Convertible window assembly

Movable or removable closures – Mounted for optional movements – Pivot mounted on sliding member; e.g. – slide-stile

Reexamination Certificate

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Details

C049S176000, C049S428000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06178695

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of windows generally and particularly to a window that in shipment is configured as a single-hung window but may optionally be converted to a double-hung window in use.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various types of double-hung windows are well known. Such windows are commonly used in houses and buildings for providing increased ventilation capacity. Such windows typically include a window frame, a weatherstripping assembly, an upper sash and a lower sash. The window frame is the stationary part of the window. It typically consists of a head jamb, a window sill, side jambs, extension jambs and a blind stop. The upper and lower sashes are slidably connected within the window frame.
Typically, the weatherstripping assembly is attached to the window frame, and serves to form a weather-tight seal between the window frame and each of the sashes. The weatherstripping assembly additionally houses the components of the balance assembly, if a balance assembly is utilized in the window system. Springs are often used in balance assemblies to apply an upward force on a sash and reduce the amount of effort required to lift the sash. Double-hung windows generally have two window sashes, each of which can be removed or translated independently. Furthermore, there is no window system which allows a user to readily convert between a single-hung and a double-hung window configuration.
Tilting double-hung windows are designed to be tilted for the purpose of accessing both sides of a window sash from one side of a window frame. Typically, such window systems will have guide pins at the top of each sash. These guide pins interconnect with the weatherstripping assembly to keep the sash aligned with the window frame. In order to remove a window sash, the guide pins are retracted from the weatherstripping assembly and the upper part of the sash can then be rotated about the pivot axis.
Current techniques of repairing, maintaining and cleaning sashes for double-hung windows are inadequate because they do not allow for ready removal of either or both the window sashes.
Current techniques for shipping or transporting window systems have been developed to ship double-hung window systems. For example, some window systems utilize straps and pads to prevent translation and rotation of the individual sashes during movement. Utilizing straps costs additional time and money.
Current techniques for securing window sashes in a double-hung window are similarly inadequate. For example, when a window is open a limited amount, the locking mechanism can no longer provide a secure environment within the house. These and other drawbacks exist.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of this invention is to overcome these and other drawbacks of known systems and techniques.
Another object of the present invention is to provide readily removable window sashes.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a window system that is readily convertible between a double-hung and a single-hung window system.
Another object of the present invention is to provide the security of a locked window while one or more window sashes are open.
Another object of the present invention is to provide the security of a locked window while one or more window sashes are open and, at the same time, comply with building code egress requirements.
According to one preferred embodiment, a window system is provided with two removable window sashes. These window sashes enable ready removal for replacement, maintenance or cleaning.
According to another preferred embodiment, a window system is provided that enables conversion between single-hung and double-hung operation. The conversion can be for purposes of shipping, for reasons desired by a building owner, or for other reasons.
According to another preferred embodiment, a window system is provided having an upper sash that cannot be removed until a lower sash is removed. The window system may have a weatherstripping assembly having two horizontally displaced channels. At least one of these channels may be vertically divided into four regions. In the first region, the upper sash may be held into place by a guide rail extending into a grove of the upper sash. In the second region, a normal force is preferably applied to the side of the sash to prevent unintentional rotation of the sash. In the third region, there preferably are no obstacles, thereby enabling free movement of engaging elements within the third region. In a final region, an extrusion prevents translation of engaging elements to limit the range of translation of the sash.
One of the highly advantageous features of the invention is due to the fact that in shipment, the convertible window assembly of the preferred embodiments has an upper sash which is securely retained in position via screws, which are inserted through holes formed in a tilt pivot assembly. This configuration eliminates the need to ship the window with additional strapping or other devices which are traditionally required to hold the window square in shipment. The provision of holding the window square in shipment not only protects the integrity of the entire window system, including the panes, it also simplifies installation. That is, the convertible window assembly of the preferred embodiment when it arrives at its ultimate destination is in a condition where it is substantially square. Consequently, the builder need only insert the window into the frame and attach the frame to the building structure with little, if any, shimming required. The convertible window assembly according to the preferred embodiments thus greatly reduces the installation time required of the builder by substantially reducing or eliminating altogether any requirement for shimming the window during installation.
Other objects, features and advantages of the preferred embodiments will be apparent when the detailed description of the preferred embodiments is read in conjunction with the drawing figures.


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