The present invention generally relates to fenestration products, e.g., windows. In particular, certain aspects of the invention relate to fenestration frame assemblies with peripheral gutters and associated methods.
Increasingly, prefabricated fenestration products, e.g., prefabricated doors and windows, are used both in new construction and in renovation of existing buildings. Prefabricated fenestration products typically are formed for walls having a fixed thickness. If the thickness of the wall falls outside of acceptable tolerances, installation of the window or door can be problematic. This problem occurs with some frequency in new construction due to variations in the thicknesses and planarity of studs, sheet rock, and other components of the wall. This problem becomes particularly acute when installing new fenestration products in older buildings, which typically have a much wider variance in wall thicknesses depending on a number of factors, including the age and geographical location of the building.
Some manufacturers have attempted to address the variation in wall thicknesses in new construction, with varying degrees of success. Baier et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,104, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference, suggests a jamb extension assembly for doors and windows. This assembly employs a multicomponent frame that can be assembled from multiple components by a manufacturer. The frame includes a jamb extender receiving slot and a jamb. The jamb includes an extender flange formed of a thin sheet of synthetic material that is adapted to be snapped along preformed score lines to adjust the length of the extender flange. Variations in wall thicknesses are accommodated by adjusting the extender flange to the appropriate length by breaking off a portion of the extender flange along the appropriate score line. Unfortunately, this requires that a visible inner portion of the window unit be formed of a relatively thin, breakable sheet material. If the window is not perfectly rectangular, the jamb extender flange may not precisely align with the receiving slot. Particularly with larger window sizes, it can be difficult to shove the extender flange into the slot. Attempts to force the extender flange into the slot can cause the flange to break along the preformed score lines, largely defeating the cosmetic purpose of the jamb extender.
Adjustable jamb designs such as the one proposed by Baier et al. can be even more problematic in retrofit installations in existing buildings. After the Second World War, old-style wooden window frames were largely phased out in new home construction in the United States in favor of prefabricated aluminum frames.
The prior art aluminum frames 1 were designed for installation into window housings 3 made up of 2×4 inch (50 mm×100 mm) studs 6, or like materials, covered externally by a sheathing, insulating, or subsiding layer 7 and, occasionally, a subsill, jamb and header 12a. To install the frame 1, the frame 1 was partially inserted into the window housing 3 so that the inner portion 2 overlapped the subsill, jamb and header 12a and partially overlapped the stud 6. To secure the frame 1 within the window housing 3, a nail 10 was then driven through the nailing flange 5 into the stud 6.
After installation of the aluminum frame 1 was thus completed, the outside of the window housing 3 was “finished” by securing a layer of siding material 11, such as shingles, to the outer surface of the subsiding layer 7, abutted against an undersurface of the outer portion 4 of the frame 1 to cover the nailing flange 5. The inside of the window housing 3 was finished by securing an inner lining 12b, such as sheet rock or paneling, over the stud 6 and optional subsill, jamb, and header 12a of the window housing 3. This inner lining 12b was abutted against the inside face of the window housing 3 to form a finished interior sill. Sheet rock 12c or the like was used to finish the interior.
Aluminum window frames continued to be widely used in new home construction in the United States throughout the 1970s, after which they began to be phased out in favor of more energy-efficient, durable, and aesthetically appealing double-paned windows having extruded plastic frames. A large replacement market for modern plastic frames has developed in recent years, too. Accordingly, millions of households across the United States and elsewhere have elected to replace existing aluminum frames with more durable, attractive, and energy-efficient plastic frames.
There are three common methods for retrofit installation of modern plastic window frames into finished window housings 3 originally designed for the prior art aluminum frames 1. The most common method is to simply remove the old frame 1 in its entirety and install the replacement frame in its place (e.g., with an inner portion of the replacement frame seated atop the subsiding layer 7 and a portion of the stud 6 abutting, but not overlapping the inner lining 12b) without modifying the finished housing. However, modern, double-paned plastic window frames are considerably wider (one standard width is about 80 mm) than the aluminum frames (variable, but approximately 38 mm). This increased width is necessary to accommodate the double glazing panels and insulating airspace between the panels. Therefore, when modern plastic frames are installed according to the above method, the frame protrudes outwardly far beyond the window housing, creating an awkward external appearance and causing a structurally undesirable weight distribution. Such installation methods, although widely practiced, are discouraged or prohibited by building codes and special utility grants.
