Abstract:
Window with an interior pane; and an interior pane system having a frame unit, a pane unit connected to the unit, the pane unit having a pane, the frame unit applicable to a window, the window having an exterior pane, the window having a window opening, the frame unit sized and configured for positioning at the window opening; in some aspects, such a system including the window; and/or, in some aspects, such a system including a window cover connected to the frame. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present invention and this application claim the benefit of priority under the Patent Laws of U.S. Application Ser. Nos. 61/271,462 filed Jul. 21, 2009 and 61/278,702 filed Oct. 9, 2009, both of which are co-owned with the present invention and are incorporated fully herein for all purposes. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This present invention is directed to window units, to interior units with an interior pane, and to shutter units with an interior pane. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    A wide variety of windows, interior window units, shutter units for windows, interior storm windows, and parts thereof are known, including, but not limited to, the disclosures in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,865,846; 6,691,461; 6,505,669; 5,649,389; 5,465,537; 5,419,085; 5,390,454; 4,996,793; 4,967,511; 4,592,180; 4,561,223; 4,473,980; 4,251,966; 4,079,558; 3,932,959; 3,691,687; 3,805,872; 3,653,317; 3,451,165; 3,214,231; 3,183,547; 3,133,324; 84,124; and D 321,256—all incorporated fully herein for all purposes. 
         [0006]    In certain known interior shutter systems, a shutter unit has sufficient room for movable parts and/or louvers to operate. Typically in such systems a connection member around the shutter unit is attached within a structure to an interior wall adjacent an existing window. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention discloses, in certain aspects, interior units for mounting inside a structure for use with an exterior window, the unit including an interior pane mounted within the unit. In certain aspects, systems according to the present invention include a pane which is mountable spaced-apart from an exterior pane of a window. In one particular aspect, an interior unit according to the present invention is an interior shutter unit. In certain aspects, an interior unit according to the present invention includes members for removably mounting the pane; for example, metal strips secured to the unit and magnetic strips either placeable over edges of the pane for magnetically holding the pane in place or holders connected to the pane and having magnets thereon, and/or tape(s). 
         [0008]    The present invention discloses, in certain aspects, interior units for mounting inside a structure for use with an exterior window, the unit including a pane mounted within the unit, the units having connection members according to the present invention for connecting the unit to a wall around a window and slots in the connection members for receiving an interior pane or for receiving metal members against which a pane is held by magnetic strips. In one aspect the unit is an interior shutter unit. A window unit and/or pane unit according to the present invention may be used with a window cover, e.g., but not limited to a shade, a blind, a drape, a curtain, or an interior shutter. 
         [0009]    The present invention discloses, in certain aspects, shutter units with a frame with a frame opening, a pane mount secured to the frame, and the pane mount suitable for holding a pane. 
         [0010]    The present invention discloses, in certain aspects, connection members for connecting a unit to a wall adjacent a wall opening in the wall, the connection members including: a body with a front portion for positioning over a part of a wall at the opening; a second portion extending from the front portion; a pane mount secured to the second portion and suitable for holding a pane within the body so that a movable part of the unit is not interfered in movement by the pane. 
         [0011]    The present invention discloses, in certain aspects, interior pane systems with a frame unit and a pane unit connected to the frame unit, the frame unit connectable to a window that has an exterior pane, the pane unit having an interior pane. The present invention discloses, in certain aspects interior pane systems including: a frame with a frame opening; a pane mount secured to or integral with the frame, a first part of the pane mount in the frame; and the pane mount suitable for holding a pane; and, in one aspect, such a unit with pane in the pane mount. In such a unit, in certain aspects, one of the frame and the pane mount has at least one tongue on a side and the other of the frame and the pane mount has at least one channel on a corresponding side, the at least one tongue releasably receivable within the at least one channel. 
         [0012]    Accordingly, the present invention includes features and advantages which are believed to enable it to advance interior pane technology, shutter unit technology, and window unit technology. Characteristics and advantages of the present invention described above and additional features and benefits will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and referring to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0013]    Certain embodiments of this invention are not limited to any particular individual feature disclosed here, but include combinations of them distinguished from the prior art in their structures, functions, and/or results achieved. Features of the invention have been broadly described so that the detailed descriptions of embodiments preferred at the time of filing for this patent that follow may be better understood, and in order that the contributions of this invention to the arts may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional aspects of the invention described below and which may be included in the subject matter of the claims to this invention. Those skilled in the art who have the benefit of this invention, its teachings, and suggestions will appreciate that the conceptions of this disclosure may be used as a creative basis for designing other structures, methods and systems for carrying out and practicing the present invention. The claims of this invention are to be read to include any legally equivalent devices or methods which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0014]    What follows are some of, but not all, the objects of this invention. In addition to the specific objects stated below for at least certain embodiments of the invention, other objects and purposes will be readily apparent to one of skill in this art who has the benefit of this invention&#39;s teachings and disclosures. It is, therefore, an object of at least certain embodiments of the present invention to provide new, useful, unique, efficient, nonobvious systems with an interior pane, structures with an interior pane, windows with an interior pane, connection members, and shutter units with an interior pane. 
         [0015]    The present invention recognizes and addresses the problems and needs in this area and provides a solution to those problems and a satisfactory meeting of those needs in its various possible embodiments and equivalents thereof. To one of skill in this art who has the benefits of this invention&#39;s realizations, teachings, disclosures, and suggestions, various purposes and advantages will be appreciated from the following description of certain preferred embodiments, given for the purpose of disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detail in these descriptions is not intended to thwart this patent&#39;s object to claim this invention no matter how others may later attempt to disguise it by variations in form, changes, or additions of further improvements. 
