Patent Publication Number: US-2007107330-A1

Title: Tandem window assembly system

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      The present application is a continuation of and claims priority to application Ser. No. 10/460,739 filed Jun. 12, 2003, for TANDEM WINDOW ASSEMBLY SYSTEM by Mark  0 . Culverson, which claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/388,844 filed Jun. 14, 2002, for TANDEM WINDOW ASSEMBLY SYSTEM by Mark O. Culverson. The entire disclosure of the prior applications are considered as being part of the disclosure of the present application and are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The invention pertains to combination windows. More particularly, the invention pertains to such windows where a primary window and a secondary, storm, window are carried on a common modular frame. Two windows can be installed at the same time, via a single frame, into new construction or existing openings.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      It has been known for many years to install primary windows on a dwelling and then add secondary or storm windows. This process requires two installations even where the secondary windows are installed immediately.  
      There continues to be a need to improve installation efficiency in new construction and in after market upgrades. Preferably such improvements would be achievable without a substantial increase in cost or complexity of the windows. Preferably such improvements would be commercially viable in both new construction and in after market improvements.  
      In addition, where known storm windows are installed on vinyl windows, they reduce the view area or daylight opening of the window. It would be preferable if this undesirable result could be eliminated.  
      In other potential installations, it is desirable to conserve the appearance of an existing window, which might be for example an antique. In such installations, the existing exterior casings are often badly deteriorated and in need of replacement. There continues to be a need in such installations to be able to incorporate secondary windows on the exterior side of the existing window to both conserve the appearance of the existing window and to protect same from the elements. Preferably, the secondary window could be installed as an upgrade to the existing window without having to remove the existing window. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is an exploded view of elements of a window system in accordance with the invention;  
       FIG. 2  is an external elevational view of the window of  FIG. 1  looking toward a secondary window;  
       FIG. 3  is a sectional view along plane  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 ;  
       FIG. 4  is a sectional view along plane  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 ;  
       FIG. 5  is a sectional view along plane  5 - 5  of  FIG. 2 ;  
       FIG. 6  is a sectional view of an alternate embodiment along plane  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 ;  
       FIGS. 7A-7F  illustrates various window configurations in accordance with the invention;  
       FIG. 8  is a sectional view taken generally along a section such as plane  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2  illustrating head details of an alternate window system in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 9  is a sectional view taken generally along a section such as plane  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2  illustrating left jamb detail of the window system of  FIG. 8 , the right jamb being a mere image thereof; and  
       FIG. 10  is a sectional view taken generally along a section such as plane  5 - 5  of  FIG. 2  illustrating sill detail of the window system of  FIG. 8 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS  
      While embodiments of this invention can take many different forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated.  
      The present system incorporates a primary and a secondary window into a single window assembly. A sub-frame is attached to the exterior of the primary window providing a mounting surface for the secondary window.  
      The sub-frame also acts as a receiver for exterior casing. The exterior casing attaches to the exterior side of the sub-frame. All of the above-mentioned components can be factory assembled into a unitary, complete window system. That system can be installed in a single step.  
      Alternately, the primary window frame can be located in the opening and the secondary frame located thereon. Both frames can then be affixed to the opening at the same time.  
      The system supports a variety of installation options. These include: fasten through window jamb, fasten through nailing fin, with, or without storm window sashes installed in the sub-frame.  
      The system is compatible with retro-fit situations. The casing design allows an installer to fit the original opening without fillers.  
      The sub-frame is “stepped out” allowing for a larger size storm window. This window aligns with the primary window to maximize the window view or daylight opening.  
      The sub-frame, storm window and exterior casing can be formed of extruded aluminum, for example, which provides a tough, pre-finished, maintenance- free exterior surface. The primary window can be vinyl, wood, composite or metal.  
      All exterior components can be formed of aluminum and are available in dark colors. This is advantageous in that dark colors are not common in vinyl windows.  
