U.S. patent number 3,861,444 [Application Number 05/412,447] was granted by the patent office on 1975-01-21 for extruded plastic window frame.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Crane Plastics, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jerry E. Portwood.
United States Patent |
3,861,444 |
Portwood |
January 21, 1975 |
EXTRUDED PLASTIC WINDOW FRAME
Abstract
An extruded plastic, multiple sash window frame composed of
vertical stiles and horizontal rails of identical cross section and
joined to one another at mitered corner joints; the stiles and
rails being formed along their inner side faces with a continuous
spline-receiving groove in which may be secured the marginal edges
of an insect screen.
Inventors: |
Portwood; Jerry E. (Columbus,
OH) |
Assignee: |
Crane Plastics, Inc. (Columbus,
OH)
|
Family
ID: |
23633019 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/412,447 |
Filed: |
November 2, 1973 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
160/90; 49/404;
49/501; 49/504 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E06B
3/4609 (20130101); E06B 2003/6276 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
E06B
3/46 (20060101); E06B 3/32 (20060101); E06b
003/46 () |
Field of
Search: |
;49/404,413,420,425,501,504 ;160/90,91 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Downey; Kenneth
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Rambo; William S.
Claims
Having thus described this invention, what is claimed is:
1. In a sliding sash window; a generally vertically arranged,
rectangular window frame having inner and outer sides and composed
of a pair of relatively spaced apart upright stiles and upper and
lower rails miter-joined at the corners of said frame to said
stiles, each of said stiles and rails being identical in cross
section and each consisting of a generally elongated, integral,
synthetic resin extrusion which includes a generally flat,
intermediate cross web, a mounting web extending perpendicularly
outwardly from said coextensive with said cross web, and a
plurality of relatively spaced apart channel-forming webs
projecting perpendicularly from and coextensive with the side of
said cross web opposite said mounting web; the mounting webs of
said stiles and rails defining on said window frame a substantially
continuous, outer, marginal mounting flange for said frame, and the
channel-forming webs of said stiles and rails defining in said
window frame a plurality of relatively offset, inwardly opening
sash-receiving channels, one of the channel-forming webs of said
stiles and rails having a return bend thereon defining on the inner
side of said window frame a continuous, spline-receiving groove,
and the other of the channel-forming webs of said stiles and rails
being formed with integral, longitudinally coextensive, flexible
weather-strips angled inwardly of the channels of said frame for
sealing engagement with sash received therein.
2. A window frame according to claim 1, including a muntin bar
extending between said upper and lower rails and dividing said
frame longitudinally along the inner side thereof, said muntin bar
being formed with a continuous spline-receiving groove
communicating with the spline-receiving grooves of said upper and
lower rails.
3. A window frame according to claim 2, including a rectangular
screen panel having marginal edge portions secured within the
spline-receiving grooves of said rails, said muntin bar and one of
said stiles.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention pertains to window frame construction. More
particularly, this invention deals with a sliding sash-type window
frame construction, wherein one or more window panels are arranged
to slide within the plane of the window frame and a surrounding
wall.
Sliding sash-type windows represent a well recognized and widely
accepted commodity. While extensively used in the housing industry,
they are particularly useful in recreational vehicles because of
their compactness, light weight, durability, and simplicity of
construction.
Basically, a sliding sash-type window comprises a rectangular
window frame anchored about its edges to an adjoining supporting
wall and in which a plurality of window panels or sash are mounted.
The window panels are adapted to slide relative to each other in
channels formed in the frame to allow the window to be opened to
let in air, or closed to let only light in.