         [0016]    The Abstract that is part hereof is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and scientists, engineers, researchers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent terms or legal terms of phraseology to determine quickly, from a cursory inspection or review to know the nature and general area of the disclosure of this invention. The Abstract is neither intended to define the invention, which is done by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting of the scope of the invention or of the claims in any way. 
         [0017]    It will be understood that each of and the various embodiments of the present invention may include one, some, or all of the disclosed, described, and/or enumerated aspects, improvements and/or technical advantages and/or any or some, in any possible combination, of an element or elements in claims to this invention. 
         [0018]    Certain aspects, certain embodiments, and certain preferable features of the invention are set out herein. Any combination of aspects or features shown in any aspect or embodiment can be used except where such aspects or features are mutually exclusive. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    A more particular description of embodiments of the invention briefly summarized above may be had by references to the embodiments which are shown in the drawings which form a part of this specification. These drawings illustrate embodiments preferred at the time of filing for this patent and are not to be used to improperly limit the scope of the invention which may have other equally effective or legally equivalent embodiments. 
           [0020]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a unit according to the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 1B  is a rear view of the unit of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0022]      FIG. 1C  is a perspective view of the unit of  FIG. 1A  with a louver part open. 
           [0023]      FIG. 1D  is a top perspective view of the unit of  FIG. 1A  with a louver part open. 
           [0024]      FIG. 1E  is a rear view of the unit of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0025]      FIG. 1F  is a rear view of the unit of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0026]      FIG. 1G  is a top view of part of the unit of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0027]      FIG. 1H  is a front view of the unit of  FIG. 1A  with the louver part unconnected. 
           [0028]      FIG. 2A  is a top view of parts of the unit of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0029]      FIG. 2B  is a top view of parts of the unit as shown in  FIG. 2A  with the parts together. 
           [0030]      FIG. 3A  is a top view of a metal strip of the unit of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0031]      FIG. 3B  is a top view of a magnetic strip of the unit of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  is a cross-section view of a prior art connection member for a shutter unit. 
           [0033]      FIG. 5  is a cross-section view of a shutter unit according to the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 5A  is a cross-section view of a shutter unit according to the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 5B  is a cross-section view of a unit according to the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 6  is a cross-section view of a shutter unit according to the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 7A  is a top view of a connection member for a shutter unit according to the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 7B  is a cross-section view of the member of  FIG. 7A . 
           [0039]      FIG. 7C  is a top view of a pane holder according to the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 7D  is a top view of a pane mount according to the present invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 8A  is a cross-section view of a connection member for a shutter unit according to the present invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 8B  is a front view of part of a unit according to the present invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 8C  is a front view of a part of a unit according to the present invention. 
           [0044]      FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of a shutter according to the present invention. 
           [0045]      FIG. 9B  is a cross-section view of the shutter unit of  FIG. 9A . 
           [0046]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a shutter unit according to the present invention. 
           [0047]      FIG. 11A  is a top view of a shutter body according to the present invention. 
           [0048]      FIG. 11B  is a top view of a shutter body of the shutter unit of  FIG. 11A . 
           [0049]      FIG. 12  is a top view of a shutter body according to the present invention. 
           [0050]      FIG. 13  is a top view of a shutter body according to the present invention. 
           [0051]      FIG. 14A  is a top view of a shutter body according to the present invention. 
           [0052]      FIG. 14B  is a top view of a pane of the shutter unit of  FIG. 14A . 
           [0053]      FIG. 15  is a top view of a shutter body according to the present invention. 
           [0054]      FIG. 16A  is a top view of a shutter body according to the present invention. 
           [0055]      FIG. 16B  is a top view of a pane of the shutter unit of  FIG. 16A . 
           [0056]      FIG. 16C  is a top view of a shutter body of the shutter unit of  FIG. 16A . 
           [0057]      FIG. 16D  is a side view of the pane of  FIG. 16B . 
           [0058]      FIG. 17A  is a top view of a shutter body according to the present invention. 
           [0059]      FIG. 17B  is a top view of a pane of the shutter unit of  FIG. 17A . 
           [0060]      FIG. 17C  is a side view of a shutter body of the shutter unit of  FIG. 17A . 
           [0061]      FIG. 17D  is a side view of the pane of  FIG. 17A . 
           [0062]      FIG. 18  is a top view of a shutter unit according to the present invention. 
           [0063]      FIG. 19A  is a top view of a window unit according to the present invention. 
           [0064]      FIG. 19B  is an enlarged view of part the window unit of  FIG. 19A . 
           [0065]      FIG. 19C  is a partial cross section view of part of the window unit of  FIG. 19A . 
           [0066]      FIG. 19D  is an end view of the window unit of  FIG. 19A . 
           [0067]      FIG. 19E  is an enlarged view of part of the window unit as shown in  FIG. 19D . 
           [0068]      FIG. 19F  is an end view of the window unit as shown in  FIG. 19D  with a pane unit being moved. 
           [0069]      FIG. 20A  is a perspective view of a pane unit according to the present invention. 
           [0070]      FIG. 20B  is a top view of the pane unit of  FIG. 20A . 
           [0071]      FIG. 21  shows in cross-section shapes for tongues and channels for a pane unit according to the present invention. 
           [0072]      FIG. 22A  is a rear view of a frame unit according to the present invention with a pane unit according to the present invention. 
           [0073]      FIG. 22B  is a cross-section view of the units of  FIG. 22A   
           [0074]      FIG. 22C  is a rear view of the frame unit of  FIG. 22A . 
