Patent Abstract:
A window protector assembly that protects both the inside and outside of standard panes of glazing from vandalism or other damage. The assembly comprises a pane of glazing, a sheet of protective material on the inside and outside of the glazing, and a frame. The frame pivots on the outer side of the glazing for quick loading and unloading of the glazing and the protective sheet on the outside of the glazing, and the frame also pivots closed to seal the glazing and protective sheets securely within the window protector assembly. The frame also comprises a recess wherein the protective sheet on the inside of the glazing is positioned.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/819,590 filed Mar. 27, 2001, entitled “WINDOW PROTECTOR ASSEMBLY” which was a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/397,748, filed Sep. 16, 1999, entitled “WINDOW PROTECTOR ASSEMBLY” now U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,453, issued Mar. 27, 2001. This application also claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/819,590 filed Mar. 27, 2001, and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/244,402 filed Oct. 30, 2000, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/395,692 filed Sep. 13, 1999, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/186,513 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,205,723) filed Nov. 4, 1998. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates to protective devices for protecting windows from damage and, more specifically, concerns a replaceable window protector assembly adapted to both protect glazing used in windows in public transportation vehicles and also allow for the replacement of the same.  
           [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0005]    Vandalism of windows in public transportation vehicles has been an ongoing problem for decades. Vandals cause damage by writing or painting on the glazing of the window with marking pens or spray paint. Further, vandals often damage the exposed glazing of the window by scratching the glazing with sharp instruments.  
           [0006]    Oftentimes, the vandal is a passenger that damages the interior surface of the glazing. However, the exterior surface of the glazing on public transportation vehicles are increasingly being defaced or vandalized. It will be appreciated that the vandalism usually takes the form of crude or otherwise disagreeable expressions being permanently marked onto the windows. Hence, there is an on-going problem of vandalism and defacement of public transportation vehicles and, in particular, damage or defacement of both the interior and exterior surfaces of the glazing of these windows.  
           [0007]    Likewise, unintentional breaking or fracturing of the glazing on public transportation vehicles has been an on-going problem as well. Oftentimes, road debris, interior debris, or passengers may accidentally strike the glazing with enough force to break or fracture it. Broken glazing presents an unacceptable hazard to passengers because the broken glazing can cut them. Also, fractured windows are unattractive and might cause a carrier to lose respect and business. Also, broken and fractured windows diminish the climate control capabilities of public transportation vehicles. Simply put, broken and fractured glazing must be replaced as soon as possible, but removal of the glazing is difficult and expensive. Hence, there is an on-going problem with the difficulty of replacing the glazing on public transportation vehicles.  
           [0008]    To address these problems, various devices have been developed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,207, which is owned by the assignee of this application, discloses one type of window protector which protects the interior surface of the glazing of the window from damage as a result of vandalism or defacement. In particular, U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,207 discloses a window protector which includes a protective sheet positioned against the interior surface of the glazing of the window and is held in place by a plurality of brackets which is attached to the frame of the window. This protective sheet acts as a sacrificial surface that protects the glazing of the window from damage as a result of vandalism or defacement. Whenever necessary, the protective sheet can be replaced with a new protective sheet by removing the brackets and positioning the new protective sheet adjacent the inner surface of the glazing of the window.  
           [0009]    While the window protector disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,207 has been effective in protecting the interior surface of the glazing of the window, this window protector does not provide protection against damage to the outer surface of the glazing of the window. Also, removing the interior protective sheet from the window protector disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,207 requires of the retention brackets, and this process can increase the cost of maintenance and repair.  
           [0010]    Moreover, the window protector disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,207 is designed to be used in conjunction with the existing window frames of the transportation vehicle. These frames are not designed for quick glazing installation and are rigidly attached to the vehicle. Thus, when the glazing breaks, the broken pieces must be gathered from within the rigid frame, the entire frame must be removed from the vehicle and disassembled, new glazing must be inserted into the frame, the frame must be reassembled, and the entire assembly must be reinstalled into the vehicle. This tedious process can increase the cost of maintaining and repairing the public transportation vehicle windows.  
           [0011]    From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that there is a need for an improved window protector that is capable of protecting both the interior surface and the exterior surface of the glazing of the window from damage as a result of vandalism or accident. It will also be appreciated that there is a need for an improved window protector that allows its owner to quickly replace both protective layers and the glazing in response to damage caused by vandalism or accident. To this end, there is a need for a window protector that provides protection to the window glazing on both the interior and exterior surfaces of the glazing and also allows for easy and quick access to the protective layers and the glazing itself.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0012]    The aforementioned needs are satisfied by one aspect of the invention which in one aspect relates to a window assembly mounted in a wall of a vehicle having an interior and an exterior surface. The assembly comprises a molded frame that is adapted to be positioned within the wall of the vehicle. The frame includes a transverse surface that extends through an opening in the wall and defines a window opening and an external perpendicular surface that is positioned adjacent the external surface of the wall of the vehicle when the frame is positioned within the wall. The frame further includes a seating member that extends inward from the transverse surface of the frame into the window opening such that the transverse surface of the frame and the seating member define a glazing mounting location. The frame further includes a flange that is offset from the seating member towards the interior surface of the vehicle and extends inward from the transverse surface of the frame into the window opening such that the flange is substantially parallel to the seating member. The seating member, the transverse surface, and the flange define a recess that extends substantially about at least two opposed sides of the window opening adjacent the interior surface of the vehicle. The assembly further comprises a piece of glazing positioned at the glazing mounting location within the frame of the vehicle so as to occupy the window opening. The seating member inhibits the piece of glazing from moving inwards towards the interior surface of the wall of the vehicle but permits the piece of glazing to be removed from the frame adjacent the exterior surface of the wall of the vehicle when the frame is positioned within the wall of the vehicle. The assembly further comprises a protective sheet positioned adjacent the piece of glazing such that at least two opposing edges of the protective sheet are positioned within the recess at the at least two opposed sides of the window.  
           [0013]    In one embodiment, the recess is sized and positioned about the window opening and the protective sheet is sized such that when the protective sheet is positioned within the recess, the protective sheet can be moved in a first direction with respect to the recess such that a first edge of the protective sheet can be exposed from the recess to thereby permit removal of the protective sheet. The assembly further comprises a retainer that extends into the recess so as to inhibit movement of the protective sheet in the first direction so as to prevent the first edge of the protective sheet from being exposed from the recess so that the retainer inhibits removal of the protective sheet without previous removal of the retainer. The protective sheet preferably comprises a sheet of acrylic material.  
           [0014]    In one embodiment, the assembly further comprises at least one retaining member pivotally attached to the frame so as to pivot outward from the exterior surface of the vehicle when the frame is positioned within the wall of the vehicle. The at least one retaining member is movable between an open position and a closed position such that the at least one retaining member in the open position allows the piece of glazing to be removed from the window opening of the frame adjacent the exterior surface of the wall of the vehicle and such that the at least one retaining member in the closed position retains the piece of glazing in the glazing mounting location in the closed position. The at least one retaining member is comprised of a first and a second U-shaped retaining members that are pivotally attached to the frame so as to extend substantially around the first perimeter of the frame when in the closed position. The first and second U-shaped retainers have first and second arms with beveled ends, wherein the beveled ends of the first and second arms of the first U-shaped retainer are positioned underneath the beveled ends of the first and second arms of the second U-shaped retainer when the first and second U-shaped retainers are in the closed position. At least one securing device is attached to the first U-shaped retainer so as to retain the first Ushaped retainer in the closed position. The fist U-shaped retainer has at least one opening and wherein the securing device comprises a securing member mounted within the at least one opening in the first U-shaped retainer so as to be rotatable therein. The securing member further includes a lateral member that rotates between a first position when the lateral member engages with the frame to retain the first U-shaped retainer in the closed position and a second position. The lateral member disengages with the frame to permit the first and second U-shaped members to be moved into the opened position. The securing member has a first exposed face that has an opening adapted to receive a tool having a first configuration so that positioning the tool having the first configuration into the opening permits manipulation of the securing member between the first and second positions.  
           [0015]    In one embodiment, the assembly further comprises a protective sheet mounted between the glazing and the retaining member so as to be interposed between the exterior surface and the piece of glazing to thereby inhibit damage or defacement to the piece of glazing by persons or debris adjacent the exterior surface of the vehicle. Preferably, the protective sheet comprises a sheet of acrylic material. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]    [0016]FIG. 1 is an elevational view illustrating a public transportation vehicle incorporating windows having an embodiment of a window protector assembly of the present invention;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 2 is an inside elevational view illustrating the window protector assembly of FIG. 1;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of the window protector assembly of FIG. 2 taken along the lines of  3 - 3 ;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the window protector assembly of FIG. 2 taken along the lines  4 - 4 ;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of the window protector assembly of FIG. 2, illustrating the assembly in both a closed and an opened configuration;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views of another embodiment of the window protector assembly of FIG. 2 illustrating another interconnection between retaining members of the window protector assembly and the frame of the window protector assembly;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a securing mechanism of the assembly of FIG. 2;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 8 is a top view of the securing mechanism of FIG. 2;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 9 is an elevational view of another embodiment of a public transportation vehicle incorporating windows having another embodiment of a window protector assembly of the present invention;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 10 is an outside elevational view illustrating the window protector of FIG. 9;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIGS. 1A and 1B are cross-sectional views of the window protector assembly of FIG. 10 taken along the lines of  11 - 11 ;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the window protector assembly of FIG. 10 taken along the lines of  12 - 12 ;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIGS. 13A and 13B are perspective views of the window protector assembly of FIG. 10, illustrating the assembly in both a closed and an opened configuration;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of a securing mechanism of the assembly of FIG. 10; and  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 15 is a top view of the securing mechanism of FIG. 10. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0031]    Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary public transportation vehicle  100  that incorporates windows  102  having window frames  114  mounted within openings  106  in the side wall  110  of the vehicle  100 . It will be appreciated from the following discussion that, while the window protector assembly of this embodiment is described in connection with a bus, that the window protector assembly  112  can be used in a number of different applications including other types of public transportation vehicles and also in windows that are positioned in fixed environments, such as buildings, where the window is likely to be damaged or defaced due to vandalism or accident. As will be also apparent from the following discussion, the window protector assembly of the preferred embodiment is designed to both protect the glazing of the window and also to facilitate rapid change and replacement of protective sheets and the glazing of the window protector assembly.  
         [0032]    Referring to FIG. 2, one embodiment of a window protector assembly  112  is illustrated. In this embodiment, the window protector assembly  112  incorporates a frame  114  that is adapted to mount within the opening  106  in the side wall  110  of the vehicle  100  in a well-known manner. The frame  114  defines an opening  116  into which one or more pieces of glazing  120  are to be positioned. As will be understood, the term “glazing” refers to either glass windows or windows formed of any other generally transparent or translucent material.  
         [0033]    In this embodiment, a first retaining member  122  and a second retaining member  124  are pivotally mounted to the frame  114  so as to be positioned about the outer perimeter of the opening  116  in the frame  114 . As is shown in FIG. 2, the first retaining member  122  is generally U-shaped having two arms  123   a ,  123   b  that extend along the side walls of the frame  114  and pivoting section  127 . Similarly, the second retaining member  124  is also generally U-shaped having a pivoting section  128  and two arms  125   a ,  125   b  that also extend along the side walls of the frame  114  so as to engage with the two arms  123   a ,  123   b  of the first retaining member  122 . The engagement between the arms  123   a ,  123   b  of the first retaining member  122  and the arms  125   a ,  125   b  of the second retaining member  124  secures the glazing and protective layers within the opening  116  of the frame  114  in a manner that will be described in greater detail below.  
         [0034]    As will also be described in greater detail below in reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the pivoting section  127  of the first retaining member  122  and the pivoting section  128  of the second retaining member  124  are pivotally attached to the frame  114  so as to be pivotable between a closed position, as shown in FIG. 2, and an opened position whereby the outer perimeter of the glazing  120  and any protective layer is exposed. As is shown in FIG. 2, the arms and pivoting sections of the first retaining member  122  and the second retaining member  124  are selected to have a width sufficient so as to fully cover the outer edge of the glazing  120  and any protective layers positioned within the opening  116  of the frame  114 .  
         [0035]    [0035]FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the interconnection between the first retaining member  122  and the second retaining member  124  and corresponding sections of the frame  114 . In particular, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the frame  114  includes an upper frame section  130   a  and a lower frame section  130   b . The upper and lower frame sections  130   a ,  130   b  have an L-shaped section  132  that is suitable for mounting in the opening  106  of the side wall  110  of the vehicle  100 . In particular, the L-shaped section  132  has an exterior lip  134  that is adapted to mount flush against the outer surface of the side wall  110  of the vehicle adjacent the window openings  106 . The L-shaped section  132  further includes a laterally extending member  136  that is adapted to be positioned adjacent the inner walls of the openings  106  in the side walls  110  of the vehicle so as to extend substantially through the opening  106 .  
         [0036]    A pivoting member  140  is formed on an inner wall  142  of the laterally extending member  136  so as to extend perpendicularly outward therefrom into the opening  116  defined by the frame  114 . As will be described in greater detail below, the pivoting member  140  extends the full length of the upper frame section  130   a  and the lower frame section  130   b , and provides a surface to which the pivoting section  127  of the first retaining member  122  and the pivoting section  128  of the second retaining member  124  can be respectively attached to the frame  114  of the window protector assembly  112 .  
         [0037]    The L-shaped section  132  also defines a seating member  144  that extends inward into the opening  116  defined by the window frame  114 . The seating member  144  is adapted to receive a seal  146  that is retained in the seating member  144  as a result of a deformable section  150  of the seal  146  being positioned within an opening  152  formed in the seating member  144  of the upper and lower frame members  130   a ,  130   b . Hence, the seal  146  is press-fit within the seating member  144  of the upper frame section  130   a  and lower frame section  130   b . It will be appreciated that while the upper and lower frame sections  130   a ,  130   b  have been described as being comprised of a plurality of discrete components, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper frame section  130   a  and the lower frame section  130   b  are comprised of a single uniform component preferably formed of extruded or molded aluminum.  
         [0038]    The pivoting members  140  are positioned on the inner surface  142  of the L-shaped section  132  so that the pivoting member  140  is positioned within the opening  116  of the window frame  114 . The pivoting sections  127  and  128  of the retaining members  122  and  124  define an opening  141  that receives the pivoting member  140  to permit the pivoting movement of the retaining members  122  and  124 . More particularly, the pivoting member  140  defines a ball  143  at its distal end that extends outwardly towards the outer surface of the window frame  114 . Since the pivoting member  140  is positioned on the inside surface of the L-shaped section  132  of the frame  114 , access to the interconnection between the retaining members  122  and  124  and the pivoting members is inhibited. Moreover, an end portion  145  of each of the retaining members  122 ,  124  is adapted to be flushly positioned within a recess  147  (FIGS. 3A and 3B) when the retaining members  122 ,  124  are in the closed position so that access to the interconnection between the retaining members  122 ,  124  is further inhibited. In this way, the likelihood of a person prying the retaining members  122 ,  124  free from the pivoting members  140  and thereby dismantling or damaging the window protector assembly  112  is inhibited.  
         [0039]    As is illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first retaining member  122  and the second retaining member  124  can be pivoted about the pivoting members  140  so as to extend outward from the opening  116 . This allows a protective sacrificial sheet  156  to be positioned within the opening  116  on the seal  146 . Subsequently, one or more pieces of glazing  120  can be positioned on an inner surface  160  of the protective sheet  156  in the manner shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Subsequently, an inner sacrificial protective sheet  162  can be positioned on an inner surface  164  of the glazing  120 . The first and second retaining members  122 ,  124  can then be pivoted into the closed position as shown in FIG. 3B. The first and second retaining members  122 ,  124  further include an inner seal  166  which extends entirely around the perimeter of the opening  116  so that the inner seal  166  makes contact with the inner sacrificial protective sheet  162  in the manner shown in FIG. 3B.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view which illustrates the side frame sections  170   a ,  170   b  of the frame  114 . The side frame sections  170   a ,  170   b  are integrally connected to the upper and lower frame sections  130   a ,  130   b  so that the entire frame  114  is a single integral piece. The side frame sections  170   a ,  170   b  are also configured to have an L-shaped section  172  that has a side wall member  174  that is adapted to be flushly positioned against the outer side wall  110  of the vehicle  100  adjacent the window opening  106 . The L-shaped section  172  also has a laterally extending section  176  that extends inward through the opening  116  of the frame  114  in the same manner as the laterally extending section  136  of the upper and lower frame sections  130   a ,  130   b  as described above. A bracing member  180  extends inwardly into the opening  116  of the frame  114  so as to provide a bracing contact so that the first and second retaining members  122 ,  124  will be positioned adjacent the bracing member  180  when the retaining members  122 ,  124  are in the closed position. As is also illustrated in FIG. 4, the side frame sections  170   a ,  170   b  include a seating member  184  that extends inward into the opening  116  from the inner surface  182  of the laterally extending section  176 . The seating member  184  is adapted to receive one or more seals  186  that extend laterally around the perimeter of the window.  
         [0041]    As illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 4, the protective sacrificial sheet  156  is positioned adjacent a seal  186  which is retained in the side frame members  170   a ,  170   b  in substantially the same manner as discussed above in connection with the seal  146  and the upper and lower frame members  130   a ,  130   b . The glazing  120  is then positioned adjacent the outer sacrificial layer  156  and the inner protective sheet  162  is then positioned adjacent the inner surface  164  of the glazing  120  in the same manner as described above in connection with FIGS. 3A and 3B. As illustrated in FIG. 4, when the first and second pivoting retaining members  122 ,  124  are in the closed position, the one or more seals  166 , are positioned adjacent the inner sacrificial protective sheet  162 . In one embodiment, the window  110  is square in which case the seals are comprised of a plurality of pieces. In another embodiment, the window  110  is curved and the seals comprise a single seal.  
         [0042]    As is shown in FIGS. 2, 5A and  5 B, the frame  114  is comprised of a single uniform piece that is comprised of the upper and lower sections  130   a ,  130   b  and the side sections  170   a ,  170   b . The retaining members  122 ,  124  are pivotally attached and define retaining surfaces that extend about the outer perimeter of the opening  116  defined by the frame  114  so as to overlap the outer perimeter of the glazing  120  and the protective sheets  156 ,  162 . The seating member  144  of the upper and lower frame sections  130   a ,  130   b  and the seating member  184  of the side frame sections  170   a ,  170   b  also extend into the opening  116  defined by the frame  114  so that the protective sheets  156 ,  162  and the glazing  120  can be securely retained in the opening  116  of the frame  114  by the retaining members  122 ,  124  pressing the protective sheets  156 ,  162  and the glazing  120  against the seating members  144 ,  184  about substantially the entire perimeter of the glazing  120  and the protective sheets  156 ,  162 .  
         [0043]    [0043]FIGS. 5A and 5B further illustrate the configuration and operation of the window protector assembly  112 . In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, the first and second retaining members  122 ,  124  are pivotable with respect to the upper and lower frame sections  130   a  and  130   b  thereby removing the first and second retaining members  122 ,  124  from the outer perimeter of the outer sacrificial layer  156 , the glazing  120 , and the inner sacrificial layer  162 . This allows each of these layers to be lifted out of the opening  116  defined by the frame  114 .  
         [0044]    As shown in FIG. 5B, when the first and second retaining members  122 ,  124  are closed, they are positioned about the outer perimeter of the outer protective layer  156 , the glazing  120  and the inner protective layer  162  thereby capturing these three layers adjacent the seal positioned on the inner sections of the frame  114 . As the outer perimeter of the sacrificial protective layers  156 ,  162  and the glazing  120  is covered by the pivoting retaining members  122 ,  124 , these layers cannot be removed without moving the first and second retaining members  122 ,  124  into the open position illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 5A. In this embodiment, the sacrificial protective layers  156  and  162  are comprised of an acrylic material that is adapted to be positioned adjacent the exposed surfaces of the glazing  120  such that the exposed surfaces of the glazing  120  on both the inside and the outside of the window is covered by the protective layers  156 ,  162 . In this way, damage to the more expensive glazing  120  as a result of vandalism or defacement is inhibited as the protective acrylic layers provide protection against such damage.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an alternate embodiment of the retaining members and their attachment to the frame of the window frame assembly. In particular, FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an alternate embodiment of the portions  127 ,  128  of the retaining members  122 ,  124  that pivotally attach the retaining members to the window frame. Specifically, in this embodiment, a retaining member  214  has a ball  216  formed on a first end that is adapted to be positioned within a recess  218  formed on an L-shaped section  232  of the frame. The embodiment of FIG. 6A and 6B is substantially similar to the embodiment of FIG. 3A and 3B except that the retaining members in this embodiment have the rotatable ball formed thereon and the recess is formed in the L-shaped section  232  of the frame as opposed to the other way around as described above in connection with FIGS. 3A and 3B.  
         [0046]    As is also illustrated in FIG. 6A and 6B, the retaining member has a seal portion  220  that receives a seal  222 . The ball portion  216  is rotatable within the recess  218  between an open and a closed position. In the closed position, the radius of the ball  216  prevents removal of the retaining member  214  from the recess  218 . However, the ball  218  has a flat surface  223  that decreases the radius of the ball  216  with respect to the opening of the recess  218  when the retaining member  214  has been moved to the open position as shown in FIG. 6A. Hence, the retaining member can be fully removed from engagement with the frame thereby permitting easy removal and installation of the retaining members.  
         [0047]    When the retaining members are in the closed position, a securing mechanism, such as the mechanism illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 hereinafter can be used to secure the retaining members in the closed position. In the closed position, the seal  222  engages with the inner protective sheet  156  so as to secure the protective sheets and glazing within the window frame in substantially the same manner as described above.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 7 illustrates a securing mechanism  191  that is adapted to secure the first and second retaining members  122 ,  124  in a locked and closed position. In particular, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the outer edge of the arms  123   a ,  123   b  of the first retaining member  122  and outer edge of the arms  125   a ,  125   b  of the second retaining member  124  are beveled so that the outer tip  183  of the arms  125   a ,  125   b  of the second retaining member  124  is positioned over the outer tip  185  of the arms  123   a ,  123   b  of the first retaining member  122  when the first and second retaining members are positioned in the closed position in the manner shown in FIGS. 3B and 5B. A securing member  190  is positioned within an opening  192  in both the arms  125   a ,  125   b  of the second retaining member  124 . Preferably, the securing member  190  is pivotable within the opening  192  such that a laterally extending arm  194  of the securing member  190  can be positioned within an opening  196  formed in a side wall of the frame  114 .  
         [0049]    In this embodiment, the opening  196  is preferably formed in the bracing member  180  and has a curved opening to permit the extending arm  194  to be rotated into the opening  196  in response to the user turning the securing member  190 . As illustrated in FIG. 8, the securing member  190  is preferably pivotable between an opened position and a closed position wherein the laterally extending member  194  is positioned within the opening  196  and the frame  114  in the closed position and is retracted from the opening  196  in the opened position.  
         [0050]    As is also illustrated in FIG. 8, the outer face  200  of the securing member  190  includes a tool recess  202  that is adapted to receive only a specially configured tool (not shown) such that manipulation of the securing member  190  between the opened and closed positions can preferably only be accomplished by an authorized person possessing a specially configured tool. As is illustrated in FIG. 2, there are preferably two securing members  190  positioned in both of the outer ends of the arms  125   a ,  125   b  of the second retaining member  124  to secure the second retaining member  124  in the closed position adjacent the frame  114 . As discussed above, because the outer end  183  of the second retaining member  124  overlaps the outer end  185  of the first retaining member  122 , securing the second retaining member  124  in the closed position against the frame  114  in the manner shown in connection with FIGS. 7 and 8 results in the first retaining member  122  similarly being secured in the closed position.  
         [0051]    Advantageously, it is simple to remove and replace the inner sacrificial layer  162  and the outer sacrificial layer  156  and the glazing  120  by simply manipulating the retaining members  122 ,  124  into the open position and extracting each of the layers positioned within the opening  116  of the frame  114 . Hence, the window protector assembly  112  of the illustrated embodiment allows for simpler and easier replacement of the protective layers  156 ,  162  and the glazing  120  as compared to similar protective devices of the prior art. As a result of permitting such easy access and replacement, it is now possible to have a protective layer positioned on the outer surface of the glazing  120  in addition to a protective surface on the inner surface of the glazing  120 . However, it will also be appreciated that the window frame and protector  112  of the present invention can be used with only an inner protective layer  162  without departing from the spirit of the present invention.  
         [0052]    Hence, the window protector  112  of the present invention allows for easier replacement of protective sheets as compared to window protective devices of the prior art. This easier access facilitates the use of a protective layer on the outside surface of the glazing as replacement of this sheet is now simplified due to the ease of access provided by the window protector assembly of the preferred embodiment.  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of an exemplary public transportation vehicle  300  that incorporates windows  302  having window frames  314  mounted within openings  306  in the side wall  310  of the vehicle  300 . It will be appreciated from the following discussion that, while the window protector assembly of this embodiment is described in connection with a bus, that the window protector assembly  312  can be used in a number of different applications. These applications include other types of public transportation vehicles and also windows that are positioned in fixed environments, such as buildings, where the window is likely to be accidentally or intentionally damaged or defaced. As will also be apparent from the following discussion, the window protector assembly of the preferred embodiment is designed to both protect the glazing of the window and also to facilitate rapid change and replacement of protective sheets and the glazing of the window protector assembly.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a window protector assembly  312 . In this embodiment, the window protector assembly  312  incorporates a frame  314  that is adapted to mount within the opening  306  in the side wall  310  of the vehicle  300  in a well-known manner. The frame  314  defines an opening  316  into which one or more pieces of glazing  320  are to be positioned.  
         [0055]    In this embodiment, a first retaining member  322  and a second retaining member  324  are pivotally mounted to the frame  314  so as to be positioned about the outer perimeter of the opening  316  in the frame  314 . As is shown in FIG. 10, the first retaining member  322  is generally U-shaped having two arms  323   a ,  323   b  that extend along the side walls of the frame  314  and pivoting section  327 . Similarly, the second retaining member  324  is also generally U-shaped having a pivoting section  328  and two arms  325   a ,  325   b  that also extend along the side walls of the frame  314  so as to engage with the two arms  323   a ,  323   b  of the first retaining member  322 . The engagement between the arms  323   a ,  323   b  of the first retaining member  322  and the arms  325   a ,  325   b  of the second retaining member  324  secures the glazing and protective layers within the opening  316  of the frame  314  in a manner that will be described in greater detail below.  
         [0056]    As will also be described in greater detail below in reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B, the pivoting section  327  of the first retaining member  322  and the pivoting section  328  of the second retaining member  324  are pivotally attached to the frame  314  so as to be pivotable between a closed position, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, and an opened position, as shown in FIG. 11A.  
         [0057]    As is illustrated in FIG. 10 and  11 B, the retaining members  322 ,  324  open outward of the window so as to secure the glazing in the window frame. When the glazing is to be replaced, the retaining members  322 ,  324  are opened and the glazing is then removed towards the outside of the vehicle in the manner that will be described in greater detail hereinbelow, thereby greatly simplifying the replacement of damaged or defaced glazing.  
         [0058]    As is shown in FIG. 10, when the retaining members  322 ,  324  are in a closed position, the retaining members  322 ,  324  cover the outer perimeter of the glazing  320  and any outer protective member. This is because the arms and pivoting sections of the retaining members  322 ,  324  are selected to have a width sufficient so as to fully cover the outer edge of the glazing  320  and any outer protective layers positioned within the opening  316  of the frame  314 . As is shown in FIG. 12, when the retaining members  322 ,  324  are in an open position, the outer perimeter of the glazing  320  and any outer protective layer is exposed. With the outer perimeter of the glazing  320  exposed, the glazing  320  can be removed from the frame via the exterior surface of the vehicle in a known manner.  
         [0059]    [0059]FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate the interconnection between the first retaining member  322  and the second retaining member  324  and corresponding sections of the frame  314 . In particular, as illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the frame  314  includes an upper frame section  330   a  and a lower frame section  330   b . The upper and lower frame sections  330   a ,  330   b  have an L-shaped section  332  that is suitable for mounting in the opening  306  of the side wall  310  of the vehicle  300 . In particular, the L-shaped section  332  has an exterior lip  334  that is adapted to mount flush against the outer surface of the side wall  310  of the vehicle adjacent the window openings  306 . The L-shaped section  332  further includes a laterally extending member  336  that is adapted to be positioned adjacent the inner walls of the openings  306  in the side walls  310  of the vehicle so as to extend substantially through the opening  306 .  
         [0060]    A pivoting member  340  is formed on an inner wall  342  of the laterally extending member  336  so as to extend perpendicularly outward therefrom into the opening  316  defined by the frame  314 . As will be described in greater detail below, the pivoting member  340  extends the full length of the upper frame section  330   a  and the lower frame section  330   b , and provides a surface to which the pivoting section  327  of the first retaining member  322  and the pivoting section  328  of the second retaining member  324  can be respectively attached to the frame  314  of the window protector assembly  312 .  
         [0061]    The L-shaped section  332  also defines a seating member  344  that extends inward into the opening  316  defined by the window frame  314 . The seating member  344  is adapted to receive a seal  346  that is retained in the seating member  344  as a result of a deformable section  350  of the seal  346  being positioned within an opening  352  formed in the seating member  344  of the upper and lower frame members  330   a ,  330   b . Hence, the seal  346  is press-fit within the seating member  344  of the upper frame section  330   a  and the lower frame section  330   b . The glazing  320  is preferably positioned within frame  314  so as to be positioned adjacent the seal  346 . When the retainers  322 ,  324  are closed, the glazing  320  is compressed against the seal  346  such that the glazing seals the window so as to inhibit the entry of moisture or air from the outside environment into the interior of the vehicle. It will be appreciated that while the upper and lower frame sections  330   a ,  330   b  have been described as being comprised of a plurality of discrete components, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper frame section  330   a  and the lower frame section  330   b  are comprised of a single uniform component preferably formed of extruded or molded aluminum.  
         [0062]    The pivoting members  340  are positioned on the inner surface  342  of the L-shaped section  332  so that the pivoting member  340  is positioned within the opening  316  of the window frame  314 . The pivoting sections  327  and  328  of the retaining members  322  and  324  define an opening  341  that receives the pivoting member  340  to permit the pivoting movement of the retaining members  322  and  324 . More particularly, the pivoting member  340  defines a ball  343  at its distal end that extends outwardly toward the center of the window  302 . Since the pivoting member  340  is positioned on the inside surface of the Lshaped section  332  of the frame  314 , access to the interconnection between the retaining members  322  and  324  and the pivoting member  340  is inhibited. Moreover, an end portion  345  of each of the retaining members  322 ,  324  is adapted to be flushly positioned within a recess  347  (FIGS. 11A and 11B) when the retaining members  322 ,  324  are in the closed position so that access to the interconnection between the retaining members  322 ,  324  is further inhibited. In this way, the likelihood of a person prying the retaining members  322 ,  324  free from the pivoting member  340  and thereby dismantling or damaging the window protector assembly  312  is inhibited.  
         [0063]    As is illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the first retaining member  322  and the second retaining member  324  can be pivoted about the pivoting members  340  so as to extend outward from the opening  316 . This allows one or more pieces of glazing  320  to be positioned within the opening  316  on the seal  346 . Subsequently, an outer sacrificial protective sheet  362  can be positioned on an outer surface  364  of the glazing  320 . The first and second retaining members  322 ,  324  can then be pivoted into the closed position as shown in FIG. 11B. The first and second retaining members  322 ,  324  further include an inner seal  366  which extends entirely around the perimeter of the opening  316  so that the inner seal  366  makes contact with the outer sacrificial protective sheet  362 . Once contact is made between the seal  366  and the outer sacrificial protective sheet  362 , the outer sacrificial protective sheet  362  in turn contacts the glazing  320  which contacts the seal  346  which is rigidly attached to the rest of the frame  314 . Thus, by closing the retaining members  322 ,  324 , the outer sacrificial protective sheet  362  and the glazing  320  are held rigidly inside the frame  314 . However, it will be appreciated that both the outer sacrificial protective sheet  362  and the glazing are easily removable once the retaining members  322 ,  324  are opened.  
         [0064]    Advantageously, because the retaining members  322 ,  324  open only to the outside of the vehicle, passengers would be unable to open the retaining members  322 ,  324 . This significantly reduces the abilities of a vandal to dismantle or damage the window protector assembly  312  from the inside of the vehicle, where vandalism is most likely to occur. Furthermore, passengers would be unable to open the retaining members  322 ,  324  to gain access to the fragile and expensive glazing  320 . Hence, because the retaining members  322 ,  324  open only to the outside, the cost of repairing the effects of vandalism is decreased while the safety of the other passengers is increased.  
         [0065]    Furthermore, as illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the upper and lower frame sections  330   a ,  330   b  include an upper and lower flange  355   a ,  355   b  that extends toward the center of the opening  316  defined by the window frame  314 . The upper and lower flanges  355   a ,  355   b  are positioned on the interior surface of the window frame  314 , lying parallel to the seating member  344  and to the plane of the glazing  320 . The upper and lower flanges  355   a ,  355   b  are separated from the seating member  344  by a distance  360  so as to define an upper and lower recess  359   a ,  359   b.    
         [0066]    In the preferred embodiment of the window protector assembly  312 , an inner sacrificial protective sheet  356  resides in the upper and lower recesses  359   a ,  359   b . To install the inner sacrificial sheet  356 , the inner sacrificial protective sheet  356  should be flexible enough such that the edges of the inner sacrificial protective sheet  356  can be bent over the upper and lower flanges  355   a ,  355   b  and into the upper and lower recesses  359   a ,  359   b  without breaking.  
         [0067]    In one embodiment, a gasket  351  is positioned on the bottom surface  357  inside the lower recess  359   b . Preferably, the gasket  351  is of such a thickness that it centers the inner sacrificial protective sheet  356  inside the window protector assembly  312 . Also in this embodiment, one or more retainer fasteners  353  are drilled perpendicularly through the upper flange  355   a , at a location above the upper edge  349   a  of the inner sacrificial protective sheet  356 . Preferably, the retainer fasteners  353  lie close enough to the upper edge  349   a  such that the retainer bolts  353  prevent the inner sacrificial protective sheet  356  from shifting inside the recess  359 . Also in the preferred embodiment, the fasteners  353  are removable only with a special tool such that a passenger would not be able to remove the fasteners  353  easily.  
         [0068]    Preferably, the distance measured between a lower edge  349   b  of the inner sacrificial protective sheet  356  to the top of the lower flange  355   b  is less than the distance measured between an upper edge  349   a  of the inner sacrificial protective sheet  356  to the base of the upper flange  355   a . Thus, after the retainer fasteners  353  are removed, the inner sacrificial protective sheet  356  can be shifted upwards until the lower edge  349   b  of the inner sacrificial protective sheet  356  is exposed. Then, in order to remove the inner sacrificial protective sheet  356  from the window protection assembly  312 , the lower edge  349   b  could be grasped in order to bend the inner sacrificial protective sheet  356  out of the upper and lower recesses  359   a ,  359   b . Advantageously, this embodiment of the widow protector assembly  312  allows for quick installation and removal of the inner sacrificial protective sheet  356 , yet the addition of the fasteners  353  prevents a passenger from shifting and removing the protective sheet  356 .  
         [0069]    [0069]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the side frame sections  370   a ,  370   b  of the frame  314 . The side frame sections  370   a ,  370   b  are integrally connected to the upper and lower frame sections  330   a ,  330   b  so that the entire frame  314  is a single integral piece. The side frame sections  370   a ,  370   b  are configured to have an L-shaped section  372  that has a side wall member  374  that is adapted to be flushly positioned against the outer side wall  310  of the vehicle  300  adjacent the window opening  306 . The L-shaped section  372  also has a laterally extending section  376  that extends inward through the opening  316  of the frame  314  in the same manner as the laterally extending section  336  of the upper and lower frame sections  330   a ,  330   b  as described above. As is also illustrated in FIG. 12, the side frame sections  370   a ,  370   b  include a seating member  384  that extends inward into the opening  316  from the inner surface  382  of the laterally extending section  376 . The seating member  384  is adapted to receive one or more seals  386  that extend laterally around the perimeter of the window. Finally, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the side frame sections  370   a ,  370   b  include a flange  378  that extends inward into the opening  316  from the inner surface  382  of the laterally extending section  376 . The flange  378  extends parallel to the seating member  384 , and the flange  378  and the seating member  384  are separated at a distance  379  to define a recess  375 .  
         [0070]    As illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 12, the glazing  320  is positioned adjacent a seal  386  which is retained in the side frame members  370   a ,  370   b  in substantially the same manner as discussed above in connection with the seal  346  and the upper and lower frame members  330   a ,  330   b . The outer sacrificial layer  362  is then positioned adjacent the glazing  320  in the same manner as described above in connection with FIGS. 11A and 11B. As illustrated in FIG. 12, when the first and second pivoting retaining members  322 ,  324  are in the closed position, the one or more seals  366 , are positioned adjacent the outer sacrificial protective sheet  362 . In one embodiment, the window  310  is square in which case the seals are comprised of a plurality of pieces. In another embodiment, the window  310  is curved and the seals comprise a single seal.  
         [0071]    Also as illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 12, the inner sacrificial protective sheet  356  is positioned inside the recess  375  in the same manner as described above in connection with the upper and lower recesses  359   a ,  359   b . In addition, a gasket  377  resides inside the recess  375  in order to center the inner sacrificial protective sheet  356  in the window protector assembly  312 .  
         [0072]    As is shown in FIGS. 10, 13A and  13 B, the frame  314  is comprised of a single uniform piece that is comprised of the upper and lower sections  330   a ,  330   b  and the side sections  370   a ,  370   b . The retaining members  322 ,  324  are pivotally attached and define retaining surfaces that extend about the outer perimeter of the opening  316  defined by the frame  314  so as to overlap the outer perimeter of the glazing  320  and the outer protective sheet  362 . The seating member  344  of the upper and lower frame sections  330   a ,  330   b  and the seating member  384  of the side frame sections  370   a ,  370   b  also extend into the opening  316  defined by the frame  314  so that the outer protective sheet  362  and the glazing  320  can be securely retained in the opening  316  of the frame  314  by the retaining members  322 ,  324  pressing the outer protective sheet  362  and the glazing  320  against the seating members  344 ,  384  about substantially the entire perimeter of the glazing  320  and the protective sheet  362 .  
         [0073]    [0073]FIGS. 13A and 13B further illustrate the configuration and operation of the window protector assembly  312 . In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 13A, the first and second retaining members  322 ,  324  are pivotable with respect to the upper and lower frame sections  330   a  and  330   b  thereby removing the first and second retaining members  322 ,  324  from the outer perimeter of the outer sacrificial layer  362  and the glazing  320 . This allows each of these layers to be lifted out of the opening  316  defined by the frame  314 .  
         [0074]    As shown in FIG. 13B, when the first and second retaining members  322 ,  324  are closed, they are positioned about the outer perimeter of the outer protective layer  362  and the glazing  320  thereby capturing these two layers adjacent the seal positioned on the inner sections of the frame  314 . As the outer perimeter of the sacrificial protective layer  362  and the glazing  320  is covered by the pivoting retaining members  322 ,  324 , these layers cannot be removed without moving the first and second retaining members  322 ,  324  into the open position illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 13.  
         [0075]    In this embodiment, the sacrificial protective layers  356  and  362  are comprised of an acrylic material that is adapted to be positioned adjacent the exposed surfaces of the glazing  320  such that the exposed surfaces of the glazing  320  on both the inside and the outside of the window is covered by the protective layers  356 ,  362 . In this way, damage to the more expensive glazing  320  as a result of vandalism or accident is inhibited as the protective acrylic layers provide protection against such damage.  
         [0076]    It should be noted that the alternate embodiment of the retaining members and their attachment to the frame described supra and illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B can be fully incorporated into this alternate embodiment of the window protector assembly  312 .  
         [0077]    [0077]FIG. 14 illustrates a securing mechanism  391  that is adapted to secure the first and second retaining members  322 ,  324  in a locked and closed position. In particular, as illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the outer edge of the arms  323   a ,  323   b  of the first retaining member  322  and outer edge of the arms  325   a ,  325   b  of the second retaining member  324  are beveled so that the outer tip  383  of the arms  325   a ,  325   b  of the second retaining member  324  is positioned over the outer tip  385  of the arms  323   a ,  323   b  of the first retaining member  322  when the first and second retaining members are positioned in the closed position in the manner shown in FIGS. 11 and 13. A securing member  390  is positioned within an opening  392  in both the arms  325   a ,  325   b  of the second retaining member  324 . Preferably, the securing member  390  is pivotable within the opening  392  such that a laterally extending arm  394  of the securing member  390  can be positioned within an opening  396  formed in a side wall of the frame  314 .  
         [0078]    In this embodiment, the opening  396  is preferably formed in the bracing member  380  and has a curved opening to permit the extending arm  394  to be rotated into the opening  396  in response to the user turning the securing member  390 . As illustrated in FIG. 15, the securing member  390  is preferably pivotable between an opened position and a closed position wherein the laterally extending member  394  is positioned within the opening  396  and the frame  314  in the closed position and is retracted from the opening  396  in the opened position.  
         [0079]    As is also illustrated in FIG. 15, the outer face  400  of the securing member  390  includes a tool recess  402  that is adapted to receive only a specially configured tool (not shown) such that manipulation of the securing member  390  between the opened and closed positions can preferably only be accomplished by an authorized person possessing a specially configured tool. As is illustrated in FIG. 10, there are preferably two securing members  390  positioned in both of the outer ends of the arms  325   a ,  325   b  of the second retaining member  324  to secure the second retaining member  324  in the closed position adjacent the frame  314 . As discussed above, because the outer end  383  of the second retaining member  324  overlaps the outer end  385  of the first retaining member  322 , securing the second retaining member  324  in the closed position against the frame  314  in the manner shown in connection with FIGS. 14 and 15 results in the first retaining member  322  similarly being secured in the closed position.  
         [0080]    Advantageously, it is simple to remove and replace the outer sacrificial layer  362  and the glazing  320  by simply manipulating the retaining members  322 ,  324  into the open position and extracting each of the layers positioned within the opening  316  of the frame  314 . Likewise, it is simple to remove and replace the inner sacrificial layer  356  by shifting the sacrificial layer  356  until its edge  349 b is exposed and then grasping the edge  349   b  and pulling on it until the sacrificial layer  356  bends out of the recesses  359   a ,  359   b ,  375 . Hence, the window protector assembly  312  of the illustrated embodiment allows for simpler and easier replacement of the protective layers  356 ,  362  and the glazing  320  as compared to similar protective devices of the prior art. As a result of permitting such easy access and replacement, it is now possible to have a protective layer positioned on the outer surface of the glazing  320  in addition to a protective surface on the inner surface of the glazing  320 . However, it will also be appreciated that the window frame and protector  312  of the present invention can be used with only an inner protective layer  356  without departing from the spirit of the present invention.  
         [0081]    Hence, the window protector  312  of the present invention allows for easier replacement of protective sheets as compared to window protective devices of the prior art. This easier access facilitates the use of a protective layer on the outside surface of the glazing as replacement of this sheet is now simplified due to the ease of access provided by the window protector assembly of the preferred embodiment.  
         [0082]    Although the illustrated embodiments of the present invention have shown, described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention, as applied to these embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the detail of the device illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Consequently, the scope of the invention should not be limited to the foregoing description, but should be defined by the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1