A second method for retrofit installation of modern, double-paned window frames into finished window housings 3 includes removing the old aluminum frame 1 and mounting the new frame on top of the existing subsill, jamb, and header 12a of the window housing 3. Under this alternative method, the installer must trim back the lining 12b to accommodate a deeper inset and a more flush external appearance of the frame. If the frame 1 is mounted on top of the subsill, jamb, and header 12a, the installer must trim out the outer portion (i.e., the subsill, jamb, and header 12a and subsiding layer 7) of the window housing 3 with wood or other filler material to eliminate gaps between the periphery of the new frame and the inner lining 12b and subsiding layer 7. This trimming, which typically requires a skilled carpenter at the building site, is expensive and can account for a large portion of the total retrofit installation costs.
As a third method, some installers apparently are retrofitting modern vinyl frames on top of the existing aluminum main frame by first removing the existing sash and fixed lite, then positioning the new frame in the resulting opening. Extensive on-site trimming with wood is still required to cover the subsill, jamb, and header 12b because of the variable width of the existing aluminum main frames 1. Typically, the new vinyl frame is butt-jointed to a piece of wood custom ripped on-site to the current width to hide the existing frame 1. Additional trim pieces must be custom cut to cover gaps between the new butt-jointed liner and the existing liner, as well as for the outside of the new window. These activities are extremely labor-intensive and require skilled carpenters, adding significantly to the cost of window renovation.
Retrofitting window frames into stucco-finished window openings can be complicated by difficulties in removing the stucco siding layer covering the nailing flange of the original frame to allow the original frame to be removed. Unlike shingles and other siding materials, stucco must be chipped away from the nailing flange and cannot be replaced easily after removal of the old frame. Due to the high cost of repairing stucco, it is common practice to leave the original aluminum frame in place and to mount the replacement frame over the original frame. This requires removing any nailing flanges from the replacement frame and mounting the frame within the opening bounded by the original frame after its glazing panel and any cross-pieces have been torn out.
Furthermore, the increased width of the replacement frame requires a deep inset so that the replacement frame can extend inward well beyond the inner face of the existing aluminum frame. This mounting arrangement forms a gap between the inner portion of the replacement frame and the lining portion of the original window housing. In current practice, this gap is trimmed with wood or other material cut on-site to fill or mask the gap, resulting in a significant increase in total retrofit installation costs. An additional drawback to this method is that the replacement frame, seated within the aperture defined by the original frame, reduces site size and daylight by narrowing the glazing panel aperture height and width. To avoid an unsightly external appearance of the window, the frame also must be modified by a special flange extending peripherally from the outside of the frame to cover the outer face of the original aluminum frame.
Another problem commonly associated with conventional retrofit installations is an inadequate seal between the retrofit window assembly and the structure in which it is installed. This can permit rain or other moisture to seep between the new window frame and the pre-existing structure. Sometimes, such moisture can seep into direct contact with the walls. With stucco-finished window openings, for example, the moisture can lead to degradation of the stucco or other components of the wall.
FIGS. 6A-D are schematic cross-sectional views of the leading edges of covers in accordance with different embodiments of the invention.
A. Overview
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed toward fenestration assemblies adapted to direct liquid that seeps into the fenestration assembly to flow in a channel or gutter instead of leaking into a wall in which the fenestration assembly is installed. Other embodiments are directed towards associated methods for making and/or installing such assemblies. For example, in one embodiment a fenestration frame assembly includes a main frame adapted to support a closure member with respect to a main frame opening. The main frame can include an external periphery and a peripheral gutter that extends along at least a portion of the external periphery of the main frame. The peripheral gutter can be positioned to deter liquid from flowing in at least one direction relative to the external periphery of the main frame.
In another embodiment, a retrofitted window includes a wall having an external wall surface and a building aperture in the wall. The building aperture can have an inner surface. The retrofitted window can further includes an existing window frame component installed in the building aperture proximate to the inner surface. The existing window frame component can have an inner edge circumscribing an existing frame aperture smaller than the building aperture. The retrofitted window can still further include a main frame at least partially received in the existing frame aperture. The main frame can circumscribe a window opening. The main frame can also include an outer frame surface, at least a portion of which is supportively engaged by the inner edge of the existing window frame component; an external periphery; and a peripheral gutter extending radially outward from at least a portion of the external periphery. The peripheral gutter can be positioned to direct liquid peripherally to limit contact of the liquid with the external wall surface proximate to the building aperture.
