U.S. patent application number 11/418845 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-07 for window assembly masking bag.
Invention is credited to Klaus Hartig.
Application Number | 20060272273 11/418845 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36933437 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060272273 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hartig; Klaus |
December 7, 2006 |
Window assembly masking bag
Abstract
The invention provides methods and equipment for storing and
protecting window assemblies. In certain embodiments, there is
provided a bag configured to hold a window assembly therein
following the assembly's manufacture up until after the
installation of the assembly. The bag is configured to be sealed
and to be form-fitted to the window assembly. As such, the
likelihood of the bag allowing contaminants therein or catching on
something and tearing is reduced. Following the installation of the
window assembly, a portion of the bag is configured for removal
from the exposed surfaces of the window assembly. A portion of the
bag not removed is subsequently utilized as a protective barrier
for the non-exposed surfaces of the window assembly. In certain
embodiments, there is provided a method for storing and protecting
a window assembly using a bag of the described nature.
Inventors: |
Hartig; Klaus; (Avoca,
WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP;FREDRIKSON & BYRON, P.A.
200 SOUTH SIXTH STREET
SUITE 4000
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
36933437 |
Appl. No.: |
11/418845 |
Filed: |
May 5, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60678736 |
May 6, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/745.16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2585/649 20130101;
B65D 85/64 20130101; E04G 21/30 20130101; E06B 7/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/745.16 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/00 20060101
E04B001/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for securely storing and protecting a window
assembly, comprising a bag with size and shape to accommodate a
window assembly, the bag having an opening in at least one end
thereof for inserting the window assembly into the bag, the bag
having form-fitting functionality for eliminating amounts of excess
space between interior surfaces of the bag and exterior surfaces of
the window assembly once the window assembly is inserted into the
bag, such form-fitting capability enabling the bag to be
form-fitted to the window assembly, thereby enabling securement of
the window assembly within the bag while also limiting portions of
the bag which protrude from the window assembly.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bag is formed of one or
more elements, one of the elements being a flexible protective
material that is of a suitable thickness so as to be resistant to
tearing yet accommodating so as to not interfere with installation
of the window assembly in the field.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein material comprises
plastic.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bag is opaque in order to
protect the window assembly from bleaching.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bag is translucent to
permit examination of contents of the bag.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bag is
water-resistant.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bag includes a tube
defining a bore that enables fluid communication between interior
of the bag and exterior of the bag, wherein the tube is operatively
coupled to a side of the bag, wherein the bag opening is adapted to
be operatively sealed, and wherein the bag is adapted to be
form-fitted to the window assembly through vacuum sealing via the
tube.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the tube is made of a plastic
material and is adapted to be self-sealing.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bag is comprised of
material adapted to retain static electricity.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bag is comprised of heat
sensitive material.
11. A method of securely storing and protecting a window assembly
for a period of time after the window assembly is manufactured,
comprising the steps of: providing a bag with size and shape to
accommodate a window assembly, the bag having an opening in at
least one end thereof for inserting the window assembly into the
bag, the bag having form-fitting functionality for enabling the bag
to be form-fitted to the window assembly, thereby enabling
securement of the window assembly within the bag while also
limiting portions of the bag which protrude from the window
assembly; inserting the window assembly into the bag; and
form-fitting the bag once the window assembly is inserted in the
bag.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the form-fitting functionality
includes a tube defining a bore that enables fluid communication
between interior of the bag and exterior of the bag, wherein the
tube is operatively coupled to a side of the bag, and wherein the
form-fitting step includes sealing the bag opening and pulling
excess air between interior surfaces of the bag and exterior
surfaces of the window assembly out of the bag through the
tube.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the form-fitting step includes
self-sealing of the tube after the excess air is pulled out from
the bag.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the bag is comprised of
material adapted to retain static electricity, and wherein the
form-fitting step includes introducing static electricity to the
material.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the bag is comprised of heat
sensitive material, and wherein the form-fitting step includes
heating surfaces of the bag.
