Abstract:
A snap fitted dual frame window assembly provides for convenient installation of a window in a basement foundation of a residential home. An outer frame is used as a form or spacer for the window during pouring of a concrete foundation wall and has a sloping recessed guiding wall to accommodate an inner vinyl frame. Vinyl frame clips are attached to the inside of the outer frame to secure the inner vinyl frame. The inner vinyl frame includes a channel section which can be forced over the frame clips and then is held, in a snap fit, by the frame clips. One arm of a hinged window sash is mounted on the inner frame and the other is mounted on a window frame. The inner frame can be easily removed from the outer frame and re-installed in different orientations.

Description:
This application is a continuation application of application no. Ser. No. 08/947,904, filed on Oct. 9, 1997 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,826. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to windows, and more particularly to a window assembly and a method for installing the window assembly. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many homes in northern climates have poured concrete basements. As part of the construction process, forms are generally installed to guide concrete around various objects such as window and door frames so that the concrete forms a desired building foundation structure. After forms are installed, but prior to pouring the concrete, a basement window frame with glass or a complete window frame is typically installed into them. The concrete is then poured around the window frame, after which the forms are removed, leaving the window in place. 
     During the subsequent construction of the home, materials such as gravel for the basement floor, concrete to pour the basement floor, pipes and the like are generally passed through the basement window, which commonly causes undesirable damage to the window frame. Additionally, the glass of the window is also commonly damaged. It is known that such activity causes many problems, such as damaged, broken or cracked frame mouldings and window breakage. Such damage then necessitates costly and time consuming re-installation of the window assembly. 
     It is therefore desirable to develop a window which may be installed after such construction activities have been completed. There have been previous attempts to develop such a window, but without success. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,336,698 to MacGregor discloses a combination window assembly having a frame, a screen and a storm window. The assembly utilizes extruded metal or hard extruded plastic window track guides. However, these components are still subject to damage from further construction activity, since they must be in place during the initial construction process. Even if the window track guides are only damaged to a slight degree, the workings of the complete assembly will be adversely affected, due to the precise nature of the dimension and orientation requirements of the assembly components. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,742,647 to Pacca discloses a window construction for a double glazed window which incorporates interlocking mouldings and slot portions which facilitate installation and de-installation of window frames and casings. However, substantial time and effort is still required to install and remove the complete window assembly. Such involved installation processes result in the tendency of builders to leave the frame alone in the foundation wall and the window pane uninstalled, during the period of continued construction. Since construction activities can continue for days or weeks, this activity can result in significant site safety and security dangers. Additionally, the frame is exposed during this time, thereby increasing the risk of damage. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,890,418 to Sachs describes an improved access panel assembly where the assembly can be rotated 180°. However, this assembly does not allow convenient and interchangeable installation of window pane with various opening orientations within the window frame. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a window assembly whose installation can be conveniently integrated into the conventional construction of a basement foundation, which protects the window from damage, and which allows a user to variously choose the orientation and opening characteristics of the window being installed. Further, there is a need for a window assembly which may easily and conveniently be installed and removed from its opening. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a window assembly comprising an outer frame, a plurality of frame clips, inner frame, and a window frame. The outer frame has a front surface and an inner surface with a guiding wall. Each frame clip has an inner surface and an outer surface, with the outer surface being permanently attachable to the sloped recessed wall of the inner surface of the outer frame. The inner frame has an outside surface which engages with the inside surface of the frame clips and a first set of grooved sections suited to support the stationary arms of a pair of window sashes. The window frame holds a glass pane and has a second set of grooved sections suited to support the movable arms of the pair of window sashes, such that the window frame is rotatably connected to the inner frame by the pair of window sashes. Alternatively, the inner frame may be fixed to the window frame, thereby eliminating the need for the sashes. 
     The window assembly allows easy installation and removal of fragile components, thereby preventing damage during construction. Additionally, the window may be removed only from the interior of the building, thereby providing security. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully and completely understood, when the following detailed description is read in connection with the attached drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a window assembly made in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the window assembly, taken along the line  2 — 2  in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of area  3  from FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an inner frame of the window assembly shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an inner frame and an outer frame of the window assembly shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of area  6  from FIG. 3; and 
     FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  2 — 2  in FIG. 1, and having an alternative outer frame member. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated therein is a window assembly  10  made in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the window assembly  10  comprises an outer frame  12 , a frame clip  14 , an inner frame  16 , and a window frame  18 . In the preferred embodiment, the outer frame  12  is made from wood and the frame clip  14 , the inner frame  16 , and the window frame  18 , are all fabricated from an extrusion of resilient plastic material, a suitable example of which is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Of course it will be appreciated that these parts may be made from any suitable material, such as wood, plastic, or metal. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the outer frame  12  has an exterior surface  20 , an inner surface  26 , a guiding wall  22 , an abutment wall  24 , an interior surface  27  and an outer surface  25 . A slight obtuse angle is preferably formed between the front surface  20  and the guiding wall  22  such that the guiding wall  22  and the abutment wall  24  are suited to receive, guide, and hold the inner frame  16 . As will be readily understood, the outer frame  12  is formed from four walls, so as to surround the remainder of the window assembly  10  (not shown). 
