Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Sectioned imperforate facing within perpheral frame; e.g.,... – Intersecting separators within frame
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-21
2001-10-16
Chin-Shue, Alvin (Department: 3634)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Sectioned imperforate facing within perpheral frame; e.g.,...
Intersecting separators within frame
C052S395000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06301852
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to window and door structures and in particular, to a muntin assembly for securing and sealing multiple glass panes within a window or door.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In recent years, energy efficient custom built windows and doors have been made available to consumers. Energy efficient windows and doors are typically constructed of wood, which is a better insulator than metal or plastic. In addition, the glass panes are glazed whereby first and second glass panes are supported in a spaced parallel array within the window and include a peripheral spacer frame positioned between the glass panes thereby creating a pocket of air which functions as an insulator. Triple and quadruple-glazed windows include third and fourth glass panes respectively are also known and provide even better insulative properties.
As is apparent, the sash, door and glazed panels are subject to failure due to wind load, impact from wind blown objects, seal failure, vandalism or accident. Recent revisions to building code requirements have increased the structural and impact resistance performance standards for windows and doors beyond that provided by traditional wooden sash and door components and fabrication methods. On the other hand, permit requirements for new and renovation construction projects often include strict historic landmark provisions, as well as other design parameters, that require manufacturers to maintain specific material use and fabrication methods that typically cannot conform to the more recent structural and impact resistance performance standards.
In the past and currently, window and door manufacturers have incorporated an “applied grille” fabrication process that relies primarily on the structural properties of various glass composites used in full-light glass panels to attain required performance standards. In this process, wooden grilles are applied to the exposed face of the full light glass panel to simulate the appearance of individual glass panes within the window or door frame. Repair and maintenance of the glass panels included in this fabrication method necessitates replacement of the complete sash or grille elements, a process both time consuming and expensive.
Accordingly, a need has existed in the art for a window glazing system in which structural and aesthetic conformance does not restrict the inevitable and efficient maintenance of multiple individual glass panes within the window or door frame whereby individual panes of glass can be removed and/or replaced without the need for replacing or removing the sash, in its entirety, from the window or door jamb.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a window and door glazing system that permits periodic replacement of the glass panels without having to replace the complete sash or grill elements which remain fixed to the sash or window or door.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a window glazing system that will allow periodic replacement of the inner insulating glass panels and the sash elements including stiles, rails and glazing stops.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide muntin bars that function to not only create true divided light through the window glass but also to provide added structural support to the window or door.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a window glazing system that is convenient and easy to assemble during the manufacturing and installation of the window and door while at the same time provides unblemished appearance of the interconnecting muntin members, even following replacement of the glass panes.
A still further object is to provide a glazing assembly that will provide increased structural and impact resistance performance for windows and doors beyond that provided by traditional wooden sash and door components and fabrication methods, comply with historic landmark provisions and other design parameters which require manufacturers to maintain specific material use and fabrication methods and conform with current structural and impact resistance performance standards for windows and doors.
In summary, the present invention is directed to a window or door glazing assembly comprising at least one muntin extending between the frame of a door or window for supporting at least one glass pane therein, the at least one muntin including a continuous reinforcement bar having opposite first and second ends, a top surface and bottom surfaces and respective side surface, the reinforcement bar is secured to separate sides of the window or door frame, the at least one muntin further including at least one removable muntin cover secured to a side of the reinforcement bar and in a substantially perpendicular relation thereto to provide window glazing for the at least one glass pane whereby the at least one glass pane is adapted to be removed without removal of said reinforcement bar from the window or door frame.
The present invention is further directed to a muntin as set forth above as well as a door or window having a muntin assembly as set forth above.
These and other objects will become apparent from the following description of the invention taken together with the drawings and claims.
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Chin-Shue Alvin
Cohen Curtis A.
Shlesinger & Arkwright & Garvey LLP
The Woodstone Company
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