These window frames are usually made up in various different sizes
from a plurality of different components such as frame supporting
strips, weather sealing strips, cover strips, etc. In addition, the
cross sectional configurations of the stiles and the rails of most
window frames are different. Therefore, manufacturers and
distributors of these windows must stock or inventory a variety of
different styles and sizes of windows to be able to supply customer
requirements. This is particularly true with respect to windows for
recreational vehicles, since each vehicle manufacturer wishes to
offer something different to attract customers to his product. In
any event, in the present state of the art, manufacturers,
distributors, and those who install windows must maintain a wide
assortment of window sizes and configurations, and it is apparent
that the cost of the windows must include funds to maintain this
large inventory.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
This invention provides a sliding sash window frame made of
extruded plastic stiles and rails of identical cross--sectional
configuration which may be cut to length and miter joined to
quickly and easily produce substantially any size and configuration
of window frame according to the particular specifications of the
customer. The stile and rail components of the present window
frames incorporate integral mounting flanges, plural sash guides or
channels and flexible weather strip seals which adapt the frame to
various sliding and stationary sash configurations. Moreover, the
window frame of this invention includes a continuous
spline-receiving channel on its inner side or face which cooperates
with a grooved muntin or mullion to receive and anchor the marginal
edges of a flexible screen in desired relation to the window
sash.
The main object of this invention is to provide a sliding sash
window frame which may be easily custom fabricated from extruded
plastic frame components of uniform cross--sectional configuration
which are cut to length according to given window dimensions, and
which make provision for a wide variety of both slidable and
stationary sash and screen arrangements.
Another object is to provide a sliding sash window frame having
integral weather strips for contacting and sealing the movable sash
when it occupies a window closing position.
These and other objects will become more apparent from the
following description of the preferred embodiment taken in
conjunction with the drawings appended hereto.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view looking toward the outer side of a
sliding sash window which includes two relatively sliding sashes
and a fixed screen panel mounted in a window frame according to
this invention;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken approximately
along the line 2--2 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a similar view taken along the line 3--3 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective-sectional view looking toward
the inner side of the lower portion of the window shown in FIG. 1
and showing how the sliding sash and screen panels are mounted in
the window frame; and
FIG. 5 is a horizontal sectional view taken along the line 5--5 of
FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION:
Reference is now made to the drawings wherein like elements are
identified by like reference numerals throughout the several views.
FIG. 1 shows a typical sliding sash window which comprises a
generally vertically arranged, stationary, rectangular, outer frame
1 formed from a pair of relatively spaced apart upright or vertical
stiles 3 and a pair of relatively spaced apart parallel rails 5
which are rigidly joined together at mitered corners 7, as by means
of adhesive and/or right angle connectors, not shown. A pair of
window panels or sash 9 are slidably mounted in the frame 1. Each
window panel 9 comprises a rectangular transparent glass or plastic
pane 11 bounded by a marginal channel frame 13 which may
advantageously be formed from extruded plastic panel-framing strips
of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,363,390.
A fixed screen 15 is located at one end of frame 1, and extends
from one of the stiles 3 to an intermediate muntin or mullion bar
17 which is fixed vertically between the upper and lower rails 5,
as by means of staple-type fasteners 2. The particular position of
the muntin or mullion bar 17 may be varied according to the desired
location and area of the screen, and may divide the window frame
either in equal half sections, as shown, or into unequal
rectangular areas. Also, more than one muntin may be used to divide
the window frame longitudinally into three or more sections.
As indicated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 the cross-sectional configurations
of the stiles 3 and rails 5 are identical, and each comprises a
unitary, extruded body that includes an intermediate base or cross
web 19 from which extends a coextensive, outwardly projecting,
perpendicularly related mounting web or flange 21. The mounting web
21 may be formed with a plurality of regularly spaced holes 23 for
receiving screws or other fastening means 25 therethrough for
securing the frame 1 to a surrounding, supporting wall "W."
Extending inwardly from the opposite side of cross web 19 are three
relatively spaced apart channel forming webs 26, 27 and 28. The
webs 26, 27 and 28 define between them a pair of transversely
spaced, inwardly opening sash-receiving channels 29 and 30 for the
horizontally sliding window panels 9.
As shown particularly in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the innermost
channel-forming webs 28 of the rails and stiles are each formed
with a U-shaped return bend portion 35 which defines an outwardly
opening, continuous spline-receiving groove 37 in which may be
secured a marginal edge of the screen 15. The edges of the screen
15 are securely, yet detachably, held in the grooves 37 as by means
of a flexible spline or caulking strip 41 which is frictionally
wedged into the grooves 37 behind the edge of the screen.
