Patent Publication Number: US-11639627-B2

Title: Press-fit window insert

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims the benefit of provisional Application No. 63/063,866 filed Aug. 10, 2020, which is incorporated into the present disclosure by this reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The subject matter is related to a system and methods for a press-fit window insert to provide secondary protection to an existing primary window. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Storm windows are generally mounted on the outside or inside of main windows of a home or business. They are oftentimes used in cold climates to reduce energy leakage from the windows, for instance, cold air leaking into a house through the main windows. Storm windows are generally made from glass, plastic, or other transparent material. In some instances storm windows may be translucent or opaque. 
     Many previous storm window systems are difficult to install and remove. Generally previous storm window systems are mechanically attached with mounting hardware to either the inside or outside of the main window. The windows may be heavy and difficult to manipulate. Other, less expensive systems use see-through plastic sheets that are taped or attached to window casings. Sometimes the plastic sheets may be shrunk using a heat gun which, when directed at the plastic sheet, causes the sheet to contract, making the sheet taught, and easier to see through. Such prior art systems are, similar to the mechanical systems as described above, difficult and time-consuming to install. 
     Configurations of the disclosed technology address shortcomings in the prior art. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a first-side, isometric view showing a press-fit window insert according to configurations, shown installed in a window frame. 
         FIG.  2    is a first-side, isometric view of the press-fit window insert of  FIG.  1   , shown not installed in a window frame. 
         FIG.  3    is a second-side, isometric view of the press-fit window insert of  FIG.  2   . The second side is opposite the first side of the press-fit window insert. 
         FIG.  4    is a cross-section of a portion of the press-fit window insert, the cross-section being defined in  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  5    is a cross-section of another portion of the press-fit window insert, the cross-section being defined in  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  6    is a cross-sectional view, similar to  FIG.  4   , but showing a unitary fin clip as an alternative to a separate fin and fastening clip. 
         FIG.  7    is a cross-sectional view, similar to  FIG.  4   , but showing a bulb as an alternative to a fin. 
         FIG.  8    is a detailed view of a corner of the press-fit window insert, the detailed view being defined in  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  9    is a detailed view, similar to  FIG.  8   , but illustrating a leaf that is glued to one or both fins at a corner of the press-fit window insert. 
         FIG.  10    is an exploded view of a portion of the corner of the press-fit window insert in  FIG.  8   , illustrating the leaf and the corner snap exploded away from the remainder of the press-fit window insert. 
         FIG.  11    is an exploded view of a portion of the corner of the press-fit window insert in  FIG.  8   , illustrating the two fins that meet at the corner exploded away from the remainder of the press-fit window insert and not showing the leaf and the corner snap. 
         FIG.  12    is an exploded view of a portion of the corner of the press-fit window insert in  FIG.  8   , illustrating the two fastening clips that meet at the corner exploded away from the remainder of the press-fit window insert and not showing the leaf, the corner snap, or the two fins that meet at the corner. 
         FIG.  13    is a partially exploded view of a corner of a press-fit window insert according to configurations, illustrating an alternative to the configuration illustrated in  FIG.  8   , in which the press-fit window insert includes an adhesive, in addition to or instead of the fastening clip, to couple the panel to the carrier. 
         FIG.  14    is an exploded view of a portion of the corner of the press-fit window insert in  FIG.  8   , illustrating the corner piece and the two carriers that meet at the corner and not illustrating the remainder of the press-fit window insert. 
         FIG.  15    is a cutaway isometric view of a press-fit window insert according to configurations. The view in  FIG.  15    is similar to the view of  FIG.  3    but shows alternatives or variations to some of the features illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 14   . 
         FIG.  16    is a detail view of a portion of the press-fit window insert of  FIG.  15   , showing an example of a corner snap and an example of a leaf in exploded view. 
         FIG.  17    is an isometric view of the opposite side of the corner snap of  FIG.  16   . 
         FIG.  18    is a sectional view as defined in  FIG.  15   . 
         FIG.  19    is a sectional view as defined in  FIG.  15   . 
         FIG.  20    is a sectional view similar to  FIG.  19    but showing alternative configurations. 
         FIG.  21    is a sectional view of a portion of an alternative fin according to configurations. 
         FIG.  22    is similar to the view of  FIG.  14    but shows alternatives or variations to some of the features illustrated in  FIG.  14   . 
