Patent Publication Number: US-2023160253-A1

Title: Sash retention system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. Pat. Application 17/095,513, filed Nov. 11, 2020, which is a divisional of U.S. Pat. Application 16/155,261, now U.S. Pat. 10,876,348, filed Oct. 9, 2018, both entitled SASH RETENTION SYSTEM, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of fenestration assemblies, and more particularly to a system for fixedly securing a sash to a frame. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment a fenestration assembly comprises a frame having a first jamb and a second jamb parallel to and spaced from the first jamb; a movable sash movably mounted to the frame; a fixed sash fixedly attached to the frame; a plurality of clips coupling the fixed sash to the frame; and an adhesive connector securing an outer face of the fixed sash to the frame 
     In one embodiment a method of assembling a fenestration includes providing a frame having a first jamb and a second jamb spaced from and parallel to the first jamb. At least one clip is secured to the first jamb and at least the second jamb. A first sash is provided having a first stile and a second stile spaced from and parallel to the second stile. A first side of a double-sided adhesive is secured to each of the first stile and the second stile of the first sash. The first sash is positioned within the frame wherein the clips provide a biasing force to center the first sash between the first jamb and the second jamb. The first sash is secured to the frame with a second side of the double-sided adhesive. 
     In another embodiment a method of assembling a fenestration includes providing a fenestration frame having a first jamb and a second jamb spaced from and parallel to the first jamb, and a header. A further step includes selecting one of a glazing assembly secured to a sash frame and a glazing assembly free of a sash frame, wherein the glazing assembly free of a sash frame has a width greater than the glazing assembly secured to the sash frame. The selected glazing assembly is secured to the fenestration frame. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is an isometric view of a window assembly as viewed from an interior of an enclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is a cross section taken generally along line 2-2 of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3 A  is partial cross section of a clip being inserted into a frame. 
         FIG.  3 B  is a partial exploded cross section of a first side of the fixed sash moving in a direction to be secured to the frame. 
         FIG.  3 C  is a partial exploded cross section of a second side of the fixed sash moving in a direction to be secured to the frame. 
         FIG.  3 D  is a partial cross section of the fixed sash secured to the frame. 
         FIG.  4    is an isometric view of the clip. 
         FIG.  5    is a side view of the clip. 
         FIG.  6    is a bottom view of the clip. 
         FIG.  7 A  is a cross sectional view taken generally along line 7A-7A of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  7 B  is a cross sectional view taken generally along line 7B-7B of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  8 A  is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a single hung window utilizing the same frame of  FIG.  1    and taken generally along line 7A-7A of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  8 B  is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a single hung window utilizing the same frame of  FIG.  1    and taken generally along line 7B-7B of  FIG.  1   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , a fenestration such as a window  10  is shown as a single hung window including a window frame  12 , a movable first or lower sash  14 , a second fixed or upper sash  16 . The window  10  is shown disposed vertically and includes an exterior or outer side  18  generally opposite an interior or inner side  20 . 
     For purposes of this application, unless otherwise specified, an interior side of a window is generally the side of the window facing an interior of a house, room, or other defined or enclosed space, and the exterior side of a window is generally the side of the window facing an exterior of a house, room, or other defined or enclosed space. Also, the “front” of an element is defined from the perspective of an operator facing the interior  20  of the window  10 . The “rear” of an element is generally defined as opposing the “front” (e g., extending away from the front) of the window. The forward and rearward directions are generally aligned along the y-axis as shown in  FIG.  1   . The vertical direction is the direction generally aligned with the force of gravity along the z-axis as shown in  FIG.  1   . The cross direction or left and right directions is the direction generally aligned with the x axis as shown in  FIG.  1   . The left and right sides are defined by a view from a user viewing the window from the interior of the enclosure. 
     The bottom of an element generally faces or extends toward the ground (i.e., the surface of the earth) and the top of an element generally faces or extends away from the ground and the bottom. 
     The window frame  12  is shown including a first vertical or side jamb  24  disposed generally opposite a second vertical or side jamb  26  and an upper jamb or header  28  disposed generally above a second transverse lower jamb or sill  30  (the transverse jambs extending generally in the x-direction as defined in  FIG.  1   ). The window frame  12  provides support for the first sash  14 , the second sash  16 , and other elements of window  10 . The first vertical jamb  24  includes a first side or surface  32  disposed proximate the first sash  14  and an outer side or surface  34  disposed distal to the first sash  14  relative to surface  32 . 
