GLAZED PANEL INSTALLATION SYSTEM AND METHOD

A fenestration opening is provided with a receptor and a receiver on opposite sides of the fenestration opening. Each of the receptor and receiver are configured to capture an opposing end of a glazed panel with a capture feature or features that hold the respective end of the glazed panel from moving laterally, in or out of the fenestration opening. The glazed panel is installed by angling the glazed panel with respect to the fenestration opening and inserting one end of the glazed panel into engagement with the receptor, then moving the opposite end of the glazed panel so that the panel is either aligned between the receptor and the receiver, and then moving the panel so that the opposite end of the glazed panel is captured by the receiver, or the receiver is reversed and installed with the glazed panel and secured in the fenestration after installation.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the design of commercial fixed windows, and, more particularly, relates to a system that allows substantially simpler installation of residential and commercial fixed and operable windows in building fenestrations by a unique structural attachment in which the window unit floats in and is captured by receptors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many commercial buildings have fixed windows, including office buildings, hotels, and other buildings. These windows are not able to be opened, which is why they are referred to as “fixed.” A common arrangement of fixed windows involves the building being designed with individual window openings in the exterior wall. This is different than, for example, buildings that use continuous glass to form a curtain wall on the exterior of the building. For these individual windows, fixed windows are typically installed using prepared window units. A window unit contains the glass, and a carrier, that is made of a material such as aluminum or vinyl, in which the glass is mounted. The window unit is prepared for a given size window opening by cutting the glass to size so that the carrier containing the glass will fit into the window opening. To install the window unit, the window unit is lifted into place in a window opening, and then screws are used to fasten the window unit to the four sides of the window formed by the walls and sills. Caulking is then applied on the exterior around the window unit to prevent water ingress. These kinds of windows are used in both commercial and residential applications, and for both operable and fixed windows in building fenestrations.

One of the issues using this conventional approach is the amount of time it takes to install each window unit. Once the window unit it is place, it must be stabilized in place while being held, and then fasteners such as screws are driven through the aluminum carrier into the walls and sills to hold the window panel in place. The crew needed to lift and install the window units is substantial. Typically, after applying the fasteners, an inspection of the installed window units is performed, which may occur days or weeks after the window units are installed. Once the inspection process is complete, then screw cover panels are installed on the carrier to prevent removal of the screws. Accordingly, it can take a substantial period of time to install the windows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the inventive disclosure, there is provided a method for installing fixed windows, that includes installing an upper window panel receptor in a top of a window opening and installing a lower window panel receptor in a bottom of the window opening. The lower window panel receptor is “U” shaped and has a base with sides extending perpendicularly to the base of the lower window panel receptor. The upper window panel receptor is “U” shaped and has a base with sides extending perpendicularly to the base. The sides of the upper window panel receptor are longer than the sides of the lower window panel receptor. The method further includes placing a window panel into the window opening such that a top of the window panel is captured between the sides of the upper window panel receptor and a bottom of the window panel is captured between the sides of the lower window panel receptor.

In accordance with a further feature, wherein the window opening is rectangular, placing the window panel into the window opening comprises inserting the top of the window panel into the upper window panel receptor and lifting the window panel so that the bottom of the window panel is above the sides of the lower window panel receptor. While the top of the window panel is inserted into the upper window panel receptor, the method further includes moving the bottom of the window panel over the lower window panel receptor. The method further includes lowering the window panel such that the bottom of the window panel is inserted into the lower window panel receptor.

In accordance with the inventive disclosure, there is provided a system for installing fixed window units that includes an upper window panel receptor in a top of a window opening and a lower window panel receptor in a bottom of the window opening. The lower window panel receptor is “U” shaped and has a base with sides extending perpendicularly to the base of the lower window panel receptor. The upper window panel receptor is “U” shaped and has a base with sides extending perpendicularly to the base. The sides of the upper window panel receptor are longer than the sides of the lower window panel receptor. The system includes a window panel placed in the upper window panel receptor and the lower window panel receptor such that a top of the window panel is captured between the sides of the upper window panel receptor and a bottom of the window panel is captured between the sides of the lower window panel receptor.

In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, azimuth or positional relationships indicated by terms such as “up”, “down”, “left”, “right”, “inside”, “outside”, “front”, “back”, “head”, “tail” and so on, are azimuth or positional relationships based on the drawings, which are only to facilitate description of the embodiments of the present invention and simplify the description, but not to indicate or imply that the devices or components must have a specific azimuth, or be constructed or operated in the specific azimuth, which thus cannot be understood as a limitation to the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, terms such as “first”, “second”, “third” and so on are only used for descriptive purposes, and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Furthermore, relational terms are used, such as “opposite” and “opposing.” These terms refer to opposite ends or sides of something. A distal end of something is opposite a proximate end, a top end is opposite a bottom end, and so on.

In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, terms such as “installed”, “coupled”, “connected” should be broadly interpreted, for example, it may be fixedly connected, or may be detachably connected, or integrally connected; it may be mechanically connected, or may be electrically connected; it may be directly connected, or may be indirectly connected via an intermediate medium. As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above-mentioned terms in the embodiments of the present invention according to the specific circumstances.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present inventive disclosure provides a novel and efficient window installation system generally for glazed panels, such as, for example, commercial fixed windows. In general, a glazed panel is any structure holding one or more glass panes in a frame. This can include moveable windows, sliding glass doors, fixed windows, residential windows, commercial windows, and so on. These glazed panels are installed in fenestration openings in the walls of buildings such that the frame of the panel is held in place and weather sealed. In general, the system and components of the inventive disclosure make the installation of a panel in an opening of a wall greatly simplified and the construction process is substantially reduced in time. FIG. 21 shows a representation of a window panel 2100 as one example of a glazed panel. The window panel 2100 includes one or more panes of glass 2102 captured in a frame that is typically made of aluminum, wood, vinyl, or similar materials. The frame comprises a top member 2104, a bottom member 2106, and side members 2108, 2110. The portions of the window panel comprised of the top member 2104, the bottom member 2106, and side members 2108 and 2110 are referred to herein as ends. Thus, the window panel 2100 has two sets of opposing ends, where a first end, such as the top member 2104, opposes a second end, such as bottom member 2106. While an “end” includes the outermost surface (e.g. the top surface 2112), it also includes a portion of the sides (e.g. side 2114) of the frame member in a direction parallel to the pane 2102. Each frame member 2014, 2106, 2108, 2110 will have opposing sides, which can be referred to as the interior and exterior sides, or simply first and second sides. As such, an end in some embodiments can include one to two inches of the side from the outermost surface of that end.

A similar frame arrangement can also be used to capture sliding elements including window and door assemblies that can be opened and closed, as is well known. In the construction of a building, standard sized openings for windows and door can be used, as well as custom designed openings to serve ornamental/architectural purposes. Window panels likewise be constructed to fit into standard or custom sized openings. The frame members 2104-2110 are typically screwed together, and vinyl strips are placed between the glass pane(s) 2102 and the frame members as both a weather seal and to provide some resilient “cushion” to prevent breakage. Other features such as weep holes, for example, that are well known, are also included in the construction of the window panel 2100.

Conventionally, a window panel such as panel 2100 is lifted into an opening, and upon aligning and placement of any weather sealing or other materials, the window panel is screwed to the wall support portions forming the opening, such as a sill, jambs, and lintel, which form the structural support around the opening in which the window panel is mounted. Once screwed into place, caulking is then applied to seal the panel to the structure. In the construction of buildings with many window panels, such as, for example, hotels and office buildings, the process of lifting a window panel into, aligning it, and then screwing it into place is time consuming.

To simplify the process of installing window and other types of glazed panels, embodiments of the inventive disclosure provide for installing receptors in a window opening of a wall. The window opening is a fenestration opening intended to receive the window panel. That is, the wall and sills include elements to ensure that the window panel will remain in place given the effects of wind, gravity, rain, etc. Rather than directly attaching the window panel to the walls and sills, an upper window panel receptor is mounted on top portion of the window opening, and a lower window panel receptor is mounted in the lower or bottom portion of the window opening. The upper and lower window panel receptors are sized so that the top of window panel can be inserted into the upper window panel receptor, at a slight angle. Once the window panel is raised into the upper window panel receptor sufficient for the bottom of the window panel to clear the lower window panel receptor, then the bottom of the window panel can be swung over the lower window panel receptor and lowered into the lower window panel receptor. The window panel is held in place by the upper and lower window panel receptors, and the sides can then be caulked to prevent water ingress. As a result, the window panel is “floating” in the receptors because it is not directly attached to any part of the building structure. Using this method and arrangement of components it has been found that a substantial amount of time can be saved installing windows in a building. What would take weeks for a given job to be completed can be done in a matter of hours using the inventive method and components. In addition to ease of installation, vibrations experienced by the building structure are not as tightly coupled to the window glass, giving the inventive window system resistance to such events as earthquakes.

FIG. 1 is an external elevational view of an installed window unit 100 using upper and lower window panel receptors, in accordance with some embodiments. Shown here the external wall 102 of a building having a window opening 104. The window opening 104 can be a rectangular opening in the external wall 102, and is bounded by the sides, top, and bottom by the wall 102. However, other configuration besides rectangular window openings can be used. Further, the sides, top, and bottom of the window opening 104 have been constructed to meet applicable building requirements for window installation. An upper window panel receptor 106 is installed on the top portion of the window opening, and a lower window panel receptor 108 is installed on the bottom portion of the window opening. A window panel is shown installed in the upper and lower window panel receptors 106, 108, and includes a glass section 110 that is surrounded by an aluminum structure 112 that holds the glass section 110. The glass section 110 is typically a glass laminate that is designed to resist breaking due to impact (e.g. “impact glass”). The window panel, as a unit, can be thought of as a frame that includes the glass section 110. It is constructed according to the size of the window opening 104, and can therefore be a custom size or a standardized size. While the glass section 110 can be on the order of one quarter inch to one inch thick in most application, the sides of the aluminum structure 112 will extend substantially further, having a front to back (the view here showing the front side) on the order of several inches. The aluminum structure 112 can surround the glass section 110 on all sides/edges of the glass section 110.

FIG. 2 is a side cross cut view of window opening 104 with the upper and lower window panel receptors 106, 108 installed, and prior to the window panel being installed, in accordance with some embodiments. Specifically, the view shown here is looking in the direction of line A-A shown in FIG. 1. The middle section has been removed in the view as the side of the window opening is consistent from top to bottom. The external surface 102 of the wall is on the left, and the interior surface 212 is on the right. The upper window panel receptor 106 is mounted on the upper portion 202 of the window opening 104, and can be seen here to have a “U” shape with a flat base 218 that fits against the surface of the top portion 202 of the window opening 104, and sides 220, 222 that extend from the base 218 by a distance 214. Likewise the lower window panel receptor 108 has a flat base 224 and sides 226, 228 that extend a distance 216 from the base 224. The upper and lower window panel receptors 106, 108 can be attached to the upper and lower portions 202, 204 of the window opening 104 using screws 208. The upper window receptor 106 includes a pair of gasket members 208 on the inside of each of the sides 220, 222 near the end of the sides 220, 222 farthest from the base 218. The gasket members 208 run along the entirety of the sides 220, 222. Similarly, the lower window receptor 108 includes gasket members 210 positioned on the inside of sides 226, 228 which run along the entirety of the sides 226, 228. As shown in FIG. 1, the upper and lower window panel receptors span substantially the entire width of the window opening.