           [0075]      FIG. 22D  is a rear view of the pane unit of  FIG. 22A . 
           [0076]      FIG. 23  is a rear view of a frame unit according to the present invention with a pane unit according to the present invention with a blind. 
           [0077]      FIG. 24  is a rear view of a frame unit according to the present invention with a pane unit according to the present invention with a shade. 
           [0078]      FIG. 25  is a rear view of a frame unit according to the present invention with a pane unit according to the present invention with a shutter unit. 
           [0079]      FIG. 26A  is a perspective view of a frame unit with a pane unit according to the present invention. 
           [0080]      FIG. 26B  is a perspective view of part of the frame unit of  FIG. 26A . 
           [0081]      FIG. 26C  is a perspective view of the pane unit of  FIG. 26A . 
           [0082]      FIG. 26D  is a perspective view, partially schematic, of a frame unit according to the present invention with a window. 
           [0083]      FIG. 26E  is a perspective view of a frame unit with a pane unit according to the present invention. 
           [0084]      FIG. 26F  is a cross-section view of part of a frame unit according to the present invention. 
           [0085]      FIG. 26G  is a cross-section view of part of a frame unit with a pane according to the present invention. 
           [0086]      FIG. 26H  is a cross-section view of part of a frame unit with a pane according to the present invention. 
           [0087]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a frame unit according to the present invention. 
           [0088]      FIG. 28  is an end view of a part of a frame unit according to the present invention. 
           [0089]      FIG. 29  is a top view of a part of a unit according to the present invention. 
           [0090]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view of part of a frame unit according to the present invention. 
           [0091]      FIG. 31  is a perspective view of part of a frame unit according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0092]    Certain embodiments of the invention are shown in the above-identified figures and described in detail below. Various aspects and features of embodiments of the invention are described below and some are set out in the dependent claims. Any combination of aspects and/or features described below or shown in the dependent claims can be used except where such aspects and/or features are mutually exclusive. It should be understood that the appended drawings and description herein are of certain embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention or the appended claims. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In showing and describing these embodiments, like or identical reference numerals are used to identify common or similar elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness. 
         [0093]    As used herein and throughout all the various portions (and headings) of this patent, the terms “invention”, “present invention” and variations thereof mean one or more embodiments, and are not intended to mean the claimed invention of any particular appended claim(s) or all of the appended claims. Accordingly, the subject or topic of each such reference is not automatically or necessarily part of, or required by, any particular claim(s) merely because of such reference. So long as they are not mutually exclusive or contradictory, any aspect or feature or combination of aspects or features of any embodiment disclosed herein may be used in any other embodiment disclosed herein. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Preferred Embodiments at Time of Filing for this Patent 
       [0094]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1A-1D , a shutter unit  10  according to the present invention has a frame  20 , a shutter  30 , a pane mount  40 , and a pane  50 . The shutter  30  is hingedly connected to the frame  20  with hinges  32  and has louvers  34  movably connected in an opening  31  of the shutter  30 . The louvers  34  are moved by moving a bar  35  connected movably to each louver  34 . Optionally, in certain window units according to the present invention, the louvers are deleted. It is to be understood that the teachings and disclosures of this invention are applicable to interior units that do not have louvers, i.e., although some interior shutter units are disclosed herein in detail, it is within the scope of the present invention to delete the louvers from any embodiment hereof and thereby provide an interior unit (e.g., a window unit for use with a curtain, blind or blinds, a shade or shades, or a window cover. Also, an interior unit may, according to the present invention, with louvers deleted, have any structure disclosed herein for adding an interior pane to an exterior window unit. 
         [0095]    The pane mount  40  (made of metal) is secured in an opening  22  of the frame  20 . Part  41  of the pane mount  40  projects out from the rear of the frame  20 . Sides  42  of the pane mount  40  have first portions  42   a  that abut sides of the frame opening  22  and are secured thereto, e.g. with adhesive, screws or nails. The sides  42  also have second portions  42   b  at right angles to the first portions  42   a . Ends  44  of the pane mount  40  have first portions  44   a  that abut ends of the frame opening  22  and are secured thereto, e.g. with adhesive, screws or nails. The ends  44  also have second portions  44   b  at right angles to the first portions  44   a.    
         [0096]    Magnetic strips  46 , magnetically attracted to the pane mount  40 , hold the pane  50  in place (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1C ; edges of the pane shown in dotted line under the magnetic strips  46 ). 
         [0097]      FIG. 4  shows a prior art connection member CM used in a prior art shutter unit to connect it to a wall around a window opening. 
         [0098]      FIG. 5  shows a shutter unit  60  according to the present invention (partially) with a frame (like the frame  20 ,  FIG. 1A ) having sides with connection members  62  for securement to a wall around a window opening. Each connection member  62  is of sufficient extent that it has a space  63  for louver movement (louvers not shown) and an area  64  for a pane  65 . The pane  65  is mounted to the connection members using metal strips  66  secured to the connection members  62  and magnetic strips  67  magnetically holding the pane  65  in place. Optionally, and as is true for any unit according to the present invention, a pane may be held in place by adhesive against a pane mount made of any suit material, including, but not limited to metal, wood, plastic, etc. and/or by members connected to and/or adhered to the frame adjacent the pane. Optionally, the louvers are deleted. 
         [0099]      FIG. 5A  shows a unit  61  according to the present invention, (like the unit  60 ,  FIG. 5 ; like numerals indicate like parts) with a pane structure  61   p  which has a pane  64   a  encompassed by holders  69  which have magnets  68  magnetically and releasably held to the metal strips  66 . The holders  69  may be a plastic extrusion to which the magnets  68  are connected and/or adhered. In one aspect the holders  69  sealingly abut interior surfaces  62   a  which extend all around the opening of the unit (like the opening  31 ,  FIG. 1A ). The magnets  68  can sealingly contact the strips  66  and the strips  66  can extend all around the opening as can the magnets  68 . 