Preferably, a series of barb-like ribs or ridges 43 are formed on
the inside of the return bend 35 to aid in retaining the screen 15
and spline strip 41 therein. The muntin or mullion bar 17 is also
formed with a similar return bend portion 36 which defines a
spline-receiving groove or channel 38 to receive and securely hold
the marginal edge portion of the screen panel 15. As will be noted
from FIG. 4, the groove 38 of the muntin 17 directly joins the
grooves 37 of the upper and lower rails 5 of the window frame, so
that there will be no opening or gap between the corners of the
screen 15 and the window frame.
The mounting flanges or webs 21 of the rails and stiles of the
window frame are also formed with an outwardly opening, undercut
channel 42 into which may be snap-fitted the edges of a
coextensive, resiliently flexible "feature" or cover strip 44, as
indicated by broken lines in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5. Preferably, the
cover or feature strip 44 consists of a relatively thin, elongated
rectangular strip of semi-rigid, yet resiliently flexible, colored
plastic or synthetic resin material which is slightly wider than
the channel 42 of the mounting flange, but which may be resiliently
bowed transversely to permit the opposite edges thereof to be
snapped into the undercut edge portions of the channel 42. The
purpose of the cover or feature strip 44 is to cover and conceal
the heads of the screws or other fasteners 25 and to impart a neat
and finished appearance to the outer surfaces of the mounting
flanges of the window frame.
The rails and stiles of the window frame may also be formed with
integral, inwardly turned, coextensive, channel-forming lips or
webs 46 which provide relatively flat stops or abutment surfaces
for contact with the edges of the wall W which define the
frame-receiving opening of the wall.
Extending coextensively from the marginal edges of the
channel-forming webs 26 and 27 are relatively thin flexible weather
strips 48 which are formed integral with the webs 26 and 27, but
preferably from a softer or lower durometer resin than the
remainder of the stile and rail strips. The weather strips 48 are
angled slightly inwardly of the sash-receiving channels 30 to
slidably engage the marginal frame channels 13 of the sash and to
seal each sash panel against leakage of wind, rain, etc. Other
weather strips 49 may be formed integral with the mounting flanges
21 and channel-forming webs 28 to weather seal the stiles and rails
of the window frame to the adjacent surfaces of the supporting wall
W.
In use, the present window frame, with its sliding window panels 9
and screen panel 15 installed therein, is fitted into the
frame-receiving opening cut or otherwise formed in the supporting
wall W with the mounting webs 21 of the rails 5 and stiles 3
overlying the outer surface of the wall W adjacent the
frame-receiving opening thereof. Screws 25 are then passed through
the openings 23 of the mounting webs 21 and into the wall W to
securely fasten the window frame to the wall. The cover or feature
strips 44 may then be snapped into the undercut channels 42 of the
mounting webs 21 of the rails and stiles to thus cover and conceal
the heads of the screws. Also, if desired, an ornamental molding
strip 53 may be secured to the inner surface of the wall W so as to
span and cover any gap between the inner surfaces of the wall W and
the innermost channel-forming web 28 of the window frame. With the
window thus installed, the window panels or sash 9 may be
relatively moved within their respective guide channels 29 and 30
to either open or close the sections of the window frame on either
side of the muntin 17.
As will be readily apparent, the plural sash-receiving channels 29
and 30 may be used to receive and retain therein either sliding or
stationary sash panels, or combinations thereof according to the
desires of the owner or manufacturer of the recreational vehicle in
which the window is installed. It is preferable in most instances,
however, that sliding sash be movably positioned in at least one of
the sash-receiving channels of the frame to permit opening of the
window.
In view of the foregoing, it will be seen that the present
invention provides an extremely versatile, sliding sash-type window
frame which is composed of horizontal rails and vertical stiles of
identical cross-sectional configuration formed of extruded plastic
material cut to desired length and miter joined into rectangular
frame configuration of desired dimensions.
While a single preferred embodiment of the invention has been
illustrated and described in detail, it will be understood that
various modifications in design and details of construction are
possible within the spirit of this invention and the scope of the
following claims.
* * * * *