In yet another embodiment, a method of controlling liquid flow proximate to a fenestration frame assembly includes positioning a main frame with respect to an aperture in a wall that has an external wall surface. The main frame can include a main frame opening, an external periphery, and a peripheral gutter flange extending radially outward from at least a portion of the external periphery. The method can further include receiving liquid in the peripheral gutter flange and directing the liquid peripherally to limit contact of the liquid with the external wall surface proximate to the aperture.
For ease of understanding, the following discussion is subdivided into two areas of emphasis. The first section discusses fenestration frame assemblies in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention; the second section discusses fenestration frame assemblies with peripheral gutters in accordance with other embodiments of the invention.
B. Fenestration Frame Assemblies
As noted above, aspects of the invention provide fenestration frame assemblies, which generally include both door frame assemblies and window frame assemblies. The embodiments illustrated in the drawings and detailed below focus on window frame assemblies. It should be recognized, however, that the invention need not be so limited, and some embodiments of the invention can encompass door frame assemblies, as well.
1. General
The window frame assembly 100 generally includes a main frame 110 and a cover 150. In the following discussion, the right side of
The main frame 110 generally includes an inner periphery 112, an outer periphery 114, a front surface 116, and a back surface 118. Though only one leg of the window frame assembly 100 is shown in
The main frame 110 also includes a confronting periphery 120 that is disposed immediately adjacent the cover 150. This confronting periphery 120 includes a recess 125 that is defined between a confronting edge 122 and a guide 130. The guide 130 may take a variety of forms. In the embodiment shown in
The main frame 110 may be formed of a variety of materials. In one embodiment, the main frame 110 is integrally formed from a polymeric material, such as an extrudable thermoplastic. In one particular embodiment, the main frame 110 includes a series of joined legs, each of which is integrally formed from an extruded vinyl.
In one embodiment, the guide 130 and/or its junction to the back of the recess 125 may be somewhat flexible. As explained below, this can permit the cantilevered wall that defines the guide 130 to deflect outwardly somewhat when joining the cover 150 to the main frame 110. The flexibility of the guide 130 may be defined, in part, by the materials selected for the main frame 110 (including the modulus of elasticity of the material), the length of the guide 130 that extends forwardly from the back 126 of the recess 125, and the thickness of the guide 130. In one useful embodiment, the guide 130 is formed of a resilient material, such as extruded vinyl, adapted to deflect during installation of the cover 150, yet allow the internal surface of the guide 130 (e.g., any internal rib 134 that may be employed) to resiliently urge upwardly against the mating projection 160 of the cover 150.
If so desired, a cowling 140 may extend peripherally outwardly from the back surface 118 of the main frame 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the cowling 140 is formed separately and is attached to the rest of the main frame 110 via a conventional accessory groove 142. If so desired, though, the cowling 140 may be integrally formed with the rest of the main frame 110.
The cover 150 generally includes a transverse body 152 that extends forwardly from the confronting periphery 120 of the main frame 110. The transverse body 152 may optionally include a casing 158 that extends peripherally outwardly from a forward edge of the transverse body 152. The width of the casing 158 may be varied as desired. In one embodiment, the casing 158 extends peripherally outwardly from the forward edge of the transverse body 152 farther than the greatest width of a retrofit gap 172 expected to be encountered in retrofit installations of the window frame assembly 100. The transverse body 152 has an inner surface 154 that faces toward the interior of the opening, and an outer surface 156 that is juxtaposed with an interior surface of the inner lining 12b of the window housing 3. If so desired, the outer surface 156 of the transverse body 152 may directly abut the inner surface of the inner lining 12b. In the illustrated embodiment, though, the outer surface 156 is spaced from the inner lining 12b, defining the retrofit gap 172 therebetween.
The cover 150 may be made from a variety of millwork products including solid wood (e.g., ponderosa pine), engineered wood fiber-thermoplastic composites, extruded thermoplastics without fillers, or any other material conventional in the field of window making. In the illustrated embodiment, the transverse body 152 and casing 158 are schematically shown as being integrally formed. In another embodiment, the casing 158 and transverse body 152 are formed separately and later joined to form the cover 150.
