Patent Application
20170051552
The present invention relates generally to windows, and more particularly, relating to clip fastener system for securing a window in a window opening without using penetrating fasteners.
Prefabricated windows are conventionally installed in a window opening that is formed through a wall section of a building by using penetrating fasteners such as nails and screws that are nailed or screwed through the window frame and into the building structure that forms the window opening. While the use of penetrating fasteners securely fastens the window, using penetrating fasteners presents several problems.
One problem is that penetrating fasteners are unsightly and detract from the finish of the installed window. Another problem is the penetrating fasteners create holes through the window frame and the surrounding building structure, which provides the opportunity for undesirable water intrusion. Accordingly, there is a need and desire for a new way to secure windows in window openings that overcomes these and other inherent problems with current window installation systems and methods.
In view of the foregoing problems with conventional window fastening systems and methods, embodiments of the present invention provide a clip fastening system to secure a window in a window opening that overcomes the existing problem.
In general, in one aspect, a clip fastening system for securing a window in a window opening includes a flange that extends in an inward direction from and around the window opening, a groove that is formed through a facing of a window frame of the window and that extends around the perimeter of the window frame, and a clip mutually engaged with the flange and the groove, thereby securing the window frame within the window opening.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.
Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated embodiments of the invention.
The following drawings illustrate by way of example and are included to provide further understanding of the invention for the purpose of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the invention. No attempt is made to show structural details of the embodiments in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. Identical reference numerals do not necessarily indicate an identical structure. Rather, the same reference numeral may be used to indicate a similar feature of a feature with similar functionality. In the drawings:
Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to
In
As further described below, head clip 20 mutually engages the header 28 of the window opening 14 and the head 29 of the window frame 18 and extends along their lengths between the jams 30 and 32. Sill clip 22 mutually engages the sill 34 of the window opening 14 and the sill 36 of the window frame 18 and extends along their lengths between the jams 30 and 32. Jam clip 24 mutually engages the jam 38 of window frame 18 and jam 30 of window opening 14 and extends along their lengths between the header 28 and sill 34. Similarly, jam clip 26 mutually engages the jam 40 of the window frame and jam 32 of the window opening 14 and extends along their lengths between the header 28 and sill 34.
Turning to
In the illustrated embodiment, clip 22 includes a C-channel 46 that is defined by legs 48 and 50 that are connected together in a spaced apart, parallel extending relationship by a web 52. Clip 22 further includes a barb 54 that extends outwardly from outward face 56 of leg 50 in a direction that is generally perpendicular to leg 50. Clip 22 is mutually engaged with sill 34 of window open 14 and sill 36 of window frame 18 by inserting flange 42 into the channel 46 of the clip and by barb 54 into groove 44.
Flange 42 is restrained against withdrawing from channel 46 by lip 58 formed along the inward free edge of the flange and beads 60 formed along the inward face 62 of leg 50. Barb 54 is restrained against withdrawing from groove 44 by the barb engaging with lip 64 formed along a free edge of the groove.
It is important to note and understand that while the foregoing description was made in reference to the sill clip 22 and its engagement with sill 34 of window opening 14 and the sill 36 of window frame 18, clips 20, 24, and 26 have the same construction and engage the other sides of the window opening and window frame in the same manner. Thus, the foregoing description also pertains to clips 20, 24, and 26.
With reference to
With reference to
Turning now to
In view of the foregoing description, it becomes readily apparent the present clip fastener system for a window provides for a simple, rapid, and secure fastening of a window in a window opening without using penetrating fasteners. Accordingly, the present clip fastener system securely fastens a window without impairing the integrity of the window frame and the window opening. Once the window is secured by the present clip fastening system, the window can be sealed by running a bead of caulking, sealant, or the like around the interface between the window frame and the window opening.
A number of embodiments of the present invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.
