Abstract:
A window buck/drywall panel assembly comprising a window buck having a cross-section where the cross-section defines a right trapezoid, where the window buck includes a window buck beveled edge; and a drywall panel having a cross-section where the cross-section defines a right trapezoid, where the drywall panel includes a drywall beveled edge, and the window buck and the drywall panel are secured to one another such that the window buck beveled edge and the drywall beveled edge are in contact with one another.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention broadly relates to window bucks, and, more particularly, to a window buck having a right trapezoid cross section. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    In the construction industry, it is a standard practice to provide “roughed in” openings within the basic structural framing of a building for the installation of pre-fabricated window assemblies. A common technique used to install window assemblies within the roughed opening is known as “bucking” the window. This includes installing pieces of material known as “window bucks” inside the window opening to compensate for the difference between the width of the window opening and the dimensions of the window assembly. For proper window installation, the window bucks need to be placed a predetermined distance (known as the “setback distance”) from the outer edge of the window opening to provide uniform windowsills or “reveals.” Additionally, the window bucks should be aligned substantially parallel to the window opening so that the window assembly can be installed squarely with respect to the window opening. 
         [0003]    As mentioned above, window bucks are well known in the construction industry and provide a surface on which to fixedly secure a window frame assembly to the rough concrete block opening. Traditional window bucks have a rectangular cross-section and have a squared front surface such that the top surface and the bottom surface are substantially perpendicular to, and each intersect, the front surface at 90 degree angles. An example of a prior art squared window buck is shown in  FIG. 1 , which illustrates a perspective view of window frame/window buck/drywall panel assembly  10  having window bucks  12   a ,  12   b ,  12   c , and  12   d , and window assembly  11 , which includes window frame  14  and window  15 . Window opening surfaces  18   a ,  18   b ,  18   c , and  18   d  are formed when a window opening is cut into wall  16 . Wall  16  is typically made of concrete or cinder blocks. Each window buck  12   a ,  12   b ,  12   c , and  12   d , is fixedly secured to a corresponding window opening surface  18   a ,  18   b ,  18   c , and  18   d , respectively via concrete fasteners, such as screws, nails, or the like. 
         [0004]    Once the window assembly is installed, there is usually a bare space between the window opening surface and the installed window frame. When the adjacent interior walls are completed, using drywall panels, plaster, or other material, this bare space often appears as an unsightly transition gap between the window opening surface and the completed wall. Typically, this space is filled with some form of drywall or other material to cover this area and provide a consistent surface between the finished interior wall and the window frame. The installation of such material is generally referred to as “wrapping” the window. 
         [0005]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , wood blocks  17   a ,  17   b  are fixedly secured to wall  16  near the window opening. Wood block  17   a  is secured vertically and substantially perpendicular to wood block  17   b , which is secured horizontally to wall  16 . Then, metal angles  19   a ,  19   b  are “wrapped” around corresponding wood blocks  17   a ,  17   b , respectively, such that metal angles  19   a ,  19   b , each form an L-shape. After that, drywall panels  13   a ,  13   b  are each fixedly secured, and substantially parallel, to corresponding metal angles  19   a ,  19   b , respectively, such that drywall panels  13   a ,  13   b  are in contact with and substantially perpendicular to window frame  14 . Subsequently, drywall panel  13   c  is fixedly secured to wood blocks  17   a ,  17   b  such that drywall panel  13   c  is substantially perpendicular to drywall panels  13   a ,  13   b.    
         [0006]    A problem with prior window bucks is that since the drywall panel is typically fixedly secured to the surface of the window buck adjacent to the window frame, and in contact with the window frame, a portion of the window frame is obscured, which is not aesthetically appealing. Another problem with prior window bucks is that it is necessary to secure the window buck to a metal angle, which then must be secured to a wood block. Since additional materials, such as metal angles, need to be used, construction costs are increased. Additionally, a large space is formed between the drywall panel and the window opening surface, possibly compromising the integrity of the construction. 
         [0007]    Thus, there is a long-felt need for a window buck that can be fixedly secured closer to the window opening surface while allowing the drywall panel to be secured in such a manner that the entire window frame is exposed, and therefore, more aesthetically appealing. There is also a long-felt need for a window buck to which drywall panels can be secured such that the drywall panels are in closer proximity with the window opening surface, which strengthens the integrity of the construction. Furthermore, there is also a long-felt need for a window buck to which drywall panels can be secured directly without the need for an intermediary metal angle, and thus, reducing overall construction costs. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention broadly comprises a window buck having a cross-section where the cross-section defines a right trapezoid. In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a window buck/drywall panel assembly having a window buck and a drywall panel. The window buck has a cross-section where the cross-section defines a right trapezoid, and the window buck includes a window buck beveled edge. The drywall panel has a cross-section where the cross-section defines a right trapezoid and the drywall panel includes a drywall beveled edge. The window buck and the drywall panel are secured to one another such that the window buck beveled edge and the drywall beveled edge are in contact with one another. 