A mating projection 160 extends rearwardly from the rear edge of the transverse body 152. The mating projection 160 is sized to be slidably received in the recess 125 of the main frame 110. At least the leading edge 162 of the mating projection 160 may have a reduced thickness as compared to the thickness of the transverse body 152. In the illustrated embodiment, the entire mating projection 160 is thinner than the transverse body 152, defining a shoulder 164 at the junction between the mating projection 160 and the transverse body 152. This shoulder 164 may serve as a stop, abutting the leading edge of the guide 130 to limit movement of the cover 150 toward the main frame 110. In other embodiments, the mating projection 160 and transverse body 152 may have the same thickness.
When the cover 150 is installed with respect to the main frame 110, the leading edge 162 of the mating projection 160 is positioned within the recess 125. Because the mating projection 160 is slidably received in the recess 125, the cover 150 and main frame 110 are telescopically adjustable in a transverse direction to accommodate varying wall widths (W in
The length of the mating projection 160 and the depth of the recess 125 can be varied. In one embodiment, the mating projection 160 has a length greater than the depth of the recess 125. In another embodiment, the recess 125 is deeper than the length of the mating projection 160. In still another embodiment, the length of the mating projection 160 is about equal to the depth of the recess 125. In one particular example, the depth of the recess 125 and the length of the mating projection 160 are both at least about 0.5 inches, e.g., about 0.5-2 inches. In another embodiment, this depth and length are both about 0.75-2 inches. Having a recess depth and a mating projection length between about 1 inch and about 2 inches should suffice for most applications. It may be advantageous to employ a deeper recess 125 and longer mating projection 160 in applications intended for use in retrofit installations than in new building construction because the variability in the wall width W tends to be greater in retrofit installations than in new construction.
As noted above, in the embodiments shown in
In one embodiment, the retrofit gap 172 remains open and the cover 150 is simply spaced from the inner lining 12b around its periphery. In the illustrated embodiment, however, a shim or support 170 is disposed in the retrofit gap 172. The support 170 supportingly engages the outer surface 156 of the cover transverse body 152 and the inner surface of the inner lining 12b. The support 170 may structurally support the cover 150 between the main frame 110 and the casing 158, which may be nailed or otherwise attached to the sheet rock 12c of the wall. The support 170 need not extend around the entire periphery of the window frame assembly 100. In one particular embodiment, the support 170 is received in the retrofit gap 172 between the sill and the lower leg of the cover 150, but no shim is employed between the cover 150 and the vertically extending jambs or the upper header of the window housing 3. The support 170 may support the lower leg of the cover 150 with respect to the sill if the user places a heavy object on the cover 150 or leans or sits on the cover 150, for example.
The support 170 may be formed of any desirable material. In one embodiment, the support 170 comprises a relatively rigid material such as wood or a stiff thermoplastic material. In another embodiment, the support 170 comprises a more resilient material, such as a neoprene foam or the like. In addition to providing structural support to the cover 150, such a resilient support 170 may exert an inward bias on the cover 150, pushing the inner surface 154 of the cover 150 toward the confronting edge 122 of the main frame 110. This can provide a closer fit between the cover 150 and the main frame 110, enhancing the cosmetic appearance of the window frame assembly 100. The support 170 may comprise a single elongate block or length. In another embodiment, a series of separate supports 170 are spaced along the inner surface of the window housing 3 to engage spaced-apart locations on the outer surface 156 of the transverse body 152.
The main frame 210 also includes a cowling 240. Unlike the previous embodiment in which the cowling 140 was formed separately and attached to the rest of the main frame 110 via an accessory groove 142, the cowling 240 in
The cover 250 of the window frame assembly 200 of
The embodiment of
The cover 250 and recess 225 shown in
The leading edge 262 shown in
If the mating projection 260 of the cover 250 is displaced outwardly (i.e., downwardly in
As noted above, the guide 230 may be formed of a somewhat flexible material adapted to deflect in order to help introduce the leading edge 262 into the recess 225. As illustrated in
In the embodiment shown in
The leading edge 262 of the cover 250 in
The window frame assembly 300 includes a main frame 310 and a cover 350. The main frame 310 includes a confronting periphery 320 having a recess 325 defined between a confronting edge 322 and a guide 330. The guide 330 may comprise a cantilevered wall including an angled or curved, outwardly flared guide surface 332. The cover 350 includes a mating projection 360 that extends rearwardly from a peripherally extending casing 358.
