A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. The following notice applies to the software and data as described below and in the drawings that form a part of this document: Copyright Marvin Lumber and Cedar Company, LLC d/b/a Marvin Windows and Doors, of Eagan, Minnesota, USA. All Rights Reserved.
This patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/365,246, filed May 24, 2022, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
This document pertains generally, but not by way of limitation, to fenestration assemblies and mullions for fenestration assemblies.
Fenestration assemblies in some examples include multiple component fenestration assemblies that are interconnected with mullions. The mullion couples the component fenestration assemblies together to facilitate alignment of the component fenestration assemblies.
In some examples, mullions are installed with component windows at a job site or factory. For instance, the component fenestration assemblies are arranged and aligned relative to each other, for instance on assembly tables, sawhorses or the like. The assembly tables permit adjustment of the component fenestration assemblies by installers (e.g., moving the assemblies relative to each other on a table) to ensure alignment of interconnecting features of the component fenestration assemblies and adjust the assemblies if a misalignment is observed. Additionally, arrangement of the component fenestration assemblies on assembly tables, sawhorses or the like provides access to interconnecting features of the fenestration assemblies by the mullions.
Once the component fenestration assemblies are assembled into the mulled fenestration assembly the resulting assembly is shipped to a job site, and raised, for instance with a hoist, mechanical lift, multiple installers or the like, to a rough opening. The mulled fenestration assembly is inserted into the rough opening and fixed to the surrounding frame of the building.
The present inventor has recognized, among other things, that a problem to be solved can include facilitating mulling (installation of mullion assemblies) component fenestration assemblies in a variety of conditions. In some examples component fenestration assemblies are arranged and aligned prior to installation to assemble a composite fenestration assembly. For instance, the component fenestration assemblies are arranged at a manufacturing facility, supplier or at a job site. Arrangement includes laying the fenestration assemblies adjacent to each other and installing mullion assemblies therebetween. In various examples, installation of mullion assemblies includes, but is not limited to, installation of brackets, lineal adapters or the like that are fastened to adjoining frame components of the component fenestration assemblies to make the assemblies ready for mulling. Because the fenestration assemblies are not yet installed manipulation and movement of the assemblies as well as access to gaps between the assemblies is facilitated to assist with installation of mullion components (e.g., brackets, lineal adapters or the like) and coupling of the fenestration assemblies together with the mullion assemblies.
In some examples, the mullion assembly includes one or more difficult to install connection brackets or lineal connection pieces that are inserted into complementary lineal kerfs, recesses or the like (e.g., provided by brackets, lineal adapters or the like) provided along adjoining fenestration frames of the fenestration assemblies. Because the fenestration assembly is not installed, access is available to the brackets and the fenestration frames. A rubber mallet, hammer or the like is used by a technician to drive the bracket into the complementary kerfs. The brackets, like nails or other fasteners, are subject to deformation and breakage when struck during installation. Additionally, the component fenestration assemblies and the associated kerfs or features that couple with the brackets need precise alignment for reception of the brackets. In some examples, the technician has to pull the bracket and start again with an undamaged bracket. This can be a labor intensive and time consuming process.
Additionally, once the component fenestration assemblies are interconnected with the mullion assembly the resulting composite fenestration assembly is cumbersome to install in a rough opening. The component fenestration assemblies, in some examples, weigh hundreds of pounds and have large or awkward profiles, and the composite assembly is equivalent to multiples of that weight and additionally cumbersome because of the increased size. The composite fenestration assembly is raised into place with multiple technicians or with a lift (e.g., forklift, hoist, crane or the like). The technicians then attempt to provide fine manipulation of the composite fenestration assembly to position the assembly within the rough opening and adjust installation characteristics (e.g., square, true, level, plumb or the like). The weight and awkwardness frustrate this fine manipulation.
The present subject matter can help provide a solution to these problems with a mullion system that is readily installed to component fenestration assemblies while the fenestration assemblies are already positioned in a rough opening. Alternatively, the mullion system is installed to component fenestration assemblies during assembly of a composite fenestration assembly, for instance outside of the rough opening.
