Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Window or window sash – sill – mullion – or glazing – Spacing pane from disparate edging
Reexamination Certificate
1996-04-29
2001-04-03
Chilcot, Richard (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Window or window sash, sill, mullion, or glazing
Spacing pane from disparate edging
C052S204620, C052S456000, C052S766000, C052S780000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06209272
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the sealing of light-transmissive planar panels to window or door frames. More particularly, the invention relates to an improved technique for applying a seal to a window pane and subsequently sealing the pane to a window or door frame.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Effectively sealing light-transmissive panels in window and door frames is a recurring problem for manufacturers. This problem is compounded when the door or window frame to which the panel is sealed is an uneven or rough material, such as wood, or is exposed to wide variations in temperature. Previous sealing solutions include the application of a putty-like glazing compound between the panel and the frame to which the panel is to be sealed. This method requires the manual application of the glazing compound to the surface of the door or window at the appropriate places, placement of the panel in contact with these sealing surfaces, disposing panel retainers (commonly called “sticks”) against the panel to compress the glazing compound between the panel and the sealing surfaces, and attaching the sticks to the door or window frame (typically by nailing) to retain the panel within the door or window. During this process, the putty-like glazing may be extruded from between the sealing surfaces and the panel, providing a bead of glazing that must be tediously trimmed once it has hardened.
There are several disadvantages to this process. First, the glazing compound is often applied unevenly to the door or window frame before insertion of the panel, thus providing a sealing layer of uneven thickness between the panel and the door or window. Even if it is applied evenly, it may become uneven when the panel is pressed into the glazing on the frame and the glaze is thereby unevenly extruded, leaving voids and gaps between the panel and the frame that often leak. Second, the extruded glazing compound is esthetically unpleasant, and must be cleaned off, typically after it has hardened. Third, it is difficult to completely clean the extruded glazing compound off the panel and the door or window. Fourth, attaching each of the panel retainers takes a considerable amount of time and care.
There is a need, therefore, for an improved seal or gasket for a transparent panel and a method for installing that panel.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention provides a novel seal for, and method of creating it on, a panel for a window or door. The seal is particularly well-suited to sealing transparent panels, especially glass panels, in wooden doors or windows. A 0.005 inch to 0.5 inch thick seal or gasket material is applied to the panel through a stencil or screen oriented in proximity to the panel. The sealant can be applied in a complex pattern on the surface of the panel without time consuming efforts to manually trace out and apply the sealant on the surface. The sealant, typically having a liquid, gel or pastelike consistency, is then cured to a solid resilient state to form a gasket or seal. Once cured, the panel with bonded seal can be mounted in an opening in a door or window. The panel with seal may be inserted into a preassembled frame and secured with panel retainers, or may be compression assembled together with the individual frame members.
Thus, in accordance with the present invention, a method for creating a seal for a panel is provided, including the steps of placing a screen having sealant transmissive regions in close proximity to the panel, conveying a sealant through the regions of the screen onto the light-transmissive panel, and curing the sealant to form a resilient seal. The sealant may be plastisol and may be cured by heating. It may have a width of between 0.125 inches and 0.75 inches, and a thickness of between 0.010 and 0.25 inches. It may be recessed from the edge of the panel, preferably between 0.02 and 0.375 inches, and may have a hardness of between 10 and 60 durometer, or more preferably between 25 and 40 durometer.
In accordance with a second embodiment, a gas and liquid resistant closure for a building is provided, having a structural frame, a light-transmitting panel having an outer edge mounted within the structural frame, and a resilient seal disposed between the frame and the panel, formed by applying a liquid sealant to a first surface of the panel and curing the sealant. The panel may be glass or plastic, and may be inserted in a door or window frame. The frame may have a groove for receiving the panel and a portion of the resilient seal, such that the resilient seal is disposed between the panel and the frame. This groove may have an included angle of less than twenty degrees, or more preferably be between four and ten degrees. The frame may be formed of wood.
In accordance with a third embodiment of the invention, a method for assembling a closure for a building having a transparent panel and at least one structural member for supporting the panel is claimed, comprising the steps of applying a sealant to the edge of a transparent panel, curing the sealant to form a resilient seal, and inserting a first edge of the transparent panel into a groove in a structural member in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the panel and perpendicular to the first edge. The panel may be inserted so that the seal is disposed between the panel and a portion of the groove. A second edge of the panel may be inserted into a second grooved structural member in a direction parallel to the plane of the panel and perpendicular to the second edge. The sealant may be applied in a thickness of between 0.01 and 0.25 inches, and may be applied on one or both planar surfaces of the panel.
In accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention, a method of creating a window from a plurality of light-transmissive panels of substantially the same planar dimensions is provided, including the steps of applying sealant onto a first planar surface of a first panel along its periphery, curing the sealant to form a first resilient seal, and joining a first planar surface of a second panel to the resilient seal. The sealant may be screened onto the first panel. Sealant may also be applied to the periphery of the second surface of the first panel and cured to form a second resilient seal. Sealant may also be applied to the periphery of the second planar surface of the second panel and cured to form a third resilient seal.
Other principal features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following drawings, the detailed description and the appended claims.
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Chilcot Richard
Foley & Lardner
Morgan Products Ltd.
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