Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Cupola or skylight
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-07
2001-07-24
Canfield, Robert (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Cupola or skylight
C052S127800, C052S745160, C049S463000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06263623
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to securing a roof window sash to the roof window frame and more particularly to a detent arrangement for allowing a snap-on fit between a frame and a sash to simplify the installation of roof window and flashing components on a roof.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Roof windows are windows that are placed on the roof of a structure. Skylights are also windows placed on the roof of a structure. The typical definition of a roof window is different from a skylight in that roof windows can be opened and closed. However, for purposes of this application, including the claims of this application, the term “roof window” will be used to mean both roof windows and skylights and any other type of window that is placed on the roof of a structure. The installation of a roof window to a roof of a dwelling requires the securing of a roof window's frame to the dwelling's roof. The installation then typically requires the installation of metal flashing and/or flexible roofing membrane material adjacent to the frame but under the counterflashing on the sash. Roof windows can be placed overhead or at eye level and installed to permit a light shaft that is straight, oblique, or flared.
Presently, roof window's frames are attached to the dwelling's roof by brackets that are well known in the art. The brackets range from an angle iron to complicated configurations that are relatively expensive to manufacture. One such bracket is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,682,713, entitled ROTATABLE BRACKET SECURING A WINDOW FRAME TO A ROOF, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
In the building trades, roofers typically will not go inside a house. Therefore, it is advantageous to have the roof window attached from the outside. With the roof windows of the prior art, the entire sash and frame are installed at the same time since the sash is attached to the frame at the factory. This not only makes installation more difficult, it also increases the complexity of servicing if there is broken glass or a seal failure. The metal flashing and roofing membrane must be adjacent to the frame and between the frame and the sash to ensure a proper weatherproof installation. If the sash, including the counterflashing, is secured to the frame, the entire unit must be installed before the flashing and the roof membrane can be installed. The installer is then faced with the very difficult task of forcing the roofing membrane and flashing between the counterflashing of the sash and the frame. Even with the rotatable bracket, when the window frame is secured to the roof, the sash is also secured. That is, the sash is always affixed to the frame before installation.
Many installers prefer to do a “bare frame” installation (wherein the frame is installed apart from the sash) for improved waterproofing. For “bare frame” installation the installer must remove the sash from the frame and this requires an extended period of time and great care with the multiple components that are required to install these assemblies. These assemblies require the removal of numerous screws and sheet metal parts for installation. Not only does this take more time and effort, but it also risks the loss or damage to the screws and other parts. Also, the exposed screws have a potential to create weatherproofing problems.
The alternative to the “bare frame” installation is the sash and frame being installed as one unit. But as discussed above, the installation of a single fixed unit has problems with positioning of the roofing membrane and flashing between the frame and the sash.
The present invention addresses the problems associated with the prior art and provides for easy installation and weatherproofing of the frame to the roof of the dwelling and easy and quick installation of the sash and glass unit on the prepared frame.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one embodiment, the invention is a roof window assembly adapted to be mounted to cover an opening in a roof structure of a building. The assembly includes a glass unit and a sash member operatively connected to the glass unit. A frame member is adapted and configured to be secured to the roof proximate its opening. A detent arrangement is on the frame member and the sash member, wherein after the frame member is secured to the roof, the sash member is placed on the frame member and the detent arrangement mechanically secures the sash member to the frame member.
In another embodiment, the invention is a roof window assembly adapted to be mounted to cover an opening in a structure of a building. The assembly includes a glass unit and a sash member operatively connected to the glass unit. The frame member is adapted and configured to be secured to the structure proximate its opening. A spring clip is operatively connected to the frame member. The spring clip has an extended, engaged position and a depressed, disengaged position. The sash member has a profile adapted and configured to be placed on the frame member. The sash has a ridge member. The ridge member is positioned to depress the spring clip as a sash member is placed on the frame member and to release the spring to its extended position when the sash member is in position. The sash member and spring clip form a snap-fit arrangement for the roof window assembly.
In another embodiment, the invention is a method of installing a roof window assembly to cover an opening in a structure of the building. The roof window assembly comprises a glass unit, a sash member, the glass unit being operatively connected to the sash member and a frame member which is adapted and configured to be secured to the structure proximate its opening. The roof window further includes a detent arrangement on the frame member and sash member. The method includes securing the frame around the opening in the structure. Then, the sash member is placed over the frame member while the detent arrangement is in a disengaged position and finally positioning the sash member in an assembled position as the detent arrangement is in an engaged position.
In another embodiment the invention is a method of installing and later removing a roof window assembly to cover an opening in a structure of a building. The roof window assembly includes a glass unit and a sash member. The glass unit is operatively connected to the sash member and a frame member is adapted and configured to be secured to the structure proximate its opening. The roof window assembly includes a detent arrangement on the frame member and the sash member. The sash member has a profile and the profile has an opening adjacent the detent assembly on the frame member. The method includes securing the frame member around the opening in the structure. Placing the sash member over the frame member while the detent arrangement is in the disengaged position. The sash member is then positioned to an assembled position as the detent arrangement is in an engaged position. Then, to remove the sash member, a tool is placed into the hole or a screw is driven in to move the detent arrangement from the engaged position to the disengaged position and remove the sash member from the frame member.
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Andersen® Sky
Guhl James C.
Weiss David J.
Andersen Corporation
Canfield Robert
Merchant & Gould P.C.
LandOfFree
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