The mullion system includes a mullion pin (or rail if a lineal configuration). The mullion pin includes anchor cleats configured to connect the mullion pin with complementary cleat recesses of the fenestration assemblies. For instance, the fenestration frames include cleat recesses. With the fenestration assemblies positioned within a rough opening (e.g., without shimming, fastening or the like) the mullion pin (or pins) is inserted into the gap between the frames. In the introduced configuration the technician drives the mullion pin with one or more of hand pressure, a mallet or the like, for instance from exterior toward interior or interior toward exterior. The anchor cleats are correspondingly moved along the fenestration frames. The mullion pin and the anchor cleats have a complementary profile to the fenestration frame and the cleat recesses. Continued movement of the mullion pin moves the anchor cleats toward and over the cleat recesses, and the anchor cleats descend into the cleat recesses.
One or both of the anchor cleats or the cleat recesses have a clamping surface. For instance, the clamping surface has a tapered configuration (e.g., cammed, wedged configurations or the like) that cooperates with an opposed surface of either or both of the cleat recesses or the anchor cleats. The anchor cleats and cleat recesses cooperate to lock the component fenestration assemblies together at the mullion assembly. In one example, after reception of the anchor cleats within the cleat recesses continued movement of the mullion pin drives the clamping surface along the (opposed) clamping surface and biases the component fenestration assemblies (e.g., their associated fenestration frames) together. Optionally, a locking bracket, such as a cap, cover, bracket, fastener or the like is coupled between the fenestration frames, coupled with the mullion pin or both to secure the mullion pin and the anchor cleats in place and retain the fenestration assemblies and the mullion pin in the locked configuration.
This overview is intended to provide an overview of subject matter of the present patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention. The detailed description is included to provide further information about the present patent application.
In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.
Referring again to
A mullion assembly 120 interconnects the component first and second fenestration assemblies 102, 110 of the composite fenestration assembly 100. As described herein, the mullion assembly 120 permits the interconnection of multiple fenestration assemblies (such as 102, 110). The mullion assembly examples described herein (including 120) provide an affirmative and robust coupling to permit handling and installation of the composite fenestration assembly 100 while at the same time maintaining an alignment of the component fenestration assemblies 102, 110. Further, the affirmative and robust coupling permits the collective adjustment of the composite fenestration assembly 100 including one or more of plumbing, trueing, leveling and squaring.
Further still, the mullion assemblies permit the coupling of separate fenestration assemblies 102, 110 while the assemblies are already partially installed, for instance, within a rough opening. As discussed herein, the mullion assemblies are optionally installed through the fenestration gap 116 and anchor cleats are coupled with complementary features of the fenestration assemblies 102, 110, such as cleat recesses. The mullion assemblies are adjusted, for instance with fasteners, brackets or the like (optional components of the mullion assemblies) to seat the anchor cleats within cleat recesses, affirmatively engage the anchor cleats with the fenestration assemblies 102, 110, and also contract the fenestration gap 116 and accordingly pull the assemblies into intimate and robust coupling with each other. The coupling of the mullion assemblies with the fenestration assemblies 102, 110, engagement between the mullion assemblies and fenestration assemblies, and contraction of the fenestration gap 116 is optionally conducted within the fenestration gap 116, for instance from the interior or exterior sides of the fenestration assemblies 102, 110. Accordingly, separate handling of the fenestration assemblies, spreading apart of the assemblies, and access to upper and lower portions of the fenestration assemblies for driving of interconnecting adapters, lineal brackets or the like into lineal kerfs extending between the upper and lower portions of the assemblies.
As shown, the mullion assembly 201 includes a mullion pin 200 between the first and second fenestration frame members 108, 114. As described herein, the mullion pin 200 is in one example inserted between the members, for instance from one of the exterior or interior sides of the fenestration frames 104, 112 and moved toward the opposed side to interfit anchor cleats 202 with cleat recesses 204. Examples of the anchor cleats 202 are shown in
As further shown in
Referring again to
The mullion pin 200 in this example includes first and second anchor cleats 202. The cleats 202 have an angled orientation in this example to permit cooperative engagement with cleat recesses of the frame members. For instance, each of the anchor cleats 202 includes a clamping surface 302 that provides an angled orientation (e.g., tapered, curved, hooked, angled relative to the interior to exterior axis of the pin body 300 or the like). As described herein, the clamping surface 302 cooperatively engage with and bias the fenestration assemblies to robustly interfit with the mullion assembly 201. The bias caused by the mullion assembly 201 draws the frame members 108, 114 together (and closes the fenestration gap).
