Patent Application
20170268282
Aspects of the disclosure relate to fenestration supplement systems and methods of using such systems.
Fenestrations such as windows that are old, poorly sealed, improperly installed, or otherwise underperforming can provide inadequate thermal insulation, sound insulation and/or optical performance.
According to one aspect, a fenestration supplement frame member includes an elongated body having a cross-section with a first axis in a first direction and a second axis in a second direction. The first and second directions are perpendicular to one another, and the elongated body has first, second and third connector grooves sized to receive and retain a connector. The first connector groove has a corresponding first abutment surface, the second connector groove has a corresponding second abutment surface and the third connector groove has a corresponding third abutment surface. The third abutment surface is spaced apart from the first abutment surface in the first direction and in the second direction, and the third abutment surface is spaced apart from the second connector groove in the first direction and in the second direction.
According to another aspect, a fenestration supplement frame member includes an elongated body and a first connector groove formed into the body. The first connector groove comprises a J-shaped flange and an angled indentation. The J-shaped flange and angled indentation define a space to receive a connector.
According to yet another aspect, a fenestration supplement system includes a fenestration supplement, a connector, and a first fenestration supplement member. The first fenestration supplement frame member includes an elongated body having first, second and third connector grooves sized to receive and retain the connector and a portion of the fenestration supplement. The first connector groove has a corresponding first abutment surface, the second connector groove has a corresponding second abutment surface, and the third connector groove has a corresponding third abutment surface. The connector couples the fenestration supplement to the first fenestration supplement frame member by holding the portion of the fenestration supplement inside the first connector groove. The third abutment surface is spaced apart from the first abutment surface in the first direction and in the second direction, and the third abutment surface is spaced apart from the second abutment surface in the first direction and in the second direction.
According to yet another aspect, a fenestration supplement frame member includes an elongated body having a left face, right face, upper portion, and lower portion. The elongated body has first and second upper connector grooves sized to receive and retain a connector, and first and second lower connector grooves sized to receive and retain a connector. The first and second upper connector grooves are positioned at the upper portion of the elongated body, and the first and second lower connector grooves are positioned at the lower portion of the elongated body.
According to yet another aspect, a fenestration supplement system includes a fenestration supplement, a connector and a first fenestration supplement frame member comprising an elongated body having first, second and third connector grooves sized to receive and retain the connector and a portion of the fenestration supplement. The first connector groove has a corresponding first abutment surface, the second connector groove has a corresponding second abutment surface, and the third connector groove has a corresponding third abutment surface. The system also includes an accessory coupled to the first fenestration supplement frame member. The connector couples the fenestration supplement to the first fenestration supplement frame member by holding the portion of the fenestration supplement inside the first connector groove. The third abutment surface is spaced apart from the first abutment surface in the first direction and in the second direction, and the third abutment surface is spaced apart from the second abutment surface in the first direction and in the second direction.
The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures may be represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. Various embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Aspects of the invention are described herein with reference to certain illustrative embodiments and the figures. The illustrative embodiments described herein are not necessarily intended to show all aspects of the invention, but rather are used to describe a few illustrative embodiments. Thus, aspects of the invention are not intended to be construed narrowly in view of the illustrative embodiments. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the invention may be used alone or in any suitable combination with other aspects of the invention.
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to fenestration supplement systems and to methods of using such systems. As used herein, a “fenestration” refers to windows, doors, skylights and other similar covers to building openings, whether openable or fixed. A fenestration supplement is a component that is added to a fenestration to supplement the fenestration, e.g., for temperature insulation, sound insulation, screening (e.g. screening out insects/debris), tinting (e.g. for UV shielding or other optical properties), etc. While aspects of the fenestration supplement system may be discussed in relation to a window, it should be appreciated that such systems may be used with other types of fenestration, such as doors and skylights.
