Patent Application
20080110099
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a storm window that is applied on the interior of a standard window frame. In particular, the invention relates to a storm window that is easily removable and yet provides secure protection in the event of severe weather.
2. The Prior Art
Most storm windows that are made to withstand hurricane-force winds are applied to the exterior of a window unit. These storm windows are often heavy and cumbersome, and require professional installation and removal. In addition, they prevent the user from opening the window to let in fresh air. Another type of storm protection comes from hurricane shutters, which consist of heavy plates of metal that are pulled over the window during a storm. These shutters are difficult and expensive to install, and are not attractive, even when raised.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method and device for protecting windows and the interior of a dwelling from hurricane-force winds, that is inexpensive, simple to install and remove, and which does not detract from the appearance of the window.
These and other objects are accomplished by an interior storm window assembly comprising an outer frame adapted to be attached to an existing window frame or wall and having a channel running around an interior surface thereof, and a window unit comprising an inner frame surrounding a window pane. The window unit is adapted to be snap-fit inside the outer frame so that the window unit is securely held within the outer frame without play. There is a locking device for locking the window unit within the outer frame. The outer frame is attached to an existing window frame or to a wall surface surrounding an existing window, to provide an extra layer of protection against hurricane-force winds.
The locking device preferably comprises a steel bar mounted within both sides of the inner frame, and a bracket mounted to the steel bar via a screw. The bracket can be rotated to extend past the sides of the inner frame to brace the window unit against the outer frame when the window unit is mounted in the outer frame. The screws are tightened when the bracket is in place to keep the window unit securely mounted.
There is preferably insulation mounted around a periphery of the window unit to further seal the window unit in the frame.
The window pane is preferably formed of storm-resistant glass, also called impact-resistant glass. Storm-resistant glass consists of two layers of glass surrounding a strong layer of impact-resistant material. Alternatively a layer of glass can be coated with a layer of impact resistant material. This way, strong winds and flying debris are prevented from breaking the glass and entering the dwelling.
The window unit is snap-fit into the outer frame due to a flexible insert located inside the channel on the bottom of the outer frame. The flexible insert bends under pressure during installation of the window unit, and flexes against the window unit after the window unit is installed in the outer frame, to keep the window unit inside the outer frame.
There is preferably a flange extending along the inner frame below the window pane, to assist the user in installing and removing the window unit from the outer frame. The flange can be used for leverage in trying to raise and lower the window unit within the outer frame to clear the boundaries of the outer frame.
To use the window assembly, the outer frame is first installed on top of an interior of a window frame or to a wall surrounding the window frame. This is usually done with bolts or screws, but other methods could be envisioned. The window unit is then snapped into the outer frame. Finally, the window unit is secured to the outer frame using the brackets.
When the window unit is installed over a window, the pane is preferably located between 1 and 3 inches from a pane of the window. This is an optimum distance to provide storm protection and insulation, and yet still allow access to the original window when the storm window unit is not installed.
Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.
In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views:
Referring now in detail to the drawings,
Outer frame 20 has indentations extending along an inner surface of each of its sides, top and bottom, for holding window unit 30 therein. Window unit 30 is snapped into place within outer frame 20 when in use. A flexible insert 28 is inserted into the bottom of outer frame 20 and helps to keep window unit 30 in place, as shown in
A steel bar 42 is embedded along each side of outer frame 20, as shown in
To use assembly 10, outer frame 20 is secured to a wall or window frame, to surround an existing window 50, as shown in
Accordingly, while only a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is obvious that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