The mullion pin 200 includes a pin body 300, and the anchor cleats 202 extend from the pin body 300 (e.g., at the angled orientation). In one example, the pin body 300 includes a pin cavity 306. In one example, the mullion pin 200 receives a mullion brace (403 in
Referring again to
In another example, the locking bracket 206 includes a bracket plug 318 proximate to the mullion pin 200. The mullion pin 200 includes a pin socket 308. The pin socket 308 and bracket plug 318 couple the mullion assembly 201 together and decrease rotational or pivoting movement therebetween. Further, the interfitting of the bracket plug 318 and the pin socket 308 guide relative movement between the mullion pin 200 and the locking bracket 206 and accordingly guides interfitting of the associated anchor cleats 202, 312 with the respective cleat recesses provided with the fenestration frame members 108, 114.
A fastener 314 is further shown in
Referring again to
In one example, the fastener 314 couples the locking bracket 206 with the mullion pin 200. Movement of the fastener 314 moves the bracket 206 and mullion pin 200 relative to each other (in this example toward each other) and drives the anchor cleats 202, 312 into the associated cleat recesses 204. The cooperative coupling of the anchor cleats 202, 312 with the respective cleat recesses 204, 400 affirmatively couples the mullion assembly 201 with the fenestration frame members 108, 114 and accordingly affirmatively locks the members together. For instance, the anchor cleats 202, 312 seated with cleat recesses 204, 400 capture corresponding portions of the fenestration members 108, 114 between the anchor cleats.
In another example, the clamping surfaces 302, 402 shown in
As discussed herein, movement of the mullion pin 200 seats the anchor cleats 202, 312 within the cleat recesses 204, 400, and continued movement clamps the fenestration frame members 108, 114 together (e.g., draws them closer, contracts the fenestration gap and affirmatively pulls them into engagement with the mullion pin or the like). In an example, the clamping of the fenestration frame members 108, 114 with the mullion assembly 201 contracts the fenestration gap 410 therebetween as the members are affirmatively engaged with the mullion assembly 201. In some examples, the clamping of the fenestration frame members 108, 114 together moves the fenestration assemblies 102, 110 into a square orientation and conversely minimizes out of square orientation of the assemblies. For instance, the associated fenestration frame members 108, 114 are aligned with each other, and accordingly the remainder of the fenestration assemblies 102, 110 are similarly aligned.
Referring again to
Referring first to
Lateral movement of the mullion pin 200 correspondingly moves the pin body 300 and anchor cleats 202 extending from the pin body 300 along the proximate surfaces of the fenestration frame members 108, 114. As shown with directional arrows, the anchor cleats 202 are moved toward the cleat recesses 204 of the respective first and second fenestration frame members 108, 114. As shown in
Referring now to
Continued lateral movement of the mullion pin 200 and the anchor cleats 202 affirmatively engages the cleats with the fenestration frame members 108, 114. As previously described, the anchor cleats 202 including clamping surfaces 302 (e.g., angled surfaces of the cleats) cooperatively engage with clamping surfaces 402 of the cleat recesses 204. The clamping surfaces 302, 402 move over each and the mullion assembly 201 draws the fenestration frame members 108, 114 toward each other, for instance based on the orientation of the clamping surfaces 302, 402 (e.g., cooperative angles, tapers, cammed surfaces or the like). The fenestration frame members 108, 114 are thereby locked together (e.g., in the locked configuration shown in
In another example, the locking bracket 206 is included with the mullion assembly 201 to enhance coupling between the mullion assembly 201 and the fenestration frame members 108, 114. With the mullion pin 200 in either of the locked configuration shown in
In one example, the bracket plug 318 of the locking bracket 206 is coupled with the pin socket 308 of the mullion pin 200 (e.g., the pin body 300). See
The locking bracket 206 and mullion pin 200 are maintained in the locked configuration, optionally with the fastener 314 (in another example according to friction or interference fit), and the fenestration frame members 108, 114 are affirmatively coupled to the mullion assembly 201. After installation, the mullion cover 208 is coupled with the mullion assembly 201, for instance to conceal the remainder of the fenestration gap 410 between the fenestration frame members 108, 114. If adjustment, maintenance or removal of one or more of the fenestration assemblies 102, 110 (see