         [0100]      FIG. 5B  shows the pane structure  61   p . With a shutter with louvers (not shown), the structure  61   p  would be a shutter unit according to the present invention. 
         [0101]    As with any unit (pane unit, shutter unit or window unit) and pane according to the present invention, the pane  65  may be clear glass, acrylic, or plastic, translucent material, opaque material, material that allows light of all colors to pass therethrough, or material that allows only light of one or of certain colors to pass therethrough. 
         [0102]      FIG. 6  shows a shutter unit  70  according to the present invention (partially) with a frame (like the frame  20 ,  FIG. 1A ) having sides with connection members  72  for securement to a wall around a window opening. Each connection member  72  is of sufficient extent that it has a space  73  for louver movement (louvers not shown) and an area  74  for a pane  75  mounted to the connection members  72  using metal holders  76  secured in grooves  77  of the connection members  72  which hold the pane in place with a friction fit and/or with adhesive. Optionally the holders  76  are secured in place with adhesive. Optionally, e.g., in a window unit according to the present invention, the louvers are deleted. 
         [0103]    As is true for any unit according to the present invention, the unit can be used to add an interior pane adjacent an exterior window and any and all louvers and/or shutter(s) may be deleted. 
         [0104]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  show a unit connection member  80  according to the present invention which has a groove  82  for holding part ( 84   a ,  84   b ) of a holder  84 ,  FIG. 7C  (made, e.g., of metal or plastic). A metal holder  84  functions as does a metal holder  76 ,  FIG. 6 ; or the groove  82  functions to hold a part ( 86   a ,  86   b ) of a pane mount side or end  86 ,  FIG. 7D , which is used with a pane mount like the pane mount  40 ,  FIG. 1A . 
         [0105]      FIG. 8A  shows a connection member  90  according to the present invention for use with a unit according to the present invention which has a groove  92  for holding a pane  94 . Alternatively, the groove  92  holds a mount strip which projects partially from the groove  92  and serves as a backing against which a pane is held by a member or by a magnetic strip (when the mount strip is metal). 
         [0106]      FIG. 8B  illustrates that a pane in a unit according to the present invention can be held in place by a suitable member that projects sufficiently from a frame side to hold a pane in place. As shown in  FIG. 8B , plugs  97  have heads  97   a  that project from a side  95  of a frame and prevent a pane  96  from falling out of the frame with the side  95 . 
         [0107]      FIG. 8C  illustrates that a pane in a unit according to the present invention can be held in place by a tape (or multiple pieces of tape) that tape the pane in place. As shown in  FIG. 8C , pieces of tape  98  in contact with part of a pane  99  and with part of a frame  91  hold the pane  99  in place. 
         [0108]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate an improvement of the unit disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,865,846 which is incorporated fully herein by reference for all purposes.  FIGS. 9A and 9B  show a shutter unit  210  according to the present invention mounted in an opening  212  in a wall  214 . Shutters  216  are hingedly connected with hinges  218  to connection members  220 . Screws  222  secure the connection members  220  to the wall  214 . A stop  226  abuts the shutters  216  when they are closed (one shutter  216  shown open in  FIG. 9B ). 
         [0109]    A pane  240  is held against metal strips  242  by magnetic strips  244 . 
         [0110]    In any unit according to the present invention when only a magnetic member or magnetic members and/or metal part(s) are used to hold a pane in place, the pane is easily removed by first removing the magnetic members. Magnetic strips according to the present invention may, as shown in some of the drawings, be substantially as long as their corresponding metal strips; or they may be only so long as is needed to hold a pane in place. Similarly, the metal strips need not extend for the entire length of a frame&#39;s opening and need be only so long as is needed to hold a pane in place. Optionally, for any unit according to the present invention, structure to hold a pane in place and/or tongue/channel structures may be used only on a frame side or a frame&#39;s sides or only on a frame&#39;s end or ends. 
         [0111]    Using a magnetic strip pane mount or tape (or both) to hold a pane in place, in certain embodiments of the present invention the entire periphery of a pane is covered, either by portions of the magnetic strips or by tape, so that the entire periphery is sealed to air flow. 
         [0112]    It is within the scope of the present invention to provide a shutter (e.g., but not limited to the shutter  30 ,  FIG. 1A ; or a shutter  216 ,  FIG. 9A ) with a pane attached, adhered, and/or connected to a shutter instead of or in addition to, a pane of a shutter unit (e.g., but not limited to, a pane as in any of  FIGS. 1A-9B ). 
         [0113]      FIG. 10  shows a shutter unit  10   a  (like the shutter unit  10 ,  FIG. 1A ; and like numerals indicate like parts) with a pane  300  connected to a shutter  30   a  (like the shutter  30 ,  FIG. 1A ) with bolts  301  and nuts  302 . The bolts  301  are sufficiently long that movement of the louvers  34  is not impeded. Optionally, the pane  50  is deleted; and optionally, in a unit according to the present invention, the louvers are removed. Optionally, instead of the louvers, a solid member (opaque, transparent, or translucent) covers the opening through the shutter (which can be done to any shutter unit disclosed herein to make a unit according to the present invention without louvers). 