The height of the sides 220, 222, indicated by distance 214 is substantially greater than that of sides 226, 228, indicated by distance 216. In some embodiments distance 214 can be on the order of two inches, and distance 216 can be on the order of one inch. This allows the top of the window panel to be inserted into the upper window panel receptor 106, and then raised enough inside the upper window panel receptor 106 so that the bottom of the window panel clears the side 226 of the lower window panel receptor 108, allowing the bottom of the window panel to be swung, while the top of the window panel remains inserted between the sides 220, 222 of the upper window panel receptor 106, such that the bottom of the window panel is then aligned to fit between the sides 226, 228 of the lower window panel receptor 108. Once aligned, the window panel is allowed to lower into the lower window panel receptor 108. The window panel is wider at the top and bottom that the distance between gasket elements 208 in sides 220, 222 and gasket elements 210 in sides 226, 228, but is narrower at the top and bottom between the insides of sides 220, 222 and 226, 228, respectively. This ensures contact between the gasket elements 208, 210 and the window panel to create a water tight barrier.

The above-described process is illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C, which show a side view cross cut view of a window opening in which a window panel is installed, in accordance with some embodiments. FIGS. 3A-3C show the view of FIG. 2, but show the entire window opening 104. In FIG. 3A it can be seen that a window panel 302 is lifted towards window opening 104. Upper window panel receptor 106 and lower window panel receptor 108 are installed in the window opening 104 at the top and bottom portions, respectively, of the window opening 104 as shown in FIG. 2. The aluminum structure 112, seen here in a side view, is slightly narrower than the distance between the sides of the upper and lower window panel receptors 106, 108. As indicated by arrow 304, the top of the window panel 302 is inserted into the upper window panel receptor, at a slight angle to vertical. In FIG. 3B the top of the window panel 320 is inserted into the upper window panel receptor 106, and the bottom of the window panel 312 is raised high enough to be above the top of the sides 226, 228 (see FIG. 2) of the lower window panel receptor 108, and the bottom of the window panel 302 is swung in the direction of arrow 306 to be aligned with the lower window panel receptor 108. In FIG. 3C, the window panel is then lowered so that the bottom of the window panel 302 is inserted between the sides (e.g. 226, 228) of the lower window panel receptor 108. The window panel 302 is sized so that, even though the bottom of the window panel 302 is lowered into the lower window panel receptor 108, the top of the window panel 302 remains between the sides (e.g. 220, 222) of the upper window panel receptor 106. This is facilitated by the sides of the upper window panel receptor 106 being substantially longer/higher than the side of the lower window panel receptor.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 3C, the window arrangement is substantially the same as shown in FIG. 1. As there are no screws used to fasten the window panel to the window opening, the time to install the window is greatly reduced. The space between the vertical sides of the window panel and the window opening can be filled with backing material and then caulked over on the outside and inside. As a result, there will be a gap between the top of the window panel and the base of the upper window panel receptor, but because of the length/height of the sides of the upper window panel receptor, the top of the window panel remains captured between the sides of the upper window panel receptor.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the same arrangement can be positioned side to side, as well as top to bottom. That is upper window panel receptor 106 can be positioned on a side (jamb) and lower window panel receptor 108 can be placed on the opposite side of the window opening. In such an arrangement, FIGS. 3A-3C, instead of being a side view, could be a top (or bottom) view of the process. Furthermore, it will be understood that the “U” shaped receptors, while shown here are separate elements, can be features built into the sides of the fenestration opening. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, the lintel and sill of a window opening can be constructed with opposing “U” shaped features to receive, for example, the top and bottom ends of a window panel equivalently to that shown in FIGS. 1-3C.

As used herein, the term “capture” and “captured” refers to a mechanical arrangement where something is prevented from moving in at least one dimension. Here, the top of the window panel is captured between the sides of the upper window panel receptor, which provide a mechanical barrier to horizontal movement, while still allowing vertical movement. In some contexts the terms “capture” and “captured” can refer to an element being unable to move, such as the glass pane in a window frame; the pane is captured in the frame, and prevented from moving in any direction relative to the frame, even though some frames can move (e.g. portions of the double hung window frame, a sliding glass door).

Although a rectangular window has been shown here as an example, other shapes of windows can be installed similarly. For example, the top and bottom portions of the window opening do not have to be parallel to each other. The same process and components can be used, for example, where the bottom is horizontal and the top of the window opening is at an angle to horizontal. Further, a window opening can include more than one window panel. Multiple window panels can be installed, side by side, across a window opening. In an arrangement where multiple window panels are used and the top of the window opening is at an angle to horizontal, then the smaller window panel units can be slid into position by placing them into the lower window panel receptor and sliding it over into position. This arrangement is shown in FIGS. 4A-4C. Briefly, in FIG. 4A a window opening 400 is provided with an upper window panel receptor 402 and a lower window panel receptor 404. A window panel 406 is to be installed into the window opening 400. Accordingly, the window panel 406 can be placed into to window opening 400 at a location where the window opening 400 is taller than the window panel 406, with the bottom of the window panel being inserted into the lower window panel receptor 404, as shown in FIG. 4B. Once inserted into the lower window panel receptor 404, the window panel can be slid over as indicated by arrow 410 into the position shown in FIG. 4C. Then subsequently installed window panels can similarly be installed into the window opening, with the exception of the last window panel which will be installed as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C into window opening 400 (e.g. at the far left side). The finished window installation is shown in FIG. 4D with additional window panels 412-422 installed in window opening 400.

