Abstract:
Pre-fabricated kits are provided for window/door trimming/casing that are designed and tailored for various window/door openings, architectural styles and/or manufacturers. According to one aspect, the kit is easy to assemble with everything in the box including prefabricated mutually engaging fasteners to allow all the pieces to be fastened together quickly and by hand. According to another aspect, the kit is prefabricated in a prepared and finished condition with all the pieces already painted, stained and finished, so no finishing such as painting required during or after installation. The kit can be manufactured to fit for any type of window/door and opening as long as the dimensions of openings are substantially known. Optional add-ons such as curtain rods, valances, closet shelves, poles, cabinets, shutters and cornices can also be included in the kit in pre-fabricated condition. The principles of the invention can also be extended to other types of molding such as crown molding and baseboards. Among many advantages, the invention reduces labor costs dramatically, improves quality and consistency in craftsmanship, and provides economies of scale to be applied the production of finished products that has never been previously available.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to windows, doors, and similar structures for buildings such as homes and offices, and more particularly to a prefabricated assembly for trimming/casing such structures and a methodology for the same. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In conventional housing construction (e.g. single and multifamily homes, apartments, condominiums, townhouses), windows and doors are typically installed and trimmed manually that involves many labor-intensive steps. For example, installing and trimming a window requires, at least: sizing a window opening, installing the window in the opening, measuring the window surroundings and casing materials, manually cutting trim pieces at proper angles to proper length according to the measurements, fitting pieces around the wall opening, adding and securing pieces to the surrounding wall with nails, and painting/staining the window trim. Such a manual process requires several different skilled personnel (e.g. window installer, window trimmer and painter), costs long labor hours and material waste, and the quality of final product varies upon the skill and proficiency of the handicraftsman(s). 
     Some attempts at pre-fabricated window assemblies have been made. U.S. Pat. No. 6,389,763 describes grooves and tongues allowing for variation in fitting the gaps between wall and jamb, but the jamb and window trim assembly are pre-assembled, which complicates shipping, and materials must be nailed to a wall. U.S. Pat. No. 4,193,238 describes brackets installed along a window cases allowing window casing cover to snap on around an opening, but the brackets require screws for installation. U.S. Pat. No. 4,972,640 describes attaching a window trim assembly to a window frame using mounting clips, but the window surrounding is pre-assembled. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,134,814 and 5,220,756 teach a prefabricated window stool and apron unit for window enhancement, but the installation requires screws to fasten the unit to wall. U.S. Pat. No. 5,348,066 also teaches a wood trim system with pre-finished window trim and nails/screws are required. U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,033 describes a vinyl window finish trim assembly for mounting in a window opening, however this patent requires an extrusion fitting within the window and separately attached corner pieces to secure the trim pieces together, thus limiting the types of windows and openings in which it is used. Similar drawbacks are found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,857,232 and U.S. Publication No. 2005/0115168 where nails/screws are required to fasten the trim casing. Another similar method is taught in U.S. Publication No. 2006/0254201 where pieces are custom made but must be pre-assembled prior to delivery, again complicating shipping. 
     It remains desirable for an easy, efficient and inexpensive way to trim a window or other opening with high quality and predictable results. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention broadly contemplates the provision of pre-fabricated kits for window/door trimming/casing that are designed and tailored for various window/door openings, architectural styles and/or manufacturers. According to one aspect, the kit is easy to assemble with everything in the box including prefabricated mutually engaging fasteners to allow all the pieces to be fastened together quickly and by hand. According to another aspect, the kit is prefabricated in a prepared and finished condition with all the pieces already painted, stained and finished, so no finishing such as painting required during or after installation. The kit can be manufactured to fit for any type of window/door and opening as long as the dimensions of openings are substantially known. Optional add-ons such as curtain rods, valances, closet shelves, poles, cabinets, shutters and cornices can also be included in the kit in pre-fabricated condition. The principles of the invention can also be extended to other types of molding such as crown molding and baseboards. Among many advantages, the invention reduces labor costs dramatically, improves quality and consistency in craftsmanship, and provides economies of scale to be applied the production of finished products that has never been previously available. 
