Patent Publication Number: US-2022228421-A1

Title: Adjustable jamb extension

Description:
FIELD 
     The specification relates to an adjustable jamb extension. In particular, the specification relates to a window or door frame assembly having a variable depth, and which is adaptable for use with a thin or thick wall construction. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Factory prebuilt window or door units are desirable as they allow for ease for installation. However, due to the different size thickness of walls at the point of installation, prefabrication of window or door units that can be adapted for use with walls of various thickness can be challenging. 
     Although the specification makes specific reference to a window or window frame, due to the similarities between a window frame assembly and a door frame assembly, it should be understood that the specification and claimed invention is applicable to both a window frame assembly and a door frame assembly. This has been done for the purposes of understanding and simplicity. As such, references in the description, such as, to a window frame should be considered as inclusive of both a window frame assembly and a door frame assembly. Similarly, reference to a window frame should be considered as inclusive of both a window frame and a door frame. 
     A typical window (or door)  2  has a window (or door) frame  4 , having a head  6  at the top of the window (or door) frame  4 , a sill  8  positioned at the bottom of the window (or door) frame  4 , a pair of opposed and spaced-apart vertical window (or door) jambs  10  connecting the window (or door) sill  8  to the head  6  of the window (or door) frame  4 . Glass  12 , or other parts, such as a sash (not shown) in a double hung or sliding window (not shown) or door (not shown), can be coupled, affixed to or positioned between the head  6 , sill  8  and jambs  10  of the window or door frame  4 . 
     During installation, a window (or door) frame  4  is positioned in a window (or door) opening (not shown) of a wall construction  14 . With reference to  FIG. 3 , depending upon the depth of the window frame  4  compared to the depth of the wall construction  14 , the interior wall  16  of the wall construction  14  can be spaced (B) from an interior surface of the window (or door) frame  18 , leaving exposed the interior portion of the wall construction  14 . A jamb extension  20  can be used to cover the exposed surface. 
     Jamb extensions  20  are an interior window (or door) feature which allows one to fit the window (or door) frame  4  to window openings of varying depths. By extending the window (or door) jambs  10  to the precise length required, a window (or door) frame  4  is able to sit flush with the interior wall. So, if one has a window (or door) frame  4  that isn&#39;t quite as deep as the wall opening, jamb extensions  20  can be used to make it fit. 
     For installation, a jamb extension  20  is coupled to the interior surface of the window (or door) frame  18 , where the proximal end of the jamb extension  22  is coupled to the window (or door) frame  4  and the jamb extension  20  extends to the interior wall  16  of the wall construction  14 . In one embodiment, for example and without limitation, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the distal end of the jamb extension  24  lies flush with the surface of the interior wall  16  of the wall construction  14 . 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the jamb extension  20  is coupled to the window (or door) frame  4  using a clip  26 , or other coupling mechanism known in the art. Further, due to the differences in depth of wall constructions  14  at different sites, a jamb extension  20  having a standardized depth cannot be utilized. Rather, in many instances, the jamb extension  20  is cut to size and installed in the factory, and at times on-site; leading to increased cost, loss of material and delay in construction. 
     There is a need in the art for an improved window or door frame assembly having a window or door frame and a jamb extension. In addition, there is a need in the art for a window or door frame assembly having a window or door frame and a jamb extension that can help address some of the challenges in the art, including those mentioned herein. Moreover, there is a need in the art for a kit containing a window or door frame and a jamb extension for assembling the window or door frame assembly. Furthermore, there is a need in the art for a process for manufacturing a kit for assembling a window or door frame assembly containing a window or door frame and a jamb extension. In addition to the above, there is a need in the art for a process for manufacturing a window or door frame assembly containing a window or door frame and a jamb extension. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, the specification relates to a window or door frame assembly comprising a jamb extension coupling a window or door frame; 
     the window or door frame comprising a longitudinal member having a surface defining a channel formed along the length of the longitudinal member; 
     a jamb extension having a first face and a second face, a plurality of spaced apart grooves formed on the first face and extending along the length of the jamb extension, the jamb extension configured to matingly engage the channel; and 
     a tooth coupled to the longitudinal member and configured to engage one of the plurality of grooves for coupling the jamb extension to the window or door frame. 
     In another aspect, the specification relates to a kit containing the window or door frame and a jamb extension for assembling the window or door frame assembly, as disclosed herein. 
     In a further aspect, the specification relates to a process for manufacturing the kit for assembling a window or door frame assembly containing a window or door frame and a jamb extension, as disclosed herein. 
     In still another aspect, the specification relates to a process for manufacturing a window or door frame assembly containing a window or door frame and a jamb extension, as disclosed herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show example embodiments of the present application, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of an embodiment of a window frame assembly in accordance with the specification; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a window frame assembly in accordance with the specification; 
         FIG. 3A  is a cross sectional view along the lines A-A showing the window frame without the jamb extension and prior to positioning in a window opening, and  FIG. 3B  is a cross sectional view along the lines A-A showing the window frame with the jamb extension and after positioning in a window opening; 
         FIG. 4A  is a cross sectional view along the lines A-A showing an embodiment of the window frame, and  FIG. 4B  is an embodiment of a jamb extension prior to engagement with the window frame, in accordance with the specification; and 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are cross sectional views along the lines A-A showing the different levels of engagement of an embodiment of a jamb extension in the window frame, in accordance with the specification. 
     