FIG. 5 shows side end views of upper and lower receptors having a center panel capture feature, in accordance with some embodiments. As alternative to the arrangement of the receptors of FIGS. 1-4D, where the sides, at the outside edges of the receptor, are used to capture the window panel, in this alternate configuration one or more centrally positioned tangs or walls are used that interface with and mate into a corresponding slot in the window panel at the top and bottom of the window panel. Specifically, as shown here, there is an upper receptor 502 and a lower receptor 504. The upper receptor 502 is intended to be attached to the upper portion boundary wall portion of a window opening in a building. Likewise, the lower receptor 504 is intended to be attached to the lower boundary or sill of the window opening in correspondence with the upper receptor 502 such that they are vertically aligned. The upper receptor includes a base 506 that, from a top view is rectangular, and is flat. On the bottom of the base 506 is a centrally located wall 508 that depends from the bottom of the base 506. The wall 508 can be in the center (from left to right) or off center. The wall 508 can run the length of the base 506 (i.e. into the page), or the wall 508 can run less than the length of the base 506. The wall 508 has a height 510, which is the distance from the bottom of the base 506 to the lowermost or distal end of the wall 508. FIG. 12 shows an end perspective view of the upper receptor 502, including holes for attaching the upper receptor 502 to the top of a window opening. The lower receptor 504 has a base 512 that can be otherwise substantially the same size and shape as the base 506 of the upper receptor 502. The lower receptor 504 includes a wall 516 that extends from a central portion of the base 512 at a top of the base 512. The wall 514 has a height 516 that is less than the height 510 of wall 508 of the upper receptor 502.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of a window panel 600 configured to be used with the upper and lower receptors 502, 504 of FIG. 5, in accordance with some embodiments. The window panel 600 is shown broken in the center to remove redundant matter. the window panel, in generally, comprises a pane of tempered impact glass laminate 606 that is transparent, and that is held and surrounded around the sides of the glass laminate 606 by extruded aluminum members. An inset 622 shows a partial cut-away perspective view of the window panel 600 for reference. A top member 602 and a bottom member couple to side members such as side member 620, and upper and lower capturing members 608, 610 and 616, 618 respectively, that fix the glass laminate 606 in the panel. Although not shown, it is well known that vinyl members can be placed between the glass laminate 606 and the metal members (e.g. 602, 604, 608, 610, 616, 618, and 620) to prevent metal to glass contact and provide a water/weather seal. As can be seen the top member 602 includes top notch 604 that is generally centrally located along the top member 602 and creates a space or gap that extends from the top of the top member 602 into the top member 602. Similarly, the bottom member 612 has a similar notch 614 formed in the bottom of the bottom member 612. Notch 604 is sized to receive wall 508, and notch 614 is sized to receive wall 514.

When installing the upper and lower receptors 502, 504 in a window opening, the upper and lower receptors have to be positioned, vertically, relative to each other such that a window panel installed between them is vertically oriented, as is shown in FIG. 7. The installation is substantially similar to that shown in FIGS. 3A-3C. After the upper and lower receptors 502, 504 are installed, a window panel configured to mount on, and be captured by, the upper and lower receptors 502, 502, is raised into the window opening at a slight angle so that the top member 602 can engage the upper receptor 502 such that wall 508 enters into notch 604. Then the bottom of the panel, and specifically bottom member 612, can be swung over lower receptor 504 until notch 614 is over wall 514, and then the window panel can be lowered such that the bottom of bottom member 612 sits on base 512 of the lower receptor, but wall 508 will still be partially in notch 604, thereby capturing the window panel between the upper and lower receptors 502, 504. Notch 604 can have a compressible lining 605 on each side of the vertical walls of the notch 604 that compress as the window panel 600 is raised into place, and retain contact with the wall 508 to prevent water intrusion. Once the window panel 600 is in place between the upper and lower receptors 502, 504, there will be a gap between the top of top member 602 and the base 506 of the upper receptor that can be sealed and caulked.

FIG. 7 shows a side cross cut view of window opening 700 with the upper and lower receptors 502, 504 installed, and prior to the window panel being installed, wherein the upper and lower receptors 504, 506 each have a central wall 508, 514, respectively, in accordance with some embodiments. The upper receptor 502 can be held in place in the top wall 702 bordering the window opening with fasteners such as screws 708. There can be rows of screws along the length of the upper receptor, which extends into and out of the page (see, e.g., FIG. 12). Likewise, the lower receptor 504 can be attached to the sill 704 by fasteners such as screws 708. The jamb 706 form the side of the window opening. Window panel 600 can be inserted into the window opening by aligning notch 604 with wall 508, and lifting the window panel such that wall 508 extends into notch 604 sufficient such that the bottom member 612 can be swung over wall 514 of the lower receptor until the wall 514 is aligned with notch 614 of the bottom member 612 of the window panel 600, wherein the window panel 600 can be lowered such that the bottom of bottom member 612 rests on the base 512 of the lower receptor, and the wall 514 of the lower receptor is captured in the notch 614 of the bottom member 612 of the window panel 600. However, since wall 508 extends further from the base 506 of the upper receptor 502 than wall 514 extends from the base 512 of the lower receptor 504, the wall 508 of the upper receptor will remain partially captured in notch 604 of the top member 602 of the window panel. As a result, the window panel 600 is then secured at the top and bottom. The upper and lower receptors 106, 108 and 502, 504 can be secured well enough in the structure that additional fasteners are not needed at the sides, between the jamb and the window panel. Only weather sealing is necessary on the sides. Weather seals such as vinyl strips 802 can be present on the base 512 of the lower receptor, which are compressed to form a water tight seal between the top of the base 512 and the bottom of the bottom member 612.

FIG. 8 side cross cut view of window opening 800 with the upper and lower window panel receptors installed, and prior to the window panel being installed, using a mix of receptor styles, in accordance with some embodiments. Specifically, the arrangement used here shows a combination of using upper receptor 106 that is “U”-shaped as in FIG. 2, with lower receptor 504, as in FIG. 7, which has the central wall 514 or lengthwise ridge. The principle remains the same; the upper receptor 106 has a “capture length” of the sides 220, 222 that is taller in distance 214 that the height of wall 514. This allows the top of a window panel to be inserted into the upper receptor 106 such that the bottom of the window panel can pass over the wall 514. A window panel for use with this arrangement would have a top member that is wide enough allow the top of the window panel to be raised into the upper receptor, but not so narrow as to not compress weather stripping members 208.