     According to these and other aspects, a kit for framing an opening in a building comprises all pieces needed for the frame, precut and pre-finished for the opening, wherein all the pieces can be assembled together in the opening by hand and held together with a friction fit. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded view of one example of a pre-fabricated window trim kit installed to a window according to aspects of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the assembled window trim shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is the rear and side view of the assembled window trim shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is the enlarged top view of the middle cross section of a installed window trim kit shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is the enlarged side view of the upper-left corner of a installed window trim kit; shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is the enlarged side view of the lower-left corner of a installed window trim kit; shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged top view of the middle cross section of a installed window trim kit with tongues and grooves according to another example of the invention; and 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged top view of the middle cross section of a installed window trim kit using adhesive materials according to another example of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded view of another example of a pre-fabricated window trim kit installed to a door according to aspects of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of the assembled door trim shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is the rear and exploded-side view of the assembled door trim using grooves and tongues; 
         FIG. 12  is the enlarged top view of the middle cross section of the installed door trim kit shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 13  is the enlarged top view of the middle cross section of an alternative of the installed door trim kit shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 14  is the enlarged side view of the upper-left corner of a installed door trim kit; shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 15   a  is an alternative of the door trim kit shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 15   b  is an alternative of the window trim kit shown in  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 16  is the enlarged side view of the lower-left corner of the installed window trim kit shown in  FIG. 15   b.    
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, which are provided as illustrative examples of the invention so as to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Notably, the figures and examples below are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention to a single embodiment, but other embodiments are possible by way of interchange of some or all of the described or illustrated elements. Moreover, where certain elements of the present invention can be partially or fully implemented using known components, only those portions of such known components that are necessary for an understanding of the present invention will be described, and detailed descriptions of other portions of such known components will be omitted so as not to obscure the invention. In the present specification, an embodiment showing a singular component should not be considered limiting; rather, the invention is intended to encompass other embodiments including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, applicants do not intend for any term in the specification or claims to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the present invention encompasses present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration. 
     According to a first aspect, the invention provides pre-fabricated kits for various window openings and manufacturers.  FIG. 1  shows the exploded view of a window frame kit  170  installed onto a typical double-hung window  160 . The example window  160  shown in FIG.  1  is a 200 Series Double-Hung window from Andersen Corp. of Bayport, Minn., measuring 1′11½″ by 4′5½″. It should be noted that the invention is not limited to this example size, type or manufacturer. Rather, it is an aspect of the invention that the window  160  can be of any type and size and can have fixed panes, horizontal sliding, or vertical sliding sashes as indicated symbolically by window  160 . Some other non-limiting examples of possible types of window  160  include gliding window, awning window, casement window, and skylights, etc. Still further, while the invention will be described as trimming a window or opening, other substantially synonymous terms of art include casing and molding. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 1 , frame kit  170 , after being assembled as described in more detail below, is secured to window  160  and the corresponding window opening by directly snapping the kit  170  into the window perimeter slot  120 , which further snap-fits into window  160 . Various window perimeter slots  120  can be available for many types of windows and are designed and manufactured by several vendors, such as EZ Trim Kit of Danville, Calif. or Veka, Inc. of Frombell, Pa. Other alternative ways of securing the frame kit  170  to window  160 , such as using adhesive instead of slots  120 , will be apparent from the descriptions and examples provided herein, and these are to be included in the spirit of the present invention. More detailed descriptions will be given later in this disclosure. 
     One example embodiment of a window trim assembly  170  according to the principles of the invention will now be described in more detail in connection with the front, rear, and side views shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . As shown, this example window trim assembly  160  includes head trim  210 , a pair of side trim  220 , sill trim  230 , apron trim  240 , a pair of jamb extenders  250 , and head jamb extender  260 . According to aspects of the invention to be described in more detail below, the dimensions of head trim  210 , side trim  220 , sill trim  230 , apron trim  240 , jamb extenders  250  and head jamb extender  260  are pre-determined in accordance with the size of the opening and the type of window and manufacturer. Moreover, although not shown in detail in the drawings, the pieces can be machined with ornamental features (e.g. for the trim pieces) and honches (e.g. for the apron and sill). 
