Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Framing to receive door – doorjamb – or window sash
Reexamination Certificate
1997-01-28
2001-08-21
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Framing to receive door, doorjamb, or window sash
C052S204520, C052S209000, C052S656200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06276099
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to window frames, and, more particularly, to an improved window frame assembly having integral J-channel which contains integral drains.
A problem with many window and door frame assemblies, and with aluminum and vinyl siding which border these frame assemblies, is that they permit water to drain behind the siding itself, creating damage to the house or other structure. Typically, a window or door frame is mounted within an opening in a structure and then vinyl or aluminum siding is secured about the frame. It is common in the industry to mount J-channel about the periphery of the window frame and onto the underlying structure and then to secure the siding directly to the J-channel. Unfortunately, present J-channel construction, in combination with the way the siding is mounted, permits water to travel behind the siding, causing structural damage.
One attempt to solve this problem has been made by Simonton Building Products, Inc. who recently introduced a “Profinish” line of windows containing integral J-channel on the window frame. While this product is certainly an improvement, the J-channel merely functions to channel rainwater from the top of the window frame to the sides, still permitting the water to infiltrate the area behind the siding.
What is needed, then, is a window frame assembly which provides a means for rainwater to drain safely away from the underlying structure to prevent water damage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a window frame assembly comprising a window frame and a J-channel member integral with the window frame, the J-channel member containing integral drains operatively arranged to constrain and divert water away from the window frame. The J-channel member comprises four sections which surround the window frame: an upper window jamb section, a lower window sill section, a first vertical section, and a second vertical section. The J-channel itself comprises an interior nailing flange, and exterior flange and a bridge member. The bridge member in the upper window jamb section contains openings to drain channels which run vertically downward inside and adjacent the bridge members of the vertical sections. The drain channels receive rainwater from the upper window jamb section and expel the water from the bottom of the window and along the exterior surface of siding or other structure covering.
The invention is not limited to a window frame assembly, but also pertains to any opening in a structure, such as a door, air conditioner opening, electrical junction box opening, or the like.
The primary object of the invention is to provide a frame assembly for an opening in a structure which provides a means of draining water from the assembly and preventing water from causing damage to the structure.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art from the following description of the invention, attached drawings, and appended claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3314201 (1967-04-01), Riegelman
patent: 3849938 (1974-11-01), Thompson
patent: 3903650 (1975-09-01), Anderson
patent: 4050201 (1977-09-01), Hubbard et al.
patent: 4228630 (1980-10-01), Englert et al.
patent: 5044121 (1991-09-01), Harbom et al.
patent: 5086596 (1992-02-01), Schlyper et al.
patent: 5303522 (1994-04-01), Vagedes
patent: 5651223 (1997-07-01), Novak et al.
patent: 5664375 (1997-09-01), Ward
Simonton Windows brochue for ProFinish (line of new construction vinyl windows; 1996).
Friedman Carl D.
Glessner Brain E.
Simpson, Simpson & Snyder, L.L.P.
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