As shown in FIG. 13, a window panel 1302 has a height 1312. The height 1312 of the window panel 1302 is less than the distance 1318 between the upper and lower receptors 1304, 1308, meaning specifically the distance between the bottom of the base of the upper receptor 1304 and the top of the base of the lower receptor 1308. Further, the height 1312 of the window panel 1302 is also less than the distance 1316 between the top of the wall or sides of the lower receptor 1308 and the base of the upper receptor 1304 facing the lower receptor 1308. However, the height 1312 of the window panel 1302 is more than the distance 1314 between the bottom of the wall or sides of the upper receptor 1304 and the base of the lower receptor 1308 on which the window panel 1302 will rest. So long as these dimensional relationships are satisfied, the window panel 1302 can be raised into position between the upper and lower receptor 1304, 1308, swung over the bottom receptor 1308, and then lowered onto the lower receptor 1308 such that the top of the window panel 1302 is captured by the upper receptor 1304.

FIG. 9 shows an end-view 900 of a pair of opposing window receptors 902a, 902b having substantially identical dimensions, and wherein the window receptor 902b used as the lower window receptor includes a spacer 904 to reduce the effective height 906 in the receptor, in accordance with some embodiments. Upon inserting a window panel between the upper and lower receptors 902a, 902b, the bottom of the window panel will rest on the spacer 904. The presence of the spacer reduces the effective height of the lower receptor 902b from that of 908 to 906, which is less than height 908. Thus, the spacer 904 effectively lowers the capture height of the lower receptor 902b. This allows the use of only one receptor, which reduces the inventory and supply chain needs such that only one receptor dimension is needed, and an inexpensive spacer can be used to create the lower receptor.

In general, the window receptors, or simply receptors, have a capture feature that engages with a corresponding feature of the window panel to prevent movement in or out of the window opening. The capture feature can be, for example, the sides 220, 222 of upper receptor 106 or sides 226, 228 of lower receptor 108, which engage the sides of the top and bottom frame members of a window panel. The central wall 508 of receptor 502 is a capture feature that engages notch 604. These elements can be equivalently reversed such that the capture feature of a receptor is a notch which engages a wall or tang extending from the corresponding end of a window panel. The capture features can be mixed such that the opposing receptors have different capture features. The inventive embodiments only require that a maximum distance between the opposing receptors (e.g. base to base) is greater than the end to end distance across the window frame, and that the distance between the capture features of the opposing receptors, at their closest points across the window opening, is less than the distance across the window frame in a direction between the opposing receptors. This relationship applies whether the receptors are mounted in the top and bottom of the window opening, or on the vertical sides of the window opening.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart diagram of a method 1000 for installing window panels in building, in accordance with some embodiments. The method 1000 applies equally to other products, such as, for example, sliding glass doors, that was contained in a panel assembly. Thus, a window panel is an assembly of glass pane products contained in a frame of, typically, extruded aluminum or equivalent members. Prior to the present invention, window panels have been attached to receptors using fasteners. The present invention, however, eliminates the need to join the window panel to the receptors. The method 1000 starts 1002 by providing upper and lower receptors that are sized, lengthwise to the width or distance across the top and bottom of a window opening. The window receptors each have differing capture heights; the lower receptor will have a lower/shorter capture height than the upper receptor. The window panel that is to be installed in the receptors is sized according to the dimensional relationships shown in FIG. 13. In steps 1004, 1006 the upper and lower receptors are installed in the window opening. The upper receptor is attached to the wall structure at the top of the window opening and the lower receptor is attached to the wall structure (e.g. the sill) at the bottom of the window opening. The upper and lower receptors are vertically aligned to capture the window panel between them. In step 1008 the window panel is raised in a substantially vertical position, but at a slight angle to vertical such that the top of the window panel is matingly engaged with the upper receptor. The top of the window panel is raised into engagement with the upper receptor higher than it will sit at the end of the method so that the bottom of the window panel can, in step 1010, be moved over the lower receptor. Then in step 1012, the window panel is lowered into mating engagement with the lower receptor. So long as the dimensional relationships of FIG. 13 are met, the top of the window panel will remain captured by the upper receptor. The in step 1014 the gaps between the vertical sides of the window panel and walls structure at the sides of the window opening can be sealed and caulked, and the method is then complete 1016.

FIG. 14 shows an end view of end view of receptors including an upper receptor 1400 and a lower receptor 1402 for receiving vinyl-framed window panels, in accordance with some embodiments. Similar to the receptors previously shown and described, upper receptor 1400 and lower receptor 1402 are used together to capture a window panel in an installation, and to hold the window panel in place permanently. The receptors 1400, 1402 are sized to allow an appropriately sized window panel to be lifted into the upper receptor 1400 at a slight angle such that the top of the window panel is in the receptor 1400, whereupon the lower end of the window panel is moved over the lower receptor 1402 and then the window panel is lowered into the lower receptor 1402.

The upper receptor 1400 has a base 1406 and opposing walls 1408, 1410 that extend from the long sides of the base 1406 and have a height indicated by arrow 1423. The bottom 1418 of each of the walls 1408, 1410 include and offset portion that turns inward toward the opposing wall a distance indicated by arrows 1416, and upward a height indicated by arrows 1420. These bottom features create the offset portion that is offset from the inner side of the walls 1408, 1410 and allow the top of a window panel to be inserted at an angle indicated by lines 1412. Upon being inserted, the window panel, if inserted as indicated by lines 1412, will be closest to the bottom inner edge 1413 of the offset portion of wall 1408, and the upper inner edge 1415 of offset portion of the wall 1410, which is slightly more distance then the distance directly across, horizontally, between corresponding points on the two walls 1408, 1410. When the window panel is sufficiently inserted between the walls 1408, 1410, the inner faces of the bottoms 1418 of the walls 1408, 1410 will bear against the sides of the upper frame member of the window panel, which can be made of vinyl. The design of the upper receptor 1400 obviates the need for a vinyl bead on the inside of walls 1408, 1410 as a weather seal.