     While it is preferable that the guiding wall  22 , and abutment wall  24  be present on all four sides of the outer frame  12 , these features are simply an aid to easily mounting the inner frame  16  within the outer frame  12 . 
     As will be appreciated, the size of the opening formed by the outer frame  12  is such that it will receive the inner frame therein, with the outer and inner frames preferably forming a friction fit. The clip  14  is provided to secure the inner frame within the opening defined by the outer frame. The clip  14  may be of any suitable design, and in the preferred embodiment has a dovetail section  28  and a connector section  30  so that the clip forms the general shape of barb. The dovetail section  28  forms an acute angle such that when force is applied to the free end  31  of the dovetail section  28 , it tends to deform towards the connector section  30 . The connector section  30  is preferably secured to the guiding wall  22  of outer frame  12 , such that the connector section  30  approximately abuts the abutment wall  24 . As will be later discussed, the free end  31  of the clip  14  locks the inner frame  16  into the opening of the outer frame  12  when the inner frame  16  is inserted into the opening of the outer frame  12 . 
     Referring to FIG. 4, the inner frame  16  has a flange  32 , a flexible member  34 , a locking portion  36 , a screw channel  38 , a sash support section  40 , a weather stripping contact section  41 , a screw channel  42 , a rigid member  44 , a weather stripping support arm  46 , weather stripping  48 , and a screen support member  50 . 
     The flange  32  is provided on the inner frame  16  such that when the flange  32  is placed over the front surface  20  of the outer frame  12 , a protective barrier is formed between the outer frame  12  and the inner frame  16 . This prevents water and other environmental agents from leaking into the window assembly  10 . As shown in FIG. 4, the flange  32  may be angled slightly to ensure a good seal between the front surface  20  of the outer frame  12  and the inner frame  16 . 
     The surface of the flexible member  34  is slightly bowed, so that when pressure is perpendicularly applied, the flexible member  34  slightly deforms towards the rigid member  44 . This allows the inner frame  16  to fit snugly within the outer frame  12  and frictionally engage the guiding wall  22 . 
     The locking portion  36  is a rigid structure designed for engagement with the dovetail section  28  of the frame clip  14 . The locking portion  36  is sloped in the same direction as the dovetail section  28  of the clip  14 . This allows easy insertion of the inner frame  16  so that the locking portion  36  may be moved past the dovetail section  28 . As this occurs, the dovetail section  28  is compressed, until the locking portion  36  passes the dovetail section  28 , when the dovetail section  28  expands and engages the abutment surface  51  on the locking portion  36 . 
     The sash support section  40  is sized to support a stationary arm of a window sash as will be readily appreciated (not shown). The stationary arm can be secured to the inner frame  16 , by inserting a screw through the stationary arm and into the screw channel  38 . The screw channel  38  may be of any suitable shape, but in the preferred embodiment, has a square channel dimensioned to hold an installed screw in a secure manner. The screw channel  42  allows for the installation of a window locking port suitable for receiving a lock mechanism (FIG.  7 ). 
     The weather stripping support arm  46  extends from the inner frame  16  and supports weather stripping  48 . The weather stripping  48  is provided to form a seal between the inner frame  16  and the window frame  18 . The weather stripping  48  is preferably formed of materials which conform to industrial code standards, namely A 3 B 3  for air/water and A 2 B 2  for homes. The screen support member  50  is provided to support a screen adaptive mechanism  49  to hold a screen  53  as will be understood by a skilled person. 
     Referring to FIGS. 2,  3 , and  5 , the inner frame  16  can be snapfitted into the outer frame  12  as follows. Since the guiding wall  22  of the outer frame  12  is tapered with a wider opening at the front surface  20 , when force is exerted against the inner frame  16 , the guiding wall  22  guides the inner frame  16  into the outer frame  12 . As the inner frame  16  is guided into the outer frame  12 , the flexible member  34  is depressed increasingly towards the rigid member  44 . This ensures a snug friction fit between the outer frame  12  and the inner frame  16 . FIG. 5 provides a view from the interior side of the window assembly showing an example configuration of a plurality of frame clips  14 . As the locking portion  36  passes the dovetail section  28  of frame clips  14 , the free end of dovetail section  28  is deformed towards the connector section  30 . 