Historically, the most common method of improving the performance of existing fenestration has been, and continues to be, their removal and replacement with new units. The inventor has appreciated that replacing existing windows and doors with better performing units of the same size and appearance is expensive, and measures taken to reduce cost often result in a dramatic change in the building's appearance. Especially with regard to buildings that are old, historic, or otherwise have a distinct appearance, window replacement can be undesirable to those looking to preserve the exterior appearance of the building.
As a consequence of these drawbacks, many old, historically significant or architecturally distinctive structures are effectively prevented from replacement as a method of improving the thermal, acoustic and optical performance of their fenestration; and thus suffer from inconvenience, discomfort and energy inefficiency; i.e., higher than necessary operating costs.
The inventor has thus recognized a need for a fenestration supplement panel that can be used with existing fenestrations without altering the existing fenestration or changing the appearance of the building exterior.
Supplemental fenestration panels offer an alternative to window and/or door replacement. The inventor has recognized that existing supplemental fenestration panels have operational and performance limitations. Many existing supplemental fenestration panels need to be removed and reinstalled seasonally to enable operation of the existing window or door. In addition, many existing supplemental fenestration panels cannot accommodate spectrally selective surface applied films to improve optical performance in conjunction with multiple layers of transparent film in suspension to improve thermal performance. Window films can result in air pockets, can distort visibility through the window, and/or can interfere with the operation of the window, e.g., the film must be removed before the window can be opened. The inventor has thus recognized a need for a fenestration supplement panel that can be used with existing fenestrations without interfering with the function of the fenestration.
Examples of fenestration supplements include a flexible film membrane, a rigid membrane or a screen.
In some embodiments, the fenestration support system described herein is a custom-configurable, interior-mounted, supplemental panel system that enables improvements in the thermal, optical, and acoustical performance of all types of fenestration in many different types of building, occupancy and climate zone, providing an attractive, high-performance, and cost-effective alternative to window replacement. In some embodiments, the system includes: a) frame members and frame member connecting devices; b) fenestration supplements such as glazing membranes; c) connectors that attach the fenestration supplements to the frame members; and d) accessories that mate to the frame members. The frame members, frame member connecting devices, fenestration supplements and connectors combine to form what is referred to herein as a panel assembly or a panel.
The system components mechanically attach (or mate) to each other without requiring the use of additional hardware. In some embodiments, the panel assembly is fitted into the window or other fenestration opening using compression seals, or may be attached onto the surrounding trim or wall surface via commonly available screw and/or clip hardware.
In some embodiments, the completed panel assembly is installed on the interior (room side) side of the window or other fenestration in an orientation coplanar with the existing glazing. The panel mounting location relative to the window and the method of panel attachment are determined by the window/wall construction, the trim configuration and the type and location of any additional interior window treatments. Mounting may accomplished by using mating attachment accessories having integral air seals.
In some embodiments, the fenestration support system described herein may differ from currently available fenestration performance improvement products in one or more ways. First, in some embodiments, in addition to its application as a convenient, seasonably removable window treatment device, the fenestration supplement system can be configured for hinged or sliding operation. Second, in some embodiments, the fenestration supplement system can be configured to accommodate surface-applied spectrally-selective films well as suspended film membranes thus allowing the system to improve the optical as well as the thermal performance of the fenestration. Third, in some embodiments, the fenestration supplement system is able to accommodate as many as four thin-film membranes creating three insulating still air spaces within the thickness of the panel. It should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the system is able to accommodate a different number of membranes or other fenestration supplement members. Fourth, in some embodiments, the system is able to easily accommodate the attachment of additional window treatment devices such as shades, blinds, curtains, etc.
In some embodiments, a fenestration supplement panel consists of a rigid perimeter frame that is sized and shaped so that the completed assembly conforms specifically to the size and shape of its target opening. The completed assembly may form an air-tight seal between the conditioned interior space and the existing window/fenestration. In transverse cross-section, the outer profile of the frame may be comprised of specially shaped grooves and lands that are circumscribed symmetrically within an overall rectangular shape whose profile and dimensions remain uniform throughout its length. The first and second axes of the frame member cross-section correspond respectively with the longer and shorter dimensions of the cross-section. The third axis of each frame member corresponds with its length, the dimension of which is determined by the type of mounting desired and the size of the opening to which the panel is to be fitted.