         FIG.  23    is an isometric view of an example of a corner snap. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As described herein, configurations are directed to a press-fit window insert that may be installed in an existing window frame to provide secondary protection to the existing primary window. The secondary protection may include, for example, thermal insulation, sound insulation, and blocking or diffusing of light. 
     Previously existing technology requires very precise measurements to ensure a proper fit to the existing window frame. Indeed, such measurements are often performed with a laser-based measuring device to obtain the necessary accuracy of within 1/16 inch of the actual measurement. By contrast, configurations of the technology disclosed here allow for a much less precise tape measurement—allowing measurements to deviate as much as ¼ inch from the window frame&#39;s actual span—while still providing a proper fit with the existing window frame, even on window frames that may be out of square. 
     Previously existing technology also requires very precise diagonal measurements of the inside of the window frame. Such measurements are used to enable the manufacture of a compression-fit window insert that is the same trapezoidal shape of the inside of the window frame. By contrast, configurations of the technology disclosed here allow the window insert to be manufactured as a rectangle, such that the compression system absorbs the out-of-squareness of the window frame. 
     In addition, in previously existing technology, it can be difficult to seal the corners of a window insert, where the sealing material from one edge of the window insert meets the sealing material from another edge of the window insert at an angle. At such junctures, the sealing materials from the converging edges often bunch or leave gaps, or both, and prevent sufficient sealing at the corners. By contrast, configurations of the technology disclosed here utilize a corner flap, or leaf, to sufficiently seal the corners. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , a press-fit window insert  100 , according to configurations described here, may be installed in an existing window frame  110  adjacent an existing primary window  115 . The press-fit window insert  100  may include one or more handles or tabs, such as the pull-rings  117  illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 2   , to facilitate removal of the press-fit window insert  100  from the window frame  110 . 
     With particular reference to  FIGS.  1 - 5 ,  8 ,  10 - 12 , and  14   , the press-fit window insert  100  may include a carrier  101 , a panel  102 , a fin  103 , a fastening clip  104 , a leaf  105 , a corner piece  106 , a corner snap  107 , and a base support  108 . 
     The carrier  101  is shaped and configured to secure the panel  102 , the fin  103 , and the fastening clip  104  and to provide rigidity to the press-fit window insert  100 . As illustrated, the carrier  101  comprises a substantially rigid and elongated framework. As used in this disclosure, “substantially rigid” means largely or essentially stiff and not pliant, without requiring perfect inflexibility. The framework is described here as being elongated because the example cross sections (such as those illustrated in  FIGS.  4 - 5   ) are largely maintained over the length of the carrier  101 . For example, the carrier  101  may be formed by extrusion methods. With particular reference to  FIGS.  4 - 5   , the carrier  101  may include multiple channels  109  within the framework. The multiple channels  109  are configured to accept and secure one or more attachments such as, for example, one or more of the fin  103 , the fastening clip  104 , and the base support  108 . As illustrated in  FIGS.  4 - 5   , the fin  103 , the fastening clip  104 , and the base support  108  may each be shaped and dimensioned to interlock with the carrier  101 , allowing those components to be attached to the carrier  101  without glue or another adhesive. The carrier  101  may be made from, for example, extruded metal, such as aluminum, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic. 
     The panel  102  may be made from, for example, glass, polycarbonate, acrylic, medium density fiberboard, film, screen, laminated glass, a laminate layer with no glass, or other materials commonly found in residential and commercial windows. 
     The fin  103  is shaped and configured to extend between the carrier  101  and a window frame  110 , thus providing an air seal. (See, in particular,  FIGS.  4 - 5   .) The fin  103  includes a substantially flexible blade  152  extending from a base portion  153  of the fin  103 . As used in this disclosure, “substantially flexible” means largely or essentially pliable, without requiring perfect pliability. The base portion  153  of the fin  103  is configured to interlock the fin  103  to the carrier  101 . For example, the fin  103  may include an arrowhead tip  136 , or barb, configured to extend into one of the multiple channels  109  of the carrier  101  to interlock the fin  103  to the carrier  101 . In configurations, the arrowhead tip  136  may be inserted in the channel  109  through a slot  156  in the carrier  101 . In configurations, the arrowhead tip  136  is shaped to allow it to be readily inserted into the channel  109  through the slot  156  but to be more difficult to remove. As illustrated in the drawings, the slot  156  is narrower than the channel  109 . In configurations, the arrowhead tip  136  is enlarged such that it cannot be pressed into the slot  156  under thumb pressure from a human user. Instead, the enlarged arrowhead tip  136  may be slid into the carrier  101  through an open end of the channel  109 . Another example of this is described below for  FIG.  21   . 