The lower receptor 1402 likewise includes a base 1432 and has opposing walls 1424, 1426 that extend a height 1428 that is less than the height 1423 of the walls 1408, 1410 of the upper receptor 1400. The height difference allows for the sizing of the window panel to ensure it remains captured in the upper receptor 1400 when the window panel is seated in the lower receptor 1402. The width between the inside of the walls 1424, 1426 can be about the same as the width or distance between the bottom inner edges 1413 of the bottoms of the walls 1408, 1410 of the upper receptor 1400 since the bottom of the window panel does not have to be angled into the lower receptor 1402. On the inside surfaces of the walls 1424, 1426 of the lower receptor 1402 are linear ridges 1430 that extend horizontally along the walls. The ridges 1430 are designed to engage the bottom of the window panel frame and provide a weather seal in embodiments where the window panel frame is made of vinyl. FIG. 15 shows an elevational view of the inside of a lower receptor 1402, and FIG. 16 shows a partial end perspective view of a lower receptor 1402. In FIG. 15 the base 1432 is cut to show the ridges 1430. As shown here the ridges 1430 have a triangular profile, but can be shaped differently and achieve a similar effect.

FIG. 17 shows a side view of a panel stabilizer 1700 for a window panel installed between a pair of receptors, and FIG. 18A shows a perspective view of the panel stabilizer 1700. Since window panels experience pressure resulting from wind, it is expected that larger window panels that are captured between opposing receptors may experience a significant amount of bowing at the middle of the panel in response to high winds. This is of concern particularly in multistory buildings such as hotels, office buildings, and high rise residential buildings where the upper floors may not be shielded from wind. To prevent bowing, a pair of panel stabilizers such as stabilizer 1700 can be used to anchor the mid-section of the window panel in the window opening. The stabilizer 1700 includes a base 1702 from which a pair of catch features 1704, 1706 extend from. The catch features 1704, 1706 provide flat faces that are perpendicular to the base 1702 that are separated by a width 1708 that is sized to receive a side frame member of a window panel. That is, width 1708 is sized to be just large enough to fit over the side member of a window panel frame. Different sized side frame members will require correspondingly sized stabilizers. The end catch feature 1704 can be fixed to the base 1702 at a distal end of the base 1702, and will be on the outside of the window panel upon installation of the window panel. The inside catch feature 1706 extends from the base 1702 in a more central position on the base 1702, and will be positioned on the inside of the window panel when installed.

The panel stabilizer 1700 is placed over the side frame member (e.g. 2109, 2110) of a window panel such that the side frame member fits between the catch features 1704, 1706 and against the base 1702 between the catch features 1704, 1706. When installed, the stabilizer 1700 will be between the window panel and the jamb, and the stabilizer can be screwed into place by installing a screw through screw opening 1710. FIG. 19 shows a partial top cross-sectioned view of a window panel 1902 installed with a panel stabilizer 1700, in accordance with some embodiments. The window panel 1902 can be substantially similar to window panel 2100 of FIG. 21, and includes one or more glass panes 1904, a bottom frame member 1903, and a side frame member 1906. The side frame member fits between the catch features 1704, 1706, and the stabilizer 1700 is secured to the jamb of the wall 1900 with a screw 1908 that passes through a screw hole in the stabilizer 1700. A corresponding stabilizer is likewise installed on the opposite side of the window panel to the opposite jamb.

FIG. 20 shows a segmented elevational view, from the outside, of the window panel of FIG. 19 installed with a panel stabilizer, between receptors in accordance with some embodiments. A wall 1900 includes an opening into which a window panel is installed and secured using a panel stabilizer. The view has been segmented to show the top portion 2006, a middle portion 2008, and a bottom portion 2010 of the assembly, with the interim portions removed in order to show the details. An upper receptor 2002 is installed along the top of the window opening, and a lower receptor 2004 is installed along the bottom of the window opening on the sill. The upper frame member 1910 of the window panel is captured in the upper receptor 2002, and the lower frame member 1903 of the window panel is captured in the lower receptor 2004, using, for example, the process of FIGS. 3A-3C. The side frame member 1906 forms the vertical side of the window panel between the top frame member 1910 and the lower frame member 1906, and the glass pane or panes 1906 are captured in the frame formed by the frame members 1903, 1906, 1910 (and the opposite side frame member not shown here). The end catch feature 1704 of the stabilizer can be seen on the outside of the side frame member 1906. The opposing catch feature 1706 is on the inside of the side frame member. When wind is incident on the window panel, the stabilizer prevents the window frame from bowing due to wind pressure. As wind exerts pressure on the window, catch feature 1706 bears against the inside of the side frame member 1906 to prevent inward movement of the window frame at the side of the window frame. A corresponding stabilizer installed on the opposite side of the window panel likewise prevent movement/deflection of the window frame. Similarly, the window is prevented from bowing outward due to catch feature 1704 of the stabilizer when the window is subjected to a low external pressure.

FIG. 18B shows an arrangement of a stabilizer 1800 that can be used with a variety of side frame member widths, in accordance with some embodiments. The stabilizer 1800 includes a base 1802 having an outside catch feature 1804 at a distal end of the base 1802. The base 1802 further includes a slot 1816 in which a sliding tang 1810 sits, which can be moved along the slot 1816. A moveable catch feature 1806 is attached to the tang 1810 and can be moved in order to accommodate a variety of sizes of window frame side members. In installation, the base 1802 is positioned on the side of a window panel. In fact, the base 1802 can be placed into position after the window panel is installed between the upper and lower receptors by sliding the base between the window panel and the jamb with the catch feature 1804 on the outside of the window panel. Once in place, the base can be secured to the jamb by placing screws into screw holes 1812. Once the base 1802 is secured, then the tang 1810 can be placed in the slot 1816 and positioned so that catch feature 1806 bears against the inside of the window panel side frame member, whereupon the tang can then secured in place by installing a screw through screw hole 1814 on the tang 1810.

FIG. 22 show a side cut-away view of a wall 2200 in which a fenestration opening 2202 is formed and provided with pre-cast lintel 2206 and sill 2208 members. The jamb 2204 is forms the side of the fenestration opening 2202. The lintel 2206 and sill 2208 members can be pre-cast of a concrete or similar compound and mounted in place to form the top and bottom of the fenestration opening 2202. The lintel 2206 includes a receptor channel 2210, and the sill 2208 includes a receptor channel 2212. The depth or height of the lintel receptor channel 2210 is greater than that of the sill receptor channel 2212. As such the pre-cast lintel 2206 and sill 2208 are functionally equivalent to the upper and lower receptors 106, 108 of FIGS. 1-3C. The sill 2208 can be cast to include weep channels 2214 to allow any water that may overcome weather sealing measures (e.g. caulk) from entering the structure. The widths of the lintel and sill receptor channels 2210, 2212 can be sized to receive the top and bottom ends of a glazed panel, which is inserted using a similar method as that shown in FIGS. 3A-3C.

FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of a receiver 2300 for installing a glazed window panel in a fenestration opening, in accordance with some embodiments. The receiver 2300 can be installed, for example, on the sill of a window opening, and, when used in conjunction with a receptor at the top of the window opening, allows for insertion of the glazed window panel using the same motion/movement of the installation process of FIG. 10, in general. The receiver 2300 include a planar base 2302 having a length 2306 and width 2308 that correspond, respectively, to the length and width of the window sill on which it is being mounted, and generally extends from one jamb to the opposite jamb across the sill. In some embodiments, the width 2308 can be between three and a half and four and a half inches. In some application the width 230 can be about 4.125 inches. Extending upward from the base are several elongate walls 2304 that are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the base 2302. The walls 2304 are spaced apart to fit within recesses of standardized window frames at the bottom of the frame, as will be shown. The receiver 2300 is designed so that, even if the window opening is too short to allow the ordinary insertion method (e.g. tilting the window frame, inserting the top end of the window frame into the top receptor, moving the bottom of the frame over the bottom of the window opening, and then lowering the window frame into the receiver), the receiver can be installed with the window frame, and then attached to the sill.

FIG. 24 shows a side cross cut view of window opening with the upper window panel receptor and a lower sill receiver installed, and prior to the window panel being installed, in accordance with some embodiments. The top of the opening can include a receptor 106 as shown in FIG. 7, for example. The lower receptor is replaced with receiver 2300. In this example, the receiver 2300 includes a base 2302 from which three walls 2304a-c extend perpendicularly from the base 2302. The height of the walls 2304a-c can be uniform, and on the order of about one half inch, and in some embodiments, it can be 0.375 inches. The walls 2304a-c can have the width or thickness of about 0.06-0.1 inches. Wall 2304a is a middle wall, between walls 2304b and 2304c. Wall 2304b is spaced a distance 2406 from wall 2304a, which is less than the distance 2404 wall 2304c is spaced from wall 2403a. Distance 2406 can be on the order of about 0.6 inches, while distance 2404 can be about 0.9 inches. Also, wall 2304c is a distance 2410 from the front edge of the base 2302, which is shorter than the distance 2408 that wall 2304b is from the rear edge of the base 2302. Distance 2410 can be about one inch, while distance 2408 can be about 1.35 inches. The receiver 2300 can be attached to the sill using one or more rows of screws 2402 along the length of the base 2302. Since the receiver is installed in FIG. 24, the window opening, and in particular the distance between the base 218 of the receptor, and base 2302 of the receive is such that a pre-manufactured window frame panel can be installed using the process of FIG. 10. The height of the walls 2304a-c is therefore shorter than the distance 214 of the upper receptor 106.

FIG. 25 shows a side sectional view of a receiver 2300 and lower portion of a window panel 2500 when the receiver 2300 is installed on a sill of a window opening prior to insertion of the window panel, in accordance with some embodiments. The lower portion of the window panel 2500 includes an interior portion 2502 and an exterior portion 2504 that are joined by a thermal break 2506. The interior portion 2502 and exterior portion 2404 can be made of an aluminum extrusion and can include common features like screw channels. In addition, across the bottom of the interior portion 2502 are recesses 2508 and 2510. Recess 2508 is formed between a front lower wall 2516 of the interior portion 2502, and central extension 2512. Likewise, recess 2510 is formed between the central extension 2512 and the rear section 2514 of the interior portion 2502. As can be seen, distance 2406 between walls 2304a and 2304b is selected so that the walls 2304a, 2304b are at opposite sides of recess 2510 and thus effectively span the recess 2510, and can be in loose contact with the vertical sides of the recess 2510, meaning there isn't significant friction between the walls 2304a, 2304b and the vertical sides of the recess 2510. Similarly, extension 2512 fits loosely between walls 2304a and 2304c, and extension 2512 has a width that is slightly smaller than distance 2404 between walls 2304a, 2304c. The arrangement as shown holds the window frame 2500 in place in the receiver 2300. As shown, the receiver 2300 would have been installed first, along with the upper receptor 106, in the window opening.