     According to one preferred example of the invention using dowels as described in more detail below, the components are all comprised of wood such as poplar. However, the invention is not limited to this example, and various other types of wood such as, by way of non-limiting example, oak, cherry, pine, black walnut, ash, MDF, maple, fir. Moreover, other non-wood materials can be used for manufacturing the pieces, such as vinyl, polystyrene, etc., as should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and these are to be included in the spirit of the present invention. Moreover, it is not necessary for all components in the kit  170  to be comprised of the same material. For example, some components in the kit may be comprised of wood, while other components may be comprised of vinyl. 
     Returning to the particular example shown in  FIG. 1 , with a standard rough window opening of 2′0″ by 4′6″, and a 200 Series Double-Hung window, head trim  210  is an isosceles-trapezoid shape piece with two shorter and longer legs approx. 22″ and 30″ respectively, a width of about 3½″ and a thickness of approx ¾″. Profile  220  is in this case is a right-trapezoid shape piece with the longer leg 4′8″, the shorter leg 4′4″, about 3½″ wide and a thickness of about ¾″. Sill trim  230  is in this case is a rectangular piece with dimensions of about 2′7″ by 3″ and about ¾″ thick. Apron trim  240  is in this case a rectangular piece with dimensions of 2′5″ by 3½″ and about ¾″ thick. A jamb extender  250 , with width depending on thickness of the wall, is in this case a rectangular piece with dimensions of about 4′4″ by 1¾″ and about ¾″ thick. The head jamb extender  260  is in this case a rectangular piece with dimensions of about 2′ by 1¾″ and about ¾″ thick, and also has a width depending on thickness of the wall, as will become more apparent from the descriptions below. 
     In this illustrated example, head trim  210  and profile  220  are in trapezoid shapes so that they form a ninety degree angle when assembled. However, this is not necessary. Moreover, the final shape of the trim after putting all pieces together will be rectangular in this case, which again, is for illustration purposes in connection with the rectangular window opening, but the spirit of the present invention will not be limited to specifications herein. According to aspects of the invention, two matching pairs of multi-fluted wood dowels and holes  270 , with 5/16 inch diameter and 1 inch in length, are located on each upper corner of the trim at where the head trim  210  and the profiles  220  join together, so that they are tightly attached with a friction fit when the dowels are inserted in the holes and the pieces are pushed together. Similar matching dowels and holes  290  join together profiles  220  to jamb extenders  250 . Likewise, matching dowels and holes  280  join together profiles  220  with sill trim  230 ; matching dowels and holes  211  join together apron trim  240  and sill trim  230 ; and matching dowels and holes  201  join together head trim  210  and head jamb extender  260 . 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 2 , matching pairs of dowels and holes  201 ,  290  and  211  are spaced at most about 4½ inches apart, and located on the touching sides of both pieces. For example, if profiles  220  and jamb extender  250  are about  50  inches long, there will be approximately eight matching pairs of holes and dowels, with all holes located on one piece, and all dowels located on the other. Meanwhile, as shown in the example of  FIG. 2  only two pairs of matching holes and dowels  270  and  280  are provided on facing surfaces that are only a few inches long, which is sufficient in this example. 
     In one example embodiment, the number and tightness of the friction fit between the holes and dowels is sufficient to maintain the overall structural integrity of the assembled structure. In other embodiments, for further integrity, dovetail fasteners may be used instead or added for field assembly of kit  170  as described in more detail below. 
     As mentioned above, the principles of the invention are not limited to window openings. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a door opening. In another example of the present invention shown in the exploded view in  FIG. 9 , a door frame kit  970 , after being assembled, is secured to a door opening and the corresponding existing door frame  960  by securing the doorjamb  920  inside an existing door frame  960  and attaching the door casings  930  to each side of the doorjamb  920 . Other alternative ways of securing the frame kit  970  to door opening  960  will be apparent from the descriptions and examples provided herein, and these are to be included in the spirit of the present invention. 
     The door frame kit  970  is another example embodiment according to the principles of the invention and will now be described in more detail in connection with the detailed front view shown in  FIG. 10 . As shown, the two door casings  930  in this example are the same, but it should be readily understood that they can be different. In this example, both casings  930  include a head trim  1010  and a pair of profiles  1020 , where the doorjamb  920  includes a pair of side jambs  1030 , and head jamb  1040 . According to aspects of the invention to be described in more detail below, and similar to those described above for windows, the dimensions of head trim  1010 , profiles  1020 , side jambs  1030  and head jamb  1040  are pre-determined in accordance with the size of the opening and the type of door and manufacturer. 