     The fin  103  may be made from, for example, silicone or another resilient elastomer. Being flexible, the fin  103  is shaped and configured to deflect when the press-fit window insert  100  is installed into the window frame  110 . An example of this deflection is illustrated in  FIGS.  4 - 5   . As a result of the elastic deflection, the fin  103  is shaped and configured to impart a force to the window frame  110 , the force tending to keep the press-fit window insert  100  installed into the window frame  110 . 
     Preferably, the fin  103  has a length  111  between about 1 inch and about 2 inches. More preferably, the fin length  111  is between about 1¼ inches and about 1½ inches. Even more preferably, the fin length  111  is about 1⅜ inches. These numbers, and in particular the fin length  111  of about 1⅜ inches, were developed by analyzing R Value, Inc.&#39;s database of thousands of laser measurements of existing window frames. These fin length  111  ranges, and in particular the fin length  111  of about 1⅜ inches, are important for allowing the press-fit window insert  100  to absorb the majority of the out-of-square measurements identified in the database of laser measurements of window frames, plus up to about ⅛ inch of measurement error on each side of the press-fit window insert  100  for a total of about ¼ inch total across the width and about ¼ inch total across the height of the press-fit window insert  100 . 
     Preferably, the fin  103  has a thickness between about 0.040 inch and about 0.200 inches. More preferably, the fin thickness is between about 0.080 inches and about 0.160 inches. Even more preferably, the fin thickness is about 0.120 inches. 
     Preferably, the fin  103  has a Shore A hardness between about 20 and about 100. More preferably, the fin Shore A hardness is between about 40 and about 80. Even more preferably, the fin Shore A hardness is about 60. 
     The fin  103  may include one or more ribs  112  shaped and configured to contact the window frame  110 . The one or more ribs  112 , by frictionally engaging the window frame  110 , may increase the amount of force needed to remove the press-fit window insert  100  from the window frame  110 . 
     The fastening clip  104  is shaped and configured to pinch an edge of the panel  102  against the carrier  101 . As illustrated, the fastening clip  104  includes a substantially rigid brim  154  extending from a base portion  155  of the fastening clip  104 . As used in this disclosure, “substantially rigid” means largely or essentially stiff and not pliant, without requiring perfect inflexibility. The base portion  155  of the fastening clip  104  is configured to interlock the fastening clip  104  to the carrier  101 . In configurations, the combination of the fastening clip  104  and the carrier  101  may accommodate a panel width of up to about ⅜ inch thick. In configurations, the fastening clip  104  can be different sizes to accommodate panels  102  of different thicknesses. For example, in configurations the fastening clip  104  may be shaped and configured to accommodate a panel width from about 0.7 mil (such as for a film panel) to about ⅛ inch (such as for an acrylic panel). As another example, the fastening clip  104  may be shaped and configured to accommodate a panel width from about ⅛ inch to about ⅜ inch. As yet another example, the fastening clip  104  may be shaped and configured to accommodate a panel width from about ¼ inch to about ½ inch. In configurations, the fastening clip  104  is shaped and configured to provide sufficient space for the panel  102  to thermally expand and contract without either binding or falling out of the window frame  110 . 
     The leaf  105 , or corner flap, is shaped and configured to reduce air infiltration where the fin  103  from a first edge  113  of the panel  102  meets the fin  103  from a second edge  114  of the panel  102 . As best shown in  FIGS.  8  and  10   , the leaf  105  may seal the corner of the press-fit window insert  100  by spanning the region, or gap, between the fin  103  from the first edge  113  of the panel  102  and the fin  103  from the second edge  114  of the panel  102 . The leaf  105  may overlap one or both of the fin  103  from the first edge  113  of the panel  102  and the fin  103  from the second edge  114  of the panel  102 . The leaf  105 , being separate from the fins  103 , may move relative to and independently from the fins  103  during installation of the press-fit window insert  100  into the window frame  110 , thus reducing or preventing bunching of the sealing material (the fins  103  and the leaf  105 ) at the corners of the press-fit window insert  100 . The leaf  105  may be made from, for example, silicone or another resilient elastomer. The leaf  105  may attach to the carrier  101 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  9   , in configurations the leaf  121  may be glued to one or both fins  103  meeting at a corner of the press-fit window insert  100 . In configurations where the leaf  121  is glued to one of the fins  103 , the leaf  121  may move relative to the other fin, allowing the leaf  121  to seal the corner without bunching. In configurations, the leaf  121  may attach to the corner snap  107  via an overmolding process. 
