Retention assembly for retaining a panel in a window or a door

A retention assembly is for retaining a panel in a window or a door. The assembly includes a surround, a frame, and a locking latch. The surround includes a first and a second pair of spaced segments which extend to define an opening. The frame includes a pair of first spaced sides and the panel is supported between the sides. The pair of first spaced sides are disposed between the first and second pair of segments. One of the first sides includes a floor and a catch which extends from the floor. The locking latch is movably supported by the surround and defines a retention recess for permitting locking engagement between the locking latch and the catch as the locking latch is moved relative to one of the first segments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention generally relates to a retention assembly for retaining a panel to a window or a door.

2. Description of the Related Art

Traditional windows or doors include a surround which defines an opening. A panel, such as a pane of glass or a screen cloth, is typically bounded by a frame. The frame is attached to the window or the door so that the panel covers the opening. To secure the frame to the surround, a fastener is typically inserted through a bracket and the fastener is threaded into the surround at a plurality of locations. Tightening the fastener forces the bracket against the frame to clamp and hold the frame to the surround in the window or the door. Although the panel covers the opening, this also means that the fasteners and the brackets remain visible. Additionally, the fasteners and brackets can become loose, causing the frame to rattle between the surround and the brackets.

To eliminate the need for the fasteners and the brackets, U.S. Pat. No. 6,769,214 to Kenkel et al. discloses a surround disposed in a door and a frame concentric to, and removably engaged in, the surround. The frame includes a first pair of sides and a second pair of sides extending perpendicular to the first pair of sides. Each pair of sides extends in spaced and parallel relationship to border the panel.

The surround includes first a pair of segments and a second pair of segments extending perpendicular to the first pair of segments. Each pair of segments are in spaced and parallel relationship and define an opening in the door. Each of the first segments have a cross-section which includes a base wall and a pair of retention walls extending from the base wall in spaced and parallel relationship to define a C-shaped channel. Each retention wall defined a retention notch. A retainer is removably disposed in each of the C-shaped channels. Each retainer includes a pair of ribs corresponding to the respective retention notch. The ribs are smaller than the retainer notches for slidably engaging the corresponding retention notch when the retainer is inserted into the C-shaped channel. This allows the retainers to slide within the C-shaped channels. A pair of flexible fingers extend from each retainer and act as springs to contact and flex against the corresponding base wall. Each retainer also defines a slot, opposite the flexible fingers and facing the opening, for receiving and cradling the first side to the surround.

The frame, with the panel affixed, is assembled to the surround by inserting one of the first sides into the slot of one of the first segments of the surround and forcing the retainer toward the base wall by flexing the fingers. The frame is tilted to cover the opening and align the other one of the first sides with the slot of the other one of the first segments at which time the frame is released. Once the force is no longer applied to the retainer, the flexed fingers push against the base wall and move the retainer within the C-shaped channel and away from the base wall. As a result, the retainers in both of the first segments are continuously pushed away from their respective base walls, toward each other, to retain the frame to the surround. However, as the first sides of the frame are loosely cradled by the respective slots, the frame is not prevented from rattling within the surround and leaks of air, water, and/or debris are not prevented between the frame and the surround.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a retainer for retaining a panel to a window or a door which does not require the use of fasteners while still grasping or interlocking with the panel. Fasteners can loosen over time and may be considered by some to be unsightly. Additionally, extra time and expense are required to assemble the fasteners to retain the panel to the window.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

The present invention is a retention assembly for retaining a panel in a window or a door. The assembly comprises a surround, a frame, and a locking latch. The surround includes a pair of first spaced segments and a pair of second spaced segments with the first segments extending relative to the second segments to define an opening. The frame is for supporting the panel and includes a pair of first spaced sides for disposition of the frame within the first and second segments. One of the first sides of the frame presents a cross-section which includes a floor and a cantilevered catch extending from the floor. The locking latch is movably supported by the surround and extends in spaced relationship to one of the first segments. The locking latch presents a cross-section and defines a retention recess for permitting locking engagement between the catch and the locking latch when the locking latch is moved relative to the one of the first segments.