16. A method of securely storing and protecting a window assembly
during installation of the window assembly, comprising the steps
of: providing a construction including a window assembly being
encased in a bag, the bag form-fitted to the window assembly, the
form-fitted bag enabling securement of the window assembly within
the bag while also limiting portions of the bag which protrude from
the window assembly; installing the construction in a building wall
opening generally intended for the window assembly; finishing
environment surrounding the installed construction; and removing
the exposed portions of the bag.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the removing step involves
cutting the bag along joint lines defined between edges of the
building wall opening and the construction with a sharp
instrument.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the removing step involves
tearing the bag along joint lines defined between edges of the
building wall opening and the construction.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein removing step involves
providing perforations in the bag along the joint lines.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the removing step involves
providing a linkage holding the bag together at the joint lines,
and wherein tearing along the joint lines would involve pulling the
linkage away from the construction.
21. The method of claim 16, wherein the removing step involves
leaving a portion of the bag between the building wall opening and
the window assembly, such bag portion serving as a barrier against
action of wall material on non-exposed frame surfaces of the window
assembly.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the removing step involves
using the bag portion as a seal for the non-exposed frame
surfaces.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the removing step involves
using the bag portion as one or more of a waterproof barrier and an
airtight barrier.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional
patent application 60/678,736, filed May 6, 2005, the entire
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to window assemblies. More
particularly, this invention relates to mechanisms used for storing
and protecting the assemblies during a period of time which extends
from just after the window assembly is manufactured until after the
window assembly is installed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In most industrialized countries, it is customary for
manufacturers to distribute or ship products in packages. One
primary reason for using such packaging is to protect the product
during shipping so that the product is received by the consumer in
generally the same condition as it was when initially sent from the
manufacturer. As a result, the consumer is more likely to be
satisfied with the product after removing it from the packaging,
and in turn, more likely to continue doing business with the
manufacturer in the future.
[0004] Window assemblies are generally comprised of at least one
pane (i.e., typically a pane of glass) and a corresponding frame.
The window assemblies are no different from any other product in
that, without adequate protection during shipping, they can become
easily damaged prior to their use in the field. There are many ways
in which this damage can occur. A few examples could involve the
glass of the assembly being scratched or cracked or the frame of
the assembly being scraped or nicked from handling during shipping.
Unfortunately, this type of damage is liable to occur at any time
subsequent to manufacturing up until the time the window assembly
is installed.
[0005] In addition, a window assembly can also become marked or
stained anytime prior to or after installation. For example, during
storage after manufacture, water vapor is liable to condense on the
outer surface of the assemblies. If the frame of such assembly is
made of wood, such moisture settling thereon may promote the
formation of mildew, which could potentially damage the window
assembly. Another example involves the period of time following
installation, during which surrounding wall surfaces may be
painted. When painting, potential exists for paint to drip or
splatter onto the pane or frame of the window assembly. If such
paint is not timely washed off or otherwise removed, the window
assembly could be permanently stained.
[0006] While there have been prior attempts to protect window
assemblies from the time of manufacture up until after the time of
installation, there have been shortcomings in regards to these
attempts. This invention attempts to solve these shortcomings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The invention provides a method and apparatus for storing
and protecting a window assembly on all exposed surfaces. The
method and apparatus provide a bag that can be used following
manufacture of the assembly up through the time that the window
assembly is installed. The method and apparatus provide a bag
configured to seal the window assembly therein and form-fit the bag
to the window assembly. Following installation of the window
assembly, the bag is adapted for removal from all exposed sections
of the window assembly, providing a clean appearance for the
exposed surfaces of the assembly and providing a protective barrier
for the non-exposed surfaces of the window assembly within the
installation opening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a window;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic front elevation view of a window
assembly;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a window assembly
masking bag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a window assembly
masking bag in accordance with an alternate exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the
window assembly of FIG. 2 located within a window assembly masking
bag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the
window assembly masking bag and window assembly of FIG. 5 following
a form-fitting process in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the
window assembly masking bag and window assembly of FIG. 6 following
their installation in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the
window assembly of FIG. 7 following the removal of a portion of the
window assembly masking bag of FIG. 7 in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the
window assembly masking bag and window assembly of FIG. 6 following
their installation in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention; and
[0017] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the
window assembly masking bag and window assembly of FIG. 6 following
their installation in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The following detailed description is to be read with
reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different
drawings have been given like reference numerals. The drawings,
which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and
are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Skilled
artisans will recognize that the examples provided herein have many
useful alternatives that fall within the scope of the
invention.
