Abstract:
An adaptable 3-piece, light-weight, adaptable window system, which can be installed by do-it-yourselfers in multiple unit arrays in various geometric patterns, includes a first polymeric molded window element with an outwardly extending mounting flange having a geometric profile that permits adjacent window units of the array of window units to interdigitate, aligning the adjacent window units and allowing the outwardly extending flange of each said adjacent window unit to be secured to a common intervening stud. The second and third window elements include exterior and interior trim portions.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The window system disclosed herein is an adaptable multi-piece window system that is configurable in a variety of geometric patterns and is installable between existing conventional wall studs without any need to re-configure the wall studs to receive the window system. 
     SUMMARY 
     What is presented is a window system that has a plurality of individual window units that are each installable between existing conventionally spaced wall studs. Each of the window units comprise a first window element that has a first jamb which is adapted for installation in the spacing between two individual studs of a standard wall. The first jamb has at least one flange that extends laterally from the first jamb. The flange has a profile through which the window unit is secured to an individual stud. The flange also has a profile that permits at least one other window unit in the window system to align adjacently to the flange in such a way that each adjacent window unit can secure to a common intervening stud. The flange could extend laterally from a front edge of the first jamb. The flange could also have a profile that permits additional window units in the window system to align adjacently in such a way that each flange of the adjacent window units interlock with each other. In some embodiments, each of the adjacent window units could also have their own corresponding flanges that can interlock with the flange in an interdigitative manner. 
     The window system also has a second window element that is adapted to cover the flange in such a way that said second window element forms an exterior wall finishing trim. The exterior wall finishing window trim could overlie and secure the edges of siding that surround the window unit. In some embodiments, the exterior wall finishing window trim could also comprise at least one exterior guide ridge that is used to facilitate the removal of potentially interfering trim portions of adjacent window units. 
     The window system could comprise a third window element that forms an integral interior wall trim that has at least one interior guide ridge used to facilitate the removal of interior trim portions on adjacent window units. This interior wall trim extends around the perimeter of the third window element and comprises a second jamb that overlaps the first jamb of the first window element in such a way that the second jamb enables the window system to accommodate varying wall thicknesses. 
     The first window element, the second window element, and the third window element could each be made from a polymer based plastic. The first window element, the second window element, and the third window element could each also be made from an injection molding process. 
     The method of installing the window system that has at least one individual window unit comprises, for each individual window unit in the window system, first, determining the location of individual studs on the interior side of a standard wall. Next, drawing markings of outlines of the window units on the interior side of a standard wall. Then, cutting and removing the interior side of the standard wall located between both of the individual studs and along the markings. Then, removing any insulation within the standard wall; drawing secondary markings of the outlines of the individual window units on the exterior side of the standard wall. Then, cutting and removing the exterior side of the standard wall located between both of the individual studs and along the secondary markings creating a hole through the standard wall. Finally, inserting a first window element into the hole on the exterior side of the standard wall; and affixing the first window element to the exterior side of the standard wall. 
     In some embodiments, the method of installation the window system could further comprise, overlying a second window element over the first window element such that the second window element covers the first window element. Next, affixing the second window element to the first window element and inserting a third window element into the hole from the interior side of the standard wall such that the first window element and the third window element overlap within the hole. Finally, affixing the third window element to the interior side of the standard wall. 