     In this illustrated example, head trim  1010  and profile  1020  are in trapezoid shapes so that they form a ninety degree angle when assembled. However, this is not necessary. The final shape of this door assembly kit  970  after putting all pieces together will be rectangular looking from the front in this case, which again, is for illustration purposes in connection with the rectangular door opening, but the spirit of the present invention will not be limited to specifications herein. 
     In addition to the wood dowels and holes, as described above in the window example, additional assembly and securing methods can be used. For example, pairs of dovetail fasteners  1070  are shown here in addition to the dowels and holes pairs to join tighter the head trim  1010  and profile  1020  with still further friction fit. For example, the fasteners  1070  can be comprised of plastic and about ¼″ thick and about ¾″ long, as several types are known to those skilled in the art of cabinetry and similar trades (e.g. Hoffmans). Corresponding slots can be cut into trim  1010  and profile  1020  for accepting the fasteners. For assembly of the kit, after the pieces  1010  and  1020  are joined together using the dowels and holes, the slots in the respective pieces will align, and the fasteners  1070  can be pounded in using a mallet or similar tool. It should be noted that the dimensions of the slot should be slightly smaller than the dimensions of the dovetail fasteners so that they compress slightly when pounded into the slots, thereby securing the pieces  1010  and  1020  together. 
     As an another possible alternative, matching pairs of grooves and tongues are also used for this assembling kit pieces together as shown in  FIG. 11 . In this illustrated example, a matching pair of groove  1095  and tongue  1090  with dimensions of about ¼″ thick and ¾″ deep are located on the touching sides of profiles  1020  and side jambs  1030  to join them together with a friction fit when the tongue  1090  are inserted into the groove  1095 . Likewise, a matching tongue  1050  and groove  1055  join together head trim  1010  and head jamb  1040 . In the example shown in  FIG. 11 , the length and width of the matching pairs of tongues and grooves  1050 ,  1055 ,  1090 ,  1095  are depending on the dimensions of the kit  970 . 
     According to an aspect of the invention, whether holes and dowels, dovetail fasteners, and/or tongues and grooves are used, the invention allows the entire kit  170  to be assembled by hand, and the resulting assembly is secured with a friction fit, such that nails and other materials are not required to assemble window trim kit  170 . It should be apparent, however, that glue or other compounds can be used in the holes before the dowels are inserted to even further secure the pieces together. Moreover, the number and size of matching dowel and hole pairs is a design choice and the examples described herein enable a desired amount of rigidity for the assembled structure while preserving ease of assembly. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 12 , after assembling the two door casings  930  and assembling the doorjamb  920 , dovetails  1060  and pairs of dowels and holes are used, as described above, to attach the profiles  1020  of the two door casings  930  onto each side of the side piece  1030  of the doorjamb to form trimmings around the door frame. As further shown in  FIG. 12 , jamb jacks  1080  are used in some embodiments of a door kit to secure a door jamb  920  to a rough opening. As further shown, a door stop  1085  can further be attached to door jamb  920  using dowels or screws. Door stop  1085  can be a separate wood piece about ½″ thick and about ¾″ wide and having a length about the same as the interior dimensions of the jamb  920 . As further shown, a corresponding accepting notch can be formed in the interior of jamb  920 , having a depth of only about ¼″ so that the door stop extends further into the opening of frame  960 . As further shown in  FIG. 12 , holes are drilled in piece  1030  to accept the screw of the jamb jack  1080 . 
     It should be noted that piece  1030  of door jamb  920 , as well as head jamb  1040  of jamb  920 , have been described above as only comprising a single piece of wood or other material, it is possible that a split jamb approach can be used. For example, the two casings  930  can be joined to separate halves of jamb  920 , which can be either secured to a rough door opening separately or further joined together. One possible example is shown in  FIG. 13 , where the jamb extender  1030  is split into two pieces  1030   a  and  1030   b  so that walls with various widths W door  can be accommodated by adjusting the two pieces of jamb extenders  1030   a  and  1030   b  to fit the wall. Those skilled in the art will appreciate various additional alternatives. 
       FIG. 14  shows an enlarged side view taken along cross-section  8 - 8  in  FIG. 10 . As shown, head trim  1010  is attached to the head jamb  1040  with dovetails  1070  in addition to dowels and holes. The head piece  1040  of jamb  920  is attached to the rough door opening with fasteners such as screws and nails. 
     As further mentioned previously, the kit  170  and kit  970  components, pieces dimensions, and trim shapes described above are tailored to fit for a double-hung window frame and a single door frame and are specifically discussed for illustration purpose. However, other components, dimensions, and shapes that serve the purpose of trimming or decorating an arbitrary opening will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the present disclosure, and these are also to be included in the spirit of the present invention. For example, the assembled kit  170  can have a radius top to fit on a radius window, the kit  970  can be wider to fit on a 3-panel entry door, pieces dimensions will be bigger for a two-by-six window than for a two-by-four window, and extra components such as a curtain rod will be included if curtains are to be installed. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, and as mentioned above, the prefabricated kits  170  and  970  are easy to assemble on-site and can be secured in a window/door opening and/or to an installed window/door without requiring any additional carpentry or nails. Upon delivery, every piece of material needed for window trim is included in the kit, already cut to size, painted/stained to the desired color and/or finish, and prepared. Pieces are pre-cut for different window openings and window types so that no further sawing or cutting is required. With dowel and hole pairs on each side of the connecting surface, pieces are easily assembled merely by pushing dowels into matching holes for attachment. 
     In addition to contemplating various structures and openings, as well as various ways the pieces of kits  170  and  970  can be assembled together, the invention contemplates various ways of securing an opening frame kit to a opening and/or installed window or door, etc. 
       FIG. 4  shows one example according to the invention. In particular, it shows an enlarged top view taken along cross-section  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 . The trim  170  is installed to a window perimeter slot  120 , which is itself attached to a window frame  160 . There are several forms of window perimeter slots  120  that can be used, and the particular one shown here is a vinyl extrusion manufactured by EZ Trim Kit, LLC. However, this example is provided for illustration purposes, and the invention is not limited to this example. As shown in  FIG. 4 , profile  220  is attached to the jamb extender  250  with dowel and hole  290 . The U-shape of slot  120  allows the jamb extender  250  to snap and lock into the slot  120  with a friction fit. It should be appreciated that glue or other adhesives can also be used to reinforce the friction fit. 
       FIG. 5  shows an enlarged side view taken along cross-section  5 - 5  in  FIG. 2 . As shown, head trim  210  is attached to the head jamb extender  260  with dowels and holes  201 . The U-shape of slot  120  allows the head jamb extender  260  to snap and lock into the slot  120  with a friction fit. 
       FIG. 6  shows an enlarged side view taken along cross-section  6 - 6  of  FIG. 2 . The trim sill  230  is attached to the trim apron  240  with dowel and holes  211 . Again, the U-shape of slot  120  allows the trim sill  230  to snap and lock to the slot  120  with a friction fit. 
     It should be noted that slot  120  need not extend the entire interior lengths of the window  160 . For example, several separate pieces of vinyl can be used instead of one continuous piece. Moreover, the one or more pieces of slot  120  can be screwed onto window  160  for additional rigidity. 
     As mentioned above, additionally or alternatively to window perimeter slots  120 , other materials can be used to attach the window trim assembly  170  to window frame  160 . One example shown in  FIG. 7  is a variation of  FIG. 4 . In this example, jamb extender  250 ′ includes a tongue  721  that engages with a groove  731  of window frame  160 . In this embodiment, window frame  160  can be a casement type window from Andersen, though various other types of windows are possible. The tongue  721  is integrally formed or machined in extender  250 ′ and is about ¼″ wide and about ½″ long. It is dimensioned so as to engage with groove  731  with a friction fit. It should be noted that glue or other adhesive can be used to reinforce the friction fit. 
       FIG. 8  is another example alternative to using slots  120 . In this example embodiment, window trim kit  170  is glued or otherwise adhered to window frame  160  with adhesive material  841 . The amount and type of adhesive material that is used can depend on the materials comprising window frame  160  and kit  170 . In an example where kit  170  is comprised of wood, glue or epoxy may be used. Silicone, epoxy or other materials may be used where window  160  or kit  170  is comprised of vinyl. As shown in this example, the surface of jamb extender  250  is substantially flat and flush with a corresponding surface of window  160 . 
