Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Window or window sash – sill – mullion – or glazing – Having a fixed pane and a movable pane
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-04
2001-06-12
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Window or window sash, sill, mullion, or glazing
Having a fixed pane and a movable pane
C052S204620, C052S204700, C052S207000, C052S213000, C052S656500, C052S656600, C052S656700, C052S775000, C049S449000, C049S501000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06243999
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to windows, and more particularly to windows having a feature preventing them from blowing outward during extreme storms.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Exterior windows mounted in the walls of a commercial or residential building are typically provided to maintain a weather tight barrier against wind and rain. Windows also allow for a view of the exterior and the transmission of light, and preferably have the capability of being opened for ventilation during favorable conditions. If the window does not form an effective weather barrier, there may be damage to the building and/or harm to the occupants during foul weather. In extreme storm conditions, there is the potential for significant damage to the building from poorly sealed windows. Such damage may occur during hurricanes, tornadoes, or particularly severe thunderstorms. For example, in south Florida and along the Gulf Coast, hurricanes occur regularly.
In a strong storm, an exterior window may be subject to winds in excess of 100 mph (160 kph). Wind loading can be sustained, e.g., continuing for significant periods of time, or can occur in gusts and ripples. To withstand such loading, structures require both static and dynamic strength and resilience.
Conventional windows for commercial and residential buildings generally have not been designed to withstand and/or resist the extremes of weather conditions. When subjected to high winds and debris, windows have failed or blown out, allowing weather and debris to invade the building, potentially resulting in structural damage due to the breach of structural integrity.
There therefore exists a need for an improved window construction that better resists the potential for window failure in the event of extreme weather, but that does not interfere with the normal operation of the window. Preferably such improved window construction will be readily manufactured without an undue increase in the cost of manufacture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention addresses these needs.
One embodiment of the present invention provides a window assembly including a window frame having a pair of frame side portions connected to a pair of frame end portions, and at least one sash having a sash frame including a pair of end rails and a pair of side rails interconnecting the end rails. The sash is movable in a plane within the window frame between a closed position in which one of its end rails is adjacent one of the frame end portions, and an open position in which the one end rail is spaced from the one frame end portion. A first member having an inner surface facing in a first direction transverse to the plane projects from the one frame end portion toward the one end rail. A second member having an outer surface facing in a direction opposite the first direction projects from the one end rail toward the one frame end portion. In the closed position of the sash, the first and second members are positioned adjacent one another with the inner surface of the first member confronting the outer surface of the second member so as to prevent movement of the sash in the second direction.
The first member may consist of a rib projecting from the frame end portion continuously from one frame side portion to the other frame side portion. Alternatively, the first member may consist of a plurality of structures projecting at spaced intervals from the frame end portion. Similarly, the second member may consist of a rib projecting from the end rail continuously from one side rail to the other side rail, or of a plurality of structures projecting at spaced intervals from the end rail. Where both the first member and the second member include structures arranged at spaced intervals, the respective spaced intervals preferably correspond to one another.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a projecting member may project from the one frame end portion toward the one end rail, and a recess may be formed in the one end rail and be sized and shaped for receiving the projecting member in the closed position of the sash. Alternatively, the projecting member may project from the one end rail toward the one frame end portion, and the recess may be formed in the one frame end portion and be sized and shaped for receiving the projecting member in the closed position of the sash.
The projecting member may consist of a continuous rib or of a plurality of structures projecting at spaced intervals from one another. The recess also may be in the form of a continuous channel or, where the projecting member consists of a plurality of spaced projecting structures, the recess may consist of a plurality of recessed portions spaced from one another at intervals corresponding to the intervals between the projecting structures, with each recessed portion being sized and shaped for receiving a corresponding projecting structure in the closed position of the window.
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Friedman Carl D.
Horton Yvonne M.
Lerner David Littenberg Krumholz & Mentlik LLP
Silver Line Building Products Corporation
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