         [0114]      FIG. 11A  shows a shutter unit  310  according to the present invention with sides  312  to which an optional pane  314  is magnetically connected using strips  316  and magnets  318 . A shutter  320  is hingedly connected with a hinge  322  to a side  312 . Blocks  324  are secured to the shutter  320  (like any shutter disclosed or described herein with any louvers described or disclosed herein, but with louvers not shown for clarity). A pane  326  is connected, secured and/or adhered to the blocks  324 . As shown in  FIG. 11A , the pane  326  may be positioned spaced-apart from the pane  314 . In one aspect, edges of the pane  326  sealingly abut interior surfaces of the sides  312 . In one aspect, the pane  326  fills an interior space defined by interior surfaces of sides and ends of the shutter unit. Dotted lines in  FIG. 11A  indicate the closed position of the shutter  320 . 
         [0115]      FIG. 12  shows a shutter unit  330  (like the shutter unit of  FIG. 11A  and like numerals indicate like parts). The shutter unit  330  has a shutter  332  with studs  334  projecting therefrom. A pane  336  has holes  338  which receive the studs  334 . Any suitable adhesive, glue, nut, lock ring, etc. can be used to secure the pane  336  to the studs  334 , and/or a friction fit therebetween may be employed. 
         [0116]      FIG. 13  illustrates a shutter unit  340  according to the present invention (like the units of  FIGS. 11A and 12 , and like numerals indicate like parts). The shutter unit  340  has a shutter  342  with studs  344  to which a pane  356  is connected. As shown in dotted lines, the pane  346  sealingly abuts surfaces  312   s  of the sides  312  and the pane  314  with the strips and magnets  318  have been deleted. As is true of any shutter in any of  FIGS. 11A-18  no louvers are shown, but any of these shutters has one, at least one, or a plurality of movable louvers, e.g. as the louvers in  FIG. 1A  of  FIG. 9A . 
         [0117]    In any of the shutter units of  FIG. 10 ,  FIG. 11A ,  FIG. 12 ,  FIG. 13 , or  FIG. 18  and in any shutter unit according to the present invention, one, two, three, four, or more bolts, studs, pins, and/or blocks may be used to provide connecting structure to connect a pane to a shutter. 
         [0118]      FIG. 14A  shows a shutter unit  350  according to the present invention (like the shutter unit of  FIG. 11A  and like numerals indicate like parts). A shutter  352  has a pane  356  secured to the shutter  352  with any appropriate adhesive, glue, cement, and/or connecting material (e.g., hook-and-loop releasably cooperating fastener material or other releasably cooperating fastener material). Parts  357  of the pane  356  are adhered to the shutter  352 . 
         [0119]    As with other shutters with panes according to the present invention, the pane  356  is sized so that louver(s) on the shutter  352  are movable and their movement is not impeded by the pane. This is illustrated by a louver  358  shown in dotted line in  FIG. 14A . 
         [0120]    As shown in  FIG. 14A , the pane  356  sealingly abuts the magnets  318 . In one aspect, the magnets  318  extend around the entire periphery of an opening  318   o  defined by the sides  312  and a top and a bottom (not shown) of the shutter unit; and thus the pane  314  seals off this opening. The pane  356  also seals off this opening since it sealingly abuts the magnets  318 . 
         [0121]      FIG. 15  shows a shutter unit  360 , like the shutter unit  350  (like numerals indicate like parts), but with no pane  314 . The pane  356  sealingly abuts surfaces  312   s  of the sides  312  and surfaces of a top and bottom (not shown). 
         [0122]    It is within the scope of the present invention to connect a pane to a shutter by providing a slot or slots in the shutter which releasably receive and hold part of a pane. With panes that are sufficiently flexible, a pane can be flexed and positioned so that parts of the pane, upon release, go into the slot(s). In other aspects, part of a pane is pushed into a slot. Optionally, slot(s) are located so that a pane can be pushed down (or up) into the slot(s). 
         [0123]      FIG. 16A  shows a shutter unit  370  according to the present invention (like the unit of  FIG. 11A ; like numerals indicate like parts). The shutter unit  360  has a shutter  362  with a pane  366 . End portions  367  of the pane  366  are received in and held in slots  364  of the shutter  362 . As shown in  FIG. 16A , the pane  366  does not contact the magnets  318 , but it is within the scope of the present invention for the pane  366  to sealingly contact the magnets  318 . Optionally, the pane  314  is deleted. 
         [0124]      FIG. 17A  shows a shutter unit  380  according to the present invention (like the unit of  FIG. 16A ; like numerals indicate like parts). The shutter unit  380  has a shutter  382  with slots  384  which hold and receive end portions  387  of a pane  386 . The pane  386  is sized and configured to abut surfaces of the shutter unit  380  to seal off an opening  381  of the unit. As in  FIGS. 11A ,  12 ,  13 ,  16 A, and  18 , dotted lines indicate a closed shutter position in  FIG. 17A . 
         [0125]      FIG. 18  illustrates a shutter unit  390  according to the present invention (like the unit of  FIGS. 9A ,  9 B; like numerals indicate like parts). The shutter unit  390  has shutters  391 ,  392  each with a pane  396  connected to the shutter with pins  399 . The pane  240  may be deleted. 
         [0126]      FIGS. 19A-19F  show a window unit  400  according to the present invention with a frame  402  and pane unit  420 . Such a frame and/or such a pane unit may be used with any structure or window disclosed herein. The frame  402  has an opening  404  for receiving the pane unit  420  and a space  406  with a support  408  for the pane unit  420 . Holding rods  412  project from the frame  402  into the space  406  for receipt within corresponding recesses  426  of the pane unit  420 . 
