Casement windows

A thermoplastic window having a window border to be received in a window opening, a first engagement device formed on the window border extending continuously along all sides, a window housing, a second engagement device extending continuously around all four sides of the housing, the second engaging device being interengageable with the first engagement device in mutually interlocking relation, and a locking strip for retaining the glazing.

The invention relates to thermoplastic windows, and in particular to 
casement windows and picture windows. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Casement and picture windows present a combination of problems, including 
aesthetic appeal, ease of installation, economy in manufacture, thermal 
insulation and weatherproofing. 
Windows are available which satisfy one or some of these requirements, but 
generally speaking it has not been possible to achieve a satisfactory 
solution to all of these requirements in any one window. 
Various different materials have been used in the past for such windows, 
with mixed results. Extrusion of a window frame in plastics material 
typically vinyl plastics materal offers numerous advantages from the 
viewpoint of economy, and weather resistance. However, in the past vinyl 
extruded windows of this type have generally speaking been either 
excessively complex in design or else have provided an inadequate seal 
either between the building fabric and the window frame, or between the 
frame and the glazing. 
In addition, the method of installation of this type of window in the 
building fabric has not been satisfactory. 
It is advantageous if the window design of a picture window is of two part 
construction consisting of a window border and flashing, of rectangular 
construction, designed to be fastened in position in the window opening, 
and a window housing attached to the window border. 
A casement window will advantageously be of three-part construction, 
including the above components, and a glazing frame hinged on the housing. 
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
With a view to overcoming the various disadvantages noted above, the 
invention provides a window comprising a generally rectangular four-sided 
window border adapted to be received in a window opening in a building 
structure, first engagement means formed on said window border extending 
continuously along all four sides, a generally four-sided rectangular 
window housing including second engagement means extending continuously 
around all four sides thereof formed on said housing, said engagement 
means being interengageable with one another in mutually interlocking 
relation, and glazing in said housing. 
More particularly, it is an objective of the invention to provide a window 
having the foregoing advantages including edge flashing means formed on 
said border, extending outwardly therefrom around all four sides thereof. 
More particularly, the invention provides a window having the foregoing 
advantages including flange means formed on said window housing, shoulder 
means formed adjacent said flange means, said shoulder means and said 
flange means extending continuously around all four sides thereof, said 
flange means being adapted to receive glazing thereon, and a locking frame 
adapted to be secured to said housing for locking said glazing therein. 
More particularly, the invention comprises a window having the foregoing 
advantages wherein the first engagement means on said window border is in 
the form of upstanding continuous tongues, and abutment means formed on 
said tongues, and wherein said second engagement means on said window 
housing is in the form of a continuous channel, adapted to receive said 
tongues, and trap said abutment means therein. 
More particularly, it is an objective of the invention to provide a picture 
window in which the window housing provides a ledge on which the glazing 
is placed, and in which a locking strip is provided which makes a friction 
fit with a recess in the housing, securing the glazing in position. 
More particularly, it is an objective of the invention to provide a 
casement window in which the window housing has a ledge, and an edge 
flange meeting at right angles, and in which a glazing frame fits within 
the flange on the housing, and is adapted to lie on the ledge, and 
including a plurality of separate seals between the housing and the 
glazing frame, and in which a locking strip is adapted to make a friction 
fit with the glazing frame, securing glazing thereto, and including hinge 
means joining the glazing frame and the window housing, and window 
operating means extending therebetween for opening and closing the glazing 
frame relative to the housing. 
More particularly, the invention comprises a window having the forgoing 
advantages in which the window housing also incorporates junction recesses 
which are adapted to register with like junction recesses in an adjacent 
window housing, and junction strip means interengageable with said 
junction recesses whereby to secure two said window frames together in 
back-to-back relation. 
The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are 
pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part 
of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its 
operating advantages and specific objects attained by its use, reference 
should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which 
there are illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention 
.

DESCRIPTION OF A SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT 
Referring first of all to FIG. 1, it will be seen that the invention is 
illustrated in the form of a picture window indicated generally as 10 and 
a casement window 12, shown mounted in position in a building structure 
shown schematically as B. The structure B in the typical case will be part 
of a wall. It will of course be appreciated that this is by no means the 
only location in which such windows may find application. While the 
windows are described for the purposes of this illustration as picture and 
casement windows, it is not be regarded as limited or in any way 
restricted to a window only when used as a picture or casement window, but 
relates in general to windows having the characteristics described. 
The terms "picture" and "casement" are also used in a generic sense. A 
picture window is generally understood to be a window which is fixed, and 
cannot be swung or raised or opened or closed, but is simply fixed 
relative to the rest of the building. 