[0019] The structure of the system is generally referred to herein
as a bag; however, the structure can also be referred to as a
carrier, a container, a sack, or other like terms. Preferably, the
structure of the system (i.e., the bag) is adapted for securely
storing and protecting window assemblies therein. In certain
embodiments, the bags are used to accommodate window assemblies for
a time period following their manufacture up until after the
assemblies are installed in the field. Typically, this time period
accounts for after-assembly storage, shipping, and installation of
the window assemblies. The structure of the system, however, can
also be configured for storing and protecting other objects in a
wide variety of other applications.
[0020] In certain embodiments, the invention provides a bag for
generally storing and protecting a corresponding window assembly.
An obvious component of a window assembly is a window, an example
of which is illustrated in FIG. 1. The window 10 of FIG. 1 includes
a pane 12 peripherally surrounded by a sash 14. The pane 12
typically includes a generally flat, sheet-like substrate. The
substrate typically has two generally-opposed major surfaces, which
preferably are planar and substantially parallel to each other. In
most cases, each substrate will be a sheet of transparent material
(e.g., a transparent pane). For example, each substrate may be a
sheet of glass, clear plastic, or the like. The sash 14 is
typically a rectangular-shaped casing that is bonded to the
periphery of the at least one pane 12. In most cases, the sash 14
is formed of wood, metal, plastic or any other suitable material.
Thus, for an exemplary window, there is typically provided at least
one pane 12 having first and second generally-opposed major
surfaces surrounded by a sash 14.
[0021] An exemplary window assembly is illustrated in FIG. 2. The
assembly 16 of FIG. 2 is commonly referred to as a vertical sliding
sash window assembly. Generally, such assembly 16 includes a
rectangular frame 18 and at least one window 10. The vertical
rectangular frame 18 supports the windows 10 within the assembly 16
and includes two side jambs 20, a head 22, and a sill 24. The
common side jambs 20 are the parallel spaced vertical frame members
and the head 22 is the top horizontal frame member joining the top
of each side jamb 20. The head 22 and side jambs 20 are typically
of equal width. The sill 24 part of the bottom of the frame 18
generally slopes downward to prevent water from draining into the
interior of the building. The frame 18 may be constructed of wood,
metal, plastic or any other suitable material. Although, the
invention is described in connection with such sliding sash window
assembly 16, it is not done so as to limit the invention as such.
It is contemplated that the invention may also be used with a wide
variety of window types, styles and sizes.
[0022] As mentioned above, the bags of the invention are preferably
used advantageously for storing and protecting such window
assemblies. As such, each bag is generally sized and shaped to
accommodate a corresponding window assembly. In use, the bag is
configured to protect the normally-exposed assembly surfaces from
incidental blemishes (i.e., scratches, scrapes, bumps, nicks, etc.)
that are generally known to occur during storage, transport, or
installation of the assembly. Further, the bag can be used for a
time period following installation so as to further protect the
assembly. For example, after the window assembly is installed, one
may need to clean or paint the surrounding walls. Typically, before
such cleaning or painting is started, the window assembly sash or
frame, as well as the window assembly pane(s), may be masked to
prevent any cleaning solution or paint from adhering thereto. While
most compounds that become adhered to the sash, frame, or pane may
be scraped off or otherwise removed, additional time is required to
do so. Further, because of a tempering process normally performed
on glass panes of windows, the pane (if glass) is generally softer
than untempered glass. Consequently, if one needs to clean or
scrape the pane of the assembly, the pane surface could potentially
be scratched or abraded, resulting in the window assembly being
unacceptable to the customer. As such, in using the invention, all
such masking can be avoided, as well as potential dissatisfaction
from the customer in regard to the product.
[0023] Preferably, the bag is simple and economical to manufacture.
In certain embodiments, the bag is made of a thin flexible
protective material. The protective material may be most any
suitable commercially available film such as plastic and the like.
A few suitable plastic materials include polyethylene and biaxially
oriented polypropylene, which are commercially available from
Dupont (Wilmington, Del. U.S.A.). In certain embodiments, the
material is opaque, so as to be generally impenetrable by light. In
turn, the bag can protect the assembly, in particular, the frame,
from bleaching due to exposure from light. Conversely, in other
certain embodiments, the material is preferably transparent (or at
least translucent) to permit examination of the bag contents (i.e.,
the window assembly) at any time. Further, the material shall be
flexible, moisture-proof, and reasonably tough to withstand
tearing. Although the thickness of the material could feasibly vary
depending on the size and mass of the window assembly it is
intended to store and protect, the material should be not be so
thin that it tears during installation, and alternatively, not too
thick so that it is too stiff to permit proper installation of the
window assembly. In certain embodiments, such material thickness
may range from 3 to 6 mil. The bag can be generally constructed
from one section of such protective material even though the bag
may involve other elements (e.g., materials used for coupling
surfaces of the bag, etc.) that contribute to the bag's overall
assembly.
[0024] In certain embodiments, the bag is adapted to be
form-fitted. As such, once the window assembly is placed within the
bag, the bag can be form-fitted to the window assembly. In turn,
when the window assembly is transported (i.e., during subsequent
storage, shipping, and installation), the potential for the bag to
hang loosely from the assembly so as to possibly catch on something
and tear is minimized. In certain embodiments, this is accomplished
via a vacuum sealing process. Vacuum sealing of this nature
involves removing a substantial portion of the air from within the
bag via a self-sealing tube located thereon. Generally, this
process takes place after the window assembly is inserted within
the bag through an opening, and after the bag opening has been
sealed. Subsequently, the self-sealing tube is used in pulling
(i.e., sucking) the air out of the bag. With the air being pulled
from the interior of the bag in this fashion, the bag naturally
collapses around the window. Alternate form-fitting processes may
involve using a material for the bag that retains static
electricity (i.e., causing the material to naturally "cling" to
surfaces) or that is heat sensitive (causing the material to
"shrink" and form with surfaces when heated). Unfortunately, such
specialized materials may be more difficult to utilize and also
more expensive to acquire. Thus, it is contemplated that vacuum
sealing would generally be preferred over these alternate
processes. As mentioned above, in order for the bag to be
form-fitted to the window assembly, the bag opening must first be
sealed. Once the opening is sealed, the window assembly will be
fully contained within the bag so as to prevent exposure of the
window assembly to contaminants (e.g., air, moisture, etc.). Such
sealing methods are described below.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a bag 26 in
accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. The bag 26 is
preferably sized and shaped to accommodate a certain window
assembly (not shown); however, given its form-fitting functionality
described above, the bag 26 can also greatly exceed the size of the
window assembly and still be used. Preferably, the bag 26 has at
least two opposing major sides 28, 30. In certain embodiments, when
a window assembly is accommodated by the bag 26 (as shown in FIG.
5), the major sides 28, 30 of the bag 26 generally lie almost
parallel to major planar surfaces of the window assembly. In
certain embodiments, the major sides 28, 30 of the bag 26 are
sheets of material having about the same size and shape; however,
it is contemplated that the sides 28, 30 may be of different sizes
as well. Respective edges 32, 34 of the major sides 28, 30 are
operatively coupled together to form a housing for the window
assembly. In certain embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the
corresponding edges 32, 34 of the major sides 28, 30 are coupled
together by using one or more sheets of material 36 as
intermediaries. Preferably, an opening 38 is defined in at least
one end 40 of the bag 26 so as to enable the insertion of a window
assembly therein. Alternatively, in other certain embodiments, as
shown in FIG. 4, a bag 42 may be used which has major sides 44, 46
with corresponding edges 48, 50 that are directly coupled together
without using any intermediary material. Preferably, at least one
end 52 of the bag 42 has edges 48, 50 which are not coupled so as
to define an opening 54 to enable insertion of a window assembly
therethrough. Coupling methods mentioned above could involve
sewing, gluing, stapling, or other like techniques.
[0026] Even though they are not shown as such, the respective bags
26 and 42 of FIGS. 3 and 4 are also generally configured to close
such openings 38 and 54. In certain preferable embodiments, during
or subsequent to their being closed, the opening 38 and 54 would
also be sealed. Mechanisms providing such closing and/or sealing
functions are generally known in the technology, with a few
examples being described below. In FIG. 5, the window assembly 16
(in dashed lines) from FIG. 2 is shown as having already been
inserted within a bag 56. The bag 56 is generally similar in
structure to the bag 26 of FIG. 3 with one exception. The major
sides 58 and 60 of the bag 56 have been extended on the front end
62 proximate to where the opening 38 had previously been shown in
FIG. 3. Such sides 58 and 60 have been extended outward from the
bag 56 so as to join, and in doing so, to generally close the bag
opening. One embodiment for additionally sealing the bag 56 may
involve a locking mechanism similar to the zipping mechanism (e.g.,
Ziplock.TM.) commonly used on small-scale plastic bags. In
particular, a protrusion would exist on an inner surface of one of
the major sides 58 or 60 proximate to the front end 62 of the bag
56, with the protrusion extending across the length of the opening
(not visibly shown, but generally represented as 38 in FIG. 3). A
channel would exist on an inner surface of the opposing major side
58 or 60 proximate to the front end 62 of the bag 56, with the
channel extending across the length of the opening (not visibly
shown, but generally represented as 38 in FIG. 3). As is generally
known in the art, given an appropriately sized protrusion and
channel, an airtight seal can be created from the protrusion being
forcibly inserted across the length of the channel. Another sealing
embodiment may involve an adhering mechanism which functions
similarly to the locking mechanism described above. In particular,
adhesive would be applied to an inner surface of at least one of
the major sides 58 or 60 proximate to the front end 62 of the bag
56, with the adhesive being applied across the length of the
opening (not visibly shown, but generally represented as 38 in FIG.
3). The inner surfaces would then be pressed together to create an
airtight seal.
[0027] One other sealing embodiment may involve a bag similar to
the one illustrated in FIG. 5, but having only one major side 58 or
60 extend off of the front end 62. This extension, or flap, would
be movable and would have adhesive applied along its entire inner
edge. As such, the flap could be folded over the opening (not
visibly shown, but generally represented as 38 in FIG. 3) and
pressed along its outer edge to create an airtight seal between the
flap and the non-extended major side 58 or 60. While a few examples
have been provided herein, it is contemplated that there are a
variety of other techniques in which the openings of such described
bags can be closed and further sealed. As such, the examples
described herein are not meant to limit the invention as such.
Likewise, it is contemplated that a variety of bags and window
assemblies can be used to exemplify these techniques, and by
choosing the bag 56 and window assembly 16 above, it was not done
so to limit the invention as such.
[0028] Once the window assemblies have been inserted within the
bags of the invention and the bags have been subsequently sealed,
the bags are then generally form-fitted to the window assemblies.
As mentioned above, this form fitting can be accomplished in a
number of ways. In certain preferable embodiments, such
form-fitting is accomplished with the use of a self-sealing tube
operatively coupled on a surface of the bag. Such tubes are
generally known in the art. FIG. 5 shows such a tube 64 on the
major side 58 of the bag 56. While the tube 64 is shown in this
location, it is contemplated that such tube 64 could be located
anywhere on the exposed surface of the bag 56 so long as it is
removable following installation of the window assembly 16. In
certain preferred embodiments, the tube 64 is made of a flexible
plastic so as not to mark the window assembly 16 if a lower portion
of the tube 64 makes contact with the assembly 16. As described
above, the air within the bag 56 can be generally pulled out
through the tube 64 (e.g., via use of a vacuum). As a result, the
bag 56 is made to close in on the outer surfaces of the window
assembly 16. Once the vacuum is removed, the tube 64 is configured
to seal itself in order to prevent air from reentering the bag 56.
FIG. 6 shows a representation of the bag 56 following this form
fitting process.