     In some embodiments, the method of installation of the window system could comprise, for each additional adjacent window unit, determining the location of additional studs that are adjacent to the hole on the interior side of a standard wall. Next, drawing adjacent markings of outlines of adjacent window units on the interior side of a standard wall. Then, cutting and removing the interior side of the standard wall located between both of the additional studs and along the adjacent markings; drawing adjacent secondary markings of the outlines of the adjacent window units on the exterior side of the standard wall. Then, cutting and removing the exterior side of the standard wall located between both of the additional studs and along the adjacent secondary markings creating adjacent holes through the standard wall. Then, inserting at least one adjacent first window element into an adjacent hole on the exterior side of the standard wall; affixing each adjacent first window element to the exterior side of the standard wall. Then, overlying an adjacent second window element over each adjacent first window element such that each adjacent second window element covers each adjacent first window element. Then, affixing each adjacent second window element to each adjacent first window element. Then, inserting an adjacent third window element into the hole from the interior side of the standard wall such that each adjacent first window element and the adjacent third window element overlap within the hole and affixing the adjacent third window element to the interior side of the standard wall. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of the assembly of the window unit; 
         FIG. 2   a  is a top down perspective view of the first window element of the window unit; 
         FIG. 2   b  is a top down perspective view of the first and second window elements; 
         FIG. 2   c  is a top down perspective view of the first, second and third window elements; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the reverse side of the second window element; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional perspective side view of the window unit as assembled and as installed; 
         FIG. 5  is a top down cross-section of conventionally spaced wall studs showing multiple window units as assembled and as installed; 
         FIG. 6   a  is a front perspective view of the first window element of a single window unit as installed between two conventionally spaced wall studs; 
         FIG. 6   b  is a front perspective view of the first window element of two adjacent window units as installed between two conventionally spaced wall studs; 
         FIG. 6   c  is a front perspective view of the first window element of three adjacent window units as installed between two conventionally spaced wall studs; and 
         FIG. 6   d  is a front perspective view of the three window units as installed between conventionally spaced wall studs. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to the drawings, some of the reference numerals are used to designate the same or corresponding parts through several of the embodiments and figures shown and described. Corresponding parts are denoted in different embodiments with the addition of lowercase letters. Variations of corresponding parts in form or function that are depicted in the figures are described. It will be understood that variations in the embodiments can generally be interchanged without deviating from the invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , a window system  10  comprises individual window units  12  that are installed between existing conventionally spaced wall studs on a standard wall (as discussed later in more detail). Typically each window unit  12  comprises three window elements: a first window element  16 , a second window element  28 , and a third window element  38 . The first window element  16  is installed on the exterior side of a standard wall (not shown) between the second window element  28  and the third window element  38 . The second window element  28  is installed over the first window element  16  on the exterior side of a standard wall to form an exterior finishing trim. The third window element  38  is installed on the interior side of a standard wall to form an integral interior finishing trim. It will be obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art that the window unit  12  could comprise additional window elements. 
     In the preferred embodiment, a polymer based plastic formed through an injection molding process creates each of the window elements  16 ,  28 , and  38 . One of ordinary skill in the art will see that any material able to withstand the normal installation and usage of the window system  10  (e.g. wood, titanium, steel, aluminum, etc.) can also create the window elements  16 ,  28 , and  38 . One of ordinary skill in the art will also see that any process that can effectively form each of the window elements  16 ,  28 , and  38  may work. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2   a , the first window element  16  has a front edge  18  and a back edge  20  with a first jamb  22  that begins near the front edge  18  and extends to the back edge  20 . When the first window element  16  is installed on a standard wall, the first jamb  22  extends into a hole that goes through the standard wall. The first jamb  22  is a part of the structural support of the first window element  16 . The first jamb  22  has a first glazing unit  46  that protrudes laterally from its inner circumference as will be discussed later. 
     A flange  24  extends laterally along the perimeter of the front edge  18  of the first window element  16 . The flange  24  has a profile though which a plurality of joining mechanisms (not shown) permanently secure the window unit  12  to existing conventionally spaced wall studs. A series of pre-drilled holes  26  are spaced along the body of the flange  24 . The pre-drilled holes  26  allow these joining mechanisms to secure the window unit  12  to the wall studs. 
     A series of recesses  34  are located on the front edge  18  of the first window element  16 . These recesses  34  help guide the second window element  28  over the first window element  16  and into its respective location in the window unit  12 . As shown in  FIG. 2   b , Once the second window element  28  has been guided into place, the second window element  28  can be permanently secured to the first window element  16  through a plurality of secondary pre-drilled joining holes  36 . The secondary pre-drilled joining holes  36  are located along the body of the second window element  28 . In this preferred embodiment, screws permanently secure the second window element  28  to the first window element  16 . Any method that permanently secures the second window element  28  to the first window element  16  may work such as nails, bolts, glue, caulk, etc. 
     A second glazing unit  48  protrudes laterally from the inner circumference of the second window element  28 . Together, the first glazing unit  46  and the second glazing unit  48  create a clamping mechanism that holds a window pane (not shown) in a stationary manner after the window pane has been permanently installed within the window unit  12  as discussed later in greater detail. 