      As noted above, the system in a disclosed embodiment includes an exterior casing. Windows such as known vinyl windows, do not have a casing.  
      Various exterior casing shapes can be provided. The tandem window structure provides sound insulation advantages. Mullions can be incorporated.  
      The system is adjustable to compensate for different wall thicknesses by incorporating interior extension jambs. The extension jambs can be wood or vinyl without limitation.  
       FIG. 1  illustrates a window system  10  in accordance with the present invention. It will be understood that the system  10  could be installed for either vertical movement of the respective panes or horizontal movement of the panes without limitation.  
      The indications of INTERIOR and EXTERIOR on  FIG. 1  indicate those components of the system which are located within an interior of a structure and those which are located on the exterior of the structure when the system  10  is installed in an opening of the structure. Representative structures without limitation include residences, and commercial establishments such as stores and warehouses all without limitation.  
      System  10  includes a primary window  12  having first and second movable sashes  12   a  and  12   b  with glass panes. A sub-frame  14  is carried on an exterior side  16   a  of primary window  12 . The sub-frame  14 , which can be attached to the primary window  12  in a variety of ways as would be known to those of skill in the art, provides an exterior mounting surface  18   a  for the secondary window  20 . The window  20  has movable sashes  20   a, b  having glass panes.  
      The sub-frame  14  also acts as a receiver for exterior casing  22 . The exterior casing  22  is attached to an exterior surface  18   b  of sub-frame  14 .  
      The above-enumerated components  12 - 22  can be assembled into a unitary structure and installed in an opening in the subject structure with a single installation. Installation can be with vertical or horizontal movement of sashes  12   a, b  and  20   a, b.    
      As explained in more detail subsequently, an extension jamb receiver  26  can be attached to an interior surface  16   b  of the primary window at the time of manufacture of the system  10  or when installed in the respective structure. The extension jamb receiver  26  receives and carries an interior extension jamb  28  of a predetermined width but a variable depth to take into account a width parameter of the wall into which the system  10  is being mounted.  
       FIG. 2 , an elevational view looking toward the secondary window  20 , illustrates the system  10  installed for horizontal movement of the sashes  12   a, b  and  20   a, b . The view of  FIG. 2  illustrates exterior casing  22  which surrounds secondary window  20 . The system  10  is illustrated in  FIG. 2  installed in an opening O in a structure S. The type of structure is not a limitation of the present invention.  
       FIG. 3  is a head sectional view taken along plane  3 - 3 ,  FIG. 2 , of the head of the window system  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the secondary window  20  is attached to head member  14 H of sub-frame  14  at surface  18   a , on the exterior side of the assembly, via fasteners such as screws  14 - 1 . It will be understood that a variety of fasteners or connection structures could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. These include various types of fastenerless connections such as interference fit or snap-fit, all without limitation.  
      As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , sub-frame  14  has a “stepped” construction. Surface  18   a  abuts a perpendicular surface  18   c  which in turn abuts the surface  18   b , which extends perpendicular to surface  18   c , parallel to surface  18   a  and extends away from surface  18   a  to overlap a portion of the structure S adjacent to the opening O.  
      As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the stepped nature of sub-frame  14  which receives a head frame portion  20   d  of secondary window  20 . The stepped configuration supports and carries the window  20  which has a look-through or a viewing area in panes  20   a, b  which is substantially comparable to the look through or viewing area of the primary window panes  12   a, b.    
      The head portion  22   a  of the exterior casing  22  slidably engages surface  18   b  of the sub-frame  14  with a snap-fit. It will be understood that other connectors could be used such as separate fasteners, interference fit or the like, all without limitation.  
      The exterior casing  22  incorporates framing features  22 - 1  and - 2  in head section  22   a  to provide a more aesthetically pleasing exterior appearance of the system  10 . The exterior casing  22  terminates in a surface  22 - 3 , substantially perpendicular to the surface  22 - 2 . The surface  22 - 3  abuts an exterior portion of the structure S adjacent an exterior treatment such as siding S-H. Any spaces between the surface  22 - 3  and siding S-H can be filled with a polyurethane sealant.  
