Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Framing to receive door – doorjamb – or window sash
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-10
2001-10-09
Kent, Christopher T. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Framing to receive door, doorjamb, or window sash
C052S217000, C052S749100, C052S100000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06298614
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a window frame that is installed in a structure having exterior siding, the window frame having properties to help prevent moisture from entering the interior of the structure .
2. Background of the Prior Art
One of the problems associated with window frames that are installed in housing that has a siding exterior, such as is common in the construction of manufactured housing that typically utilizes lay-type siding made from vinyl or aluminum, is the exclusion of rain from the interior of the house. The rain enters the house through gaps that are found between the frame and the housing. These gaps are created during installation, often as a result of substandard construction practices, or during expansion and contraction of the frame and the siding due to temperature fluctuations.
In order to combat the problem of rain penetration, many solutions have been proposed. These solutions rely on creating a perfect or near perfect seal of the frame to the housing and relying on the seal holding in order to prevent moisture bypass. While the various prior art solutions work with varying degrees of efficiency, they can still fail if the frame is improperly installed onto the housing, a problem that is not nonexistent. Additionally, gaps may form as the house settles and shifts over time. In any cause, a small failure of the seal may cause substantial rain moisture to be blown past and penetrate gaps and migrate into the interior of the building, causing water damage, wood rot, or termite infestation.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for a window frame that is installed onto a structure having exterior siding wherein the device will prevent moisture from bypassing the device and entering into the structure. Such a device must work well even if the nature of frame is installed is less than ideal. Additionally, the window frame must prevent moisture bypass over time, even as the housing shifts and settles. Furthermore, the window frame must not be unduly expensive to manufacture and should be relatively simple and straightforward to install.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The window frame of the present invention addresses the aforementioned needs in the art. The window frame is designed to be installed in an opening of a structure having a siding exterior. The window frame helps prevent moisture from penetrating into the interior of the structure, even if the frame was imperfectly installed and even after the structure has settled and shifted over time.
The window frame of the present invention comprises a window frame member and a C-tunnel attached to the frame member, the C-tunnel comprising a first flange having a first face and a second face, the first flange circumscribing the opening of the structure whereat the window frame will be installed, a second flange, having a third face and a fourth face, the second flange extending outwardly from the first flange in a non-perpendicular direction to the first flange, and a third flange, having a fifth face facing the first face and a sixth face, the third flange extending outwardly from the second flange in a non-perpendicular direction to the second flange. If desired, a fourth flange extends along a length of the C-tunnel advantageously along a length of the second flange proximate the first flange. A first channel is located on the third face of the second flange and extends diagonally downwardly from the either proximate the first flange or if used, proximate the fourth flange toward the third flange. A second channel extends downwardly along a length of the third face of the second flange. If a plurality of first channels are used, the second channel extends between two adjacent first channels (or between a first channel and the end of the second flange). The window frame member, the C-tunnel, and the fourth flange, can all be integrally formed, by extrusion (of vinyl, aluminum or other suitable material) or other appropriate technique.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 382652 (1997-08-01), Colitto
patent: 4110942 (1978-09-01), Slocomb, Jr.
patent: 5392574 (1995-02-01), Sayers
patent: 5522196 (1996-06-01), Conroy et al.
patent: 5660010 (1997-08-01), Sayers
Kent Christopher T.
Loffler Peter
Varner Steve
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