     An exterior wall finishing trim  30  portion of the second window element  28  extends laterally from the second window element  28  and is adapted to cover the flange  24  of the first window element  16 . The exterior wall finishing trim  30  overlies and secures edges of the exterior wall (i.e. brick, siding, wood paneling, etc.) surrounding the window unit  12  such that it covers all gaps between the exterior side of a standard wall and the window unit  12 . The exterior wall finishing trim  30  is also useful in keeping small rodents or insects from inhabiting these gaps or finding their way into the facility in which the window unit  12  is installed. The exterior wall finishing trim  30  can also be used for cosmetic purposes and echo the architectural style of the facility on which the window unit  12  is installed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the second window unit  28  has an exterior guide ridge  32  that runs along the reverse side of the exterior wall finishing trim  30 . The exterior guide ridge  32  is used to facilitate the removal of potentially interfering trim  30  portions of any adjacent window units that are to be installed within the window system  10 . As shown in more detail later, removing interfering trim  30  portions allow for any adjacent exterior wall finishing trim on the adjacent window units to fit snugly with adjacent window units  12  without any kind of interferences or unnecessary overlap. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2   c , the third window element  38  joins to the first window element  16  at the back edge  20  of the first window element  16 . To join to the first window element  16 , the third window element  38  has a second jamb  44  which parallels the first jamb  22 . When joined, the second jamb  44  overlaps a portion of the first jamb  22  which is just beyond the back edge  20  of the first jamb  22 . As best shown by comparing  FIGS. 2   c  and  4 , the second jamb  44  overlaps the first jamb  22  within the hole of standard that creates the window. The second jamb  44  also overlaps the first jamb  22  in such a way that the second jamb  44  enables the window system  10  to accommodate varying wall thicknesses. 
     Typically the window unit  12  is installed with walls having thicknesses ranging somewhere between 4½ inches and 6 9/16 inches by adjusting the overlap between the first jamb  22  and the second jamb  44  to accommodate the wall design. It is also obvious to one having skill in the art that the window units  12  can easily be manufactured to accommodate wall thicknesses that fall outside a range between 4½ inches and 6 9/16 inches. 
     Together, the first jamb  22  and the second jamb  44  create a support structure for the entire window unit  12 . In this preferred embodiment, the first jamb  22  and the second jamb  44  are joined together permanently through the application of caulk in and around a seam that is created by the overlapping jambs. It is obvious to one having skill in the art that any method of permanently joining these two jambs may work such as screws, nails, glue, bolts, etc. 
     Referring again to both  FIGS. 2   c  and  4 , an integral interior wall trim  40  portion is formed on the third window element  38 . Similar to the exterior wall finishing trim  30 , the interior wall trim  40  overlies and secures edges surrounding the window unit  12  such that it covers all gaps between the interior side of a standard wall and the window unit  12 . The interior wall trim  40  typically has even more of a cosmetic appeal than the exterior wall trim  30  and can reflect the architecture of the room in which it is installed. The third window unit  38  has an interior guide ridge  42  that runs along the reverse side of the interior wall trim  40  and helps to facilitate the removal of interior wall trim  40  portions on adjacent window units. As shown and discussed in more detail later, removing these interfering interior trim  40  portions allows for any adjacent interior wall trim on adjacent window units to fit snugly against the window unit  12  and without unnecessary interference or overlap. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , a window pane  50  is permanently installed within each of the window units  12  of the window system  10 . As briefly explained earlier, the window pane  50  is held in place between the first glazing unit  46  that is located on the first window element  16  and the second glazing unit  48  that is located on the second window element  28 . In conjunction, both the first glazing unit  46  and second glazing unit  48  hold the window pane  50  in place by clamping the window pane  50  from both its interior facing and exterior facing sides. A foam strip  52  is adhered to the first window element  16  and is located in the crevice between the first glazing unit  46  and the second glazing unit  48 . The foam strip  52  wedges between the window pane  50  and the window unit  12  and cushions the window pane  50  from directly rubbing against the window unit  12 . This cushioning effect prevents potential damage to the window pane  50  during and after installation. One of ordinary skill in the art will see other ways to install a window pane  50  such that it can remain completely stationary and/or prevent damage. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6   a , the first window element  16  is adapted for installation in the spacing between two individual conventional wall studs  14  on a standard wall (not shown). The first window element  16  is installed between the wall studs  14  through each flange  24 . A joining mechanism (not shown) is inserted into the wall studs  14  through the series of pre-drilled holes  26 . Typically the first window element  16  is installed on the wall by using screws or nails, however, any joining mechanism that can permanently install the first window element  16  may work. 
     A substantial portion of the first jamb  22  runs parallel with the wall studs  14 . The first jamb  22  is designed to fit snug against each individual wall stud  14 . Typically the window system  10  is designed to fit between wall studs having 16″ or 24″ centers. Each individual window unit  12  in the window system  10  can be custom made to fit between studs  14  having non-traditionally spaced centers. Even though it is preferable for structural purposes, the first jamb  22  does not have to fit snug against each individual wall stud  14 . 
