Movable or removable closures – Mounted for optional movements – Pivot mounted on sliding member; e.g. – slide-stile
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-27
2001-09-25
Redman, Jerry (Department: 3634)
Movable or removable closures
Mounted for optional movements
Pivot mounted on sliding member; e.g., slide-stile
C049S454000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06293049
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to the field of fenestration and more particularly to a method and apparatus for installing a window assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A need has arisen for window assemblies with fixed but removable upper sashes. Removal of the upper sash is necessary for two primary reasons. One, if the window is on an upper story of a building, the sash needs to be removed to facilitate cleaning, access to a fogged insulated glass unit, or convenient replacement of broken glass. Secondly, contractors frequently frame up a structure, close in the walls and install the windows prior to construction of interior space. The reason for this is to limit exposure to the weather and often for bank interim financing purposes where disbursement of funds is based on the stage of construction. Consequently, the exterior of a house is often substantially complete before drywall is carried in for installation on multi-floor structures. Drywall is often brought in through the windows. Windows where the upper sash is not removable or where there is a fixed meeting rail attached to the jambs between the upper and lower sashes create a problem for the building contractor because entry of drywall and other large items is difficult.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,509,582 is an example of a window assembly with a removable upper sash. In this design, the upper sash is supported by a projection attached to the upper sash that fits into a section of the frame jamb. This approach permits deformation and bowing of the jamb. A defective jamb allows air to enter in between the window sash and the jamb, thus necessitating an expensive repair.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,831,778 is another example of a window assembly with a removable upper sash. In this design, a projection affixed to the upper sash fits into a notch in the frame jamb. This design is deficient in that, among other things, the notch does not prevent movement of the upper sash in the horizontal direction, thus the jambs may rotate.
Therefore, a need has arisen for a new method and apparatus for installing a window assembly that overcomes the disadvantages and deficiencies of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An apparatus for installing a window assembly is disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, a window assembly includes a window frame, an upper sash, and an upper sash support. The window frame includes two vertical frame jambs, a frame head, and a frame sill. The upper sash includes two vertical stiles, an upper rail and a lower rail. Each vertical stile has an upper end and a lower end. At least one vertical stile lower end has a web. The upper sash support is adapted to receive the web and support the upper sash.
In another embodiment, a method for installing a window assembly in accordance with the invention comprises six steps. Those steps are (1) installing a window frame, having a jamb having a frame head with a channel, (2) securing an upper sash support to the jamb, (3) positioning the upper sash in the window frame, (4) lifting the upper sash into the channel, (5) aligning the upper sash vertically above the upper sash support, and (6) placing the upper sash on the upper sash support.
A technical advantage of the present invention is that a method for easy installation and removal of an upper sash of a window assembly is provided. Another technical advantage is that the upper sash support locates the upper sash in the vertical direction while also preventing the upper sash from moving in the horizontal direction. Another technical advantage is that the window jambs are prevented from rotating.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2429054 (1947-10-01), Gatter
patent: 2509582 (1950-05-01), Webster
patent: 3529381 (1970-09-01), Grossman
patent: 4356667 (1982-11-01), Malachowski
patent: 4831778 (1989-05-01), Schmidt et al.
patent: 4869020 (1989-09-01), Andres
Atrium Companies, Inc.
Baker & Botts L.L.P.
Redman Jerry
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