      The sub-frame  14  also carries an extension member  14 - 2  which extends generally perpendicular to surface  18   b  and away from surface  18   b  toward primary window  12 . The member  14 - 2  is spaced from the head portion of the opening  0  by a shim space S- 2 . This space can be filled with insulation as would be understood by those of skill in the art.  
      A head portion  12 - 1  of a frame for the primary window  12  incorporates a planer region  12 - 2  which extends parallel to and in contact with the extension  14 - 2  of the sub-frame. The header portion  12 - 1  and extension  14 - 2  could be attached together such as by welding, adhesives, fasteners or the like, all without limitation.  
      It will be understood by those of skill in the art that the primary window  12  could be a vinyl, a metal, a wood composite or a wood window all without limitation. Additionally, it will be understood that the secondary or storm window  20  could be a metal, such as aluminum, wood, wood-composite or vinyl, also all without limitation.  
      The system  10  is illustrated in  FIG. 3  being attached to the structure S by a nail N as would be understood by those of skill in the art. It will be understood that the type of fastener is not a limitation of the present invention and could include screws, rivets or the like, all without limitation.  
      A selectively shaped trim element  30 -H can be used to cover the space between the structure S and the window system  10  to complete the interior aesthetic appearance of the installed window system.  
      It will be understood that the specific disclosed, configuration of primary window and frame, secondary window and frame and sub-frame could be manufactured with a variety of configurations all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Additionally, the particular structure of the sashes or panes  12   a, b  and  20   a, b  are not limitations of the present invention.  
       FIG. 4  is a sectional view taken along plane  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2  in a direction from the interior side of the structure looking toward the exterior side thereof. The view of  FIG. 4  is of the left jamb as viewed from the exterior of the structure  10 . The right jamb is a mirror image thereof. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , jamb  12 - 3  of the frame of primary window  12  abuts jamb portion of  14 - 3  of the sub-frame  14 . The assemblage  10  is attached to the structure S using additional fasteners such as nails N 1 , N 2 .  
      As will be understood by those of skill in the art, the sashes or panes  12   a ,  20   a  can be moved to and from the jamb  12 - 3  opening and closing the viewing or look-through area of the system  10 . This can also be removed from the respective frames as needed.  
       FIG. 5 , a sectional view taken along plane  5 - 5  of  FIG. 2 , illustrates sill detail for the system  10 . As illustrated therein, a sub-frame sill portion  14 S extends out and downwardly from the sill surface of the opening  0 . The sill portion  208  of the secondary window  20  abuts the sill portion  128  of the frame of the primary window  12  at a surface  148 - 1  of the sub-frame  14 .  
      The sill section  148  also carries a back seal fin  148 - 2  which abuts an exterior surface of the structure S. On the interior side, molding  30 S covers the space between the opening  0  and the window structure  10  for aesthetic appearance and comfort. Insulation can be used to fill the shim space adjacent to surface  148 - 3 .  
       FIG. 6  is a sectional view of a left jamb of a system  10 ′ which incorporates an extension jamb receiver  26  which in turn carries an interior extension jamb  28 . The right jamb is a mirror image.  
      The space between the opening  0  of the structure S and interior extension jamb  28  is covered by molding  32   j . One of the advantages of the system  10 ′ is that the extension jamb receiver  26  and extension jamb  28  make it possible to easily adapt to different wall depths D of structure S. All that needs to be done to compensate for different depths D is to use an appropriately deep extension jamb member  28 .  
      If desired, a plurality of extension jamb members  28  of different depths can be provided with the system  10 ′ to facilitate installation in different structures. The extension jamb  28  on each jamb can be finished as required.  
