338 )t~
(corresponding to portion 306 in Figure 20), an extending portion 342 (corresponding to portion 308 in Figure 20), and an arrowhead portion 340 (corresponding to portion 314 in Figure 20). Unlike arrowhead portion 314, portion 342 is not provided wlth a resilient leg 316 (although this could, of course, be done). Decorative portion 344 is molded to simulate wooden brick molding.
The fact that main frame 10 has peripheral slots 72 on the outer side and peripheral slots 80 on the inside (see Figures 1, 2, and 6) makes it easy to mount windows side by side. Figure 17 illustrates a mullion cover 346 having locking or arrowhead portions 348 and 350. Two mullion covers 346 would be used to join a pair of side-by-side windows mounted in a flat wall. On the outer side, arrowhead portion 348 would be lodged in the slot 72 of one frame 10 and arrowhead portion 350 would be lodged in the adjacent slot 72 of the other frame 10. Similarly, on the inner side arrowhead portions 348 and 350 would be lodged in the slots 80. It will be apparent that the mullion covers 346 thus mechanically connect the windows and avoid an unsightly crack between them.
Figure 18 illustrates a bow mullion cover 352 for use when adjacent windows are disposed at small angles (e.g., 9) with respect to each other, as in a bow window. For such use bow mullion cover 352 is used on the outer ~ides of the windows and connects ~he slots 72, while a mullion cover 346 is used on the inner sides to connect the slots 80. Being made of thermoplastic, bow mullion cover 352 is ~omewhat flexible and is thus bendable through 2 ~all ~rc upon install~tion.
For larger angles a bay mull~on cover 354, as illu~-trated in Figure 21, ~ay be u~ed on the outer 6ide to connect adjacent ~lots 720 Bay mullio~ cover 35~ permits ~ window-to-win~ow ~ngle of about 30- ~although it will be ~pparent that cover ~54 could be fabricated for other ~ngle~, ~uch ~s 45'). Again, on the ~nner ~i~e of the windows a ~ullion ~ cover 346 would be used.
It will be understood that the ~bove description of the present invention is ~usceptable to various ~odifications, changes, and ~daptations, ~nd the ~a~e are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the appended claims.
Claims (28)
1. A window system for use on a wall of a building, comprising:
a generally rectangular main frame having a top frame portion, a bottom frame portion that is spaced apart from the top frame portion, and a pair of spaced-apart connecting frame portions which connect the top and bottom frame portions, all of the frame portions having substantial-ly the same cross-sectional configuration, each frame portion being a thermoplastic element which has an inner region facing toward the interior of the main frame and an outer region facing away from the interior of the main frame and which includes an outer panel, a first intermediate panel which is spaced apart from the outer panel and which is disposed closer to the interior of the main frame than the outer panel, first and second walls which are attached to the first intermediate panel and which extend toward the interior of the main frame, the first and second walls being spaced apart to provide a channel, a second intermediate panel which is spaced apart from the outer panel and which is disposed closer to the interior of the main frame than the first inter-mediate panel, third and fourth walls which are attached to the second intermediate panel and which extend toward the interior of the main frame, the third and fourth walls being spaced apart to provide further channel, first means connecting the second and third walls for forming a first step between the channel and the further channel, an inner panel connected to the fourth wall, and second means connected to the inner panel for forming a second step;
a window having an outer side;
third means for slidably mounting the window in the main frame so that the outer side of the window faces the first step of the connecting frame portions, the third means extending into the channels of the connecting frame portions;
a further window having an outer side;
fourth means for slidably mounting the further window in the main frame so that the outer side of the further window faces the second step of the connecting frame portions, the fourth means extending into the further channels of the connecting frame portions; and a thermoplastic sill having an upper sill portion which is configured to drain water toward the outside of the building, having a bottom sill panel which is spaced apart from the upper sill portion to provide a region between the upper sill portion and the bottom sill panel, having at least one internal sill wall which connects the upper sill portion and the bottom sill panel and which divides the region between the upper sill portion and the bottom sill panel into a plurality of sill chambers, and having means extending from the bottom sill panel into the channel and further channel for snap-connecting the sill to the bottom frame portion.