A casement window generally indicates a window which can be swung relative 
to the window opening, either outwardly, or in some cases, inwardly. The 
application of the invention to an inwardly swung casement window would 
require some degree of re-design and modification, but it is believed that 
such modifications would be apparent to persons skilled in the art. The 
term casement window also may imply that the hinges are located on one 
vertical side of the window, so that the window may be swung in and out on 
a vertical axis. 
However, windows are also mounted so as to swing on a horizontal axis, and 
the term casement window is used in this context to describe any such a 
swinging window, whether it swings about a horizontal or a vertical axis. 
As illustrated in FIG. 1, modern residential construction commonly employs 
a combination installation consisting of one or more picture windows, with 
one or more casement windows. The casement window may in some cases be 
located to swing on a horizontal axis, beneath the picture window. In 
other cases, a central window may be fixed and therefore constitutes a 
picture window, and two adjacent windows on either side may swing as a 
casement windows. 
One significant and advantageous feature of the invention is that such a 
combination window installation can be pre-fabricated in the factory, in 
accordance with the present invention, and the various different window 
components may be interlocked and friction fitted together so as to 
provide a single composite window installation ready for installing in the 
window opening left in the building. 
Referring now to FIG. 2, the picture window 10 will be seen to comprise 
three basic components namely the border 14, the window housing 16, and 
the locking strip 18. 
Glazing, indicated generally as G, is supported in the housing 16, and is 
retained therein by the strip 18. 
Such glazing G may take various forms. It may be a single panel of glass, 
or multiple panels of glass to provide improved thermal insulation. 
Alternatively, it may be a single panel of plastic, or multiple panels of 
plastic such as "Plexiglass" (trade mark), and such plastic panels may be 
shaped or moulded or formed into a variety of different shapes all as is 
well known in the art. 
The border 14 is intended to extend over a marginal area of the structure B 
around the window opening. Some exterior covering shown at 19 which may be 
for example brick, siding, stucco, and insulation, vapour barrier or the 
like, will overlap the border 14. Various different arrangements are well 
known in the art, and appropriate sealing or grout materials may also be 
used, in accordance with well known practice. Such covering materials, 
seals and the like are omitted for the sake of clarity. 
As best shown in FIG. 2 the border 14, housing 16, and strip 18 are all 
formed of continuous extrusions, which are designed to interfit with one 
another in a manner described below. 
Thus the border 14 comprises two side portions and top and bottom portions, 
cut from an identical extrusion. The border 14 comprises a planar flashing 
web 22, and generally right angled coplanar flanges 24 and 26 formed on 
the inner edge of web 22, flange 24 projecting toward the interior or rear 
and flange 26 projecting toward the exterior or front of the structure. 
Suitable openings may be formed in the web 22 at intervals for fastening to 
the structure B. 
Engagement means in the form of a pair of inwardly projecting arms 28 are 
formed on flanges 24 and 26. The arms 28 are formed in spaced-apart 
parallel location, and are designed to permit a limited degree of flexing 
towards one another. At their outer ends they are provided with retaining 
formations comprising hooks 30, the purpose of which will be readily 
apparent from the illustrations, and which is in any event described 
below. 
Window housing 16 comprises a generally rectangular box-like section having 
an inner wall 32 defining a shoulder to receive glazing G, and a parallel 
outer wall 34. A front wall 36 and rear wall 38 extend between inner wall 
32 and outer wall 34, normal thereto. A further front wall portion 40 
extends from the junction of front wall 36 and inner wall 32, coplanar 
with front wall 36. Front wall portion 40 defines a ledge normal to 
shoulder 32 to receive glazing G. 
Outer wall 34 is extended on either side of walls 36 and 38, to define free 
edges. An L-shaped channel wall 42 extends from the front of front wall 
36, and then terminates in a T-shaped end wall 44. The free edges of walls 
34 and 44 define a channel opening or recess 46 for purposes to be 
described below. 
An L-shaped channel wall 48 extends rearwardly from rear wall 38 and 
connects with a T-shaped end wall 50. The oppositely facing free edges of 
walls 50 and 34 where they are juxtaposed define a channel opening or 
recess 52 for purposes to be described below. 
Wall 48 extends parallel to wall 50, and terminates in a T-shaped rear end 
wall 56. End wall 56 together with the free edge of wall 50 define a 
channel shaped recess or opening 58 for purposes to be described below. 
An extension of wall 32, extends parallel to to wall 48, and is supported 
by junction wall 62. A lip 64 is formed on wall 56 opposite and co-planar 
with wall 32, and together they define a channel shaped recess or opening 
66 for purposes to be described below. 
An exterior facing wall 68 of double L-shaped construction, connects 
between the free edges of walls 40 and 44 to provide an exterior finish 
and to provide additional support to wall 40. 