In the illustrated embodiment, a support 370 is disposed between the mating projection 360 and an interior surface of the window housing, e.g., an inner surface of the subsill, jamb, and header lining component 22. Much like the support 170 in
Many of the functional aspects of the window frame assembly of
2. Methods
As noted above, other embodiments of the invention provide methods of installing fenestration frame assemblies. In the following discussion, reference is made to the particular fenestration frame assemblies shown in the drawings discussed above. It should be understood, though, that the reference to these particular fenestration frame assemblies is solely for purposes of illustration and that the method outlined below is not limited to any of the fenestration frame assembly designs shown in the drawings or discussed in detail above.
a. New Window Installations
One embodiment of the invention provides a method of installing a window frame assembly. In one particular application of this method, a window frame assembly is installed in a window housing that is either a new window housing or is an existing window housing from which the existing frame (1 in
In accordance with this method, the main frame 310 of the window frame assembly 300 is positioned with respect to the window housing 23. In particular, the main frame 310 is positioned so that at least a portion of the main frame 310 extends into the aperture defined by the window housing 23. In the embodiment shown in
The cover 350 is positioned with respect to the window housing 23 and the main frame 310. In the context of
With the cover 350 so aligned, the cover 350 may be advanced rearwardly, i.e., to the left in
The main frame 310 may telescopically receive the mating projection 360, reducing the distance between the cowling 340 of the main frame 310 and the casing 358 of the cover 350 until the cowling 340 and casing 358 engage opposite sides of the wall. The cover 350 may then be affixed within the window housing 23 with respect to the main frame 310, e.g., by attaching the cover 350 to the main frame 310 or attaching the casing 358 of the cover 350 to the wall.
b. Retrofit Window Installations
In other applications, embodiments of the invention provide methods for retrofit installation of a window frame assembly in an existing window housing without requiring removal of an existing window frame. As a preliminary step, the method may include preparing an existing window to receive the new window frame assembly. With an existing window, such as that shown in
An appropriately sized main frame and cover may then be selected for installation in the existing frame aperture. In some applications, the main frame and cover may be custom manufactured to fit a specific frame aperture in a specific building. In the context of
The main frame 210 may be positioned with respect to the existing frame aperture by introducing a front portion of the main frame 210 into the existing frame aperture. The existing aluminum frame 1 may help support the main frame 210 within the existing frame aperture. Although the existing frame 1 may engage the entire outer periphery of the main frame 210, this is not believed to be necessary. If the outer periphery of the main frame 210 is slightly smaller than the existing frame aperture, a lower leg of the main frame 210 may rest on the inner edge of the lower leg of the existing frame 1. In the particular embodiment shown in
The cover 250 may then be positioned with respect to the main frame 210 and the window housing 3 as discussed above. The mating projection 260 of the cover 250 may then be advanced into the peripheral recess 225 until the casing 258 of the cover 250 engages the inner surface of the wall, i.e., the inner surface of the sheet rock 12c in
In the embodiment shown in
If the support 270 is formed of a somewhat resilient material, such as a neoprene foam or the like, the support 270 may be positioned along some or all of the inner periphery of the inner lining 12b. Thereafter, the cover 250 may be introduced, with the mating projection 260 compressing the support 270 sufficiently to allow the leading edge 262 of the cover 250 to align with the entrance of the recess 225. Such a resilient support 270 may urge the mating projection 260 inwardly along some or all of the periphery of the cover 250. In such an application, the reduced thickness leading edge 262 of the cover 250 (which may include a bevel, as noted above), the guide surface 232, and/or deflection of the cantilevered guide 230 may facilitate entry of the slightly misaligned mating projection 260 into the recess 225.
C. Fenestration Frame Assemblies with Peripheral Gutters
Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward fenestration assemblies adapted to direct liquid that seeps into the fenestration assembly to flow in a channel instead of leaking into the wall. The fenestration assembly can be used in any suitable fenestration, but in one embodiment the fenestration frame assembly comprises a window frame assembly adapted to be retrofit in an existing window opening. The embodiments illustrated in the drawings and detailed below focus on window frame assemblies retrofitted in an existing window opening. It should be recognized, however, that the invention need not be so limited, and some embodiments of the invention can encompass other types of fenestration assemblies (e.g., door frame assemblies) and/or other types of installations (e.g., fenestration assemblies installed in wall apertures that do not have existing window openings). Peripheral gutters can also be combined with any single embodiment or combination of embodiments discussed above.