     Returning to  FIGS.  8  and  10   , the corner snap  107  is shaped and configured to secure the leaf  105  to the corner piece  106  or to the carrier  101 . In configurations, the corner snap  107  may interlock, such as by snap fit, with one or both of the leaf  105  and the corner piece  106  or the carrier  101 . In configurations, the corner snap  107  may be glued to one or both of the leaf  105  and the corner piece  106  or the carrier  101 . In configurations, the corner snap  107  secures the leaf  105  by pinching the leaf  105  between the corner snap  107  and the carrier  101 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  4   , a press-fit window insert  100  may include a safety chain  116 . The safety chain  116  is shaped and configured to tether the press-fit window insert  100  to the window frame  110  in the event that the press-fit window insert  100  becomes inadvertently dislodged from the window frame  110 . The safety chain  116  may, for example, attach to the carrier  101  by interlocking with one or more of the channels  109 . In configurations, a portion of the safety chain  116 , such as one link or ball, may be inserted from an end of the channel  109  and slid down the channel  109  to the desired location. Optionally, the channel  109  may be crimped at the desired location to secure the safety chain  116  at the desired location. In configurations, the safety chain  116  may be glued into the channel  109 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  5   , the base support  108  is shaped and configured to support the panel  102  against the window frame  110 . For example, a relatively heavy panel  102  may need additional support, in which case the base support  108  may partially support the weight of the panel  102  against the window frame  110 . In configurations, the base support  108  may help to center the panel  102  within the window frame  110 . The base support  108  may be made from, for example, extruded plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In configurations, the press-fit window insert  100  may include multiple sizes of base supports  108  to accommodate various window frames  110 . In configurations, the support provided by the base support  108  may also provide more compression of the fin  103 , particularly along the top and the bottom of the press-fit window insert  100 . 
       FIG.  6    shows a configuration for a press-fit window insert  100  that is an alternative to what is shown in  FIGS.  1 - 5   . In particular, as illustrated in  FIG.  6   , the fin clip  119  may be a unitary structure that combines the functions described above for the fin  103  and the fastening clip  104 . Hence, the fin clip  119  may include a substantially flexible blade  152  extending from a base portion  153  of the fin clip  119  and a substantially rigid brim  154  extending from the base portion  153  of the fin clip  119 . The base portion  153  of the fin clip  119  is configured to interlock the fin clip  119  to the carrier  101 . The unitary structure may be removed from the carrier  101  in a single piece rather than the two separate pieces illustrated in  FIGS.  4 - 5    and discussed above. The broken lines in  FIG.  6    illustrate how the fin clip  119  may deflect when pressed against the window frame  110 . 
       FIG.  7    shows a configuration for a press-fit window insert  100  that is an alternative to what is shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   . In particular, as illustrated in  FIG.  7   , instead of a fin  103 , the press-fit window insert  100  may include a compressible bulb  120 . Otherwise, the configuration of  FIG.  7    may be substantially the same as what is discussed above for  FIGS.  1 - 6   . The broken lines in  FIG.  7    illustrate how the compressible bulb  120  may compress when pressed against the window frame  110 . As a result of the elastic compression, the bulb  120  is shaped and configured to impart a force to the window frame  110 , the force tending to keep the press-fit window insert  100  installed into the window frame  110 . 
       FIG.  13    shows a configuration for a press-fit window insert  100  that is an alternative to what is shown in the other FIGs. In particular, as illustrated in  FIG.  13   , the press-fit window insert  100  may include adhesive  118 , such as double-sided tape, in addition to or instead of the fastening clip  104 , to couple the panel  102  to the carrier  101 . 
     As best shown in  FIG.  14   , the corner piece  106  is shaped and configured to increase the strength of the press-fit window insert  100 , particularly at the corners of the press-fit window insert  100 . The corner piece  106  may connect the carrier  101  from the first edge  113  of the panel  102  (i.e. the first carrier section) to the carrier  101  from the second edge  114  of the panel  102  (i.e. the second carrier section) at an angle less than 180 degrees. As illustrated the angle is about 90°, though other angles could be used where the press-fit window insert  100  is not rectangular. The corner piece  106  may be made from, for example, molded plastic. 