The glazing G is held in place by means of locking strip 18. Strip 18 is of 
generally somewhat lopsided rectangular construction, having L-shaped 
walls 70 and two arm portions 72--72 extending therefrom, having fingers 
74. Diagonal bracing strip 76 extends across the interior. The arms 72 can 
be squeezed together so that the fingers 74 make a snap fit within the 
channel 66. 
Flexible resilient sealing strips 78 are welded or otherwise fastened to 
locking strip 18, to provide a substantial sealing pressure against the 
glazing G. 
Similar sealing strips 80 are welded or otherwise secured to wall 40, and 
engage the opposite side of the glazing. 
In order to provide a good joint to the building fabric B, the web 22 and 
flange 24 are provided at right angles to one another, so that the web 22 
may overlap a substantial portion of the building fabric B, and be 
fastened thereto by any suitable fastening means. 
The resilient locking arms 28 are adapted to squeeze together to enter and 
snap outwardly to lock in channel 46. 
Channels 46 and 52 may also be used for interengaging two of the window 
housings back to back in a manner to be described below. 
A drainage gutter 86 is formed between walls 36 and 40, for purposes to be 
described below. 
It will be appreciated that FIG. 2 may be considered as representing either 
a horizontal section or a vertical section of a picture window, since all 
four sides will be the same. 
Normally, the depth of the building fabric B will be considerably greater 
than the depth of the window 10, and accordingly some form of interior 
finish or trim will be required, to fill the space between the interior of 
the window 10 and the interior surface of the building fabric, ie., the 
finish of the interior wall. 
In accordance with the invention, this may advantageously be provided by 
means of a trim panel P typically of wood, having a fastening edge portion 
E formed thereon, adapted to fit within and lock into channel 58. Panel P 
may be supported on the building fabric by any suitable means such as are 
well known in the art, by means of shims (not shown), typically being 
pieces of wooden shingle, so that the distance between the panel P and the 
building fabric B may be filled in, and some form of fastening (not shown) 
such as panel nails or the like may be fastened therethrough. 
The interior edge of the panel P would normally be covered with a wooden 
moulding trim strip (not shown) such as is well known in the art. 
Referring now to FIG. 3, it will be noted that this illustration shows a 
casement window 12 in accordance with the invention. Again, only one such 
section is illustrated, which may be either a horizontal or a vertical 
portion of the casement window, since all four sides are the same. 
The only exception in this case will of course be the location of the 
hinges, which may be either on one vertical side, or one horizontal side, 
and also the location of the operating and locking mechanism. 
The details of such hinges and operating and locking mechanism may vary 
from one design to another, but are essentially well known in the art, and 
accordingly are omitted from this description for the sake of clarity. 
It will however be understood that in any such a casement window some form 
of hinging and some form of locking mechanism and in the majority of cases 
some form of mechanical operating mechanism will in fact be provided, in 
accordance with well known practice. 
The casement window indicated generally as 12 in this embodiment comprises 
a generally four-sided rectangular window housing attached to the building 
fabric B. The housing indicated as 90 comprises a generally rectangular 
box-like centre section defined by inner wall 92, and a parallel outer 
wall 94. A front wall 96 and a rear wall 98 extend between inner and outer 
walls 92 and 94 normal thereto. 
Walls 92 and 94 are extended rearwardly i.e. toward the interior, and join 
the rear facing wall 100, which defines the interior facing of the window 
housing 90. Facing wall 100 extends inwardly beyond wall 92, and joins 
with the seating box walls 102, 104, and 106. Walls 100, 102, 104, and 106 
together define a rectangular-shaped seating box member, and carry, on the 
front surface of wall 106 a seal 108. 
An insect screen frame 110 is supported within wall 102. It may be 
supported therein by any conventional means such as are currently used for 
supporting such insect screen frames in the window art. 
A bracing wall 112 extends between wall 92 and wall 104 parallel to wall 
100. 
Outer wall 94 is extended forwardly, beyond wall 96, and a further pair of 
seating walls 114 and 116 extend between wall 96 and the forward extension 
of wall 94. 
A still further pair of seating walls 118 and 120 extends between wall 116 
and the forward extension of wall 94. 
A further seal 122 is provided on the front surface of wall 116. 
The three seating walls, namely walls 106, 116, and 118, provide separate 
contact surfaces for three separate seals in a manner to be described 
below. 
Formed on the outwardly-directed surface of outer wall 94 are channel walls 
124, 126, 128 and 130. A front facing wall 132 is also formed on the 
forward end of wall 94. 
An outer facing wall 134, is formed on the outer edges of walls 132, 130, 
128, 126 and 124, and defines openings therein registering with the spaces 
between respective pairs of walls 124, 126, and 128, 130, thereby defining 
two separate spaced-apart attachment recesses or channels 131 for purposes 
described below. 