         [0009]    The window buck comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface. The second side surface and the bottom surface of the window buck are arranged at an acute angle θ to one another. The drywall panel comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface. Similar to the window buck, the second side surface and the bottom surface of the drywall panel are arranged at an acute angle σ to one another. Acute angle θ is in the range of approximately 30 degrees to 60 degrees, but preferably acute angle θ is approximately 45 degrees. Acute angle σ is in the range of approximately 30 degrees to 60 degrees, but preferably angle σ is approximately 45 degrees. 
         [0010]    The bottom surface of the window buck further comprises a channel that is operatively arranged to receive caulking. Additionally, the window buck is operatively arranged to be securable about a concrete wall by any suitable means, such as screws, nails, adhesive, etc. Moreover, the window buck can be made of any suitable material such as composite material, polyvinyl carbonate, wood, plastic, etc. 
         [0011]    The present invention comprises a method of installing a window in an opening in a dwelling, where the window includes a frame, and the opening is bounded by concrete or cinder blocks. The method comprises the following steps. First, a window buck having a cross-section, where the cross-section defines a right trapezoid and where the window buck includes a window buck beveled edge, is secured to the concrete or cinder blocks bounding the opening. Next, the window frame is secured to the window buck. After that, a drywall panel having a cross-section, where the cross-section defines a right trapezoid and where the drywall panel includes a drywall beveled edge, is secured to the window buck such that the window buck beveled edge and the drywall beveled edge are in contact with one another. 
         [0012]    In yet another embodiment, the present invention comprises a window frame/window buck assembly, having a window assembly and a window buck assembly. The window assembly includes a window frame having four sides. The window buck assembly includes four window bucks. Each window buck has a cross-section, where the cross-section defines a right trapezoid, where each of the sides of the window frame is secured on one of the window bucks. 
         [0013]    In yet another embodiment, the present invention comprises a window frame/window buck/drywall panel assembly, having a window assembly, a window buck assembly, and a drywall panel assembly. The window assembly includes a window frame having four sides. The window buck assembly includes four window bucks. Each window buck has a cross-section and each window buck includes a window buck beveled edge, where the cross-section defines a right trapezoid, where each of the sides of the window frame is secured to one of the window bucks. The drywall panel assembly includes four drywall panels. Each drywall panel has a cross-section, where the cross-section defines a right trapezoid and where the drywall panel includes a drywall beveled edge. The drywall panel assembly is secured to the window buck assembly such that a window buck beveled edge of each window buck is in contact with a drywall beveled edge of each drywall panel. 
         [0014]    It is a general object of the present invention to provide a window buck and a drywall panel, both with a beveled edge. The beveled edges allow the window buck and the drywall panel to matingly engage one another when cut at the same angle. Additionally, the beveled edges allow the drywall panels to be fixedly secured such that the entire window frame is exposed, and therefore, is more aesthetically appealing. It is another object of the invention to provide a window buck to which drywall panels can be secured such that drywall panels are in closer proximity with the window opening surface, which strengthens the integrity of the construction. It is yet another object of the invention to provide a window buck to which drywall panels can be secured directly without the need for an intermediary metal angle, and thus, reducing overall construction costs. 
         [0015]    These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciable from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from the accompanying drawings and claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a typical prior art window frame/window buck assembly; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the prior art window buck/drywall panel assembly taken generally along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the window frame/window buck assembly of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the window buck/drywall panel assembly taken generally along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the window buck/drywall panel assembly taken generally along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a top perspective view of the window buck shown in  FIG. 3 ; and, 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a bottom perspective view of the window buck shown in  FIG. 3 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred aspects, it is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects. 
         [0025]    Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and, as such, may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims. 
         [0026]    Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It should be appreciated that the term “substantially” is synonymous with terms such as “nearly”, “very nearly”, “about”, “approximately”, “around”, “bordering on”, “close to”, “essentially”, “in the neighborhood of”, “in the vicinity of”, etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described. 