a generally rectangular main frame having a top frame portion, a bottom frame portion that is spaced apart from the top frame portion, and a pair of spaced-apart connecting frame portions which connect the top and bottom frame portions, all of the frame portions having substantial-ly the same cross-sectional configuration, each frame portion being a thermoplastic element which has an inner region facing toward the interior of the main frame and an outer region facing away from the interior of the main frame and which includes an outer panel, a first intermediate panel which is spaced apart from the outer panel and which is disposed closer to the interior of the main frame than the outer panel, first and second walls which are attached to the first intermediate panel and which extend toward the interior of the main frame, the first and second walls being spaced apart to provide a channel, a second intermediate panel which is spaced apart from the outer panel and which is disposed closer to the interior of the main frame than the first inter-mediate panel, third and fourth walls which are attached to the second intermediate panel and which extend toward the interior of the main frame, the third and fourth walls being spaced apart to provide further channel, first means connecting the second and third walls for forming a first step between the channel and the further channel, an inner panel connected to the fourth wall, and second means connected to the inner panel for forming a second step;
a window having an outer side;
third means for slidably mounting the window in the main frame so that the outer side of the window faces the first step of the connecting frame portions, the third means extending into the channels of the connecting frame portions;
a further window having an outer side;
fourth means for slidably mounting the further window in the main frame so that the outer side of the further window faces the second step of the connecting frame portions, the fourth means extending into the further channels of the connecting frame portions; and a thermoplastic sill having an upper sill portion which is configured to drain water toward the outside of the building, having a bottom sill panel which is spaced apart from the upper sill portion to provide a region between the upper sill portion and the bottom sill panel, having at least one internal sill wall which connects the upper sill portion and the bottom sill panel and which divides the region between the upper sill portion and the bottom sill panel into a plurality of sill chambers, and having means extending from the bottom sill panel into the channel and further channel for snap-connecting the sill to the bottom frame portion.
2. The window system of claim 1, wherein for each frame portion the second means comprises a fifth wall connected to the inner panel and extending toward the interior of the main frame.
3. The window of claim 2, wherein each frame portion further includes sixth and seventh walls connected to the inner panel and extending toward the interior of the main frame, the fifth and sixth walls having inner ends which are connected to provide a buffer chamber between the fifth and sixth walls, wherein the sixth and seventh walls are spaced apart to provide another channel, and further comprising a screen member mounted for sliding movement along the another channel of the connecting frame portions, and wherein the screen member extends into the another channel of the bottom frame portion when the screen member is in a lowered posi-tion.
4. The window system of claim 3, wherein for each frame portion the fourth wall and the inner panel are perpendicular, and wherein each frame portion further includes a web disposed at an acute angle with respect to both the inner panel and the fourth wall, a further buffer chamber being provided between the web, the fourth wall, and the inner panel.
5. The window system of claim 4, wherein each frame portion includes means for providing at least one additional buffer chamber.
6. The window system of claim 1, wherein for each frame portion the first and second intermediate panels have inner sides and outer sides, the inner side of the first intermediate panel having an elongated groove in the channel and the outer side of the first intermediate panel having a pair of elongated screw bosses which are parallel to the groove, the inner side of the second intermediate panel having an elongated further groove in the further channel and the outer side of the second intermediate panel having a pair of further elongated screw bosses which are parallel to the further groove.
7. The connected window system of claim 6, wherein for each frame portion there is another groove and another pair of screw bosses in the first intermediate panel, and wherein there is an additional groove and additional pair of screw bosses in the second intermediate panel.
8. The window system of claim 1, wherein the upper sill portion comprises a web, at least a portion of which slopes downward toward the outside of the building, and wherein the bottom sill panel is horizontally disposed.
9. The window system of claim 8, wherein the sill additionally has tabs which extend into the channel and the further channel of the connecting frame portions.
10. The window system of claim 1, further comprising a thermoplastic cover element having means extending into the channel of the top frame portion for snap-connecting the cover element to the top frame portion, and thermoplastic stop elements having means extending into the channel of the connecting frame portions for snap-connecting the stop elements to the connecting frame portions, the cover element and stop elements having the same cross-sectional configuration.
11. The window system of claim 10, further compris-ing additional thermoplastic stop elements having means extending into the further channel of the connecting frame portions for snap-connecting the additional stop elements to the connecting frame portions, the additional stop elements having the same cross-sectional configuration as the stop elements and cover element.
12. The window system of claim 1, wherein each frame portion further includes means for defining an elongated slot adjacent the outer panel, and further comprising means entering the slot for connecting the main frame to the wall.
13. The window system of claim 12, wherein the means entering the slot comprises a nailing fin having an arrowhead portion which enters the slot, an extension portion which contacts the outer panel, and an attachment portion which is perpendicular to the extension portion, the attachment portion being nailed to the wall.
14. The window system of claim 12, wherein the arrowhead portion comprises a resilient leg.
15. The window system of claim 14, wherein the nailing fin further comprises means connected to the attach-ment portion for simulating brick molding.
16. The window system of claim 1, wherein for each frame portion the outer panel has two ends, wherein each frame portion further includes means for defining a first elongated slot adjacent one end of the outer panel and for defining a second elongated slot adjacent the other end of the outer panel, and further comprising mullion means extending into the first slots of adjacent main frames for connecting the adjacent main frames and additional mullion means extending into the second slots of adjacent main frames for connecting the adjacent main frames.
17. The window system of claim 16, wherein the mullion means has a pair of arrowhead portions, each ar-rowhead portion extending into a first slot, and wherein the additional mullion means has a pair of arrowhead portions, each arrowhead portion extending into a second slot.
18. The window system of claim 17, wherein the distance between the arrowhead portions of the mullion means is different from the distance between the arrowhead portions of the additional mullion means.
19. The window system of claim 1, wherein one of the windows comprises a thermoplastic sash having upper and lower panels and having a rail attached to the upper panel, a glazing bead having a cavity and having a hook which fits under the rail, and a keeper having a tab which fits into the cavity of the glazing bead and having a hook which fits under the rail.
20. The window system of claim 19, wherein said one of said windows further comprises a screw which extends through the lower and upper panels of the sash into the keeper, the screw having an enlarged head which is disposed adjacent the lower panel.
21. The window system of claim 1, wherein each frame portion further includes means integrally mounted on the inner panel for providing another channel, and further comprising a screen member mounted for sliding movement along the another channel of the connecting frame portions.
22. A window system for use on a wall of a building, comprising:
a generally rectangular main frame having a first frame portion, a second frame portion that is spaced apart from the first frame portion, and a pair of spaced-apart connecting frame portions which connect the first and second frame portions, each of the connecting frame portions being a thermoplastic element which has an inner region facing toward the interior of the main frame and an outer region facing away from the interior of the main frame and which includes an outer panel, an intermediate panel which is spaced apart from the outer panel and which is disposed closer to the interior of the main frame than the outer panel, the intermediate panel having an inner side with an elongated groove and having an outer side with at least one elongated protrusion which is adjacent and parallel to the groove, first and second walls which are attached to the inner side of the intermediate panel and which extend toward the interior of the main frame, the first and second walls being spaced apart to provide a channel, the groove in the inner side of the intermediate panel being disposed in the channel, another intermediate panel, the another intermediate panel having an inner side with an elongated groove and an outer side with at least one elongated protrusion which is adjacent and parallel to the groove in the another intermediate panel, and third and fourth walls which are attached to the another intermediate panel and which extend toward the interior of the main frame, the third and fourth walls being spaced apart to provide another channel, the groove in the inner side of the another intermediate panel being disposed in the another channel;
a window;
means for slidably mounting the window in the main frame, the means for slidably mounting including a pair of attachment mechanisms, each attachment mechanism being slidably disposed in the channel of a respective one of the connecting frame portions;
a pair of elongated balance mechanisms, each balance mechanism being disposed in the channel of a respec-tive one of the connecting frame portions and being joined to the attachment mechanism in the channel of the respective connecting frame portion;
a pair of screws, each screw attaching a balance mechanism to the respective connecting frame portion, each screw extending through the groove in the intermediate panel of the respective connecting frame portion and engaging the at least one elongated protrusion on the intermediate panel of the respective connecting frame portion;
another window;
means for slidably mounting the another window in the main frame, the means for slidably mounting the another window including another pair of attachment mechanism, each another attachment mechanism being slidably disposed in the another channel of a respective one of the connecting frame portions;
another pair of elongated balance mechanisms, each another balance mechanism being disposed in the another channel of a respective one of the connecting frame portions and being joined to the another attachment mechanism in the another channel of the respective connecting frame portion;
and another pair of screws, each another screw attach-ing one of the another balance mechanisms to the respective connecting frame portion, each another screw extending through the groove in the another intermediate panel of the respective connecting frame portion and engaging the at least one elongated protrusion on the another intermediate panel of the respective connecting frame portion.