FIG. 26 shows a side sectional view of a receiver 2300 and lower portion of a window panel 2500 when the receiver 2300 is installed with the window panel 2500 when the window opening is too small to allow the receiver 2300 to be installed first, in accordance with some embodiments. It has been found that occasionally a fenestration opening it large enough for the window frame 2500 to be installed in the window opening, but too short to permit the tilt, insert, swing, drop method of FIG. 10. In those cases, the receiver 2300 can be placed into the of the window frame 2500 first, then the tilt, insert, swing, drop method is performed with the receiver 2300 in place at the bottom of the window frame 2500. However, the receiver 2300 is turned one hundred eighty degrees in the horizontal plane so that the window frame 2500 does not extend to the rear past wall 2304b, and the rear section 2514 of the window frame 2500 is positioned between wall 2304a and 2304c. This allows the screws 2402 to be installed after the window frame is in place in the sill, as indicated by FIGS. 27-28.

In general, the walls 2304a-c are capture features that are configured to capture an extension of the frame 2500 between the middle wall (2304a) and one of the outer walls 2304b or 2304c, while the middle wall 2304a sits in a recess 2510 in the bottom of the frame 2500 with the other outer wall 2304b or 2304c. For example, in FIG. 25 middle wall 2304a is in recess 2510 at one side of the recess 2510, while outer wall 2304b is also in the recess 2510 at the opposite side of the recess 2510 from middle wall 2304a. At the same time, extension 2512, which is adjacent the recess 2510, is captured between middle wall 2304a and outer wall 2304c. It is to be understood herein that, in the context of the bottom portion of the frame 2500, the term “extension means a feature at the bottom of the frame that is bounded on each side by a recess, or by a recess on one side and a terminal edge on the other side. Extension 2512 is bounded, for example, by recess 2510 on one side and recess 2508 on the other side. Extension 2514 is bounded by recess 2510 on one side, and the terminal edge of the frame 2500 on the opposite side. The recesses 2508, 2510 are spaces or voids that extend into the bottom of the frame 2500. In all cases, the recesses 2508, 2510 and extensions 2512, 1514 run along the bottom of the frame from one side of the panel to the other.

It should be clear that outer wall 2304c is the outermost wall being closest to the outside of the structure in which the receiver 2300 is installed. Thus, wall 2304b in closest to the inside of the structure, meaning the interior of the structure. In FIG. 26, the receiver is reversed, spun one hundred eighty degrees in the horizontal plane, so that wall 2304c is closest to the inside of the structure. Note that the frame 2500 has the same orientation in both FIGS. 25 and 26; only the receiver is reversed between the two figures. In FIG. 26, the extension 2514 is captured between middle wall 2304a and wall 2304c. Thus, extensions 2512 and 2514 have the same width.

The arrangement of the bottom frame extrusion 2500 shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 is a very common configuration and used in a variety of window and door types, including framed window panels for store fronts, as well as residential vinyl windows. It is also a common configuration for sliding glass doors, and other frames that are placed in fenestration openings. These different types of panels can have different depths (from the external side to the internal side). This is not so true of receptors, which are sized to a particular type of glazed panel. Thus, a receptor for a window is not necessarily sized to receiver a sliding glass door panel. The receiver 2300, however, can be used with a large variety of panels.

Another advantage of the receiver is that the external portion 2504 of the frame extends outward over the front or outside edge of the receiver, meaning the receiver is not exposed to the outside, and therefore does not have to be painted or colored to match the panel or other building decor because it is hidden from view from outside of the building. This is true when the receiver is installed first, as in FIG. 25, and when the receiver is reversed and installed with the panel, as in FIG. 26.

FIG. 27 shows a side sectional view of a window opening in which a window panel is being installed with a receiver, and FIG. 28 shows the side sectional view of the window opening in which the window panel is installed with a receiver, in accordance with some embodiments. The panel includes frame 2500, glass pane 2706, and extrusion 2708 that attaches to the frame 2500 in an interference fit and holds glass pane 2706 in place at the bottom of the panel. In view are the opposite jamb 2704 and the sill 2702. The sectional view taken through the wall in which the window opening is located, and centrally through the window opening, vertically, from inside to outside of the structure in which the window opening is located. Again, in this case, the window opening is assumed to be too short to use the method of FIG. 10, and therefore the arrangement of FIGS. 24-25 is not used. Rather, the arrangement of FIG. 26 is used, where the receiver 2300 is placed at the bottom of the frame 2500. Then, the panel is tilted as shown in FIG. 27, and the top is inserted into the upper receptor as indicated by arrow 2710. Then the lower part of the panel is swung over the sill 2702 as indicated by arrow 2712. Then the panel, with the receiver 2300 still in place, is lowered to the position shown in FIG. 28. At that point the fastening screws 2402 can be placed to fix the receiver 2300 and thereby the window panel in place in the window opening.

A receiver for installing glazed panels in fenestration openings has been described. The receiver includes a planar base having a length and width to fit into the fenestration opening at a side of the fenestration opening. The receiver further includes at least one raised feature that either fits into a recess along a length of the bottom of a framed panel, or two raised features that capture an extension at a bottom of the framed panel. In some embodiments the raised features can be walls that extend perpendicularly from the base of the receiver along the length of the receiver. In some embodiments there can be additional raised features so that the receiver engages one recess at the bottom of the frame and captures one extension at the bottom of the frame. The receiver is further configured to be reversible so that it can either be installed in the fenestration opening prior to the panel being installed (using the tilt, insert, swing, drop method), or with the panel, and then secured to the sill of the fenestration opening. The receiver provides several benefits over the prior art, including a near universal usage across a wide variety of glazed panels, including many types of windows and doors, as these panels all have a standard configuration of their frame members. This standard configuration includes the provisions of extensions and recesses along the frame member at the outside of the frame member. Another benefit is that the receiver is sized so that the side of the receiver facing the outside of the structure in which the receiver is being installed is not exposed to the outside, and is not visible, meaning it does not need to be painted or colored, thus, only one color of receiver is needed. In most cases the receiver is simply an unfinished extrusion.