         [0027]    Adverting now to the figures,  FIG. 3  illustrates the preferred embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the window assembly of the present invention window frame/window buck/drywall panel assembly, hereinafter referred to as window buck assembly  20 , shown housed within a window opening. Generally, window buck assembly  20  comprises four window bucks  22   a ,  22   b ,  22   c , and  22   d , and drywall panels  23   a ,  23   b ,  23   c  and window assembly  21 , having window frame  24  and window  25 . 
         [0028]    Wall  16  includes four window opening surfaces  28   a ,  28   b ,  28   c , and  28   d . Each window buck  22   a ,  22   b ,  22   c , and  22   d , is fixedly secured to a corresponding window opening surface  28   a ,  28   b ,  28   c , and  28   d , respectively. Specifically, window buck  22   a  is arranged substantially vertically and fixedly secured to window opening surface  28   a . Window buck  22   a  is disposed substantially perpendicular to window bucks  22   b ,  22   d . Window buck  22   b  is arranged substantially horizontally and fixedly secured to window opening  28   b . Window buck  22   b  is disposed substantially perpendicular to window bucks  22   a ,  22   c . Window buck  22   c  is arranged substantially vertically and fixedly secured to window opening surface  28   c . Window buck  22   c  is disposed substantially perpendicular to window bucks  22   b ,  22   d . Window buck  22   d  is arranged substantially horizontally and fixedly secured to window opening surface  28   d . Window buck  22   d  is disposed substantially perpendicular window bucks  22   a ,  22   c . Window bucks  22   a ,  22   b ,  22   c , and  22   d  are fixedly secured to corresponding window opening surfaces  28   a ,  28   b ,  28   c , and  28   d , respectively, via concrete screws. Although, it should be appreciated that the window bucks may be secured to the window opening surfaces by any suitable means, such as screws, nails, etc. 
         [0029]    Although the window buck assembly includes four (4) window bucks and four (4) window opening surfaces, it should be apparent that window assemblies can vary in size and shape, and therefore, the number of window bucks and window opening surfaces may be fewer or greater depending on the size and shape of the window opening. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, the window buck is made of a composite material. However, it should be appreciated that the window buck can be made of any suitable material, such as wood, polyvinyl carbonate, plastic, etc. 
         [0030]    Wood blocks  27   a ,  27   b  are fixedly secured to wall  26  adjacent to the window opening. Wood block  27   a  is fixedly secured vertically to wall  16  and substantially perpendicular to wood block  27   b , which is secured horizontally to wall  16 . In a preferred embodiment, wood blocks  27   a ,  27   b  are secured via concrete screws. However, it should be appreciated that the wood block may be secured by any suitable means, such as screws, nails, etc. It should be appreciated that, in a preferred embodiment, wood blocks  27   a ,  27   b  are made of wood; however, wood blocks  27   a ,  27   b  may be made of any suitable material, such as wood, plastic, composite material, etc. Drywall panel  23   a  is cut on a bias and matingly engages window buck  22   a , which is cut on the opposite bias. Similarly, drywall panel  23   b  matingly engages window buck  22   b  in substantially the same manner. In a preferred embodiment, drywall panels  23   a ,  23   b  are fixedly secured to window bucks  22   a ,  22   b , respectively, via drywall screws, but may be secured by any suitable means. 
         [0031]    Each drywall panel  23   a ,  23   b  is fixedly secured and substantially perpendicular to a corresponding wood block  27   a ,  27   b , respectively. In a preferred embodiment, drywall panels  23   a ,  23   b  are fixedly secured to wood blocks  27   a ,  27   b , respectively, via drywall screws, but may be secured by any suitable means. Preferably, furring strips  49   a ,  49   b  are fixedly secured to corresponding window opening surface  28   a ,  28   b , respectively, via concrete screws in between window opening surfaces  28   a ,  28   b , and drywall panels  23   a ,  23   b , respectively. Drywall panel  23   c  is fixedly secured to wood blocks  27   a ,  27   b  such that drywall panel  23   c  is substantially perpendicular to drywall panels  23   a ,  23   b . By securing the drywall panels as mentioned above, window frame  24  is completely visible. 