[0029] Once stored and protected within the inventive bag 56, the
window assembly 16 is typically bundled and shipped to a
distributor, supplier, wholesaler, etc. and is ultimately sold to
an end user. Conversely, the window assembly 16 can be shipped and
sold directly to the end user. In certain embodiments, the end user
installs the assembly 16 in a building wall opening generally
intended for such a window assembly. A representation of the
assembly 16 after such installation is illustrated in FIG. 7.
Generally, the conventional technique for installing the window
assembly 16 would not be compromised by having the window assembly
16 encased in the bag 56. To the contrary, by form-fitting the bag
56 to the assembly 16, any problems generally caused by the bag 56
hanging loosely therefrom would be reduced or eliminated. Further,
by sealing the assembly 16 within the bag 56, the installation
surroundings (i.e., walls, ceiling, etc.) may be painted, stained,
sanded or otherwise prepared (either before or after the
installation of the window assembly 16) without fear of blemishing
the assembly 16. Thus, during the various pre-hanging,
pre-finishing and painting processes, there is no need to be
concerned about scratching or applying paint or stain to the
assembly 16, as it is already protected.
[0030] After installation and preparation of the environment
surrounding the installed assembly 16, the exposed portions of the
bag 56 (the portions of the bag 56 protruding outside the building
wall opening) may be removed, for example, by means of any sharp
instrument. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the exposed
portions of the bag 56 can be removed from each major side of the
window assembly 16 (only one major side is shown in FIG. 7) by
cutting the bag 56 along joint lines 66 (only two of which are
visibly shown in FIG. 7) defined between the edge of the plaster,
paint, or other wall coating and the window assembly frame members.
Subsequently, such cut portions would be removed and discarded,
leaving the exposed surfaces of the window assembly 16 uncovered,
as shown in FIG. 8. In turn, a portion of the bag 56 (not visibly
shown) is generally left trapped between the window assembly frame
and the building wall opening. The portion of the bag retained
within such opening effectively serves as a barrier against action
of the wall material on the non-exposed frame surfaces (not visibly
shown) of the window assembly 16. In addition, by extending only up
to the joint lines 66, such leftover portion of the bag 56 does not
interfere with the clean appearance of the exposed surfaces of the
window assembly frame. Further, the leftover portion of the bag 56
may be used as a seal or gasket (i.e., a waterproof and potentially
airtight barrier) for the non-exposed frame members, assuming that
the assembly 16 has been properly sealed within the wall opening,
with the use of putty or other sealers.
[0031] In other certain embodiments, the exposed portions of the
bag 56 (the portions of the bag 56 protruding outside the building
wall opening) may be removed using other methods. For example, a
bag can be configured with any one of a number of mechanisms
located along the joint lines defined between the edge of the
plaster, paint, or other wall coating and the window assembly frame
members to enable one to remove the exposed portions of the bag as
described above without cutting. One mechanism could involve the
use of scoring or perforations 70, as shown in FIG. 9. Scored or
perforated material can be represented in a variety of forms;
however, the material generally includes at least one row of holes
pierced or stamped into the bag 68 to allow for easy separation
along the row. As such, by tearing at the perforations 70 along the
joint lines 66, the exposed portions of the bag 68 could be removed
from each major side of the window assembly 16 (only one major side
is shown in FIG. 9). Subsequently, such cut portions could be tom
away and then discarded, leaving a portion of the bag 68 generally
left between the window assembly frame and the building wall
opening as previously described. Another mechanism could involve
the use of plastic strip or string 72, as shown in FIG. 10. The
function of such plastic strip or string 72 would be to hold two
portions of the corresponding bag 74 where the plastic strip or
string 72 is affixed to the bag 74. As the plastic strip or string
72 is pulled from the bag 74 along the joint lines 66, the exposed
portions of the bag 74 would separate from each major side of the
window assembly 16 (only one major side is shown in FIG. 10).
Subsequently, such separated portions could be torn away and then
discarded, leaving a portion of the bag 74 generally left between
the window assembly frame and the building wall opening as
previously described.
[0032] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have
been described, it should be understood that a variety of changes,
adaptations, and modifications can be made therein without
departing from the spirit of the invention.
* * * * *