By moving the locking latch relative to the one of the first segments to engage the catch within the retention recess, the frame is essentially interlocked with the surround via the locking latch. Locking the frame to the surround provides a secure fit between the frame and the surround which also prevents rattling of the frame with respect to the surround. In addition, use of a locking latch eliminates the use of multiple fasteners which reduces the cost to assemble the frame to surround while also improving the overall appearance when the panel is assembled to the window or the door. This means that the locking latch remains hidden between the sides of the frame and the segments of the surround which maintains a clean look.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a retention assembly for retaining a panel in a window or a door. The assembly is shown generally at20inFIG. 4and includes a surround24defining an opening26, a frame28for supporting the panel22to cover the opening26, and a locking latch30for retaining the frame28to the surround24.

The surround24is typically placed into a hole which is formed in the window or the door. The surround24is preferably a rectangular or square shape, but it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to being used with these shapes. For example, the surround24may make up an octagonal shape. Referring generally toFIGS. 1-2, the surround24includes a pair of first segments32which extend vertically and a pair of second segments34which extend horizontally. Each pair of segments32,34extend in spaced and parallel relationship to one another. In addition, the pair of first segments32preferably extend in perpendicular relationship to the pair of second segments34to define the opening26. However, the second segments34may extend at another angle relative to the first segments32to define the opening26so long as the function of the present invention is not prevented. The segments32,34may be extruded, roll formed, or formed in any desired manner. Referring generally toFIG. 4, the segments32,34present a cross-section which includes a base wall36which faces the opening26. Although the cross-section depicted inFIG. 4is taken through the first segment32, it should be appreciated that the cross-section of the second segment34may be the same as that shown for the first segment32. A retention wall38and a mounting wall40extend in perpendicular relationship to the base wall36. The retention wall38the mounting wall40, and the base wall36define a cavity42. On the first segments32, a retention lip44extends from the retention wall38and curves toward the cavity42. However, the retention lip44may also be formed on the second segments34if it is desired. It should be appreciated that the first pair of spaced segments32are not limited to extending vertically and the second pair of spaced segments34are not limited to extending horizontally.

Referring now toFIGS. 6 and 12, each base wall36of the second segments34preferably defines two opposing apertures55which face the opening26and are spaced from the respective first segment32. The apertures55may be pivot holes49, as shown inFIG. 6, or slots51, as shown inFIGS. 10-12. This means that there are typically two pair of apertures55. When the apertures55are pivot holes49, each pair of pivot holes49are aligned along a respective axis48,76which extends in spaced and parallel relationship to the respective first segment32through the respective cavity42. The pivot holes49or slots51are preferably defined by the base wall36. However, it should be appreciated that the pivot holes49should not be limited to being pivot holes49, but may be any desired feature which allows rotation of the locking latch30, e.g., pins, etc. Additionally, the pivot holes49do not have to be included on the base wall36of the second segments34or on the second segments34at all. For example, the pivot holes49may be formed on/in any other part of the second segments34. Alternatively, the pivot holes49may be formed on/in a portion of the first segments32, so long as the pivot holes49and the respective axis48,76are aligned to extend through the respective cavity42.