         [0032]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of window buck  22   a  and drywall panel  23   a  taken generally along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 . Window buck  22   a  comprises top surface  32   a , bottom surface  39   a , first side surface  35   a , and second side surface  34   a . Concrete screw  54   a  is bored through top surface  32   a  of window buck  22   a  into wall  26  until the head of the screw is flush with top surface  32   a  in order to fixedly secure window buck  22   a  to window opening surface  28   a . Drywall panel  23   a  comprises top surface  51   a , bottom surface  53   a , first side surface (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) and second side surface  52   a . Drywall screw  55   a  is bored through top surface  51   a  of drywall panel  23   a  into window buck  22   a  until the head of the screw is flush with top surface  51   a  in order to fixedly secure drywall panel  23   a  to window buck  22   a . In a preferred embodiment, bottom surface  39   a  comprises first bottom surface  41   a , second bottom surface  42   a , and channel  38   a . Channel  38   a  is recessed with bottom surface  39   a  and runs longitudinally along bottom surface  39   a  creating a division between first bottom surface  41   a  and second bottom surface  42   a . Channel  38   a  is operatively arranged to receive caulking, or other adhesive material, as an additional means of securing the window buck to the window opening surface. Moreover, the caulking creates a watertight seal between the window buck and the window opening surface. It should be appreciated that the window buck and the drywall panel may be secured by any suitable means and manner. 
         [0033]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of window buck  22   b  and drywall panel  23   b  taken generally along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 3 . Window buck  22   b  comprises top surface  32   b , bottom surface  39   b , first side surface  35   b , and second side surface  34   b . Concrete screw  54   b  is bored through top surface  32   b  of window buck  22   b  into wall  26  until the head of the screw is flush with top surface  32   b  in order to fixedly secure window buck  22   b  to window opening surface  28   b . Drywall panel  23   b  comprises top surface  51   b , bottom surface  53   b , first side surface (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) and second side surface  52   b . Drywall screw  55   b  is bored through top surface  51   b  of drywall panel  23   b  into window buck  22   b  until the head of the screw is flush with top surface  51   b  in order to fixedly secure drywall panel  23   b  to window buck  22   b . In a preferred embodiment, bottom surface  39   b  comprises first bottom surface  41   b , second bottom surface  42   b , and channel  38   b . Channel  38   b  is recessed with bottom surface  39   b  and runs longitudinally along bottom surface  39   b  creating a division between first bottom surface  41   b  and second bottom surface  42   b . Channel  38   b  is operatively arranged to receive caulking, or other adhesive material, as an additional means of securing the window buck to the window opening surface. As mentioned previously, the caulking also provides a watertight seal between the window buck and the window opening surface. It should be appreciated that the window buck and the drywall panel may be secured by any suitable means and manner. 
         [0034]    As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the second side surface and the bottom surface of the window buck are arranged at acute angle θ to one another, forming a beveled edge. The second side surface and the bottom surface of the drywall panel are arranged at acute angle σ to one another, forming a beveled edge. In a preferred embodiment, angle θ and angle σ are identical, such that both angle θ and angle σ are 45 degrees. It should be appreciated, however, that the angles can vary depending on the configuration of the particular window buck/drywall panel assembly. Because both the window buck and the drywall panel are cut on a bias, second side surface  34   a  of window buck  22   a  matingly engages second side surface  52   a  of drywall panel  23   a , such that entire window frame  24  is revealed. When second side surface  34   a  of window buck  22   a  matingly engages second side surface  52   a  of drywall panel  23   a , top surface  32   a  of window buck  22   a  and top surface  51   a  of drywall panel  23   a  are flush with one another. Similarly, second side surface  34   b  of window buck  22   b  matingly engages second side surface  52   b  of drywall panel  23   b , such that entire window frame  24  is revealed. In addition, when second side surface  34   a  of window buck  22   a  matingly engages second side surface  52   a  of drywall panel  23   a , top surface  32   a  of window buck  22   a  and top surface  51   a  of drywall panel  23   a  are flush with one another. 
         [0035]    Top surface  32   a  has top width W 1  and bottom surface has a bottom width W 2 . Bottom surface  39   a  is substantially parallel to top surface  32   a  and top surface  32   a  and bottom surface  39   a  are coplanar. First side surface  35   a  is transverse and substantially perpendicular to top surface  32   a  and bottom surface  39   a . Second side surface  34   a  is arranged opposite to first side surface  35   a , such that second side surface  34   a  slopes downwardly from top surface  32   a  to bottom surface  39   a . Therefore, top width W 1  is smaller than bottom width W 2 . 
         [0036]      FIGS. 6 and 7  are perspective views of window buck  22   a  shown in  FIG. 3 . Window buck  22   a  comprises edges  43   a ,  44   a ,  45   a , and  46   a . Edge  43   a  is formed by the intersection of top surface  32   a  and second side surface  34   a . Edge  44   a  is formed by the intersection of top surface  32   a  and first side surface  35   a . Edge  45   a  is formed by the intersection of bottom surface  39   a  and first side surface  35   a . Edge  46   a  is formed by the intersection of bottom surface  39   a  to second side surface  34   a.    
         [0037]    Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.