       FIGS.  15 - 22    illustrate alternatives or variations to some of the features discussed above. 
       FIGS.  15 ,  16 , and  18    show an alternative version of the base support  108 . As illustrated in  FIGS.  15 ,  16 , and  18   , a base support  122  is shaped and configured to support the panel  102  against the window frame  110 . The base support  122  may include a support clip  123  and a foot member  124 . 
     The support clip  123  is configured to couple to the carrier  101 . For example, the support clip  123  may interconnect with one or more channels  109  in the carrier  101 . Such interconnection may be, for example, by sliding or pressing a portion of the support clip  123  into the channels  109 . In configurations, the support clip  123  interconnects with at least two channels  109  in the carrier  101  to provide additional stability over what one point of contact would provide. The fin  103  may include a notch  127  to accommodate the base support  122  and allow the support clip  123  to couple to the carrier  101 . 
     The foot member  124  is configured to rest on the window frame  110  and, thereby, transfer a portion of the weight of the panel  102  to the window frame  110 . The foot member  124  may include a foot pad  126  to help prevent scratches and other damage to the window frame  110 . The foot pad  126  may be, for example, a felt pad. 
     In the illustrated configuration, the foot member  124  and the support clip  123  are coupled together through an adjustment mechanism  125 . The adjustment mechanism  125  may be configured to adjust the height of the support clip  123  above the window frame  110 . As best shown in  FIG.  16   , in configurations the adjustment mechanism  125  is threaded and the height of the support clip  123  above the window frame  110  may be adjusted by, for example, turning the adjustment mechanism  125  to allow the support clip  123  to move up or down on the threads of the adjustment mechanism  125 . 
       FIGS.  15 - 17    show alternative versions of the corner snap  107  and the corner flap, or leaf,  105  discussed above with regard to  FIG.  10   .  FIG.  15    is a cutaway isometric view of a press-fit window insert  100  according to configurations. The view in  FIG.  15    is similar to the view of  FIG.  3   .  FIG.  16    is a detail view of a portion of the press-fit window insert  100  of  FIG.  15   .  FIG.  17    is an isometric view of the opposite side of the corner snap of  FIG.  16   . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  15 - 17   , a corner flap, or leaf,  148  is configured to overlay a gap between a first fin  133  and an adjacent, second fin  133  at a corner of the press-fit window insert  100 . The corner flap  148  overlaps a portion of the first fin  133  and a portion of the second fin  133  at the corner of the press-fit window insert  100 . As described above for the leaf  105 , the corner flap  148  is shaped and configured to reduce air infiltration at the gap where the first fin  133  meets the second fin  133 . 
     The corner snap  147  is shaped and configured to secure the leaf  148  to the carrier  101 . For example, the corner snap  147  may pinch the leaf  148  between the corner snap  147  and the carrier  101 . The corner snap  147  may interlock, such as by snap fit, with the carrier  101 . For example, the corner snap  147  may include pins  149  that fit into corresponding holes  150  on the carrier  101 . In such configurations, when the pins  149  are fitted into the holes  150 , the configuration helps to hold the press-fit window insert  100  together. In addition, or instead, the corner snap  147  may include prongs  157 . The prongs  157  are resilient and configured to interlock with channels  109  in the carrier  101 , allowing the corner snap  147  (and, thus, also the leaf  148 ) to be coupled to the carrier  101 . Although shown and described with regard to the fin  133 , the corner flap  148  and the corner snap  147  may be used with any of the fin designs described in this disclosure. 
       FIG.  23    shows an alternative version of the corner snap  147  of  FIGS.  15 - 17   . The corner snap  158  of  FIG.  23    is as discussed above for the corner snap  147  of  FIGS.  15 - 17    except as noted here. As illustrated in  FIG.  23   , the corner snap  158  may include a seal pad  159 . The seal pad  159  is configured to seal between the fastening clip  104 ,  128 ,  129  and the panel  102 . 