       FIGS. 7A-7F  illustrates various window configurations which can embody the present invention.  FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate double-hung single-hung or slide-type window structures with which the system  10  can be used.  FIGS. 7C and 7D  illustrate dual double-hung or single-hung windows without and with transom which can be configured with dual sub-frames and secondary windows in accordance with the system  10 . Finally,  FIG. 7E  illustrates a picture window having a non-moving pane and  7 F illustrates a picture window having a non-moving pane bounded by double-hung or single-hung windows all of which can be configured in accordance with the system  10 .  
      For example and without limitation,  FIG. 7C  can be configures with two adjacent sub-frames  14  to which can be coupled to secondary windows  20 . Alternately, a double wide sub-frame  14 ′ could be used with the window configuration of  FIGS. 7C  or  7 D.  
      The picture window of  FIG. 7E  could be combined with an appropriate sized sub-frame  14 ″ which in turn could carry an appropriately sized secondary window  20 ′ corresponding to a picture-type secondary window having a size and a shape in accordance with the picture window of  FIG. 7E . Similarly,  FIG. 7F  can be implemented with two sub-frames  14  combined with a picture window sub-frame, as in  FIG. 7E .  
      The above configurations all exhibit improved sound insulating characteristics over those of a primary window without a storm window. Other configurations come within the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
       FIGS. 8-10  are sectional views respectively of the head, left jamb, and sill, corresponding to planes  34  and  35  of  FIG. 2 , of an alternate window system  50  usable with existing primary windows, such as primary window  52 . The system  50  is intended to be coupled to the structure S′ to which the primary window  52  is attached.  
      As illustrated in  FIGS. 8-10 , system  50  can be attached to the head, jambs and sill of the structure S′ which supports the primary window  52 . With respect to  FIG. 8 , a sub-frame head  54 H is attached by fasteners F which could be screws, nails or the like to head member S′-H as well as  52 H. The sub-frame  54  is substantially planar in  FIGS. 8 and 9 .  FIG. 9  illustrates left jamb detail. The right jamb detail is a minor image of  FIG. 9 .  
      An exterior casing  52 , illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9  as sections  52 H and  52 J is in turn attached to the respective sub-frame portions such as  54 H,  54 J. Secondary window  60  is attached in part to respective sub-frame portions such as  54 H, J as well as header and jamb portions  52 H, J of the primary window  52  by respective fasteners.  
      It should be noted that prior to installation of the system  50  on the structure S′, the existing exterior casing is removed from the primary window  52  without removing the window  52  itself. This in turn leaves the structural elements of the window  52  including the frame, such as members  52 H, J, in place and undisturbed. When the sub-frame  54  is attached to the structure S′, it covers the exterior surfaces of the structure S′ in the vicinity of the primary window  52  along with the exterior surfaces of the frame  56  of the window  52 .  
      Once the new exterior casing  52  and the secondary window  60  are attached to the sub-frame  54 , the wood or interior surfaces of the structure S′ in the vicinity of the window  52  are all covered with maintenance free, weather resistant materials such aluminum or exterior vinyl. This in turn protects the frame  52 H, J of the window  52  as well as the sash members  56 H, J from the weather. It will be understood that the existing primary window  52  could be a single-hung or double-hung window or a sliding window, or a picture window, all without limitation.  
       FIG. 10  illustrates the details of the sill structure associated with the system  50 . The sub-frame  54  includes a two-piece sub-frame sill structure  64  having members  64   a  and  64   b . The sill structure portion  64   b  can slidably engage the sill portion  56 S of the sash of the existing primary window  52  and cover the existing sill  52 S with weather resistant metal, such as aluminum, or exterior vinyl. As in the case of the head and the jamb portions, discussed previously  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the sill structure  64  is formed on exterior surfaces of weather resistant metal or exterior vinyl which encloses and covers any weather susceptible or wood members such as sill  52 S or associated sill support portions of the structure S′. Hence, the opening  0 ′ into the structure S′, which is filled by the primary window  52 , is located behind newly applied exterior, weather resistant materials such aluminum or exterior vinyl.  
      From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.