The outer surfaces of the frame member that are parallel to the frame member's cross-sectional first axis are referred to as the “faces” of the profile, while those outer surfaces parallel to the second axis are referred to as its “edges.” The extremities of each member's length (third axis) are known as the “ends.” In some embodiments, a frame member can be said to have: two faces, two edges, and two ends.
In some embodiments, the longer cross-sectional first axis of a frame member is positioned parallel to the plane of window glazing. As a consequence, the shorter cross-sectional second axis of the frame member is positioned perpendicular to the plane of the glazing, resulting in an assembled panel whose glazing membranes and thinnest cross-sectional profile are co-planar with the existing window.
In some embodiments, a panel assembly may be fitted into the finished window opening or onto the wall and/or trim surrounding the window opening while maintaining an air-tight seal.
A perimeter frame member may be attached to adjacent, abutting members by means of one or more frame member connectors that insert into the internal voids of the frame member. Such an arrangement may generate sufficient friction to hold the frame members together after assembly. The frame member connectors may also preserve the continuity and alignment of the groove and land profiles from the abutting frame members across the facial surfaces of the frame member connector and likewise preserve the continuity and alignment of the “centering” (in some embodiments, V-shaped) groove of the abutting frame member across the outside edges of the frame member connector.
According to one aspect, the fenestration supplement system includes three frame member connectors to accommodate fixed 90° corner configurations: “L”=typical outside corner; “T”=typical intersection creating two inside corners; and, “+”=typical crossing intersection creating four inside corners; as well as an adjustable, completely concealed connecting prong for non-90° conditions.
In some embodiments, a fenestration supplement system can accommodate up to four thin-film membranes yielding three insulating still air spaces—all within the ¾″ edge thickness of the frame member. This membrane configuration may yield a conductive thermal resistance of approximately R-4.
Alternatively, in some embodiments, the system can accommodate a rigid sheet located near the center of the edge thickness. As an example, this rigid sheet can be installed in conjunction with up to two thin film membranes—one on either side of the rigid sheet, yielding two insulating still air spaces.
Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments, the system can accommodate a woven screen membrane that can be used as an insect screen.
In some embodiments, to accommodate various fenestration supplement materials and thicknesses, the receiving grooves of the frame elements allow for the use of compressible connectors or snap-in connectors. In some cases, snap-in connectors may be subject to less shape distortion over time as compared to compressible connectors. In some cases, compressible splines may be used to attach thicker or less elastic glazing membranes such as some heavy vinyl films and mesh screens.
According to one aspect, a variety of accessories may attach to the frame members. Such accessories may help to enable a wide range of panel applications, operation and appearance. The accessories may fit into the grooves of the frame members, and/or the accessories may insert into the voids located within the frame members. The accessories may attach to the frame by mechanical (snap-in) means, by friction/interference fit, by the tension/compression forces inherent within the panel assembly, or by any other suitable means. Examples of accessories used to accommodate and preserve window operation include: a hinge, meeting rail, lift/slide handle, pull tab, slide lock, astragal and sliding and receiving track. Examples of accessories used for attachment include: a panel to structure connector (“structure” referring to structure surrounding the window/fenestration, e.g., window trim or wall), a muntin to muntin connector, a muntin to frame positioner and brackets for connecting third party window treatment to frame members. Examples of accessories used for air-sealing include: edge caps with compressible perimeter gasket in ⅜″, ½″, ¾″ or any other suitable size in uncompressed thickness, a gasketed meeting rail, gasketed astragal, and a face gasket for surface mounted frames. Accessories may also used be for aesthetic purposes: e.g., ungasketed edge caps.
Using a Fenestration Supplement Panel with Non-Square or Irregular Openings
Improving the thermal performance of existing windows in cold climates represents a significant segment of the replacement window market. This market segment also represents a high demand for window improvement products. Old buildings benefit from insulative window treatment products because they have leaky single glazed windows. Often times, in old buildings, walls are out-of-plumb, floors are out-of-level, and doors and windows to become out-of-square. Because building owners often prefer that their window treatment system be installed within the window opening whenever possible, rather than upon the surrounding wall or window trim, these conditions are a common challenge to the custom fitment of rigid rectangular window treatments into non-rectangular openings.
According to one aspect, the fenestration supplement system addresses the problem of non-squareness and other challenges of irregularity common to old buildings by incorporating perimeter air-seal gaskets of various thickness that snap onto the frame. Placed in compression by insertion of the panel into the opening, these gaskets hold the panel in place while accommodating variations in the straightness, the squareness and/or the uniformity or flatness of the surrounding bearing surfaces. These snap-in devices can be simply chosen or exchanged during installation as required to assure an ideal snug and air-tight fit, thus obviating the need and expense of returning and rebuilding the panel frame itself.
In accordance with one aspect, a fenestration supplement frame member for a fenestration supplement panel is configured to accept three or more fenestration supplements.
Turning to the figures,
In one embodiment, the frame member 10 has a plurality of lower grooves 31, 32, 33, and 34. Each of these grooves is sized, shaped and arranged to receive a connector or other connector that is used to couple a fenestration supplement to the frame member. For example,
In some embodiments, each of the grooves has a corresponding abutment surface. A fenestration supplement that is received within a groove rests against the groove's corresponding abutment surface. In some embodiments, a connector is insertable into the groove in a first direction, and a normal to the groove's corresponding abutment surface is parallel to that first direction. In some embodiments, the connector is insertable into a groove in a direction parallel to one of the bisecting axes of the frame member.
As an illustrative example, each of the lower grooves 31, 32, 33, 34 of the frame member 10 of
The third lower surface 73 is spaced apart from the first lower surface 71 in the first direction 102 and in the second direction 112. The third lower surface 73 is also spaced apart from the second lower surface 72 in the first direction 102 and in the second direction 112. This offset between the third lower surface 73 relative to the first and second lower surfaces 71, 72 in both the first and second directions 102, 112 permits the frame member 10 to accommodate a third fenestration supplement.
In some embodiments, the frame member has only three lower grooves. In other embodiments, the frame member includes a fourth lower groove 34. The fourth lower groove 34 may have a corresponding abutment surface 74 that may be spaced from the third lower surface 73 in the second direction 112. Similar to the third lower surface, the fourth lower surface 74 is spaced apart from the first lower surface 71 in the first direction 102 and in the second direction 112. The fourth lower surface 74 is also spaced apart from the second lower surface 72 in the first direction 102 and in the second direction 112. This offset between the fourth lower surface 74 relative to the first and second lower surfaces 71, 72 in both the first and second directions 102, 112, as well as the offset between the third and fourth lower surfaces 73, 74 in the second direction 112 permits the frame member 10 to accommodate a fourth fenestration supplement.
In some embodiments, the first and second lower surfaces 71, 72 are aligned along the second direction 112 and spaced apart in the second direction. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the third and fourth lower surfaces 73, 74 are aligned along the second direction 112 and spaced apart in the second direction.
In some embodiments, the grooves corresponding to each of the abutment surfaces may be similarly spaced apart. The third lower groove 33 may be spaced apart from the first lower groove 31 in the first direction 102 and in the second direction 112. The third lower groove 33 may also be spaced apart from the second lower groove 32 in the first direction 102 and in the second direction 112. In embodiments having a fourth lower groove, the fourth lower groove 34 may be spaced from the third lower groove 33 in the second direction 112. Similar to the third lower groove, the fourth lower groove 34 may be spaced apart from the first lower groove 31 in the first direction 102 and in the second direction 112. The fourth lower groove 34 may also be spaced apart from the second lower groove 32 in the first direction 102 and in the second direction 112. In other embodiments, however, two or more lower grooves may be aligned in a direction along the first direction 102. Alternatively or in addition, three or more lower grooves may be aligned in a direction along the second direction 112.
In some embodiments, the first and second lower grooves 31, 32 are aligned along the second direction 112 and spaced apart in the second direction. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the third and fourth lower grooves 33, 34 are aligned along the second direction 112 and spaced apart in the second direction.
Conventional frame members for fenestration supplement panels have only one end with grooves that accept fenestration supplements, splines and/or hardware. The other opposing end of these conventional frame members has no such grooves. The inventor has recognized that providing grooves on both ends of the frame member permits the frame member to be used in various possible configurations.
In accordance with yet another aspect, the fenestration supplement frame member for a fenestration support panel has opposing first and second ends that each receives fenestration supplements, connectors and/or other hardware (such as mounting hardware).
As seen in
The first portion 11 includes upper grooves 21, 22 and 23. Each of the upper grooves may have corresponding abutment surfaces which may be arranged in a manner similar to that of the lower surfaces 71, 72, 73, 74 discussed above. Specifically, the third upper surface 77 may be spaced apart from the first upper surface 75 in the first direction 102 and in the second direction 112. The third upper surface 77 may also be spaced apart from the second upper surface 76 in the first direction 102 and in the second direction 112. This offset between the third upper surface 77 relative to the first and second upper surfaces 75, 76 in both the first and second directions 102, 112 permits the frame member 10 to accommodate a third fenestration supplement and/or additional hardware.
In some embodiments, the first portion 11 may include a fourth upper groove 24. The abutment surface 78 corresponding to the fourth upper groove 24 may be spaced from third upper surface 77 in the second direction 112. The fourth upper surface 78 may be spaced apart from the first upper surface 75 in the first direction 102 and in the second direction 112. The fourth upper surface 78 may also be spaced apart from the second upper surface 76 in the first direction 102 and in the second direction 112. This offset between the fourth upper surface 78 relative to the first and second upper surfaces 75, 76 in both the first and second directions 102, 112, as well as the offset between the third and fourth upper surfaces 77, 78 in the second direction, permits the frame member to accommodate a fourth fenestration supplement and/or additional hardware.
In some embodiments, the first and second upper surfaces 75, 76 are aligned along the second direction 112 and spaced apart in the second direction. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the third and fourth upper surfaces 77, 78 are aligned along the second direction 112 and spaced apart in the second direction.
In some embodiments, the grooves corresponding to each of the abutment surfaces may be similarly spaced apart. Specifically, the third upper groove 23 may be spaced apart from the first upper groove 21 in the first direction 102 and in the second direction 112. The third upper groove 23 may also be spaced apart from the second upper groove 22 in the first direction 102 and in the second direction 112. In embodiments having a fourth upper groove, the fourth upper groove 24 may be spaced from third upper groove 23 in the second direction 112. The fourth upper groove 24 may be spaced apart from the first upper groove 21 in the first direction 102 and in the second direction 112. The fourth upper groove 24 may also be spaced apart from the second upper groove 22 in the first direction 102 and in the second direction 112. In other embodiments, however, two or more of the upper grooves may be aligned in a direction along the first direction 102. Alternatively or in addition, three or more of the upper grooves may be aligned in a direction along the second direction 112.
Having grooves at both portions 11, 12 of the frame member 10 allows the frame member 10 to be used in a variety of configurations. As one illustrative example, the second portion 12 may couple to one or more fenestration supplements, while the first portion 11 may couple to mounting hardware used to mount the frame member to a window.