     As the locking portion  36  nears abutment wall  24 , the locking portion  36  snaps into dovetail section  28  with the free end  31  of the dovetail section  28  returning to its original orientation with respect to connector section  30 . During this operation, the flange  32  of the inner frame  16  exerts force against the front surface  20  of the outer frame  12  which results in a corresponding exertion of force by the abutment surface  51  on the locking portion  36 , on the dovetail section  28 . Once the inner frame  16  is fitted into the frame clip  14 , the flange  32  remains biased against the front surface  20  of the outer frame  12  and the locking portion  36  continues to exert a corresponding force on the tip of the free end  31  of the dovetail section  28 . As a result, the inner frame  16  is securely engaged with the outer frame  12  by the frame clip  14 . Further, the flange  32  forms a seal with the front surface  20  to prevent leakage of various environmental agents into the window assembly  10  apparatus. 
     Now referring to FIGS. 2,  3 , and  6 , the window frame  18  is suited for holding a glass window pane  52 , and comprises one or more weather stripping fins  54 , weather stripping support arms  56 , a sash support section  58 , a screw channel  60 , an outer flexible member  62 , an inner flexible member  64 , a flexible end  66 , a glass stop  68 , an inner member  70 , a cushioning member  72 , a cushioning pad  74 , an outer member  76 , and a screw channel  78 . 
     The weather stripping fins  54  extend from the front of the weather stripping arm  56 , and are formed of materials which conform to industrial code standards, namely A 3 B 3  for air/water and A 2 B 2  for homes. The sash support section  58  is sized to support the movable arm of a window sash (not shown) and this arm may be secured to the inner frame  16  by screwing a screw through the moveable arm and into the screw channel  60 . The screw channel  60  has a square channel dimension such that its double PVC wall securely holds an installed screw. The outer flexible member  62  and inner flexible member  64  preferably comprise PVC which are connected in an angular fashion so as to provide for flexible movement. 
     When force is applied to the outer flexible member  62 , the outer flexible member  62  and the inner flexible member  64  deform to cause the flexible end  66  to rotate inwardly and exert force on the glass stop  68 , which in turn exerts a securing force on the window pane  52 . During the application of force, the sash support section  58 , inner member  70 , cushioning member  72 , and outer member  76  maintain their rigid form. The cushioning pad  74  is coupled to the cushioning member  72 , and the window pane  52  is attached to the cushioning pad  74  using industrial adhesive agents. 
     Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, the window frame  18  may be operably connected with the inner frame  16  as follows. The window frame  18  is attached to the inner frame  16  by at least one hinged window sash  82 , with the inner frame  16  being coupled to the stationary arm of the hinged window sash  82 , and the window frame  18  being coupled to the moveable arm of the hinged window sash  82 . In some cases it may be desirable to provide a pair of hinged window sashes  82 , one on each side of the window assembly (as seen in FIG.  2 ). The inner frame  16  and the window frame  18  are dimensioned such that when the hinged window sashes  82  are “closed”, the weather stripping support arm  46  is positioned over the outer flexible member  62  such that such that the weather stripping  48  makes air-tight contact with the outer flexible member  62 , and the weather stripping support arm  56  is positioned over the stripping contact section  41  such that weather stripping fins  54  make air-tight contact with stripping contact section  41 . 
     In use, the user may assemble the window assembly  10  by first installing the outer frame  12  into a basement foundation when the foundation is being formed. A removable wood block  83  is positioned in front of front surface  20  and is used to space the wood frame from the edge of the form during concrete pouring as is commonly known. Once the concrete has been poured and has dried, the wood block is removed, allowing front surface  20  to be free of concrete and positioned back from the front edge of the solidified concrete wall. 
     The user may then appropriately attach the frame clips  14  to the outer frame  12  using nails, screws, staples, industrial strength glue or other attachment hardware. Alternatively, the frame clips  14  may be installed prior to installation of the outer frame. The user may then position and guide the inner frame  16  which is attached to the window frame  18  by the hinged window sashes  82  into the outer frame  12 , as previously discussed. 
     The window assembly  10  vastly simplifies the installation of windows in the basement of a residential home, allowing a user to install the window assembly  10  without special tools. Once the outer frame  12  is established within a basement foundation position, the user simply snaps the inner frame  16  into the outer frame  12  to complete the installation of window assembly  10 . This can be done, for example, during the final stages of construction, thereby minimizing risk of damage to the window. 