     The term fully closed refers to the orientation of the movable sash when the movable sash covers the area between the frame members and the upper fixed sash. The term open refers to the condition in which the movable sash  14  is moved in a direction from the sill  30  toward the header  28  and there is a region between the jamb  24 , jamb  26 , sill  30  and upper fixed sash  16  which is not covered. When the movable sash  14  is in the fully open position it may be possible to pass an object from the interior side to the exterior side between the area defined by jamb  24 , jamb  26 , sill  30  and the upper fixed sash  16 . The term fully open refers to the orientation of the movable sash when the movable sash is moved toward the header  28  as far as the geometry of the frame and movable sash allows. It is understood that the movable sash moves from a fully closed position to an open position to a fully open position. The open position includes all of the positions between the fully closed position through and including the fully open position. Stated another way the open position includes both the fully open position and all partially open positions in which the movable sash is between the fully closed position and the fully open position. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , the movable sash  14  is shown including a glazing  36  and a sash frame  38 . The glazing  36  is confined within and supported by the sash frame  38 . The sash frame  38  includes an upper rail  40  generally opposite a lower rail  42  and a first stile  44  generally opposite a second stile  46 . When the window is orientated vertically such that movable sash  14  moves from a fully closed position to a fully open position in a direction opposite the direction of gravity (extending along the z-axis), then the upper rail  40  and the lower rail  42  are oriented generally horizontally (extending along the x-axis) and disposed substantially above and below the glazing  36 , respectively. The first stile  44  and the second stile  46  are generally perpendicular to the upper rail  40  and the lower rail  42  and are disposed at the sides of the glazing  36 , The sash frame  38  further includes an outer surface  48  generally opposite an inner surface  50 . 
     In one embodiment the first sash  14  is slidable relative to frame  12  between a fully closed position to a fully open position. In one embodiment first sash  14  may be tiltable sash that is pivotally coupled to window frame  12 , providing for the first sash  14  to be pivotally moved between a non-tilted position and a tilted position as is known in the art. The first sash  14  may be pivoted about a horizontal axis that is generally parallel to lower rail  42 . In a tilted position, the first sash  14  is disposed at an angle relative to a plane defined by the frame  12 . In one embodiment in the tilted position the upper rail  40  moves inwardly along the y-axis such that the upper rail  40  is further from a plane defined by the header  12 , sill  30  and first and second stiles  24 ,  26  than the lower rail  42 . 
     Upper fixed sash  16  includes a sash frame  52  es an upper rail  54 , a lower rail  56 , a first stile  58  and a second stile  60 . A glazing  62  extends between upper rail  54 , lower rail  56 , first stile  58  and second stile  60 . Referring to  FIG.  2   , upper sash  16  is fixedly secured to an outer portion  64  of frame  12 , while lower sash  14  is movably secured to an inner portion  66  of frame  12 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , inner portion  66  of frame  12  includes a first member  68  extending from jamb_24 toward jamb  26  and a second member  70  extending from jamb  24  toward jamb  26  and generally parallel to first member  68 . A channel  72  is defined by the region between jamb  24 , first member  68  and second member  70 . Similarly, extending from second jamb  26  is a first member  74  extending from second jamb stile  26  toward first jamb  24  and a second member  76  extending from second jamb  26  toward first jamb  24  and generally parallel to first member  74 . A channel  78  is defined by the region between second jamb  26 , first member  74  and second member  76 . In one embodiment movable sash  14  is slidably received within channels  72  and  78 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  2    and  FIG.  3 A  outer portion  64  includes outer surface  80  of second member  70  and a clip receiving portion  82  having a surface  84  of first jamb  24  facing second jamb  26  extending from outer surface  80  of second member  70  toward the outermost portion of first jamb  24 . a tab member  86  extends from portion  82  in a vector direction both toward outer surface  80  of second member  70  and second jamb  26 . The intersection of tab  86  and portion  82  defines a corner receiving region or pivot portion  88 . 
     Similarly, outer portion  64  includes outer surface  90  of second member  76  and a clip receiving portion  92  having a surface  94  of second jamb  26  facing first jamb  24  extending from outer surface  90  of second member  76  toward the outermost portion of second jamb  26 . A tab member  96  extends from portion  92  in a vector direction both toward outer surface  90  of second member  76  and first jamb  24 . The intersection of tab member  96  and portion  92  defines a corner receiving region or pivot portion  98 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2  and  3 B , stile  58  of fixed sash  16  includes outer surface  100  and an opposing inner surface  102 , a first clip receiving side  104  and an opposing second glazing receiving side  106 . Inner surface  102  includes a member  108  that is positioned adjacent surface  80  when second sash  16  is operatively secured to frame  12  with connector  120 . First clip receiving side  104  includes a snap leg  110  having a free barbed end  112 . A clip receiving cavity  114  defines an opening  116  between member  108  and barbed end  112 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2  and  3 C , second sash  16  stile  60  has similar features to those discussed above with respect to stile  58 . Stile  60  includes outer surface  101  and an opposing inner surface  103 , a first clip receiving side  105  and an opposing second glazing receiving side  107 . Inner surface  103  includes a member  109  that is positioned adjacent surface  90  when second sash  16  is operatively secured to frame  12  with a connector  120 . First clip receiving side  105  includes a member  111  having a free barbed end  113 . A clip receiving cavity  115  defines an opening  117  between member  109  and barbed end  113 . 
     In one embodiment connectors  120  are double-sided tape that operative secures members  108 ,  109  to surfaces  80 ,  90  of stiles  58 ,  60  respectively. However other connectors  120  known in the art may also be used, such as a bead of adhesive materials that operates to bond fixed sash  16  to frame  12 . Referring to  FIG.  3 D  fixed sash  16  is secured to frame  12  with a plurality of connectors  120  and clips  122 . Referring to  FIGS.  4 - 7    each clip  122  includes a first leg  124  having a free end  126 . A second leg  128  extends from first leg  124  opposite free end  126 . In one embodiment second leg  128  extends about  90  degrees from first leg  124 . A third leg  130  extends from second leg  128  at an obtuse angle  132 . A fourth leg  134  extends from third leg  130  at an acute angle  136 . A tab  138  formed from a portion of first leg  124  extends therefrom in a direction toward the third leg  130 . A second tab  140  formed from a portion of second leg  128  extends therefrom in a direction away from fourth leg  134 . As described below the clips provide for attachment of fixed sash  16  to frame  12 . Clips  122  allow for easy and repeatable location of fixed sash  16  to frame  12 , immediately prior to engagement of the double-sided tape connectors  120  that fully secures fixed sash  16  to frame  12 . Tab  140  terminates in a point  142  that pierces frame  12 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  3 A  terminal end  126  of first leg  124  of clip  122  is positioned within pivot point  88  and clip  122  is then rotated about point  88  in direction  162  until first leg  124  is adjacent surface  84  of clip receiving portion  82 . Pointed tip  142  of tab  140  engages surface  80  such that tip  142  pierces or digs into surface  80 . In one embodiment frame  12  is formed from a vinyl material and clip  122  is formed from a metal material. However, other materials are also contemplated. For example, frame  12  may be wood or fiberglass and clip  122  may be formed from a plastic material. In one embodiment tab  140  flexes about an attachment or region  144  of second leg  128  as the tip  142  of tab  140  engages and digs into or is biased against surface  80  of frame  12 . In one embodiment tip  142  defines a point from two sloping portions  146 . Stated another way leading edge  126  of clip  122  is hooked under a bent leg  86  defined by point or line  88  and as clip  122  is rotated about line  88  clip  122  is retained in a clip receiving portion  82  through engagement of pointed barb or pointed tip  142  with the vinyl surface of the frame. 
     Referring to  FIG.  3 B  first tab  138  extends away from surface  84  at an angle toward surface  80 . As fixed sash  16  is moved toward surface  80  and surface  90  a surface  148  of barbed end  112  engages terminal fourth leg  134  of clip  122 . The fourth leg  134  of opposing clips  122  positioned adjacent stiles  58  and  60  act to center fixed sash  16  between stiles  58  and  60 . Tab  138  of opposing clips  122  further act to center fixed sash  16  between stiles  58  and  60 . As barb  112  moves toward surfaces  80 ,  90  fourth leg  134  is pushed away from first leg  138  until a bottom edge  150  of barb  112  clears terminal end  152  of fourth leg  134 . Tip  152  of fourth leg  134  moves to a engage the region defined by the intersection of a bottom edge  150  of tab  112  and member  110 . 
     In one embodiment clips  122  are secured to frame  12  without the need for a separate fastener. Stated another way clips  122  may be secured to frame  12  fastener free. Clip  122  in an installed position is biased toward tab  86  by tab  140  and is prevented from moving away from surface  84  by the tab digging into or being biased against surface  80 . Tab  140  acts as a spring in the in/out direction and acts to keep clip adjacent surface  84  by the tip of tab  140  digging into surface  80 . 
     The plurality of clips  122  allow the use of a double-sided tape connector  120  to be used as an attachment method between the fixed sash and the frame without an additional guide member or jig positioning sash  16  within the frame. Clips  122  act to center the fixed sash  16  within the frame  12  and therefore eliminate the need for a complicated and/or expensive guide to ensure proper placement of the fixed sash  16  within frame  12 . 
     In one embodiment at least one  22  is disposed on an upper region of first jamb  24  and at least one clip is positioned on an upper region of the second jamb  24 . The upper region of the first jamb and the second jamb begin defined as the region proximate the fixed sash  16 , or stated another way the region intermediate the movable sash in the fully closed position and the header  28 . In one embodiment at least one clip is positioned on the header having similar clip receiving geometry as the first jamb and the second jamb as described herein. In one embodiment, there are at least two clips on each of the first jamb and the second jamb that are opposite one another. In one embodiment there are more than two clips on each of the first jamb and second jamb. 
     In one embodiment the visible width  152 ,  154  of stiles  58  and  60  as viewed from the exterior of the building or room is substantially the same of the visible width  156 ,  158  of the stiles  44 ,  46  as viewed from the exterior of the building. The visible width is the distance measured between a left edge of the stile and a right edge of the stile in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stile. Referring to  FIG.  1    the visible width is taken along the x axis. The fenestration assembly as described herein provides the appearance that the window is a double hung window even though the upper sash  16  is fixed to the frame with clips  22  and connector  120 . 
     In one embodiment fenestration assembly  10  is assembled by first providing a frame  12  having a first jamb  24  and a second jamb  26  spaced from and parallel to the first jamb  24 , and a header  28 . At least one clip  122  is secured to the first jamb  24  and at least one clip  122  is secured to the second jamb  24  and at least one clip  122  is secured to the header  28 . Although all clips are provided the reference numeral  122  they are individual clips. A first sash  16  is provided having a first stile  58  and a second stile  60  spaced from and parallel to the second stile  60 . A first side of a double-sided adhesive tape  120  is secured to each of the first stile  58  and the second stile  60  of the first sash  16 . The first sash  16  is moved toward the frame  12  generally along a y-axis is shown in  FIG.  1    or a direction  160  as shown in  FIG.  3 B  generally perpendicular to plane defined by the glazing or glass  62  of the first sash. Clips  122  secured to the first jamb  24  and the second jamb  26  provide a biasing force to center the first sash  16  between the first jamb  24  and the second jamb  26  as the first sash moves toward the frame  12 . The first sash  16  is non-movably secured to the frame  12  with a second side of the double-sided adhesive  120 . A second sash  14  is operatively secured to the frame  12  as is known in the art such that second ash is movable between a fully closed position and a fully open position. 
     . Referring to  FIG.  3 B  as sash  16  enters into frame  12  in a direction  160  snap leg  110  impacts a leading edge  164  clip  122  preventing connector  120  from engaging with frame  12  until additional force is applied. The application of additional force causes the mating of angled surfaces of clip  122  and snap leg 1  10  to draw sash  16  toward frame  12 . Once sash  16  is fully seated against frame  12 , the sash  16  has been consistently drawn toward frame  12  and the double-sided tap  120  has engaged with frame  12  locking sash  16  into an installed and fixed position. Additionally, clip  122  and sash snap leg  110  interlock to give additional support and provides feedback to an assembler that sash  16  is fully seated into frame  12 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  the fenestration assembly  10  provides a desired sightline around the perimeter of the entire frame  12 . In this fenestration assembly  10  there is an equal gap between the frame  12  and first sash  14  and second sash  16  about the entire perimeter. Referring to  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B  the geometry of frame  12  may be used in a single hung configuration  210  in which a glazing assembly  216  may be secured directly to frame  12  without a fixed sash frame. Stated another way glazing assembly  216  has assembly includes a first sheet of glazing  218  fixed to and separated from a second sheet of glazing  220  with a spacer  222 . The outer perimeter of first and second glazing sheets are not secured directly to frame  12  without a rails and stiles. Rather the second sheet of glazing is adhered to frame  12  with an adhesive and a glazing bead  224  secured to frame  12  covers at least part of the periphery of the first sheet of glazing  218 . Referring to  FIG.  8 A  the width of the first and second glazing sheets are wider than the first and second glazing sheets of the movable sash  14 . In contrast referring to  FIG.  7 A  the width of the first and second glazing sheets are substantially the same. In one embodiment the width of the first and second glazing sheets are the same. 
     In another embodiment a method of assembling a fenestration includes providing a fenestration frame  12  having a first jamb and a second jamb spaced from and parallel to the first jamb, and a header. A further step includes selecting one of a glazing assembly secured to a sash frame  16  and a glazing assembly  216  free of a sash frame, wherein the glazing assembly  216  free of a sash frame has a width (in the x direction shown in  FIG.  1   ) greater than the glazing assembly  16  secured to the sash frame. The selected glazing assembly is secured to the fenestration frame  12 . If the selected glazing assembly is the glazing assembly secured to a sash frame then the glazing assembly is secured to the fenestration frame  12  as described above. 
     Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the defined subject matter. Although the embodiment presented is a vertical single hung window, the fenestration assembly may also be a horizontal slider or a picture window in which the glazing assembly includes a sash frame being attached to the frame in one embodiment and wherein the glazing assembly may also be directly secured to the frame without a separate sash frame. For example, although different example embodiments may have been described as including one or more features providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example embodiments or in other alternative embodiments. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the definitions reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements.