Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Window or window sash – sill – mullion – or glazing – Decorative grill attached to sash
Reexamination Certificate
2000-10-19
2002-12-17
Safavi, Michael (Department: 3673)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Window or window sash, sill, mullion, or glazing
Decorative grill attached to sash
C052S713000, C052S714000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06494002
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to an apparatus of a muntin bar clip to secure the position of muntin bars during and following the fabrication of multi-pane sealed glass window units. The disclosure relates to securing and positioning muntin bars at multi-pane sealed glass window unit perimeters and in joining hollow false muntin bars within such units. The invention relates particularly to muntin bar clips intended to fix the position of hollow false muntin bars at the perimeter of the window unit utilizing the sealing methods including foam strips and/or butyl as the sealing medium. The disclosed invention more particularly relates to muntin bar clips for the purpose of fixing the position of hollow false muntin bars at the perimeter of the window unit where the false muntin bar is other than orthogonal in relation to the perimeter of the window. The invention more specifically provides the fixing of the position of muntin bars in addition to lessening the likelihood of either breaking or cracking the glass panes, as multi-pane sealed unit assembly occurs, or of causing seal failure of such units either during manufacture or following installation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Sealed multi-pane sealed window units have become standard for new and renovation construction within industrialized nations. Architectural detail is provided by the fixing of false muntin bars between panes of glass within such units. Such detail frequently requires multiple false muntin bars to intersect to form distinct patterns within the unit. The positioning of muntin bars commonly results in muntin bar ends intersecting with the perimeter of a window unit in other than an orthogonal relationship between the muntin bar and the unit perimeter forming, for example, a sunburst or radiating pattern. The securing of muntin bars in place during and following manufacture is critical in that any shifting from proper alignment will result in an unacceptable appearance. The method of or apparatus securing muntin bars, at the perimeter of such units, must not interfere with the sealing method of the unit. A method of fixing the position of muntin bars at a window unit perimeter has included the fixing of a pin at the muntin bar end with the pin to be received into a hole prepared in the window unit perimeter at the frame. The pin and hole combination required additional manufacturing steps and, in the case of sealed units, created potential sealant breaches.
The advent of new manufacturing techniques and the production of foam strip sealed and butyl sealed inert gas filled window units renders problematic or unusable methods or apparatus, for the positioning of muntin bars, disclosed in the prior art. Maintenance of gas integrity within such units is of paramount importance in insuring continued heat exchange properties and eliminating the potential for formation of condensation within the interior of the unit. Existing prior art is unlikely to provide for the maintenance of such characteristics with a substantial likelihood that the interior of sealed units will experience a breach of the seal. The apparatus disclosed herein is principally adapted for use with foam strip, butyl and other similar pliable or flexible seal systems.
Prior art which is distinguished includes the following which, along with additional patents, are disclosed in an information disclosure statement. U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,356 to Gieseke discloses muntin bar clips with tip
43
terminating in a blunt end
50
and alternatively one or more prongs
45
. U.S. Pat. No. 3,686,814 to Anderson discloses a barbed clip for use with wood frames and a clip suitable for locking behind a bead on a metal window frame. U.S. Pat. No. 4,644,721 to Bloomquist et al. relates to a clip for securing a muntin bar in a single pane window for ease of removal of the muntin bar for cleaning purposes. U.S. Pat. No. 4,890,435 to Wilkening et al. demonstrates a method of mounting muntin bars on the exterior of a multi-pane unit. U.S. Pat. No. 4,060,950 to Rackard et al. discloses a clip for the interconnection of muntin bars at their point of crossing. U.S. Pat. No. 5,574,651 to McKeegan et al. discloses a keeper at the end of a muntin bar having a protrusion secured within an aperture within the frame. U.S. Pat. No. 3,108,336 to Tate demonstrates an end clip limited to an orthogonal orientation. U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,034 to Stanek shows an edge clip with a pad form element in contact with the seal material causing a pressure point break of the seal integrity with the window perimeter. U.S. Pat. No. 3,791,095 to Martin illustrates edge clips with a semi-circular edge sized to fit within one-sixteenth inch bores in the spacing strips. U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,376 to Poma demonstrates edge clips with protrusions received into apertures in the frame. U.S. Pat. No. 5,325,579 to Baier shows a multi-pane structure with a muntin bar grid. U.S. Pat. No. 4,437,284 to Cribben et al. shows muntin bars fixed with pins at the frame. U.S. Pat. No. 3,307,316 to Gray shows a pin fixing method at the frame. U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,384 to Kinghorn et al. illustrates a locating pin received in an opening in the perimeter bar. U.S. Pat. No. 3,645,058 to Jacobson discloses muntin bars with cam or wedge locking with a window sash. U.S. Pat. No. 3,340,661 to Krieger illustrates an edge clip composed of a tongue member received into a slot and a toothed member engaging a wood sash frame member. U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,521 to Riegelman et al. disclosed external muntin bars affixed with screw means. U.S. Pat. No. 4,970,840 to Ouellette et al. discloses a muntin end piece bearing a stud which snap fits into a hollow of the sash. U.S. Pat. No. 3,099,865 to Burnett demonstrates a magnetic pin means of securing muntin bars in place. U.S. Pat. No. 5,363,625 to Philippi shows a structural framework having end portions fixed in place by posts received into sockets . U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,313,761 and 5,678,377 to Leopold shows an edge clip having fingers received into a hollow muntin bar and secured a sash by laches received through apertures in the sash. U.S. Pat. No. 5,048,252 to Osborn illustrates muntin bars fixed with cam locks. U.S. Pat. No. 3,293,817 to MacGregor shows muntin bars fixed by a stud, at the sash, received into a slot in the muntin bar. The patents referred to herein are provided herewith in an Information Disclosure Statement in accordance with 37 CFR 1.97.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The muntin bar clip of U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,356 to Gieseke disclosed a muntin bar clip having a post, which is received into and friction secured into a hollow muntin, and a tip, distal from the post, terminating in a tip end formed as either a blunt end or prongs. The disclosure of this invention is an improvement over U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,356 to Gieseke which relies on friction securing of a muntin clip tip end between a pane and spacing and or sealing means; the improvement is one or a plurality of spikes formed at the muntin bar clip tip end at the blunt end or prongs providing a penetration of the one or a plurality of spikes into the spacing and or sealing means. The muntin bar clip installation, in relation to the glass pane and a spacing means, composed for example of a foam strip including a SUPER SPACER® is such that the tip end is placed between the pane and the spacing means. The one or a plurality of spikes are inserted or forced into the spacing means thus securing the muntin bar clip and precluding movement of the muntin bar.
The improved muntin bar clip disclosed herein is directed particularly to use with the multi-pane sealed unit. Several sealing methods or sealing means in the prior art, as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,356 to Gieseke, are recognized within the industry. These generally employ a spacing means, which serves a sealing function in addition to insuring correct spacing between panes, and an additional sealing means at the window perimeter. Spacing and sealing means includes the use of a solid butyl strip spaced between panes with a metal strip; the butyl
Ivey Floyd E.
Liebler Ivey & Connor
Safavi Michael
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