a generally rectangular main frame having a first frame portion, a second frame portion that is spaced apart from the first frame portion, and a pair of spaced-apart connecting frame portions which connect the first and second frame portions, each of the connecting frame portions being a thermoplastic element which has an inner region facing toward the interior of the main frame and an outer region facing away from the interior of the main frame and which includes an outer panel, an intermediate panel which is spaced apart from the outer panel and which is disposed closer to the interior of the main frame than the outer panel, the intermediate panel having an inner side with an elongated groove and having an outer side with at least one elongated protrusion which is adjacent and parallel to the groove, first and second walls which are attached to the inner side of the intermediate panel and which extend toward the interior of the main frame, the first and second walls being spaced apart to provide a channel, the groove in the inner side of the intermediate panel being disposed in the channel, another intermediate panel, the another intermediate panel having an inner side with an elongated groove and an outer side with at least one elongated protrusion which is adjacent and parallel to the groove in the another intermediate panel, and third and fourth walls which are attached to the another intermediate panel and which extend toward the interior of the main frame, the third and fourth walls being spaced apart to provide another channel, the groove in the inner side of the another intermediate panel being disposed in the another channel;
a window;
means for slidably mounting the window in the main frame, the means for slidably mounting including a pair of attachment mechanisms, each attachment mechanism being slidably disposed in the channel of a respective one of the connecting frame portions;
a pair of elongated balance mechanisms, each balance mechanism being disposed in the channel of a respec-tive one of the connecting frame portions and being joined to the attachment mechanism in the channel of the respective connecting frame portion;
a pair of screws, each screw attaching a balance mechanism to the respective connecting frame portion, each screw extending through the groove in the intermediate panel of the respective connecting frame portion and engaging the at least one elongated protrusion on the intermediate panel of the respective connecting frame portion;
another window;
means for slidably mounting the another window in the main frame, the means for slidably mounting the another window including another pair of attachment mechanism, each another attachment mechanism being slidably disposed in the another channel of a respective one of the connecting frame portions;
another pair of elongated balance mechanisms, each another balance mechanism being disposed in the another channel of a respective one of the connecting frame portions and being joined to the another attachment mechanism in the another channel of the respective connecting frame portion;
and another pair of screws, each another screw attach-ing one of the another balance mechanisms to the respective connecting frame portion, each another screw extending through the groove in the another intermediate panel of the respective connecting frame portion and engaging the at least one elongated protrusion on the another intermediate panel of the respective connecting frame portion.
23. The window system of claim 22, wherein for each connecting frame portion the at least one elongated protru-sion comprises a pair of closely spaced screw bosses, both of which are engaged by the respective screw.
24. The window system of claim 22, wherein the inner side of the intermediate panel of each connecting frame portion has a further elongated groove, the groove and further groove being spaced apart, and wherein the outer side of the intermediate panel of each connecting frame portion has at least one further elongated protrusion which is parallel to the further groove and adjacent the further groove.
25. The window system of claim 22, wherein each connecting frame portion further includes means connecting the second and third walls for forming a first step between the channel and the another channel; an inner panel connected to the fourth wall; and means connected to the inner panel for forming a second step.
26. The window system of claim 25, wherein the window has an outer side which faces the first step of the side frame portions, and wherein the another window has an outer side which faces the second step.
27. The window system of claim 26, wherein the inner side of the another intermediate panel of each connecting frame portion has a further elongated groove, the groove and further groove in the another intermediate panel being spaced apart, and wherein the outer side of the another intermediate panel of each side frame portion has a at least one further elongated protrusion which is adjacent and parallel to the further groove in the another intermediate panel.
28. The window system of claim 22, wherein each connecting frame portion further includes means for defining an elongated slot adjacent the outer panel, and further comprising means entering the slot for connecting the main frame to the wall.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US92930386A | 1986-11-12 | 1986-11-12 | |
| US929,303 | 1986-11-12 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1307165C true CA1307165C (en) | 1992-09-08 |
Family
ID=25457634
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000551493A Expired - Lifetime CA1307165C (en) | 1986-11-12 | 1987-11-10 | Prefabricated window system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1307165C (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7707779B2 (en) | 2004-09-20 | 2010-05-04 | Alpa Lumber Inc. | Frame assembly for window with vertically sliding sash |
| US7707778B2 (en) | 2003-03-27 | 2010-05-04 | Alpa Lumber Inc. | Frame assembly for windows or doors with removable sash |
-
1987
- 1987-11-10 CA CA000551493A patent/CA1307165C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7707778B2 (en) | 2003-03-27 | 2010-05-04 | Alpa Lumber Inc. | Frame assembly for windows or doors with removable sash |
| US7707779B2 (en) | 2004-09-20 | 2010-05-04 | Alpa Lumber Inc. | Frame assembly for window with vertically sliding sash |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |