U.S. patent number 3,802,127 [Application Number 05/263,979] was granted by the patent office on 1974-04-09 for window frame.
Invention is credited to Joe K. Silvernail.
United States Patent |
3,802,127 |
Silvernail |
April 9, 1974 |
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.
Inventors: |
Silvernail; Joe K. (St.
Petersburg, FL) |
Family
ID: |
23004053 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/263,979 |
Filed: |
June 19, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
49/397; 49/504;
49/501; 52/207 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E06B
3/38 (20130101); E06B 1/38 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
E06B
3/38 (20060101); E06B 3/32 (20060101); E06B
1/04 (20060101); E06B 1/38 (20060101); E05d
007/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;49/397,365,501,504
;52/206,207 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Downey; Kenneth
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Stein, Orman & Fisher
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.
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.
* * * * *