Patent ID: 7004287

Claim:
A window assembly configured as a single unit suitable for incorporation as a unit into a building during construction of said building or to be retrofitted into an existing building, comprising: (a) a pane supporting frame assembly, said frame assembly comprising: (i) a frame, defining a hole; and ii) at least one sash, said sash supporting a pane, said sash being movably supported in said frame, said sash being movable between a closed position, and an open position where said frame defines an opening large enough to allow a person to pass through said opening, wherein said hole is defined in said frame at a position underneath said at least one sash; (b) a containment structure defining an internal volume, said containment structure supported adjacent to, and attached to or integral with said pane supporting frame assembly, said containment structure defining an internal volume and an opening in communication with said hole; (c) a closure member supported at a position closing said hole and said containment structure, said closure member being moveable from said position closing said containment structure to a position where said internal volume is accessible through said opening; (d) a foldable ladder secured to said pane supporting frame assembly and contained within said volume, said ladder being configured to be removed from said containment structure through said hole and said opening; (e) a reinforcing member secured to said pane supporting frame assembly, said foldable ladder being secured to said reinforcing member; and (f) a gasket for sealing said closure member against said hole to weatherproof said closure member.