The frame28is for supporting the panel22. It should be appreciated that the panel22may be formed of any desired material for covering the opening26, e.g., screen cloth, glass, fabric, etc. The frame28includes a first pair of spaced sides50for disposition of the frame28within the first pair and the second pair of spaced segments32,34. Additionally, the frame28preferably includes a second pair of spaced sides52which extend in perpendicular relationship to the first pair of spaced sides50. However, the second pair of sides52are not limited to being parallel to the first sides50as they may extend at any desired angle, preferably to match the opening26defined by the surround24. The sides50,52may be extruded, roll formed, or formed in any desired manner. Referring again toFIG. 4, the sides50,52are typically formed from a tubular member53which helps provide structural rigidity to the sides50,52. However, the tubular member53is not required. A cross-section of the tubular member53may be any shape, but is typically square. Although the cross-section depicted inFIG. 4is taken through the first side50, it should be appreciated that the cross-section of the second side52may be the same as that shown for the first side50. The sides50,52present a cross-section which includes a floor54which extends along the tubular member53. The sides50,52define a groove56for receiving and supporting the panel22. The groove56extends perpendicular to the floor54and opens in a direction opposite the floor54. The groove56also extends along the tubular member53. Additionally, the tubular member53acts to hide where the panel22is attached to the sides50,52. It should be appreciated that the groove56may extend in any direction or from any portion of the side50,52for receiving and supporting the panel22. The groove56is not required and the panel22may be attached to the frame28in any manner desired. A flange58extends from the floor54. On the first sides50, a catch60extends from the floor54in spaced relationship to the flange58. The catch60may be any shape which facilitates engagement with the locking latch30. Typically, the catch60extends from the floor54in a cantilevered fashion. The catch60generally tapers and extends to a point62. The catch60includes a retention surface61which extends from the floor54to the point62. The catch60also includes a ramp surface63which extends from the floor to the point62. Typically, the retention surface61extends at an acute angle relative to the floor54to facilitate locking engagement with the locking latch30, which will be described in more detail below. The ramp surface63is for sliding along the locking latch30when assembling the frame28to the surround24, which will also be described in more detail below. When the frame28is disposed over the opening26and between the first and the second spaced segments32,34, the flange58extends in spaced relationship to the retention wall38of the corresponding segment32,34. This means that the first seal64preferably touches and becomes sandwiched between the flange58and the retention wall38. A first seal64is disposed between the flange58and the retention wall38when the frame28is disposed over the opening26and between the first and the second spaced segments of the surround24. The first seal64not only prevents leakage of air, water, or other particles, but it helps prevent the frame28from rattling or scraping with respect to the surround24. The flange58defines a first recess66for receiving and retaining the first seal64. However, the first recess66is not required and the first seal64may be retained between the flange58and the retention wall38in any other preferred configuration.

The first and second sides52each include a support wall68which extends in a direction opposite from the flange58. If the side is the first side50, the support wall68extends from the floor54in a direction opposite from the catch60and the flange58and the catch60are disposed between the support wall68and the flange58. When the frame28is disposed between the first and the second spaced segments32,34, the support wall68extends in spaced relationship to the mounting wall40and a second seal70is preferably disposed between the mounting wall40and the support wall68. The second seal70preferably touches and becomes sandwiched between the mounting wall40and the support wall68. Similar to the first seal64, the second seal70helps to prevent leakage of air, water, or other particles and also helps to prevent rattling of the frame28with respect to the surround24. The mounting wall40defines a second recess72for receiving and retaining the second seal70. However, the second recess72is not required and the second seal70may be retained between the support wall68and the mounting wall40in any other preferred configuration.

Referring toFIGS. 3-5, the locking latch30is disposed in the cavity42and extends along the locking axis48in spaced and parallel relationship to one of the first segments32. Preferably, a second locking latch74is disposed in the cavity42for the other one of the first segments32. The second locking latch74extends along the respective axis48, which is a second locking axis76, in spaced and parallel relationship to the other one of the first segments32, as shown inFIG. 5. However, it should be appreciated that the second locking latch74is not required.

Referring toFIGS. 8 and 9, the locking latch30includes a rod portion78which extends between ends79and along the axis48. An arm portion80extends from the rod portion78and between the ends79. The ends79are rotatably supported by at least one of the pivot holes49or slots51in the surround24for locking engagement between the locking latch30and the catch60when the locking latch30is rotated about the axis48. A pin82extends from each end79of the locking latch30on the axis48where the pins82are rotatably supported by the respective pivot hole49in the base wall36of the second segment34. Alternatively, if slots51are used, the pins82are slidably support, and may also be rotatably supported, by the respective slot51. The pins82, which have a generally round shape, extend from the rod portion78. However, the pins82are not limited to being round, but may be any desired shape, e.g., tear-drop shaped, etc. The rod portion78is a generally round shaped rod and one pin82extends from the rod portion78at each of the ends79. The rod portion78is not limited to being round, but may be any desired shape. If only one pin82is used, the pin82will extend from only one of the ends79. Therefore, the pins82are rotatably supported by the pivot holes49. When the locking latch30is rotated about the axis48, the pins82rotate within the pivot holes49.