     As shown in both  FIGS. 6   b  and  6   c , the flange  24  has a profile that permits additional window units  12   a  and  12   b  in the window system  10  to align in an adjacent manner. These additional window units  12   a  and  12   b  can align such that that each of the adjacent window units  12   a  and  12   b  are to be secured to a common intervening wall stud  14 . Typically, adjacent window units  12   a  and  12   b  are secured to a common intervening wall stud  14  such that each interlock with each other. In this preferred embodiment, each flange  24  has a profile that permits additional window units  12   a  and  12   b  to align in an interdigitative manner. One of ordinary skill in the art will see that flanges  24  only need to allow the window units  12   a  and  12   b  to align adjacently such that each of the adjacent window units  12   a  and  12   b  can secured to a common intervening wall stud  14 . Various means of alignment will be obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art. One of ordinary skill in the art will also see that the window units  12   a  and  12   b  can align adjacently such that the window units  12   a  and  12   b  align horizontally, vertically, or in any other adjacent alignment configuration to window unit  12 . 
     Referring generally to  FIGS. 6   a  through  6   d , the window system  10  installs between existing conventionally spaced wall studs  14 , through the installation of each window unit  12  individually, and in any conventional wall without the need to reconfigure any wall studs to secure each window unit  12 . Installation of the window system  10  is done easily by, before anything else, accurately determining the location of individual studs  14  on the interior side of a standard wall where the window system is to be installed. Markings are drawn of an outline of an individual window unit  12 , on the interior side of a standard wall, then the appropriate inner wall portions are cut and removed from between both individual studs  14  along the markings. Next, markings are drawn outlining each additional adjacent window unit  12   a ,  12   b , on the interior side of a standard wall. The appropriate inner wall portions relative to each adjacent window unit  12   a  and  12   b  are also cut out and removed. After removing all inner wall portions from the standard wall, insulation, electrical wiring, plumbing, television or phone cables, etc., that is present in the intended window location are also removed or removed and relocated before taking any subsequent steps. Lastly, drilling a number of location holes in the corners of the opening through the exterior sheathing before taking any subsequent steps. 
     On the exterior side of the standard wall, secondary markings of the outline of the individual window unit  12  are drawn in the corresponding exterior location. Then, all secondary markings of the outline of each additional adjacent window units  12   a  and  12   b  are drawn in their respective exterior locations. Then all exterior portions on the exterior side of the standard wall are removed to create a hole through the standard wall but leaving the wall studs  14  in place. 
     After creating a hole for each window unit, the first window element  16  is inserted into the hole from the exterior side of the standard wall and affixed to the exterior side of the wall studs as shown in  FIG. 6   a . Next, for each adjacent window unit, each adjacent first window element  16   a  and  16   b  is inserted into the hole from the exterior side of the standard wall and then each adjacent first window element  16   a  and  16   b  is affixed to the exterior side of the standard wall as shown in  FIG. 6   c.    
     As shown in  FIG. 6   d , for each window unit, a second window element  28  is laid over the first window element  16  such that the second window element  28  covers the first window element  16  and then the second window element  28  is affixed to the first window element  16 . For each of the adjacent window units, each adjacent second window elements  28   a  and  28   b  are laid over each adjacent first window elements  16   a  and  16   b  such that each adjacent second window elements  28   a  and  28   b  cover the adjacent first window elements  16   a  and  16   b  and then each adjacent second window element  28   a  and  28   b  is affixed to each adjacent first window elements  16   a  and  16   b . For each window unit, a third window element  38  is inserted into the hole from the interior side of the standard wall in such a way that the first window element  16  and the third window element  38  overlap within the hole. The third window element  38  is affixed to the interior side of the standard wall in such a way that the third window element  38  joins to the first window element  16 . For each adjacent window unit, each adjacent third window element  38   a  and  38   b  is inserted into the hole from the interior side of the standard wall in such a way that each adjacent first window element  16   a  and  16   b  and the adjacent third window elements  38   a  and  38   b  overlap within the hole. Finally, each adjacent third window element  38   a  and  38   b  is affixed to the interior side of the standard wall in such a way that the adjacent third window elements  38   a  and  38   b  join to each adjacent first window element  16   a  and  16   b.    
     This invention has been described with reference to several preferred embodiments. Many modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding specification. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such alterations and modifications in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents of these claims.