       FIGS.  19  and  20    show alternative versions of the fastening clip  104 . As illustrated in  FIG.  19   , a fastening clip  128  is shaped and configured to pinch an edge of the panel  102  against the carrier  101 . Likewise, as illustrated in  FIG.  19   , a fastening clip  129  is shaped and configured to pinch an edge of the panel  102  against the carrier  101 . In addition to what is described above for the fastening clip  104  of  FIGS.  4 ,  5 ,  11 , and  12   , the fastening clip  104 , the fastening clip  128  of  FIG.  19   , and the fastening clip  129  of  FIG.  20    may each include a bridge  130  that spans prongs  131 . The prongs  131  are resilient and configured to interlock with channels  109  in the carrier  101 , allowing the fastening clip  104 ,  128 ,  129  to be coupled to the carrier  101 . The bridge  130  is configured and positioned to provide stiffness to the prongs  131 , helping to prevent accidental removal of the prongs  131  from the channel  109  while still permitting a user to use thumb pressure to press the prongs  131  into the channel  109 . A thumb-pad portion  132  of the fastening clip  104 ,  128 ,  129  provides a visual target for where the user may press on the fastening clip to couple to fastening clip to the carrier  101 . 
     The fastening clip  128  of  FIG.  19    is configured to accommodate a panel  102  that is relatively thin, and fastening clip  129  of  FIG.  20    is configured to accommodate a panel  102  that is relatively thicker than what is illustrated in  FIG.  19   . A relatively thin panel  102  may have a width up to about ⅛ inch, while a relatively thick panel  102  may have a width over about ¼ inch. 
       FIGS.  19 - 21    show alternative versions of the fin  103  discussed above for  FIGS.  4  and  5   . The fin  133  of  FIG.  19   , the fin  134  of  FIG.  20   , and the fin  135  of  FIG.  21    have the features described above for the fin  103  of  FIGS.  4  and  5    except as noted here. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  19   , the fin  133  the arrowhead tip  136  may be asymmetrical. A large barb  137  of the asymmetrical arrowhead tip  136  is larger in size than a smaller barb  137  of the asymmetrical arrowhead tip  136 . Preferably, the large barb  137  is between about 20 percent and about 200 percent bigger than the smaller barb. More preferably, the large barb  137  is between about 50 percent and about 150 percent bigger than the smaller barb. Even more preferably, the large barb  137  is about twice the size of the smaller barb  137 . 
     The larger barb  137  is on a side of the asymmetrical arrowhead tip  136  that is closer to a long lobe  139  of the fin  133 . The smaller barb  138  is on a side of the asymmetrical arrowhead tip  136  that is closer to a short lobe  140  of the fin  133 . 
     The asymmetrical arrowhead tip  136  may provide the advantage of allowing maximal material to fit into the channel  109  of the carrier  101  with minimal resistance. Additionally, the asymmetrical arrowhead tip  136  better resists (as compared to a symmetrical arrowhead tip) being removed from the channel  109  of the carrier  101  when the user removes the press-fit window insert  100  from the window frame  110 . In addition, each of the long lobe  139  and the short lobe  140  contacts, and provides leverage against, the carrier  101  to further resist removal of the asymmetrical arrowhead tip  136  from the channel  109  of the carrier  101  when the user removes the press-fit window insert  100  from the window frame  110 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  19   , the ribs  112  discussed above for  FIG.  4   , are not included in all configurations of the fin  133  of  FIG.  19   . Although the fastening clip  128  is illustrated in  FIG.  19    along with the fin  133 , the fastening clip  128  and the fin  133  need not always be used together in every configuration. There are alternatives to each of those components as discussed in this disclosure. 
     The fin  134  of  FIG.  20    is as discussed above for the fin  133  of  FIG.  19    except as noted here. Specifically, as shown in  FIG.  20   , a blade  152  of the fin  134  may be pre-bent, such that there is an angle of less than 90° between the blade  152  and a vertical datum  142  of the fin  134 . Preferably, the angle  143  between the blade  152  and the vertical datum  142  of the fin  134  is between about 10° and about 50°. More preferably, the angle  143  is between about 20° and about 40°. Even more preferably, the angle  143  is about 30°. The vertical datum  142  represents a vertical direction in a typical installation of a press-fit window insert  100  into a window frame  110 . The vertical datum  142  is substantially parallel to the panel  102  as shown, for example, in  FIG.  20   . As used in this disclosure, “substantially parallel” means largely or essentially equidistant at all points, without requiring perfect parallelism. As illustrated in  FIG.  20   , a root portion  151  of the blade  152  may be substantially parallel to, or may coincide with, the vertical datum  142 . Accordingly, blade  152  of the fin  134  is pre-bent in an unstressed condition, meaning that there are no significant forces being applied to the blade  152  of the fin  134  other than perhaps gravity. 