These attachment channels can receive border strip assemblies. These border 
strip assemblies each comprise a mounting wall 136, which is provided with 
two spaced-apart leg members 138, each of which is provided with hook 
portion, adapted to fit within the channels, and be retained therein. A 
flashing strip 139 extends normal thereto for attachment to the building 
fabric. A deflector strip 140 is attached on the wall 136, and is angled 
downwardly, whereby to cause any moisture to flow outwardly and 
downwardly. 
In order to provide for a swinging casement window, a separate glazing 
frame or casement indicated generally as 142 is provided. Glazing frame 
142 will of course be mounted on suitable hinges (not shown in FIG. 3) of 
a type well known in the art, which are connected to the window housing 
90. The hinges will be located along one side, and will thus permit the 
casement 142 to swing relative to the housing 90. 
As mentioned above, in FIG. 1 the casement is shown as mounted by means of 
hinges 14 located along its upper horizontal edge, so that it can swing 
outwardly and upwardly. 
However it will of course be readily apparent that the hinges could be 
mounted on either of the side vertical portions or conceivably on the 
lower horizontal portion, and in each case the window would be considered 
for the purpose of the present description as a "casement" window. 
In addition it will of course be appreciated that some form of control and 
locking mechanism M will normally be provided. Thus, in some cases, the 
control mechanism for holding the casement portion open will simply be a 
finger or strut. In other cases it will be some form of winding mechanism 
whereby the casement can be wound outwardly and inwardly by means of a 
handle. 
In other cases a simple form of lock securing the casement to the housing 
will be provided. 
All of these mechanisms are well known in the art relating to casement 
windows and require no further description. They are not illustrated in 
detail herein for the sake of clarity. 
The casement window frame 142 will be seen to comprise an interior 
generally box-like centre section formed by inner wall 144 which defines a 
shoulder to receive glazing G, and parallel spaced-apart outer wall 146, a 
rear wall 148, and a front wall 150. 
Front wall 150 is extended outwardly and inwardly from walls 146 and 144. 
The outward extension of wall 150 defines a bearing ledge wall normal to 
shoulder 144 to receive glazing G. On the inward and outward extensions of 
wall 150, inner and outer finish walls 152 and 154 are formed, and in turn 
they support a front facing wall 156. 
On the rear wall 148, rear seating walls 158 and 160 are attached, and 
bracing wall 162 extends therebetween for added strength. 
Wall 160 is adapted to engage and compress seal 108. Wall 150 is adapted to 
engage and compress seal 122. 
An outward sealing strip 164 is attached to wall 154, and is adapted to 
engage wall 118 of window housing 90. 
Walls 148 and 160 together define a channel, having a reduced width open 
mounth, which is adapted to receive a glazing or locking strip 166. Window 
glazing typically being the two glass panels indicated generally as g, 
forming a thermal glass panel, are located between wall 150, and glazing 
strip 166. 
Any suitable seals such as 168 are provided on either side of the glazing 
g. In this way, it is possible to provide for a casement window having an 
extruded plastic window housing 90 and an extruded plastic casement frame 
142 having a construction providing for three separate seals at different 
points, and providing for great flexibility in manufacture, and ensuring 
excellent service throughout a long life. 
Referring now to FIG. 4, it will be seen that the windows in accordance 
with the invention may be joined together to provide a composite window to 
fill a larger overall opening in a building. 
It will be appreciated that this composite window formed by associating 
together two or more windows in accordance with the invention may either 
be a picture window and a casement window, as illustrated in FIG. 1, or 
may be two picture windows or two casement windows, or still greater 
numbers of windows in any combination, without limitation. 
For the purposes of simplicity FIG. 4 illustrates the junction between a 
casement window and a picture window, but this is not intended to be 
limiting of the invention. 
With reference now to FIG. 4, the picture window is illustrated as 10 and 
the casement window is 12, and in each case they will have the features as 
described and illustrated above in connection with FIGS. 2 and 3. 
The reference numbers are not included herein for the sake of simplicity. 
The windows 10 and 12 are shown joined together by means of junction strips 
indicated as 170. These junction strips comprise a generally rectangular 
box section having side walls 172 and end walls 174. 
Formed on opposite side walls 172, and registering with one another, are 
pairs of attachment fingers 176 each having hook portions 178. 
The fingers 176 and hook portions 178 are adapted to be received in 
respective channels 46, 52 and 131 already described in their respective 
windows 10 and 12. By providing two spaced-apart junction strips 170 
having these features, the two windows may thus be secured together to 
provide a composite window, having great strength and rigidity, and being 
substantially insulated against weather conditions. 
The foregoing is a description of a preferred embodiment of the invention 
which is given here by way of example only. The invention is not to be 
taken as limited to any of the specific feactures as described, but 
comprehends all such variations thereof as come within the scope of the 
appended claims.