    
    
     Similar reference numerals may have been used in different figures to denote similar components. 
     DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     An embodiment of the claimed invention is described with reference to the accompanied drawings. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  show a front and perspective views, respectively, of a window  2  having a window frame  4 . Typically, the window frame  4  has a head  6  at the top portion of the window frame  4 , a sill  8  positioned at the bottom of the window frame  4 , a pair of opposed and spaced-apart vertical window jambs  10  connecting the window still  8  to the head  6  of the window frame  4 . Glass  12 , or other parts, such as a sash (not shown) in a double hung or sliding window (not shown) or door (in a door frame; not shown), can be coupled, affixed to or positioned between the head  6 , sill  8  and jambs  10  of the window (or door) frame  4 . 
     As mentioned above, during installation, a window frame  4  is positioned in a window opening (not shown) of a wall construction  14 . When the depth of the window frame  4  is different from the depth of the wall construction  14 , a jamb extension  20  can be used to fit the window frame  4  in the window opening of varying depths. 
       FIG. 4A  shows a cross sectional view along the lines A-A showing an embodiment of the window frame  4 , in accordance with the specification. The window frame  4  has longitudinal members, such as the head  6 , sill  8  or jamb  10 . The embodiment shown in  FIG. 4A , shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a jamb  10 , which at a first end  28  is coupled to the glass  12 , while a second end  30  of the jamb  10  can be attached to the wall construction  14 . The jamb  10  has a surface  18  (also noted as—interior surface of window frame), which can be provided with features for coupling the jamb  10  to the jamb extension  20 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4A , the surface  18  of the jamb  10  (or any other longitudinal member) has a channel  32 . The channel  32  is formed on the surface  18  along the length of the jamb  10  (or any other longitudinal member). In one embodiment, for example and without limitation, the channel  32  is formed in a single plane along the length of the jamb  10 . 
     The surface  18  defining the channel  32  has an opening  34  (shown as a dotted circle) formed along the length of the jamb  10 , and allows for insertion of the jamb extension  20  into the channel  32 . As such, the channel opening  34  is sized to accommodate the jamb extension  20 , with the depth of the channel  32 , measured from the internal surface  18  towards the opposing external surface  36 . In one embodiment, for example and without limitation, the channel  32  is formed as an internal channel with the jamb  10 , as disclosed herein. However, the surface  18  can be provided with features, such that the channel  32  can be formed outside the main portion of the jamb (for instance, an external channel). 
     In one embodiment, as disclosed herein, the surface  18  has a channel floor  38 , channel ceiling  40  and a stop  42 , establishing the size of the channel  32 . The channel stop  42  prevents further insertion of the jamb extension  20  in the jamb  10 . The channel floor  38  provides the surface on which the jamb extension  20  can sit upon insertion. In one embodiment, for example and without limitation, the channel floor  38  lies in a different plane than the surface at the second end  30  of the jamb  10 , with the channel floor  38  being more distal to the first end  28  of the jamb  10  than the second end  30 . This can help to ensure proper alignment of the jamb extension  20 , such that a first face  44  of the jamb extension  20  can lie in the same plane as the surface at the second end  30  of the jamb  10 . In another embodiment, for example and without limitation, the first face  44  of the jamb extension  20  contacts the channel floor  38 , while a second face  46  of the jamb extension  20  can contact the channel ceiling  40  ( FIGS. 5A &amp; 5B ). 
     As noted above, the jamb extension  20 , as disclosed herein ( FIG. 4B ) can have a second face  46 , which is opposed to the first face  44  of the jamb extension  20 . In one embodiment, for example and without limitation, the first face  44  of the jamb extension  20  has a plurality of spaced-apart grooves  48  along the length of the jamb extension  20 . The number of grooves  48  is not particularly limited, and can be varied depending upon application and design requirements. As disclosed herein, the plurality of grooves  48  help establish the extent the jamb extension  20  is inserted into the channel  32  to help with alignment of the distal end  24  of the jamb extension  20  with the interior wall  16  of the wall construction  14 . 
     The jamb  10  (or other longitudinal member of the frame) is provided with a tooth  50  configured to engage one of the plurality of grooves  48  to help affix the jamb extension  20  is position. In the embodiment disclosed in  FIGS. 4A, 5A and 5B , the tooth  50  is coupled to and extends from the channel floor  38  towards the channel ceiling  40 . In addition, the tooth  50  is coupled at the edge of the surface of the longitudinal member (such as, jamb), which can be the edge of the channel floor  38 , as shown in drawings. The position of the tooth  50  is not particularly limited, so long it is positioned and configured to engage the plurality of grooves  48  to affix the jamb extension  20  in the channel  32 . In one embodiment, for example and without limitation, the tooth  50  can be positioned on the channel floor  38  close to the edge that defines the channel opening  34 , or in between the edge that defines the channel opening  34  and the channel stop  42 , depending upon design and application requirements. In another embodiment, for example and without limitation, the tooth  50  can be coupled to the channel ceiling  40  and extends from the channel ceiling  40  towards the channel floor  38 . In such an embodiment, the plurality of spaced-apart grooves  48  are formed along the length of the second face  46  of the jamb extension  20 , such that the tooth  48  and grooves  48  can engage each other in a complementary manner to affix the jamb extension  20  in place. 
     The shape and size of the jamb extension  20  and channel  32  is not particularly limited, so long as the jamb extension  20  is can be inserted into the channel  32  to affix the jamb extension  20  at different levels of insertion in the jamb  10 . Further, although the jamb extension  20  shown has a rectangular shape, with the channel  32  being complementary for receiving the jamb extension  20 , other shapes are also possible depending upon design and application requirements. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  show the coupling of the jamb extension  20  with the jamb  10 , by insertion of the jamb extension  20  in the channel  32 . Initially, the jamb extension  20  is inserted in the channel opening  34  of the channel  32 . As shown in  FIG. 5A , the tooth  50 , provided on the channel floor  38 , engages a first groove  48  on the first face  44  of the jamb extension  20 . If the distal end  24  of the jamb extension  20  aligns with the interior wall  16  of the wall construction  14 , the insertion of the jamb extension  20  can be stopped at this point. However, if the jamb extension  20  extends beyond the interior wall  16  of the wall construction  14  and into the interior of the room, the jamb extension  20  can be further inserted into the channel  32 , where the tooth  50  engages a second groove of the plurality of grooves  48  (with the first groove being more proximate to the proximal end of the jamb extension  20  than the second groove). In the distal end  24  of the jamb extension  20  aligns with the interior wall  16  of the wall construction, no further insertion is required. In such a manner, the jamb extension  20  can be inserted into the channel  32  till it reaches the channel stop  42 , and where the tooth  50  can engage a groove  48  (in the plurality of grooves  48 ) to couple the jamb extension  20  in channel  32 , as shown in  FIG. 5B . 
     The specification also relates to a kit comprising a window or door frame and a jamb extension for assembling the window or door frame assembly, as disclosed herein. In addition, the specification relates to a process for manufacturing the kit for assembling a window or door frame assembly containing a window or door frame and a jamb extension, as disclosed herein. 
     Also provided is a process for manufacturing a window or door frame assembly comprising a window or door frame and a jamb extension, as disclosed herein. The process involving forming the window or door frame, as disclosed herein. In addition, a jamb extension having a first face and a second face is formed, and is provided with a plurality of spaced apart grooves on the first face of the jamb extension and extending along the length of the jamb extension, where the jamb extension is configured to matingly engage the channel. The longitudinal member is provided with a tooth, with the tooth configured to engage one of the plurality of grooves for coupling the jamb extension to the window or door frame. The process for manufacturing is not particularly limited, and should be known to a person of skill in the art. 
     Parts List 
     A parts list is provided below to assist with better understanding of the exemplary embodiment disclosed herein, and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 No. 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 2 
                 Window (or door) 
               
               
                 4 
                 Window or door frame 
               
               
                 6 
                 Head 
               
               
                 8 
                 Sill 
               
               
                 10 
                 Jamb 
               
               
                 12 
                 Glass (or door)s 
               
               
                 14 
                 Wall construction 
               
               
                 16 
                 Interior wall of wall construction 
               
               
                 18 
                 Interior surface of window/door frame 
               
               
                 20 
                 Jamb extension 
               
               
                 22 
                 Proximal end of jamb extension 
               
               
                 24 
                 Distal end of jamb extension 
               
               
                 26 
                 clip 
               
               
                 28 
                 First end of jamb 
               
               
                 30 
                 Second end of jamb 
               
               
                 32 
                 Channel 
               
               
                 34 
                 Channel opening 
               
               
                 36 
                 External surface of jamb 
               
               
                 38 
                 Channel floor 
               
               
                 40 
                 Channel ceiling 
               
               
                 42 
                 Stop 
               
               
                 44 
                 First face of the jamb extension 
               
               
                 46 
                 Second face of jamb extension 
               
               
                 48 
                 Grooves 
               
               
                 50 
                 Tooth 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Certain adaptations and modifications of the described embodiments can be made. Therefore, the above discussed embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive.