Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Framing to receive door – doorjamb – or window sash – Architrave; i.e. – finish strip on floor – ceiling – or wall...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-12
2001-08-14
Stodola, Daniel P. (Department: 3634)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Framing to receive door, doorjamb, or window sash
Architrave; i.e., finish strip on floor, ceiling, or wall...
C052S314000, C052S455000, C049S505000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06272801
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to decorative window panes, and more particularly to prefabricated decorative window assembly of glass or plastic panes sandwiching a single panel simulating a lattice of cames typical of traditional leaded glass panes within a window frame configured for installation in a building wall or door window opening.
2. Prior Art
Windows of latticework or stained glass are common. The window characteristically is handmade of stained window pieces joined into a panel by cames of lead or other soft metal. The time required of skilled labor to fabricate such decorative windows makes them relatively expensive. Such windows generally are also susceptible to breakage and provide poor thermal insulation. Further, repair of a broken glass piece in such a pane requires replacement of the piece by securing a new piece in the pane with new cames or solder. This requires a skilled worker at the site of installation of the window, again a cost concern. There have been attempts to substitute traditional decorative glass with less costly plastic windows but they have found limited commercial success because such windows generally do not look and feel like real glass. Other attempts to replace traditional cames with plastic lattice frames also have met with problems.
For example, Kim, U.S. Pat. No. 5,418,021, attempts to overcome these disadvantages with a tinted-glass window assembly employing an inner frame that simulates a lattice of lead cames into which a plurality of individual glass or plastic pieces are inserted at a factory, making the assembled window less expensive to construct and less expensive to repair. The inner frame is then sandwiched between glass panes to provide the look of an actual tinted glass window. The Kim window was an improvement but still required a comparatively expensive assembly of glass or plastic pieces in the lattice frame between glass panes and resulted in a window that was relatively heavy, still relatively labor intensive in its construction and subject to breakage during manufacture, shipping, and assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is the object of this invention to provide a window of simulated etched or tinted glass in panes or panels in a window frame suitable for installation in a building. This object is achieved in an assembly of three window panes or panels including an inner lattice panel simulating a network of lead. The window is assembled from an inventory of identical mass-produced components by simple and quick stacking of panels that extend across a window frame. The window frame is of building construction quality and design and suitable for installation in a building as a prebuilt window. Thus, it can be mass-produced at a low cost and installed during building construction or substituted for an existing frame by removing the existing frame intact with its glass and replacing it with the present decorative window.
The window comprises a first outside pane of tempered glass so it is inherently strong, safe and weatherproof. A lattice panel comprising a latticework of elements simulating lead cames or solder but without glass pieces in the latticework as in prior window assemblies. A third pane or panel typically of colored, etched or otherwise decorative plastic mounts over the lattice panel providing an appearance of tinted or etched glass. Thus, the first or front pane is spaced apart from the third or back pane in parallel relation by the lattice panel sandwiched between. Because the middle lattice panel has no glass pieces but only air pockets created between the front and back panes and contained with minimal convection by the latticework elements, the window provides favorable thermal insulation.
The lattice panel and the rear decorative pane are registered by tongues in the rear decorative pane fitting into grooves in the lattice panel. Or, equivalently, tongues in the lattice panel could fit into grooves in the rear pane. In this manner, the rear decorative panel, which might comprise a plurality of different colors or patterns changing at the latticework is registered with the lattice panel.
The window is assembled by stacking the panes in shelves on front and back window frame members, respectively. The sandwiched lattice panel extends beyond the front and back panes with lattice panel ridges fitting into a channel in each of the frame members with the panes resting against the lattice panel on a perimeter border. The frame members are identical with one inverted to match the other during assembly. Thus, reducing the cost of molds and inventory needs reduces the cost of production of the window frame significantly. The window frame members are secured together either by screws or a fastener means which allows the frames to snap together, again reducing the time to assemble.
The window frame can optionally be assembled without adhesive bonding between the several elements, in which case, the window frame can be disassembled by simply removing the screws or urging the fasteners apart., Because of the ease of assembly and disassembly, the rear pane can be replaced conveniently to achieve a different decorative look. Similarly, the lattice panel can be easily replaced to obtain a new decorative appearance. Also, for replacement of a broken front glass pane—the only glass member, the frame is similarly quickly disassembled and reassembled.
In this manner, though the window is assembled from mass-produced parts at a factory, the window appears to be hand-made stained glass or latticework held together in lead cames. It has a front solid glass pane easily replaceable as with other windows and which gives the advantages and appearance of a glass window. Its single decorative plastic back pane provides an artistic contribution to the window in a single pane extending across the window, substituting for a plurality of plastic or glass pieces within a latticework of cames or simulated cames. The single-piece decorative element of the window is low cost, easy to assemble and easy to replace, and by substituting the rear pane, one achieves a new and different window effect or appearance. The window is relatively low cost and lightweight, yet sturdy and has the convenience of a traditional preassembled window.
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Cohen Curtis A.
Stodola Daniel P.
Tingey David L.
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