1. General
The fenestration frame assembly 500 of
The main frame 510 may also include a cowling 540 that extends outwardly to cosmetically cover the pre-existing aluminum frame 1. If so desired, the cowling 540 may be sealingly adjoined to the aluminum frame 1 by a bead of a sealant 598, e.g., a silicone caulk or the like. In other embodiments, the sealant 598 may comprise a compressible, relatively non-porous neoprene or the like.
One difference between the window frame assemblies 100 and 200 shown in
Looking at
In other embodiments, weep holes 560b can be formed in a portion of the peripheral gutter instead of, or in addition to, the weep holes in the existing frame 510. In still other embodiments, the assembly does not have weep holes and fluid exits the gutters 545 via other routes (e.g., the lower segment 1a is configured so that it does not seal against the cowling 540 and configured so that it does not retain liquid). In yet other embodiments, the main frame can have more or fewer gutter segments and/or gutter segments that do not extend along the entire length of a portion (e.g., a side) of the external periphery of the main frame 510. For example, certain embodiments can include the upper gutter segment 545a and portions of the two vertical gutter segments 545c and 545d, without having a lower gutter segment 545b and/or a lower segment 1a. The various portions of the fenestration assembly can be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials (e.g., wood, plastic, and/or aluminum).
As discussed above, embodiments of fenestration assemblies having peripheral gutters have been illustrated using window frame assembly similar to the window frame assembly 200 in
2. Methods
As noted above, other embodiments of the invention provide methods of installing and/or making the fenestration frame assemblies. In the following discussion, reference is made to the particular fenestration frame assemblies shown in the drawings discussed above. It should be understood, though, that the reference to these particular fenestration frame assemblies is solely for purposes of illustration and that the method outlined below is not limited to any of the fenestration frame assembly designs shown in the drawings or discussed in detail above.
Certain embodiments of the invention can include methods for installing fenestration assemblies with peripheral gutters in existing fenestration assemblies (e.g., existing window assemblies) or in walls or structures that have an aperture without an existing fenestration structure (e.g., a newly constructed building). For example, in a retrofit window application, a main frame configured to circumscribe (or circumscribing) a window opening can be installed in an existing window frame component that is already installed in a building aperture. The main frame can have a at least one peripheral gutter flange extending radially outwardly from at least a portion of the external periphery of the main frame to from at least a portion of a peripheral gutter, in accordance with embodiments of the invention described above. In other embodiment, a similar main frame assembly can be installed in a wall aperture that does not have an existing fenestration assembly.
Other embodiments can include methods for controlling liquid flow proximate to a fenestration frame assembly. For example, in one embodiment the method can include positioning a main frame with respect to an aperture in a wall that has an external wall surface. The main frame can include a main frame opening, an external periphery, and a peripheral gutter flange extending radially outward from at least a portion of the external periphery. The method can further include receiving liquid in the peripheral gutter flange and directing the liquid peripherally to limit contact of the liquid with the external wall surface proximate to the aperture.
The above-detailed embodiments of the invention are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above. Specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, but those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention. For example, whereas steps are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform steps in a different order. The various embodiments described herein can be combined to provide further embodiments.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, i.e., in a sense of “including, but not limited to.” Use of the word “or” in reference to a list of items is intended to cover a) any of the items in the list, b) all of the items in the list, and c) any combination of the items in the list.
In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above-detailed description explicitly defines such terms. In addition, the inventors contemplate various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventors reserve the right to add claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the invention.
This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/339,694, filed Jan. 8, 2003, entitled “FENESTRATION FRAME ASSEMBLIES, E.G., RETROFIT WINDOW FRAME ASSEMBLIES, AND METHODS OF INSTALLING SAME,” which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/194,955, filed Jul. 11, 2002 and entitled “RETROFIT WINDOW FRAME AND METHOD” and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/387,105, filed Jun. 7, 2002 and entitled “REPLACEMENT WINDOW FRAME.” This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/488,270, filed Jul. 15, 2003, entitled “FENESTRATION FRAME ASSEMBLIES, E.G., RETROFIT WINDOW FRAME ASSEMBLIES, AND METHODS OF INSTALLING SAME.” The entirety of each of these applications is incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60387105 | Jun 2002 | US | |
60488270 | Jul 2003 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 10339694 | Jan 2003 | US |
Child | 10891844 | Jul 2004 | US |
Parent | 10194955 | Jul 2002 | US |
Child | 10339694 | Jan 2003 | US |