One illustrative embodiment is shown in
In this illustrative embodiment, the fenestration supplement panel is located on the interior side 2, and includes four frame members that are combined together to form a square or rectangular frame, as seen in
Because the frame members each have two portions, the free portions that are not coupled to fenestration supplements can be used to mount the frame to the window environment. In the embodiment shown in
It should be appreciated that the embodiment shown in
Another illustrative embodiment is shown in
According to one aspect, a fenestration supplement panel may be used at one or more locations relative to a window frame. For example, the fenestration supplement panel may be used on the exterior side or interior side of a window. Different attachment mechanisms may be used to attach the panel to the window frame, trim and/or surrounding wall.
In position A, a panel is positioned on the exterior side 1 of the windows 7, 8. The panel can be attached to the exterior trim 410 by an upper end cap 210 and attached to the sill 440 by a lower end cap 216. Because the panel in position A is exterior to the windows 7, 8, the panel is exposed to the outside environment. In some embodiments, a panel placed in position A, i.e., exterior to the window(s), may include one or more fenestration supplements that are screens (e.g. for screening out insects/debris)
In some embodiments, one or more fenestration supplement panels may be placed in position B, which is on the interior side 2 of the windows 7, 8. In the embodiment shown in
It should be understood that, in other embodiments, panels that slide horizontally relative to the window frame may be used instead of panels that slide vertically relative to the window frame.
Finally, in some embodiments, a fenestration supplement panel may be placed in position C, which is also on the interior side 2 of the windows 7, 8. The panel is situated between the interior trim 420 and the stool 470. In some embodiments, such as the one shown in
In some embodiments, the frame member has biaxial symmetry. As seen in
In accordance with one aspect, the frame member cross-section includes a strip of material 70 running through the center of the cross-section. The cross-section may include a first void 61 and a second void 62 on either side of the strip of central material 70. Without wishing to be bound by theory, using such a cross-sectional shape may help to resist bending or other deflection of the frame member while making an efficient use of material. As will be discussed in a later section, connectors may be inserted into the voids 61, 62 to connect one or more frame members together.
It should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the frame member does not include a strip of material running through the center of the cross-section. In some cases, the frame member may have a single void instead of two.
In some embodiments, end caps may be used with gaskets for air sealing. The gasket may be attached to the end cap, or may be held between the end cap and a second opposing surface via friction. In one illustrative embodiment, seen in
In some embodiments, the frame member has V-shaped grooves located at one or both of the opposing ends. As seen in
In accordance with yet another aspect, the frame member for a fenestration supplement panel includes specially shaped grooves that can accept and retain different types of connectors. These different connectors may be used to accommodate different types of fenestration supplements, thus allowing the frame member to be used with different types of fenestration supplements.
For example, in one illustrative example seen in
In some situations, it may be desirable to use a rigid fenestration supplement to supplement a fenestration. In some cases surface applied films must be applied against a rigid surface. As such, using a rigid fenestration supplement permits surface applied films to supplement a fenestration. Examples of surface applied films include tinted films, spectrally selective films and low-emissivity films, also called “low-e” films. Spectrally selective films can be used to block certain wavelengths, e.g., to block ultraviolet light.
The inventor has appreciated that, in some cases, compressible connectors may not be suitable for use with rigid fenestration supplements because rigid fenestration supplements cannot be flexibly curved into the frame member groove and wedged between the compressible connector and the inner surfaces of the groove.
As such, in accordance with one aspect, a snap-in connector can be used to couple rigid fenestration supplements to the frame member. As seen in
An adapter 35 can be used to allow the snap-in connector 121 to attach to a rigid membrane 94. In some embodiments, the adapter and snap-in connector form a single, permanently attached component. For example, the snap-in connector and adapter are integrally formed as one monolithic component, or can be formed as two components that are permanently bonded together. In other embodiments, the adapter is removably attachable to the snap-in connector such that the snap-in connector can be used with the adapter or without the adapter.
In some embodiments, snap-in connectors can be used with both rigid and flexible fenestration supplements. As seen in
The geometry of the snap-in connector will now be discussed in detail. As seen in
In some embodiments, the frame member grooves may have a shape to accommodate the shape of the snap-in connector. In one embodiment, shown in
When the snap-in connector 120 is first inserted into a groove, the wings 124, 126 are pushed inwardly toward one another due to contact with surfaces of the groove at the groove entrance. Once the wings clear the surfaces at the groove entrance, the wings are free to expand inside the groove, as the span inside the groove is wider than the span at the entrance of the groove. With the snap-in connector fully inserted into the groove, abutment of the wing tips 125, 127 against the inner groove lands 51, 52 retains the connector inside the groove.
In some embodiments, the snap-in connectors may be removed from the frame member groove by squeezing one or both of the wings inwardly and pulling the connector out of the groove.
According to one aspect, the abutment surfaces corresponding to each frame member groove may be recessed relative to the frame member faces to allow panel assemblies to be stacked on top of one another without damaging the fenestration supplements. In one illustrative embodiment shown in
It should be appreciated that fenestration supplements may be attached to the frame member in different arrangements to best suit a particular function. For example, to filter out bugs and debris, a screen may be attached to the frame at the most external position. In another example, to act as a storm window-type component, a rigid membrane may be attached to the frame at the most external position. In yet another example, in some cases, a rigid membrane may be used to protect flexible membranes from puncture caused by activity occurring on the interior side of the panel (e.g., due to scratching from indoor pets, projectiles thrown by children, etc.). In such cases, the rigid membrane may be attached to the frame at the most internal position.
In one illustrative embodiment shown in
In accordance with yet another aspect, the fenestration supplement frame members are joined to one another via intermediate connecting components. In some embodiments, multiple frame members may be joined to form a frame. The intermediate connecting component may be a corner piece or may be “invisible” to form a miter.
One illustrative embodiment is shown in
An illustrative embodiment of a connector is shown in
It should be appreciated that the connector can have prongs on more than two faces in order to connect more than two frame members together. For example, as seen in
The inventor has recognized that conventional fenestration supplement panels require the panel to be either installed in a position covering the fenestration, or removed completely and stored elsewhere when covering the fenestration is not desired. As such, with conventional panels, with the panel installed and mounted to the window arrangement, the windows cannot be opened. The fenestration supplement must be completely detached and removed from the window arrangement before the window can be opened. As a result, with such conventional panels, with the panel installed, the functionality of the window is lost.
According to one aspect, the geometry of the fenestration supplement frame member permits fenestration supplements to be movably mounted to an existing fenestration arrangement such that the fenestration supplement need not be entirely removed from the fenestration arrangement when operating the fenestration (e.g. opening a window or door). In some embodiments the frame member is dual-ended, with one end that couples to one or more fenestration supplements, and a second end that can couple to various kinds of mounting hardware that are used to movably mount the fenestration supplement to the fenestration arrangement.
For example, the fenestration supplement may be slidably mounted to a fenestration arrangement. In one embodiment, two fenestration supplements are used, and one or both of the supplements can slide vertically or horizontally relative to the other. In the closed position, the frame member at the end of one supplement mates with the frame member at the end of the other supplement to form a seal.
As another example, the fenestration supplement panel may be pivotally mounted to a fenestration arrangement (e.g. a window frame or door frame). A hinge type mounting hardware may be coupled to one end of the frame member, and one or more fenestration supplements may be coupled to the other end of the frame member. The hinge permits the fenestration supplement to rotate relative to the window/door frame. In some embodiments, the hinge is a living hinge.
The above aspects and embodiments may be employed in any suitable combination, as the present invention is not limited in this respect.
The aspects described herein refer to embodiments in which the frame member is used in a fenestration supplement system. However, it should be appreciated that the frame member described herein may be used for other purposes as well. For example, the frame member may be used as a primary fenestration device in certain situations. In addition, the frame member may be used a framing system for non-fenestration applications such as art, craft and cabinetry.
It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.
Having thus described several aspects of at least one embodiment of this invention, it is to be appreciated that various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62309208 | Mar 2016 | US |