The locking latch30also includes a latch portion84which extends from the arm portion80. The arm portion80and the latch portion84define a retention recess86for locking engagement with the respective catch60. The cross-section of the arm portion80has a generally trapezoidal shape and the latch portion84is generally fin shaped. Overall, the locking latch30presents a cross-section having a general arrowhead shape. The latch portion84includes a locking surface85which extends from the arm portion80to a tip87. Therefore, the locking surface85and the arm portion80defined the retention recess86. The latch portion84also includes a sliding surface89which extends from the arm portion80to the tip87. The locking surface85is for engaging the retention surface61of the respective catch60. The ramp surface63of the respective catch60slides along the sliding surface89of the locking latch30to rotate the locking latch30about the axis48. Preferably, the retention recess86is V-shaped. However, the retention recess86may be any desired shape which facilitates engagement of the catch60. The catch60curves from the floor54for engaging the V-shaped retention recess86. This means that when the locking latch30is rotated about the axis48, the locking latch30is stopped by, and becomes disposed against, the catch60. Additionally, as the locking latch30rotates about the axis48, the retention lip44acts as another stop as the latch portion84, near the tip87, comes into contact with the retention lip44. This also limits rotation of the locking latch30about the axis48which prevents the locking latch30from rotating into the opening26in the absence of a frame28, which would complicate assembly of the frame28to the surround24. It should be appreciated that the description of the locking latch30above is also applicable to the second locking latch74and the second axis76.

Alternatively, the pins82are not required as any other configuration may be used such that the ends79are still rotatably supported by the pivot holes49in the surround24. For example, the ends79define the pivot hole49and the surround24includes the pin82where the pin82engages the pivot hole49and the ends79are rotatably supported by the pivot holes49. Alternatively, the pins82are not round, but are any other shape which is secured to the pivot holes49or slots51of the surround24such that the pins82do not rotate or slide with respect to the pivot holes49or slots51. In this embodiment, the locking latch30is formed from a resilient material such that the latch portion84, the arm portion80, and/or the rod portion78flex and rotate about the axis48with respect to the ends79in response to the application of a load to the locking latch30while the pins82remain fixed relative to the surround24. Because the locking latch30is formed from the resilient material, the latch portion84, the arm portion80, and/or the rod portion78return from the flexed portion to a relaxed position in the absence of the load.

The catch60of the first side50and the support wall68of the first segment32define a pivot pocket88therebetween. The axis48extends along the pivot pocket88and the rod portion78of the locking latch30is disposed in the pivot pocket88. A biasing device90is disposed between one the first segments32and the locking latch30for biasing the locking latch30about the axis48to engage the catch60and rest against the retention lip44. If the second locking latch74is used, a second biasing device92is disposed between the other one of the first segments32and the second locking latch74. Preferably, there are a plurality of biasing devices90,92disposed between the first segments32and the respective locking latches30,74. The biasing device90is a leaf spring94or anything else which exerts a force by biasing the locking latch30about the axis48, such as a resilient component. The resilient component may be formed from any type of resilient material which is compressible between an uncompressed condition and a compressed condition for biasing the locking latch and imparting a biasing force, i.e., “biasing”, against the locking latch74as the resilient material returns to its original shape. The resilient component can be a foamed or non-foamed component manufactured from chemicals which result in resiliency including, but not limited to, natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers, urethanes, and the like. However, the resilient component may also may be formed from any type other type of material, or material combination, which imparts the biasing force as the resilient component returns to its original shape. The leaf spring94typically includes a strip that is arched and has a peak96at a midpoint (not numbered) of the strip. The strip extends between opposing feet98. The feet98and the peak96react between the base wall36and the latch portion84of the locking latch, opposite the retention recess86. Therefore, the biasing device90reacts between the locking latch30and the first segment32. This causes the locking latch30to pivot within the pivot pocket88, about the axis48, so that the catch60extends into, and is retained by, the retention recess86while the latch portion84stops against the retention lip44. Alternatively, if the slots51are defined instead of the pivot holes49, the biasing device90causes the locking latch30to slide along the slots51relative to the respective first segment32and toward the opening26. This movement allows the catch60to extend into, and be retained by, the retention recess86while the latch portion84stops against the retention lip44. When the slots51are defined in the surround26, the locking latch30may pivot about the axis48in addition to sliding relative to the respective first segment32. It should be appreciated that the biasing device90may react between any wall36,38,40of the first segment32and the locking latch30as long as the biasing device90causes the locking latch30to pivot about the axis48and/or slide along the slots51relative to the respective first segment32. With the biasing devices90reacting against opposing base walls36, facing the opening26, each locking latch30is biased, in opposite directions, toward the opening26. By biasing each locking latch30,74and the respective first side50of the frame28toward the opening26, the first sides50are spaced from the first segments32such that the frame28“floats” between the first segments32of the surround24. This helps prevent the frame28from rattling with respect to the surround24when the frame28is secured across the opening26.

Alternatively, the locking latch30is used with the second locking latch74, which is non-functional, i.e., stationary. Therefore, in this embodiment, the second biasing device92is not required. This means that the second locking latch74does not pivot or slide with respect to the surround24. However, the second locking latch74in this embodiment would still include the latch portion84and the arm portion80which define the retention recess86. When the non-functional second locking latch74is used, the second locking latch74remains stationary with respect to the surround24. The locking latch30and biasing device90, which are functional, are disposed between the first segments32. The biasing device90reacts between one of the base walls36and the locking latch30. This causes the locking latch30to pivot within the pivot pocket88, about the axis48, or slide within the slot51, so that the catch60extends into the retention recess86and the latch portion84stops against the retention lip44. With the biasing device90reacting against only one of the base walls36, which faces the opening26, the locking latch30is biased toward the opening26. By biasing the locking latch30and the respective first side50of the frame28toward the opening26, the other first side50, and the respective catch60, are biased against the non-functional second locking latch74so that the catch60extends into the retention recess86and the latch portion84stops against the retention lip44of the second locking latch74to secure the frame28across the opening26of the surround24.

As another alternative, only one locking latch30and one biasing device90are disposed between the first segments32. When the second locking latch74and second biasing device92are not used, the biasing device90reacts between one of the base walls36and the respective locking latch30. This causes the locking latch30to pivot within the pivot pocket88, about the axis48, or slide relative to the respective first segment32, so that the catch60extends into the retention recess86and the latch portion84stops against the retention lip44. With the biasing device90reacting against only one of the base walls36, the locking latch30is biased toward the opening26. By biasing the locking latch30and the respective first side50of the frame28toward the opening26, the other first side50is biased against the other one of the first segments32to secure the frame28across the opening26of the surround24. In this embodiment, seals64,70are preferably used to prevent rattling or scraping between the other first side50and the other first segment32.

The frame28is attached to the surround24by presenting the frame28to the opening26of the surround24, as shown inFIG. 7. The ramp surface63of the catch60for the first sides50is pushed against the latch portion84of the locking latch30which causes the locking latch30to pivot about the axis48. As the locking latch30pivots about the axis48, the catch60eventually slides off of the latch portion84and toward the retention recess86of the locking latch86. The force exerted by the biasing device90on the locking latch30then biases the locking latch30back toward the catch60to trap the catch60in the retention recess86. The retention surface61of the catch60rests against, and is retained by, the locking surface85of the locking latch30. This means that the side50becomes trapped between the retention recess86and the mounting wall40. These steps are repeated to attach the other first side50to the other one of the first segments32and the second locking latch74. Alternatively, both of the first sides50are assembled to the respective first segments32and the respective locking latch30,74at the same time by centering the frame28across the opening26and pushing the sides50of the frame28until both locking latches30,74lock onto the respective catches60. In either case,FIG. 3illustrates the frame28when it is fully attached to the surround24. To remove the frame28from the surround24, one of the first sides50are pushed or slid toward one of the first segments32until the catch60becomes disengaged from the retention recess86of the locking latch30at the other one of the first segments32. Once the catch60becomes disengaged from the retention recess86, the respective first side50is pulled out and away from the respective first segment32and the respective locking latch74. Then, the entire frame28is removed from the surround24.