     Additionally, if the glass pane  52  breaks or if it is desirable to remove the window from the outer frame  12 , the inner frame  16  may be conveniently disengaged from the outer frame  12 , by snapping out the pertinent inside mouldings of the inner frame  16 . The user can use a screwdriver or other prying tool to remove the inner frame  16  from the outer frame  12 , by prying the locking portion  36  inwardly, causing the locking portion  36  to become disengaged from the frame clip  14 . However, it will be appreciated that the window may be removed in this fashion only from the interior of the house. Accordingly, the window assembly  10  provides the user with critical home safety and security features. Firstly, since the user may only remove the inner frame  16  from the outer frame  12  from the inside of a home, basic window security is provided. Additionally, since the inner frame  16  may be easily engaged and disengaged from the outer frame  12 , it is possible for builders to use the open window for construction activity during the day and then to effectively lock the windows in the evening by the reinstalling inner frame  16  and the window frame  18  into the outer frame  12 . 
     Continued construction activity through the installed outer frame  12 , may result in damage to the inner surfaces or outer edges of the outer frame  12  and the frame clip  14 . However, such damage will generally not affect the later installation of the remainder of the window assembly  10 . If the inner surface or outer edges of the outer frame  12  are damaged, the user will still be able to install the inner frame  16  into outer frame  12  since the inner frame  16  will still fit into the outer frame  12  and will cover any damaged inner surfaces or edges. If the frame clip  14  is damaged, the user may easily replace it. However, none of the operational components of the window assembly will be damaged. 
     Additionally, the window assembly  10  allows the user to conveniently install the inner frame  16  and adjoining window frame  18  within the outer frame  12  in various orientations. The user has the option of installing inner frame  16  and window frame  18  in a right side up or upside down manner. If the outer frame  12 , frame clip  14  and inner frame  16  are symmetrical around their respective horizontal axis, it is possible for the user to install the inner frame  16  either in a right side up or upside down manner. Accordingly, the user may configure the window pane  52  to open inwardly from the top of the window or from the bottom of the window. It will also be appreciated that, simply by reorienting the window components, that the window may be opened from the left or the right. 
     In summary, the present invention allows for convenient installation of a window assembly even where the outer frame  12  is damage from continued construction activity. The installation of window assembly has additionally been vastly simplified so that a user may easily install the complete window assembly without special tools. Once the outer frame  12  is established within a basement foundation position, a user is only required to snap the inner frame  16  into the outer frame  12  until the inner frame  16  is securely engaged. If the window pane  52  breaks, or if the user desires to remove the window for any reason, the inner frame  16  may be easily removed from the outer frame  12  through the use of a prying tool. This feature also provides the user with important home safety and security features due to the fact that all components of the window assembly  10  are removable only from the inside of the building. Additionally, the user has the option of installing the inner frame  16  either in an upright or upside down fashion due to the horizontal symmetry of outer frame  12 , frame clip  14 , and inner frame  16 . 
     As shown in FIG. 7, the window assembly  10  may be further adapted for use in commercial mobile or prefabricated homes by utilizing a 2×4 stud  86  and a frame clip  88 , instead of outer frame  12  and frame clip  14 , to secure the locking portion  36  of the inner frame  16 . The frame clip  88  has larger dimension than the frame clip  14 , and is attached to the stud  86  through the use of nails, screws, staples or other mechanical hardware. The frame clip  88  has dimensions suited to guide, snap and secure the locking portion  36  within the frame clip  88 . To this end, the frame clip  88  has a rear abutment portion  89 , since there is no sloping wall terminating at an abutment portion in the outer frame. The frame clip  88  may be further attached to a section of drywall or finished panel  90  on the inside wall of the mobile home and include a flange  92  to aesthetically finish the trimming around the window. The flange  92  forms a slot  93  in which the drywall  90  may be inserted. 
     In this case, the frame clip  88  may be secured to two faces of the stud  86 , for example with nails  94 , prior to installing the drywall  90 . When the drywall  90  is installed, it may be inserted into the slot  93  to cover the edge of the drywall. 
     The window assembly  10  may alternatively comprise a single window frame in place of the inner frame  16  and the window frame  18  (not shown). 
     As well, the window assembly  10  may alternatively comprise an outer frame  12 , inner frame  16 , and window frame  18  with square dimensions. Due to the resulting symmetry of these components along their respective horizontal and vertical axis, the user may install the window in four distinct orientations depending on their preference. In this way, window assembly  10  may be installed to open inwardly either from the top, bottom, left side, or right side of the inner frame  16 . 
     As will be apparent to persons skilled in the art, various modifications and adaptations of the structure described are possible without departure from the spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims.