Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Window or window sash – sill – mullion – or glazing – Having a fixed pane and a movable pane
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-20
2001-11-06
Safavi, Michael (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Window or window sash, sill, mullion, or glazing
Having a fixed pane and a movable pane
C052S656600
Reexamination Certificate
active
06311439
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to window frames, and more particularly to commercial grade window frames having structural enhancements which optimize the window sight lines.
2. Description of the Related Art
A wide variety of window system constructions are known in the art. More specifically, single hung, double hung and fixed glazed windows, for example, are commonly used in both residential and commercial applications. The term “single hung” refers to a window design in which the outer frame contains a fixed glazed region and a slidable sash frame movable relative thereto. The term “double hung” refers to a window design having two relatively movable sash frames and no fixed glazed region. Furthermore, slidable sashes may move vertically or horizontally.
To attain a commercial rating, windows must meet or exceed various performance requirements as measured in various tests. For example, the windows are subjected to tests which measure operating force, deglazing, air and water infiltration and structural loads. The criteria for such tests are established by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (“AAMA”) in “Voluntary Specifications for Aluminum, Vinyl and Wood Windows and Glass Doors”, published Mar. 1, 1997. The entire contents of these specifications are hereby incorporated by reference. Such test criteria have made it difficult to design commercial rated windows that have narrow sight lines. Accordingly, there is a continuing need for window systems which have as narrow a sight line as possible while remaining within the criteria established for a commercial rating.
Another feature of window frame constructions is the ability of windows to tilt inward to facilitate cleaning of the external side of the sash from the inside of the building. To accomplish this feature, a tilt latch mechanism is typically provided on top of the sash frame. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,356,667 to Malachowski discloses a tilt latch for a slidable window sash, wherein the latch engages a vertical channel in the side of the frame until it is movably lifted out of the channel; U.S. Pat. No. 4,400,026 to Brown, Jr. discloses a tilt latch comprising a slide member and resilient biasing means to urge the slide member in a locking position; U.S. Pat. No. 5,139,291 to Schultz discloses a flush mount tilt latch for a sash window; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,618,067 to Carlson et al. discloses a tilt latch device which may be molded in a one-piece construction to minimize the number of parts associated therewith.
However, a problem commonly encountered with conventional latch mechanisms is that they may inadvertently become unlatched leaving the window free to tilt inward. Accordingly, a need exists for an improved tilt latch mechanism which will prevent inadvertent opening of a window.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a window frame which has a narrow sight line and a commercial rating.
It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a tilt latch mechanism which overcomes the problems associated with conventional tilt latch mechanisms. The tilt latch mechanism of the present disclosure includes a feature which eliminates the possibility of a person inadvertently releasing the latch which will allow the window to tilt inward. An affirmative act must be performed to rotate a latch component to release the tilt latch mechanism.
The present disclosure provides an aluminum window frame construction meeting the specifications for a commercial grade rating, which includes: an outer frame having a header, a sill and first and second jambs; and at least one sash frame assembly mounted in the outer frame, including a top portion, a bottom portion and first and second side portions, such that a sight-line of about 2¾ inches is created at a top of the window frame construction when the top portion of the sash frame assembly is positioned in abutment with the header, a sight-line of about 3⅜ inches is created at a bottom of the window frame construction when the bottom portion of the sash frame assembly is positioned in abutment with the sill, and a sight-line of about 2⅜ inches to about 2¾ inches is created on at least one side of the window frame construction when one of the first and second side portions of the sash frame assembly is positioned in abutment with one of the first and second jambs.
The present disclosure further provides an aluminum window frame construction, wherein the window frame includes first and second sash frame assemblies each having a top portion, a bottom portion and first and second side portions, such that a sight-line of about 1⅞ inches is created by an overlap of the bottom portion of the first sash frame assembly and the top portion of the second sash to frame assembly. The first and second sash frame assemblies may be mounted in the outer frame for relative vertical movement therein.
In a further embodiment, the present disclosure provides an aluminum window frame construction meeting the specifications for a commercial grade rating, which includes an outer frame having a header, a sill and first and second jambs; and a pair of double-hung window frame assemblies connected in a side by side manner, each double-hung window frame assemblies including two sash frame assemblies, wherein each of the two sash frame assemblies includes a top portion, a bottom portion and first and second side portions, such that a sight-line of about 4⅞ inches is created by the juxtaposition of the second side portion of one of the sash frames of the first pair of double-hung window frame assemblies and the first side portion of one of the sash frames of the second pair of double-hung window frame assemblies, a sight-line of about 2¾ inches is created by the top portion of at least one of the sash frames and the header of the outer frame when the top portion of at least one of the sash frame assemblies is positioned in abutment with the header, a sight-line of about 3⅜ inches is created by the bottom portion of at least one of the sash frame assembles and the of the outer frame when the bottom portion of the at least one of the sash frame assemblies is positioned in abutment with the sill, and a sight-line of about 2¾ inches is created on a side of the window frame construction by the first side portion of at least one of the sash frames and the first jamb of the outer frame when the first side portion is positioned in abutment with the first jamb. Typically, at least one of the pair of double-hung window assemblies is configured for relative vertical movement of the sash frame to assemblies.
In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an aluminum window frame construction meeting the specifications for a commercial grade rating, which includes an outer frame having a header, a sill and first and second jambs; a first window frame assembly including two sash frame assemblies each of which includes a top portion, a bottom portion and first and second side portions; and a second window frame assembly which includes a sash frame assembly having a top portion, a bottom portion and first and second side portions, wherein the first and second window frame assemblies are connected such that a sight-line of about 4 inches is created between the first side portion of at least one of the two sash frame assemblies of the first window frame assembly and the second side portion of the sash frame assembly of the second window frame assembly, a sight-line of about 2¾ inches is created by the top portion of at least one of the sash frame assemblies of either the first window frame assembly or the second window frame assembly when the top portion of the sash frame assembly is positioned in abutment with the header, a sight-line of about 3⅜ inches is created by the bottom portion of at least one of the sash frame assemblies of either the first window frame assembly or the second window frame assembly when the when the bottom portion of the s
Arcati John L.
Arcati Thomas
Dilworth & Barrese LLP
Safavi Michael
LandOfFree
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