     In addition to above described alternative embodiments, optional parts such as decorative sill trim, decorative corner pieces (e.g. cornices, rosettes), curtain rods or valances, closet shelves and poles can be further attached and/or integrally formed in pieces provided in kit  170  depending upon needs and preferences. 
       FIG. 15   a  shows an alternative of door trim  970  where decorative blocks  1440  are added to the bottom by connecting one side to the end of profile  1020  using dovetails  1450  and/or dowels/holes. 
       FIG. 15   b  shows another alternative of the window trim example  170  where decorative corner pieces  1410  (i.e. cornices) and sill trim  1420  are added to the kit. One side of the corner pieces is connected directly to the side trim  220  using dovetails  1490 , and another side to the head trim  210 . Sill trim  1420  in this case is connected to a sill trim extender  1430  using dovetails  1490  and pairs of dowel and hole  1480 . 
       FIG. 16  shows an enlarged side view taken along cross-section  6 - 6  in  FIG. 15   b.  The trim sill  1420  is attached to the trim sill extender  1430  with dovetails  1490  and dowels and holes  1480 . 
     According to a still further aspect of the invention mentioned above, all the pieces of kit  170  are pre-sized, cut and finished for a given window opening and type of window. It is also possible to machine and finish the pieces to match a desired architectural style, or pre-existing and other types of molding in a building such as baseboards and crown molding. It should be appreciated that an advantage of the invention is that considerable economies of scale can be achieved by mass producing kits for a large number of buildings, such as housing developments, which may all have similar architectural and/or interior styles. The invention allows machinery, tools and materials for creating kits to be centralized, and then the kits can be easily shipped to a site and assembled easily on site, thereby greatly reducing costs and improving quality. 
     An example method of preparing a kit  170  for a given window opening and type of window is described in more detail herein, and with reference to  FIGS. 2 to 4 . For example, assume that a standard window opening has a height H O , a width W O  and a thickness (e.g. wall thickness) T O . Most window manufacturers provide windows that have combinations of height and width to accommodate almost any standard window opening and there is generally no need to adjust the height and width of the kit to account for a given opening. Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the length of all pieces  210 ,  220 ,  240 ,  250  and  260  in the kit can be determined from the size of the opening in a straightforward manner from the dimensions H O  and W O . 
     However, as further shown in  FIG. 4 , various manufacturers can provide various thicknesses T W  corresponding to the amount that the window extends from the exterior of a wall towards the interior of the wall in the window opening. Accordingly, this measurement is known and/or can be predetermined for any given manufacturer, and the width T K  of extender pieces  250  and  260  can be determined as approximately T K =T O −T W . It should be apparent that depending on the type of extrusion or connector material such as slots  120 , that some variation may need to be used to allow the profile pieces  210  and  220  to be flush with the interior wall, but in many cases this can be ignored. It should be further noted that the width of sill  230  is at least T K , plus an additional amount depending on a desired sill depth. 
     Once the dimensions and shapes of kit  170  are computed for a desired window opening and window manufactured, the pieces of kit  170  are designed for a desired ornamental appearance and pieces are manufactured in several steps: machine dissecting big pieces of wood into several wood pieces according to the design, drilling holes in the pieces at desired separation as described above, providing dowels for each of the holes, machining, painting or staining the pieces to a desired finish, and packaging the kit. Unlike conventional window trimming, the mass-production of pre-fabricated trim kits as allowed by the invention not only lowers the manufacturing cost substantially but also ensures quality consistency. 
     Although the present invention is illustrated as practicing upon a double-hung window, principles of invention could be extended to any shape of openings, not limited to square or rectangle, and furthermore, principles of invention could be extended to any type of building openings including any form of window or door, such as a vent, skylight, fireplace surrounding, closet door, cabinets, etc. 
     Moreover, it should be apparent that the principles of the invention can be readily extended to other types of molding that are commonly used in constructing or renovating buildings such as offices and homes. For example, baseboards and crown molding can be mass-machined and cut to desired lengths and sizes of rooms, shipped to sites, and assembled on site using dowels and dovetails. Honches can also be used and various types of corners and other pieces can be provided to fill gaps and connect corners, for example. 
     Although the present invention has been particularly described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it should be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that changes and modifications in the form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that the appended claims encompass such changes and modifications.