Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Window or window sash – sill – mullion – or glazing – Panel or panel edging – directly clamped or adhered to wall
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-29
2001-06-26
Johnson, Blair M. (Department: 3634)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Window or window sash, sill, mullion, or glazing
Panel or panel edging, directly clamped or adhered to wall
C052S204597, C052S204620, C052S204640, C052S204690, C052S204700, C160S371000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06250028
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
This invention concerns a light weight window construction for transportation vehicles such as buses and the like.
An important goal of the manufacturers and users of transportation vehicles such as buses is to reduce the weight of vehicle components since weight reduction significantly reduces operating costs through reduction of fuel consumption. Lighter weight window construction allows lighter weight supporting structures and can reduce vehicle weight beyond the glazing structure itself.
Furthermore, it is desirable that the window glazing be such that it can be rapidly changed in the event of damage. Glazing materials in transportation vehicles may require frequent changes to eliminate the effects of graffiti and scratching. A significant amount of labor is required with current window constructions for removing the glazing and installing new glazing.
The traditional technique employed for bus windows or the like has a U-shaped channel around the frame and a U-shaped gasket that fits around the entire periphery of the window. The U-shaped gasket is placed around the glazing and the entire gasket and glazing unit is then placed in the frame. The U-shaped gasket forms a moisture seal between the frame and the glazing and isolates the glazing from the metal frame. An advantage of this construction is low initial cost. A disadvantage, however, is the labor intensive effort in replacing damaged glazing since the entire frame must be disassembled to replace the transparent glass or plastic.
More recently, some so-called quick change windows have been developed which allow the glazing to be removed and replaced quickly without the necessity of disassembling the entire frame. This may be accomplished, for example, by utilizing two separate seals to secure the glazing and create a moisture barrier. When the glazing is to be replaced, the interior seal can be quickly removed, allowing the glazing to be replaced without disturbing the balance of the frame or seals. This can yield a significant reduction in the time needed to replace the glazing, but such a construction includes a higher initial cost, a decreased security of retaining the glazing in the frame, particularly if the glazing material is retained in the frame primarily by the gaskets, and generally a heavier assembly.
It is therefore desirable to provide a window construction that is both lightweight and susceptible to quick change of the glazing material.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An exemplary lightweight vehicle window construction has a rigid window frame with a generally U-shaped channel around its lateral edges. A step is provided adjacent the opening of the U-shaped channel along the lower edge with a lip extending above the step along the edge. A thin sheet of plastic glazing material in the frame has its upper and side edges within the U-shaped channel along the upper and side edges. The lower edge of the sheet rests on the step. The sheet is sufficiently thin that it will flex for fitting the upper and side edges into the channel without disassembling the frame. An elastomeric gasket fills the space between the sheet of glazing material and the face of the U-shaped channel on the opposite of the channel from the lip. The gasket includes a portion along the lower edge extending upwardly above the opening of the U-shaped channel and engaging the face of the sheet of glazing material opposite to the lip. The elastomeric gasket secures the glazing material within the frame. Preferably a bead extends along an edge of the U-shaped channel on the opposite side from the gasket and engaging the face of the sheet of glazing material. A similar bead extends along the lip for engaging the glazing material.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3906669 (1975-09-01), Vorguitch
patent: 4133367 (1979-01-01), Abell
patent: 6003277 (1999-12-01), Graham et al.
Christie Parker & Hale LLP
Johnson Blair M.
Transmatic, Inc.
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