Window Frame

Abstract

A window frame including a substantially rectangular fixed casing configured to hold a plurality of fixed and operable windows arranged in side-by-side coplanar relation. The casing comprises an upper horizontal header and a lower horizontal sill held in fixed parallel spaced relation by a plurality of vertical members including vertical jambs attached to each end of the header and sill and a plurality of vertical mullions spaced equally between the jambs. The mullions on each side of the operable windows are split whereby the window is pivotal relative to the casing to vent the enclosed area.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a window frame including a plurality of split vertical mullions and operable windows to permit the opening of the windows to vent the enclosed area.

2. Description of the Prior Art

In the construction of modern day multi-story buildings, the use of window assemblies of the type having a plurality of side by side panes has become very popular.

As construction of these types of buildings and particularly skyscapers has increased there has been a continuing demand for window assemblies of this type which are easily installed and maintained, while at the same time are aesthetically pleasing to an exterior viewer. A persistant and significant problem in maintaining has been the matter of cleaning the exterior of the windows once installed.

Since cleaning from the outside is hazardous, time consuming and expensive, a number of attempts have been made to design removable or operable windows. Unfortunately, removable windows are awkward to handle and subject to breakage upon removal and replacement. Generally, operable windows comprise either sliding or pivoting panes. Sliding panes normally overlap when opened thereby inhibiting or preventing cleaning from the inside.

The more successful attempts have been with pivoting panes. In order to meet strength requirements and still be operatively practical, the design of this type of window assembly is usually unsightly and deleterious to the aesthetic appearance of these multi-story buildings. A great number of pivoting pane structures use a pivotal inner frame inserted into the window opening. These pivotal frames interrupt the symmetry of the building because of their basically incongruent design and structure and thus detract from the overall appearance of the building.

Another problem associated with prior art window assemblies is the provision of effective weatherproofing for these operable windows, while again presenting a uniform, aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Thus, it can readily be seen that a need exists in the prior art for a window assembly which is relatively inexpensive to produce, install and maintain but yet overcomes the major problems existing in presently known window assemblies. Such a structure should be strong, have effective weatherproofing and be uniform thereby presenting an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a window frame having a plurality of fixed and operable windows. More specifically, the invention includes a substantially rectangular fixed casing configured to hold the plurality of fixed and operable windows in side by side coplanar relation. The particular structure described hereinafter is so configured to meet the strength requirements of modern multi-story buildings and provide a ventable window means. The vertical and horizontal members are specifically dimensioned to provide overall symmetry to enhance the aesthetic effect when used in large quantities in multi-story buildings.

The invention comprises a substantially rectangular casing including an upper horizontal stepped header and a lower horizontal stepped sill held in fixed parallel spaced relation to one another by a plurality of vertical members. A header extension and a sill extension are arranged in the stepped portion of head and sill respectively. These vertical members include vertical jambs attached at each end of the header and sill and a plurality of vertical mullions spaced equally along the header and sill. The windows, both fixed and operable, comprise a substantially square thermopane window enclosed within a glass retainer configured to fit within the framework of horizontal and vertical members of the casing.

The vertical mullions include unitary fixed mullions and split operable mullions. Each fixed window is attached to at least one fixed mullion; while, each operable window is attached to an operable mullion on each vertical side. The operable window is pivotally attached by the header extension to the header whereby the operable window is pivotable relative to the casing to vent the enclosed area inside the building and allow access to the exterior of the window panes. The sill extension is attached to the lower portion of the operable window to permit opening without striking the sill itself.

This invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an assembled window frame.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 2--2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional top view taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional top view taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional top view taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the casing.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view with the operable window open.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional top view with the operable window open.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As shown in FIG. 1, this invention comprises a window frame generally indicated as 10 having a plurality of fixed and operable windows, 12 and 14 respectively, arranged in side-by-side coplanar relation within a substantially rectangular casing 16.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the casing 16 comprises an upper stepped horizontal header 18 and a lower stepped horizontal sill 20 held in fixed parallel spaced relation by a plurality of vertical members. The vertical members comprise vertical jambs 22 attached to each end of the header 18 and sill 20 and a plurality of vertical mullions spaced at equal intervals between the jambs 22. As explained more fully hereinafter, the vertical mullions comprise both fixed and operable mullions, 24 and 26 respectively.

As shown in FIG. 3, the header 18 comprises an inverted substantially U-shaped channel 28 including top wall 30 with front and rear side walls, 32 and 34 respectively, extending perpendicularly therefrom. Extending outward from front wall 32 is a first inclined weatherproof flash plate 36. Extending inward from rear wall 34 is horizontally disposed upper support member 38. Extending longitudinally the length of wall 30 are a plurality of ribs 40. When frame 10 is mounted in a building, ribs 40 are held in engagement with wall 42 by screws 44 extending through apertures 46. Weather stripping 52 is wedged between wall 42 and 30 to prevent moisture from passing therebetween and also to enhance insulation.

As shown in FIG. 3, the sill 20 comprises a substantially U-shaped channel 54 including bottom wall 56 with front and rear side walls, 58 and 60 respectively, extending perpendicularly therefrom. Extending inward from side walls 58 and 60 are ledges 62 and 64 respectively. Ledges 62 and 64 and bottom 56 cooperatively positioned to at least partially define condensation reservoir 66. A second inclined weatherproof splash plate 68 is formed on the lower portion of side wall 58. Extending inward from side wall 60 is horizontally disposed lower support member 70. Extending longitudinally the length of bottom wall 56 is a plurality of ribs 72. When frame 10 is mounted in a building, ribs 72 are held in engagement with the wall 74 by screws 76 extending through apertures 78. Weather stripping 80 is wedged between wall 74 and bottom 56 to prevent moisture from passing therebetween and also to enhance insulation. A plurality of weep holes 75 are formed longitudinally along side wall 58 below splash plate 68 permitting liquid to flow from reservoir 66. In addition, a flexible weatherstripping is arranged longitudinal along splash plate 36.

As best shown in FIG. 4, jamb 22 comprises hollow substantially U-shaped channel 100 including base 102 with side walls 104 and 106 extending therefrom. When frame 10 is mounted in a building, base 102 is secured to wall 110 by a plurality of screws 112 extending through apertures 114 and 116. Weather stripping 118 is wedged between wall 116 and base 102 to prevent moisture seepage and enhance insulation. The jamb 22 is attached to the header 18 and sill 20 by means of screws threaded therethrough and into screw grooves 120.

As best shown in FIG. 1, both the fixed and operable windows, 12 and 14, comprise a pane of glass 82 (preferably thermopane), held within a square glass retainer means 84. Retainer means 84 comprises a pair of parallel vertical retainer members 86 and a similar pair of parallel horizontal retainer members 88 (FIG. 3) interconnected to cooperatively hold the pane 82 therebetween. As best shown in FIGS. 2 through 6, members 86 and 88 comprise hollow substantially U-shaped channels configured similar to jamb 22. Similar parts are therefore referred to by similar reference numerals. The corners or members 86 and 88 are cut at a 45.degree. angle whereby screws (not shown) are passed through base 102 and into the screw groove 120 of the adjacent retaining member to cooperatively form the retainer means 84.

FIG. 2 shows, in detail, a cross-section of operable windows 14. The lower portions of side walls 32 and 34 of channel 28 are stepped to accomodate a header extension. The header extension comprises an upper hanger bracket, generally indicated as 122, and a lower pivotal header attachment 124. The hanger bracket 122, including horizontal plate 126 and curved lower portion 128, is attached to top wall 30 by fastening means 130. Lower portion 128 includes lip 132 having a groove 134 formed therein. The bracket 122 extends substantially the length of step 136 (FIG. 7). The lower portion of side wall 32 is replaced by the substantially U-shaped pivotal header attachment 125. Header attachment 124 comprises top wall 138 and side walls 40 and 142. Side wall 140 extends upward into J-shaped member 144 terminating in bead 146 which operatively engages groove 134 as more fully described hereinafter. Attachment 124 is interconnected to upper horizontal member 88 and vertical members 86 by an L-shaped member 148 by fastening means 150.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, portions of side 58 are stepped to accomodate a sill extension. The sill extension comprises a substantially U-shaped channel 152 attached to the lower horzontal member 88 by fastening means 154. Sides 58 and 60 of channel 54 engage weather stripping 156 and 158. Channel 152 extends substantially the length of step 160 (FIG. 7).

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, fixed mullion 24 comprises a unitary member including an inner and outer mold 162 and 164 respectively fixed in spaced relation by interconnecting member 166. As described more fully hereinafter, the distance between molds 162 and 164 is such that jambs 22 and members 86 and 88 are wedged therebetween. Interconnecting member 166 includes separator 168.

As shown in FIG. 5, operable mullion 26 comprises a split member including an inner T-shaped member 170 affixed to member 86 of fixed window 12 by fastening means 172 and an outer T-shaped member 174 affixed to member 86 of operable window 14 by fastening means 176. T-shaped member 170 includes vertical separator 178. Both fixed and operable mullions 24 and 26 (FIGS. 5 and 6) include weather stripping 180 wedged between the molds and retaining members 86 and 88.

To assemble, the casing 16 is anchored to the building by screws 44, 76 and 112. The fixed windows 12 are installed by wedging members 86 and 88 into channels of header 32, jambs 22 and mullions 24. Since members 86 and 88 are wedged within the channels the overall overlapping of the sides of the channels will adjust for any tolerance. With bracket 122 attached to header 32, operable windows 14 are mounted within the casing 16 simply by cooperatively engaging bead 146 within groove 134. With operable window 14 thus pivotally hung, the frame 10 is fully installed.

To vent the enclosed area, operable windows 14 are merely pivoted outward to open the area defined by steps 136 and 160. Of course, the structure may be altered to allow opening inwardly or at the top of the window.

Drapes, blind or the like may be attached to members 38 and 70 between separators 168 and 178.

Since the fixed and operable windows, 12 and 14, have similar appearance, the structure defined herein incorporates a ventable window assembly having a totally symmetrical appearance. This results from the uniform design of header and sill and the substantially equal dimensions of the vertical members. Of course, minor variations in dimension do not detract from the overall symmetry of the structure. This symmetrical appearance enhances rather than detracts from the overall appearance of the building contrary to many prior art structures.

It will thus be seen that the objects made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawing shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention, which as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebtween.

Claims

Now that the invention has been described, what is claimed is:

1. A window frame comprising: a fixed casing, a plurality of fixed and operable windows arranged in adjacent, substantially coplanar relation to one another in said casing, said casing comprising an upper substantially horizontally disposed header and lower substantially horizontally disposed sill held in fixed substantially parallel spaced relation to one another, a plurality of vertical members arranged in spaced relation relative to one another and interconnected between said header and said sill, said vertical members including vertical jambs attached to corresponding ends of said header and said sill, said vertical members further including a plurality of fixedly and operable vertical mullions spaced between said jambs, said window frame including a retainer means and a window pane disposed therein, said retainer means cooperatively engaging said horizontal and vertical members of said casing, said upper horizontal header comprises an inverted substantially U-shaped channel including a top wall having a front and rear side wall extending therefrom, said front wall including a plurality of spaced stepped portions, and said sill comprising a substantially U-shaped channel including a bottom wall having a front and rear side wall extending therefrom, said front wall including a plurality of spaced stepped portions corresponding with said plurality of spaced stepped portions of said header, said retainer means including a plurality of sill extensions each comprising a substantially U-shaped channel attached thereto, each said sill extensions corresponding to one of said sill stepped portions and extending substantially the width thereof, each said sill extension normally disposed in said corresponding sill stepped portion whereby said fixed and operable windows appear symetrically relative to said fixed casing.

2. The window frame of claim 1 wherein said fixed mullion comprising an integral, unitary vertical member attached to at least one side of the fixed windows and said openable vertical mullions comprising a split vertical mullion attached to each side of said operable windows.

3. The window frame of claim 2 further including a header extension comprising a hanger bracket attached to the top wall of said header and a pivotal header attachment affixed to said retainer means.

4. The window frame of claim 3 wherein said header bracket comprises a horizontal plate attached to the top of said header and a curved portion including a lip having a groove formed thereon extending from said horizontal plate, and wherein said header attachment comprises a substantially U-shaped channel having a J-shaped member which operably engages said groove to pivotally attach said retainer means to said casing.

5. The window frame of claim 3 wherein said header extension extends substantially the width of said step.

6. The window frame of claim 2 wherein said fixed mullion comprises a fixed unitary member including an inner and an outer mold fixed in spaced relation to one another by interconnecting member.

7. The window frame of claim 2 wherein said operable mullion comprises a split member including an inner T-shaped member affixed to said retainer means of said fixed window and an outer T-shaped member affixed to said retainer means of said operable window.

8. The window frame of claim 1 wherein said retainer means comprises a pair of parallel vertical retainer members and a corresponding pair of parallel horizontal retainer members, said vertical and horizontal members cooperatively interconnected to house said window pane.

9. The window frame of claim 8 wherein said vertical and horizontal retainer members comprise hollow substantially U-shaped channels.

10. The window frame of claim 9 wherein said header includes a front end and a rear wall substantially parallel to each other and said fixed mullion including an inner and an outer mold fixed in spaced relation to each other, said channels of said retainer members wedged within said molds of said fixed mullions and said front and said rear walls of said header.

11. The window frame of claim 1 wherein said header includes a first plurality of ribs formed longitudinally on said top wall and said sill includes a second plurality of ribs formed longitudinally on said bottom wall, said first and second plurality of ribs engaging the top and bottom of the opening in the building to be enclosed.

12. The window frame of claim 3 wherein each of said fixed and operable mullions are substantially correspondingly configured, each said jamb and retainer member is substantially correspondingly configured; and wherein said header extension and said stepped header are cooperatively arranged relative to each other and said sill extension and said stepped sill and cooperatively arranged relative to each other to present a uniform, uninterrupted appearance.

13. The window frame of claim 1 wherein said side walls each includes an inwardly projecting ledges, said ledges and said side walls cooperatively defining a condensation reservoir.

14. The window frame of claim 1 wherein said header includes a first inclined weatherproof flash plate and said sill includes a second inclined weatherproof flash plate.