         [0127]    Optionally, the support  408  (or any desired part thereof) is metal that is attracted to a magnet and the pane unit  420  (or any desired part thereof) is made of one or more magnets, or vice versa, to releasably hold (and, in some aspects, to seal) the pane unit  420  to the support  408 . Optionally, to secure the pane unit  420  releasably in place in the frame  402 , the pane unit  420  has two recesses  426  (either recess may be deleted) each for receiving a part of a rod  412 . 
         [0128]    The pane unit  420  may be placed in the space  406  and then moved toward the rods  412  until the rods  412  are received within the recesses  426  (e.g. as shown in  FIG. 19D  and  FIG. 19E ), thus holding the pane unit in place. 
         [0129]    Optionally, the pane unit  420  (with a pane  425 ) has a tongue  428  on each of two sides  422  (either tongue may be deleted). The frame  402  may have channels  414  corresponding to and for receiving the tongue(s)  428 , e.g. to further stabilize the pane unit in place and/or to provide further sealing contact at the frame/pane-unit interface. Optionally, either or both of the tongue(s)  428  and/or channels  414  are made of seal and/or gasket material. 
         [0130]      FIGS. 20A and 20B  show a part of a pane unit  430  (like the pane unit  420 , but the pane unit  430  is only shown partially) which has a body  432  (e.g. a four-sided unit as the pane unit  420 ,  FIGS. 19A ,  19 D) with tongues  434  (e.g., like the tongues  428 ). The tongue  434  has a recess  436  with a metal part  438  therein. This metal part  438  is attracted to a magnet  44  (or magnets  444 ) in a frame  450  according to the present invention shown in  FIG. 20B . Optionally, the part  438  (or parts  438 —multiple parts  438  may be used with a pane unit according to the present invention) is a magnet which is attracted to and held to the magnet(s)  444  (or instead of magnets  444 , metal parts  444  are used). 
         [0131]    The frame  450  has a body  452  and grooves  458  (e.g. like the structure shown in  FIG. 19D ) which corresponds to and receives the tongue(s)  434 . Such a frame  450  and/or such a pane unit  430  may be used with any structure, shutter unit, or window unit disclosed herein. 
         [0132]    Optionally the tongue(s)  434  are deleted and the parts  438  (or magnets, if used) are in recesses in the body  432  and located for magnetic attraction to the magnet(s) and/or metal parts(s) of a frame. 
         [0133]    A slot  454  holds a pane  454  (e.g., but not limited to, a pane of plastic, acrylic or of glass). 
         [0134]    Any tongue or channel of any unit or window herein may have any desired shape; including, but not limited to, those shown in  FIGS. 19D and 20B  and those shown in  FIG. 21  (which are cross-sectional views of shapes). 
         [0135]      FIGS. 22A-22D  show a unit  470  according to the present invention which has a frame unit  480  according to the present invention and a pane unit  490  according to the present invention. The frame unit  470  has sides  472 , ends  473 , and a pane support  474 . Connectors  476  provide for the connection to the frame unit of any suitable known window covering or light blocking structure, e.g., but not limited to, shades, blinds, curtains, drapes, and shutter units. The frame unit may be applied to any suitable known window or window unit, including, but not limited to, any disclosed herein. 
         [0136]    The pane unit  480  has sides  482 , ends  483 , and a pane  484  (which may be like any pane disclosed herein). Any suitable known connector (e.g., screws, rivets, nails, brads, bolts) connection structure, material (e.g. adhesives, glues, caulks, releasably cooperating fastener material) or latch apparatus (e.g., clips, toggles, and/or latches) may be used to connect the pane unit to the frame unit, including, but not limited to, any disclosed herein, including, but not limited to, magnet(s) and metal part(s) and also any of these may be used to connect any window covering herein to any unit herein. The tongue(s) and channel(s) described above may be used with any of the pane units in  FIGS. 22A-25 . 
         [0137]      FIG. 23  shows a unit  485  according to the present invention with a frame unit  486  (like the frame unit  470 ) and a pane unit  487  (like the pane unit  480 ). A blind  488  is connected to connectors  489 . 
         [0138]      FIG. 24  shows a unit  490  according to the present invention with a frame unit  491  (like the frame unit  470 ) and a pane unit  492  (like the pane unit  480 ). A shade, drape, or curtain  493  is connected to connectors  494 . 
         [0139]      FIG. 25  shows a unit  495  according to the present invention with a frame unit  496  (like the frame unit  470 ) and a pane unit  497  (like the pane unit  480 ). A shutter unit  498  (e.g. any disclosed herein) is connected to connectors  499 . 
         [0140]      FIG. 26A  shows a frame unit  500  according to the present invention with a pane unit  520  installed therein. The frame unit  500  includes three pieces of generally “Z” shaped material (as viewed in cross-section or on end)  501 ,  502  and  503  which, in one aspect, are custom cut from a single continuous piece of larger material. These pieces are connected together by any suitable structure and/or material, e.g., but not limited to, glue, adhesives, bolts, screws, nails, rivets, Velcro (TRADEMARK) material, releasably cooperating fastener material, or the like. 
         [0141]    The “Z” shaped material piece  501  has an optional decorative facing  501   a , a side rail  501   b , and a pane support  501   c . The other pieces,  502  and  503  have the same parts. The pane unit  510  rests on the pane support parts and may be connected thereto by any suitable structure and/or material and/or latch apparatus L (shown in dotted line in  FIG. 26A ; or multiple apparatuses L located as desired anywhere on the pane unit and/or on the frame unit). Any latch apparatus may be used with any frame herein at any location thereon to releasably connect a frame unit to a window and/or with any pane unit herein to releasably connect a pane unit to a frame unit; for example, see the latch apparatus P,  FIG. 26D , for releasably connecting a frame unit to a window. 