     By contrast, the corresponding angle for the fin  133  of  FIG.  19    is about 90°, making the blade  152  of the fin  133  of  FIG.  19    straight in the unstressed condition where there are no significant forces being applied to the blade  152  of the fin  133  other than perhaps gravity. 
     A pre-bent fin  134  may provide the advantage of being able to fit into more limited window frame space than a fin that is not pre-bent. For example, blinds are often installed in a window frame, and blinds reduce the amount of space that would otherwise be available to install the press-fit window insert  100  in the window frame  110 . The pre-bent fin  134  may be easier to install between blinds and the primary window  115 . 
     Although the fastening clip  129  is illustrated in  FIG.  20    along with the fin  134 , the fastening clip  129  and the fin  134  need not always be used together in every configuration. There are alternatives to each of those components as discussed in this disclosure. 
     The fin  135  of  FIG.  21    is as discussed above for the fin  133  of  FIG.  19    and the fin  134  of  FIG.  20   , except as noted here. Specifically, as shown in  FIG.  21   , the arrowhead tip  136  may be enlarged. As illustrated, the enlarged arrowhead tip  144  is configured so that it cannot be pressed into the channel  109  of the carrier  101  under normal operating conditions (meaning thumb pressure from a human user). Instead, the enlarged arrowhead tip  144  is slid into an open end of the channel  109 . Accordingly, the enlarged arrowhead tip  144  substantially prevents removal of the fin  135  from the channel  109  of the carrier  101  when the user removes the press-fit window insert  100  from the window frame  110 . As used in this disclosure, “substantially prevent” means largely or essentially hindering, without requiring perfect avoidance of all occurrences. 
       FIG.  22    shows an alternative to the corner piece  106  discussed above for  FIG.  14   . The corner piece  145  of  FIG.  22    is as discussed above for the corner piece  106  of  FIG.  14    except as noted here. In particular, corner piece  145  includes tapered edges, or ramps,  146  as indicated in  FIG.  22    to facilitate insertion of the corner piece  145  into the carrier  101 . 
     Accordingly, configurations of the technology disclosed here allow less precise measurements to be made of the window frame, while still providing a proper fit with the window frame, even on window frames that are out of square. This is because the deflection of the fin in configurations (or the compression of the bulb in configurations) may absorb the out-of-square condition and the measurement error. All the while, the unique corner configuration of the leaf accommodates the deflection of the fin (or the compression of the bulb) to provide an air seal at the corners of the press-fit window insert. Hence, a consumer, such as a homeowner, may measure the existing window frame and install the press-fit window insert themselves without requiring professional assistance or a laser measurement device. 
     Furthermore, configurations of the press-fit window insert are designed to provide sufficient friction to hold the press-fit window insert in place across a wide range of compressions. For instance, in configurations the fin is shaped and configured to resist air pressure when only lightly compressed, at about ⅛ inch. Configurations of the fin are also shaped and configured to resist air pressure at a maximum compression of about ⅞ inch. In configurations, the fin is shaped and configured to be removable from the window frame under maximum compression. 
     EXAMPLES 
     Illustrative examples of the disclosed technologies are provided below. A particular configuration of the technologies may include one or more, and any combination of, the examples described below. 
     Example 1 includes a press-fit window insert configured to provide secondary protection to an existing window, the window insert comprising: a carrier comprising a substantially rigid framework having a first channel and a second channel within the framework, the first channel and the second channel each being configured to securely accept one or more attachments; a fin extending from the carrier, the fin comprising a substantially flexible blade extending from a base portion of the fin, the base portion of the fin being configured to interlock the fin to the carrier; and a fastening clip, the fastening clip comprising a substantially rigid brim extending from a base portion of the fastening clip, the base portion of the fastening clip being configured to interlock the fastening clip to the carrier. 
     Example 2 includes the window insert of Example 1, further comprising a panel substantially surrounded by one or more segments of the carrier, the fastening clip pinching an edge of a panel against a surface of the carrier. 
     Example 3 includes the window insert of Example 2, in which the panel comprises one of glass, a polycarbonate, and acrylic, a fiberboard, a film, a laminate layer, and a screen. 
     Example 4 includes the window insert of any of Examples 2-3, further comprising adhesive to couple the panel to the carrier. 
     Example 5 includes the window insert of any of Examples 1-4, in which the base portion of the fin includes an arrowhead tip configured to extend into the first channel through a slot in the carrier to interlock the fin to the carrier. 
     Example 6 includes the window insert of Example 5, in which the arrowhead tip is asymmetrical, the asymmetrical arrowhead tip comprising a first barb and a second barb, the first barb being larger than the smaller barb. 
     Example 7 includes the window insert of Example 5, in which the arrowhead tip is enlarged, the enlarged arrowhead tip being small enough to fit within the first channel, the enlarged arrowhead tip being too large to be pressed through the slot and into the first channel. 
     Example 8 includes the window insert of any of Examples 1-7, in which the blade of the fin is substantially straight in an unstressed condition. 
     Example 9 includes the window insert of any of Examples 1-7, in which the blade of the fin is pre-bent in unstressed condition. 
     Example 10 includes the window insert of any of Examples 1-9, in which the base portion of the fastening clip includes a pair of resilient prongs configured to interlock the fastening clip to the carrier. 
     Example 11 includes the window insert of Example 10, the base portion of the fastening clip further including a bridge spanning between the pair of resilient prongs, the bridge configured to provide stiffness to the pair of prongs. 
     Example 12 includes the window insert of any of Examples 1-11, further comprising a corner flap configured to overlay a gap between a first fin and an adjacent, second fin at a corner of the window insert, the corner flap further configured to overlap a portion of the first fin and a portion of the second fin at the corner of the window insert. 
     Example 13 includes the window insert of Example 12, further comprising a corner snap configured to secure the corner flap to the carrier by pinching the corner flap between the corner snap and the carrier. 
     Example 14 includes the window insert of any of Examples 1-13, further comprising a corner piece to connect a first carrier section to an adjacent, second carrier section, the corner piece connecting the first carrier section to the second carrier section at an angle less than 180 degrees, the corner piece configured to slide into each of the first carrier section and the second carrier section. 
     Example 15 includes the window insert of any of Examples 1-14, further comprising a pull ring configured to facilitate removal of the window insert from a window frame. 
     Example 16 includes the window insert of any of Examples 1-15, further comprising a safety chain configured to interlock with the carrier, the safety chain further configured to tether the window insert to a window frame. 
     Example 17 includes a press-fit window insert configured to provide secondary protection to an existing window, the window insert comprising: a carrier comprising a substantially rigid framework having a channel within the framework, the channel being configured to securely accept one or more attachments; and a fin clip extending from the carrier, the fin clip comprising a substantially flexible blade extending from a base portion of the fin clip, the base portion of the fin clip being configured to interlock the fin clip to the carrier, the fin clip further comprising a substantially rigid brim extending from the base portion of the fin clip. 
     Example 18 includes the window insert of Example 17, further comprising a panel substantially surrounded by one or more segments of the carrier, the fin clip pinching an edge of a panel against a surface of the carrier. 
     Example 19 includes the window insert of Example 18, in which the panel comprises one of glass, a polycarbonate, and acrylic, a fiberboard, a film, and a screen. 
     Example 20 includes the window insert of any of Examples 17-19, in which the base portion of the fin clip includes an arrowhead tip configured to extend into the channel through a slot in the carrier to interlock the fin clip to the carrier. 
     The previously described versions of the disclosed subject matter have many advantages that were either described or would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill. Even so, all of these advantages or features are not required in all versions of the disclosed apparatus, systems, or methods. 
     Additionally, this written description makes reference to particular features. It is to be understood that the disclosure in this specification includes all possible combinations of those particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular example configuration, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in the context of other example configurations. 
     Furthermore, the term “comprises” and its grammatical equivalents are used in this application to mean that other components, features, steps, processes, operations, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” or “which comprises” components A, B, and C can contain only components A, B, and C, or it can contain components A, B, and C along with one or more other components. 
     Also, directions such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “right,” and “left” are used for convenience and in reference to the views provided in figures. But the press-fit window insert may have a number of orientations in actual use. Thus, a feature that is vertical, horizontal, to the right, or to the left in the figures may not have that same orientation or direction in actual use. 
     Although specific example configurations have been described for purposes of illustration, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.