         [0142]    Optionally, as shown in  FIG. 26B , a side part of a frame unit according to the present invention may have one or more connectors R for facilitating connection to the frame unit of another structure such as, but no limited to, window cover(s), a shutter, shade, drape, curtain, or blind. Optionally, such connectors can be connectors supplied with the shutter, etc. Such connectors may be any structure and/or material used for such connection, including, but not limited to, standard mounting hardware and/or connectors. 
         [0143]    As is true for any embodiment herein, the pane support parts  501   c  etc. may be made of magnetic material and/or metal, in whole or in part, that is attracted to magnets, as may be the pane unit  520 . The pane unit  514  has pane  515 . It is within the scope of the present invention for any pane unit disclosed herein to have any pane disclosed herein. 
         [0144]      FIG. 26D  shows a frame unit  512 , like the frame unit  500 , with a window W and a pane unit  514 , like the pane unit  520 , installed on the frame unit  512 . The window has a corner C of an opening of the window W. 
         [0145]      FIG. 26E  shows a frame unit  530  according to the present invention which has three pieces  531 ,  532 , and  533 . These pieces have no decorative facing part (as in, e.g., the frame unit  500 ). The piece  531  has a side rail  531   a  and a pane support  531   b . The other pieces,  532  and  533 , have the same parts. 
         [0146]      FIG. 27  illustrates a frame unit  540  which has two frame unit structures  541  (shown partially) and  542 , with part of each abutting the other. Such a compound frame unit may be used, e.g., with relatively large windows with a relatively large opening. A pane unit is used with each frame unit. 
         [0147]    Optionally, e.g. with relatively large windows, a “T-bar” structure  538  as in  FIG. 28  may be used around and/or across an interior opening of a window. Parts  538   a  and  538   b  support a pane unit (not shown). 
         [0148]    It is within the scope of the present invention to use a magnet, magnets, a piece of metal attracted to a magnet, or such pieces to releasably connect a pane unit to a frame unit and/or a frame unit to a window. The magnet(s) may be on the frame unit with the metal piece or pieces on the window-or vice versa; and/or the magnet(s) may be on the pane unit with the piece or pieces of metal on the frame unit-or vice versa.  FIG. 29  illustrates a part  550  which may be a part of a window, of a frame unit, or of a pane unit according to the present invention. Optionally, the part  550  is a magnet or the part  550  is made of metal attracted to a magnet. Optionally, the part  550  has one, two, three or more items  551  thereon, the items being magnets or metal attracted to a magnet; and/or optionally the part  550  has one, two, three or more items  552  therein, the items being magnets or metal attracted to a magnet. In one aspect, the magnet(s) and/or metal parts are sized and located to sealingly connect a frame unit to a window and/or to sealingly connect a pane unit to a frame unit. Optionally, such sealing is achieved with the other connection structures and/or materials referred to above. 
         [0149]      FIG. 30  illustrates a shape, in cross-section, for a part  430   a  of a frame unit according to the present invention, like the part  430 ,  FIG. 20A  (like numerals indicate like parts), but without any metal piece or pieces or magnet(s) thereon and/or thereon.  FIG. 31  illustrates a shape, in cross-section, for a part  430   b  of a frame unit according to the present invention, like the part  430   a ,  FIG. 20A  but (like numerals indicate like parts), but without any tongue  434  or protrusion therefrom. 
         [0150]    It is within the scope of the present invention to use a frame unit that has frame unit pieces on four sides; but it is also within the scope of the present invention to use the frame pieces on only two sides of a window opening (or shutter unit opening) or on only three sides. As shown for example in  FIG. 19F , a frame unit according to the present invention may include three sides made from, for example, “Z” shaped or “L” shaped pieces along with a frame support like the frame support part labelled  408  in  FIG. 19F . It is also within the scope of the present invention to use flat support surfaces for pane support rather than a channeled surface. Any frame unit disclosed herein may be made with a particular dimension with the knowledge that on site for installation, one or more parts, ends or sides may be cut or shaped as needed to fit a particular window or opening. 
         [0151]    The slot or recess in a pane unit for a pane or “glazing” may have any suitable width for glazings of varying thickness. In one aspect, the tolerance of this width is such that, with the glazing in place, air infiltration is inhibited or prevented. Typical thicknesses are between one eight and one fourth of an inch. In certain aspects, the overall thickness of the pane unit is such that it does not interfere with window operation. Glazing may be any suitable product or material, including, but not limited to, plastic, glass, acrylic and other materials that pass applicable building codes. 
         [0152]    It is within the scope of this invention to enhance the sealing of a frame-unit/window interface and/or a frame-unit/pane-unit interface by using suitable sealing or gasket material at the interface (on the frame unit, on the pane unit, or on both). For example, as shown in  FIG. 26B , gasket material GA is used on the pane support parts of a frame unit; on the pane unit  520  ( FIG. 26C ), gasket material GK (shown in dotted lines) is used on the bottom surfaces thereof; and/or on the window W,  FIG. 26D , gasket material GT (shown in dotted line) is used on the part of the window to contact the frame unit. 
         [0153]    Optionally a recess is provided in a frame unit to wedge one edge of a pane unit therein, with or without latch structure, to apply slight pressure to a seal or gasket (e.g., see recess  561  in a frame unit  560  according to the present invention with a gasket  562  on the frame unit,  FIG. 26F ). Optionally, such a recess has an inclined surface  561   s . Optionally, pin(s) are used with a frame unit and a pane unit (or vice-versa), with or without latch apparatus, to apply slight pressure to a seal or gasket (e.g., see the pin  571  in a recess  574  used with the frame unit  570  and pane unit  572  with a gasket  573  in  FIG. 26G ). Optionally a pin or pins are used with a recess in a frame unit to apply slight pressure to a gasketed pane unit (e.g., see the pin  581  in a recess  582  of a frame unit  580  used with a pane unit  583  that has a gasket  584 ,  FIG. 26H ). It is within the scope of the present invention for any pin disclosed herein to be movably connected to a pane unit for movement into a corresponding recess or movably connected to a frame unit. 
         [0154]    The present invention, therefore, provides in at least some embodiments, an interior pane system having: a frame unit, a pane unit connected to the unit, the pane unit having a pane, the frame unit applicable to a window, the window having an exterior pane, the window having a window opening, the frame unit sized and configured for positioning at the window opening; in some aspects, such a system including the window; and/or, in some aspects, such a system including a window cover connected to the frame unit. 
         [0155]    The present invention, therefore, provides in at least some embodiments, a shutter unit including: a body having a body opening; a shutter movably connected to the body; the shutter movable selectively from a first position to a second position; the shutter in the second position closing off at least part of the body opening; and a pane connected to the shutter and located so that with the shutter in the second position the pane closes off all or at least part of the body opening. Such a shutter unit may have one, or some in any possible combination, of the features, aspects, and/or elements of any shutter unit herein and it may have any pane unit according to the present invention. 
         [0156]    The present invention, therefore, provides in at least some embodiments, a shutter unit having: a body, and a shutter movably connected to the body, and a pane connected to the body. 
         [0157]    The present invention, therefore, provides in at least some embodiments, a method for sealing an opening in a shutter unit, the shutter unit having a body and a shutter movably connected to the body, the shutter having a pane connected thereto, the pane sized and configured to close off the opening, the method including: moving the shutter with respect to the body to move the pane to the opening so that the pane closes off the opening. 
         [0158]    The present invention, therefore, provides in at least some embodiments, a unit which is an interior unit, the unit having: a frame with a frame opening; a pane mount secured to the frame, a first part of the pane mount in the frame opening and a second part of the pane mount projecting out from the frame opening; the pane mount suitable for holding a pane; and, in some aspects, such a unit with at least one shutter movably connected to the frame and/or a pane in the pane mount, the pane mount being any disclosed herein. 
         [0159]    The present invention, therefore, provides in at least some embodiments, a shutter unit having: a frame with a frame opening; a pane mount secured to the frame, a first part of the pane mount in the frame opening and a second part of the pane mount projecting out from the frame opening; the pane mount suitable for holding a pane; optionally, a pane in the pane mount; at least one shutter movably connected to the frame; the pane mount having two sides spaced apart by two ends, each side and end comprising a first part and a second part, the second part at a right angle to the first part, the pane abutting the second parts of the sides and ends; the pane mount made of metal; magnetic members abutting the pane and magnetically attracted to the pane mount and holding the pane in place in the pane mount; at least one louver movably connected to the shutter; the at least one louver movable without interfering with the pane mounted in the pane mount. 
         [0160]    The present invention, therefore, provides in at least some embodiments, a shutter unit including: a frame with a frame opening; a pane mount secured to the frame; the pane mount suitable for holding a pane. 
         [0161]    The present invention, therefore, provides in at least some embodiments, a connection member for connecting a unit to a wall adjacent a wall opening in the wall, the connection member having a body with a front portion for positioning over a part of a wall at the opening, a second portion extending from the front portion, a pane mount secured to the second portion and suitable for holding a pane within the body so that a movable part of the unit is not interfered in movement by the pane. Such a connection member may have a pane in the pane mount and/or any of the other features and/or elements of any connection member disclosed herein. 
         [0162]    The present invention, therefore, provides in at least some embodiments, an interior pane unit having: a frame with a frame opening; a pane mount secured to the frame, a first part of the pane mount in the frame; the pane mount suitable for holding a pane; and, in one aspect, a pane in the pane mount. Such a pane mount may be releasably secured to the frame, and/or may have one or some, in any possible combination, of the following: the pane mount being releasably secured to the frame by one of locking mechanism, rod part projecting from the frame into a corresponding recess of the pane mount, a magnet part on one of the frame and pane mount and a metal part on the other of the frame and pane mount to which the magnet part is magnetically attracted to the pane mount to hold a pane in place; a pane connected to the pane mount; and/or wherein one of the frame and the pane mount has at least one tongue and the other of the frame and the pane mount has at least one channel, the at least one tongue releasably receivable within the at least one channel. 
         [0163]    In conclusion, therefore, it is seen that the present invention and the embodiments disclosed herein and those covered by the appended claims are well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends set forth. Certain changes can be made in the subject matter without departing from the spirit and the scope of this invention. It is realized that changes are possible within the scope of this invention and it is further intended that each element or step recited in any of the following claims is to be understood as referring to the step literally and/or to all equivalent elements or steps. The following claims are intended to cover the invention as broadly as legally possible in whatever form it may be utilized. The invention claimed herein is new and novel in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §102 and satisfies the conditions for patentability in §102. The invention claimed herein is not obvious in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §103 and satisfies the conditions for patentability in §103. The inventors may rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the scope of their invention and of the claims that follow as they may pertain to apparatus not materially departing from, but outside of, the literal scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. All patents and applications identified herein are incorporated fully herein for all purposes. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6 for any limitations of any of the claims herein, except for those in which the claim expressly uses the words ‘means for’ together with an associated function. In this patent document, the word “comprising” is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.