In the example shown in
The mullion assembly 701 is shown in a locked configuration in
In another example, the locking bracket 724 cooperates with the remainder of the mullion pin 700 to retain the mullion pin in the locked configuration. For instance, the anchor cleats 706 and complementary cleat recesses 720 (and clamping surfaces) cooperatively interfit (e.g., hook, fasten, anchor or the like) and the locking bracket 724 thereby maintains the anchor cleats 702 (and 706) in the locked configuration. Optionally, the locking bracket 724 compresses a portion of the mullion pin between the bracket 724 and the anchor cleats 706 thereby affirmatively retaining the anchor cleats in the locked configuration. In another example, the mullion pin 700 length between the locking bracket 724 and the anchor cleats 706 corresponds to the length between the cleat recesses 720, 718 to position the anchor cleats 706 within the cleat recesses 718 (e.g., without loading the mullion pin in compression or tension).
In a similar manner to the mullion assembly 201, the mullion assembly 701 including the mullion pin 700, is inserted between the fenestration frame members 714, 716, for example from an interior or exterior facing side of the fenestration assemblies. Accordingly, the fenestration assemblies are, in one example, positioned within a rough opening, and the mullion assembly 701, such as the mullion pin 700 is installed in the fenestration gap between the positioned assemblies (e.g., between the fenestration frame members 714, 716 of the assemblies). The mullion assembly 701 thereby permits coupling of the fenestration assemblies after initial positioning (while the assemblies are easier to separately manipulate). The mullion assembly 701 (like the assembly 201) is also optionally installed prior to positioning in the rough opening of the building, and accordingly permits the affirmative coupling of the fenestration assemblies to permit their aggregate transport and installation as a composite fenestration assembly if specified.
The mullion assembly 801 includes a mullion pin 800 and a locking bracket 840. The pin 800 and bracket 840 include anchor cleats 802, 842 as in previous examples of mullion assemblies (e.g., 201, 701). In the present example, the mullion pin, locking bracket 840 and their respective anchor cleats 802, 842 have complementary profiles to the fenestration frame member 820 and frame component 830, as shown in
The mullion assembly 801, like other mullion assemblies described herein, facilitates the interconnection of the frame member 820 and the frame component 830. For instance, the mullion pin 800 is inserted into the fenestration gap between the frame member 820 and the frame component 830, as shown in
A fastener 850 (shown in dashed lines) is optionally coupled between each of the locking bracket 840 and the mullion pin 800. Movement of the fastener 850 (e.g., such as rotation of a threaded fastener 840) moves the locking bracket 840 relative to the mullion pin 800. In this example, movement of the fastener 850 moves the bracket 840 and pin 800 closer to each other, for instance, the mullion pin 800 includes complementary threading. The anchor cleats 802, 842 having clamping surfaces 804, 844 cooperate with the opposed clamping surfaces of 824 of the cleat recesses 822. As the anchor cleats 802, 842 move over the cleat recesses 822 the fenestration frame member 820 and the frame component 830 are drawn together, and affirmatively engaged along the mullion assembly 801.
The fastener 850 retains the mullion assembly 801 in the position shown in
In another example, the mullion assembly 801 includes the mullion cover 832 that extends over the remainder of the mullion assembly and provides a contoured surface between the frame member 820 and the frame component 830. As shown, the mullion cover 832 includes anchor cleats 834 received in corresponding cleat recesses 836 of the fenestration frame member 820 and the frame component 830. Additionally, the mullion cover 832 includes a cover fitting 838 that interfits with the mullion pin 800. The mullion cover 832 coupled with the mullion pin 800, the frame member 820 and the frame component 830 enhances retention of the coupling of the mullion assembly 801 with the member 820 and the component 830, and thereby assists in holding the anchor cleats of the mullion pin 800 within the respective cleat recesses.
As further shown in
The locking bracket 902 is movably coupled with the mullion pin 900 in this example. As previously discussed, and shown in
A fastener 904 is coupled with the locking bracket 902. In one example, the fastener 904 includes a graduated interface, such as threading, and the locking bracket 902 has a complementary graduated interface. Movement of the fastener, such as rotation, longitudinally moves the fastener 904, in the manner of a jack driver or actuator, relative to the jack socket 909 and accordingly drives the jack 908. This movement drives the anchor cleats 910, 920 apart and correspondingly affirmatively engages the anchor cleats with the complementary clamping surfaces of the cleat recesses. Conversely, reversed movement of the fastener 904 backs out the fastener and relaxes the engagement of the anchor cleats 910, 920, for instance to permit adjustment, removal of the mullion assembly 901 or the like.
Referring again to
Referring now to
In another example, the mullion assembly 901 includes a mullion cover 1006. The mullion cover 1006 is decoupled from the fenestration assemblies 1000, 1002 while the remainder of the mullion assembly 901 is installed and adjusted (e.g., to lock the fenestration assemblies together). After coupling of the fenestration assemblies 1000, 1002 the mullion cover 1006 is coupled between the fenestration assemblies, for instance with complementary kerfs provided along the assemblies. The mullion cover 1006, as shown in
Referring again to
The locking bracket 1202 includes the anchor cleats 1220. In this example, the anchor cleats 1220 are directed toward the mullion pin 1200 while the anchor cleats 1210, 1212 of the mullion pin 1200 are directed toward the locking bracket 1202. Conversely, in the example shown in
The locking bracket 1202 is inserted from an opposed side of the fenestration assemblies 1300, 1302 (e.g., from the interior or exterior opposed to the insertion of the mullion pin 1200). The anchor cleats 1220 of the locking bracket 1202 are positioned within cleat recesses 1310 of the fenestration assemblies 1300, 1302. The fastener 1204 is inserted through the locking bracket 1202, and similarly inserted into the fenestration gap 1304. Actuation of the fastener 1204, such as rotation, couples the fastener 1204 with the mullion pin 1200 (e.g., with threading). The locking bracket 1202 and the mullion pin 1200 are coupled, in this example, indirectly with the fastener 1204.
The mullion assembly 1201 (like other mullion assemblies described herein) permits assembly of a mull joint with the component fenestration assemblies 1300, 1302 already positioned within a rough opening of a building (e.g., a framed opening ready to receive the fenestration assemblies).
Referring now to
The fenestration gap 1304 is optionally contracted with the interfitting of the clamping surfaces (e.g., according to taper, angle of the surfaces or the like). The anchor cleats 1210, 1212, 1220 in the shown locked configuration thereby affirmatively couple the fenestration assemblies 1300, 1302 together. In an example, the clamping surfaces 1211, 1213, 1221, 1307, 1309, 1311 include an angled orientation (e.g., tapered, curved, hooked, angled relative to the interior to exterior axis of the pin body 1200 or the like). Accordingly, cooperative engagement of the clamping surfaces 912, 1008 locks the fenestration assemblies 1000, 1002 to the mullion assembly 901. Optionally, the angled orientation of the clamping surfaces biases the fenestration assemblies 1200, 1302 toward the mullion assembly 1201 and affirmatively engages the fenestration assemblies along the mullion assembly, for instance along the pin body 1200, locking bracket 1202 or the like.
In another example, the mullion assembly 1201 includes a mullion cover 1230. After coupling of the fenestration assemblies 1300, 1302 the mullion cover 1230 is coupled between the fenestration assemblies, for instance with coupling of a fitting of the cover with a corresponding recess of the mullion pin 1200. The mullion cover 1230, as shown in
The method 1400 includes at 1402 positioning at least one mullion pin within a fenestration gap between a first fenestration frame member and a second fenestration frame member in an introduced configuration. In one example, positioning the at least one mullion pin within the fenestration gap includes inserting the mullion pin from one of the fenestration exterior or the fenestration interior. Optionally, inserting of the mullion pin into the fenestration gap is conducted with the component fenestration assemblies having the first and second fenestration frame members already positioned within a rough opening of a building. At 1404, the method includes moving the at least one mullion pin from proximate a fenestration exterior or interior toward the other of the fenestration interior or exterior. Moving the at least one mullion pin includes in one example actuating a fastener coupled between a locking bracket and the mullion pin.
The method 1400 includes clamping the first fenestration frame member with the second fenestration frame member in a locked configuration with the at least one mullion pin at 1406. Clamping includes at 1408 seating a first anchor cleat of the mullion pin within a first cleat recess of the first fenestration frame member with the moving of the at least one mullion pin. Clamping further includes seating a second anchor cleat of the mullion pin within a second cleat recess of the second fenestration frame member with the moving of the at least one mullion pin at 1410. Optionally, at 1412 clamping includes drawing the first and second fenestration frame members together with the movement of the at least one mullion pin toward the other of the fenestration interior or exterior. Drawing the first and second fenestration members together includes pulling the mullion pin toward the locking bracket. In another example, drawing the first and second fenestration members together includes driving the mullion pin away from the locking bracket.
Several options for the method 1400 follow. In one example, drawing the first and second fenestration frame members together includes engaging clamping surfaces of the first and second cleats with complementary clamping surfaces of the first and second cleat recesses, respectively. In another example, engaging clamping surfaces includes moving the clamping surfaces relative to the complementary clamping surfaces to drive the first and second fenestration frame members together. In still another example, clamping the first and second fenestration frame members in the locked configuration includes securing the first and second cleats in a position to retain drawn together first and second fenestration frame members with a locking bracket. Securing the first and second cleats includes optionally coupling the locking bracket with the mullion pin and tensioning the mullion pin. In another option, securing the first and second cleats includes coupling the locking bracket with the mullion pin and compressing the mullion pin. Optionally, securing the first and second cleats includes coupling the locking bracket with the mullion pin and constraining movement of the mullion pin toward the introduced configuration.
In another example, one of the mullion pin or the locking bracket includes a jack and the other of the locking bracket or the mullion pin includes a jack recess that slidably receives the jack. In this example, moving the at least one mullion pin includes moving the jack within the jack recess of the locking bracket.
In an additional example, clamping the first and second fenestration frame members in the locked configuration includes seating third and fourth anchor cleats of the locking bracket with third and fourth cleat recesses of the respective first and second fenestration frame members. Clamping in the locked configuration optionally includes drawing the first and second fenestration frame members together with grasping of the first fenestration frame member between the first and third anchor cleats and grasping of the second fenestration frame member between the second and fourth anchor cleats.
Aspect 1 can include subject matter such as a mullion assembly comprising: a first fenestration frame member of a first fenestration assembly, the first fenestration frame member having a first cleat recess; a second fenestration frame member of a second fenestration assembly, the second fenestration frame member having a second cleat recess; a fenestration gap between the first and second fenestration frame members, the fenestration gap extending from a fenestration interior to a fenestration exterior of the first and second fenestration frame members; at least one mullion pin within the fenestration gap, the at least one mullion pin includes: a pin body movably coupled between the first and second fenestration frame members; and first and second anchor cleats extending from the pin body; and wherein the at least one mullion pin is movable from an introduced configuration to a locked configuration: in the introduced configuration the pin body is positioned in the fenestration gap proximate to one of the fenestration exterior or interior; and in the locked configuration the pin body is moved toward the other of the fenestration interior or exterior, the first and second anchor cleats are seated in the first and second cleat recesses, and the first and second anchor cleats are configured to clamp the first and second fenestration frame members together.
Aspect 2 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 1, to optionally include wherein the first and second fenestration frame members are positioned within a rough opening of a building in the introduced and locked configurations.
Aspect 3 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Aspects 1 or 2 to optionally include the first fenestration assembly and the second fenestration assembly.
Aspect 4 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Aspects 1-3 to optionally include wherein the first and second anchor cleats each include a clamping surface; the clamping surface of the first anchor cleat, in the locked configuration, is configured to couple with the first fenestration frame member in the first cleat recess and bias the first fenestration frame member toward the second fenestration frame member; and the clamping surface of the second anchor cleat, in the locked configuration, is configured to couple with the second fenestration frame member in the second cleat recess and bias the second fenestration frame member toward the first fenestration frame member.
Aspect 5 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Aspects 1-4 to optionally include wherein the first and second anchor cleats each include a clamping surface, and the clamping surfaces engage with the first and second fenestration frame members in the locked configuration to clamp the first and second fenestration frame members together and contract the fenestration gap.
Aspect 6 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-5 to optionally include wherein the first and second anchor cleats each include a clamping surface, and the first and second cleat recesses include complementary clamping surfaces; and in the locked configuration moving of the pin body toward the other of the fenestration interior or exterior is configured to clamp the first and second fenestration frame members together.
Aspect 7 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-6 to optionally include wherein in the locked configuration the first anchor cleat clamping surface and the complementary clamping surface of the first cleat recess engage, the second anchor cleat clamping surface and the complementary clamping surface of the second cleat recess engage; and the moving of the pin body and engaging of the clamping surfaces is configured to drive the first and second fenestration frame members toward each other.
Aspect 8 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-7 to optionally include a locking bracket within the fenestration gap, the locking bracket includes: a bracket body coupled between the first and second fenestration frame members; and third and fourth anchor cleats extending from the bracket body.
Aspect 9 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-8 to optionally include wherein the first fenestration frame member includes a third cleat recess and the second fenestration frame member includes a fourth cleat recess; and in the locked configuration the locking bracket is configured: to move the pin body toward the other of the fenestration interior or exterior; and seat the first and second anchor cleats in the first and second cleat recesses and seat the third and fourth anchor cleats in the third and fourth cleat recesses.
Aspect 10 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-9 to optionally include wherein the locking bracket and the mullion pin are coupled with a fastener, and in the locked configuration the fastener tensions the mullion pin to move the mullion pin and seat the first and second anchor cleats in the first and second cleat recesses and seat the third and fourth anchor cleats in the third and fourth cleat recesses.
Aspect 11 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-10 to optionally include wherein the locking bracket and the mullion pin are coupled with a fastener, and in the locked configuration the fastener compresses the mullion pin to move the mullion pin and seat the first and second anchor cleats in the first and second cleat recesses and seat the third and fourth anchor cleats in the third and fourth cleat recesses.
Aspect 12 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-11 to optionally include wherein in the locked configuration the first and third anchor cleats capture a portion of the first fenestration frame member therebetween, and the second and fourth anchor cleats capture a portion of the second fenestration frame member therebetween.
Aspect 13 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-12 to optionally include wherein the locking bracket includes a jack recess; the mullion pin includes a jack received within the jack recess; and wherein the jack is configured to transition the at least one mullion pin between the introduced and locked configurations.
Aspect 14 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-13 to optionally include wherein the locking bracket is coupled with the mullion pin with a fastener, and the locking bracket is spaced from the mullion pin.
Aspect 15 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-14 to optionally include wherein at least the fastener and the mullion pin have a threaded coupling.
Aspect 16 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-15 to optionally include wherein in the locked configuration the mullion pin is in one of tension or compression.
Aspect 17 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-16 to optionally include a mullion assembly comprising: at least one mullion pin configured to clamp proximate fenestration frame members together, the at least one mullion pin includes: a pin body configured for movable coupling between the proximate fenestration frame members; and first and second anchor cleats extending from the pin body; a locking bracket coupled with the at least one mullion pin; and wherein the at least one mullion pin is movable from an introduced configuration to a locked configuration: in the locked configuration the first and second anchor cleats are configured to clamp the fenestration frame members together, and the locking bracket secures the first and second anchor cleats in a position to maintain clamping of the fenestration frame members.
Aspect 18 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-17 to optionally include wherein the at least one mullion pin is movably coupled with the locking bracket, and movement of the at least one mullion pin relative to the locking bracket moves the mullion pin from the introduced configuration to the locked configuration.
Aspect 19 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-18 to optionally include a fastener coupled between the at least one mullion pin and the locking bracket, and the fastener is configured to move the at least one mullion pin relative to the locking bracket.
Aspect 20 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-19 to optionally include wherein the locking bracket includes at least third and fourth anchor cleats, and movement of the mullion pin from the introduced configuration to the locked configuration is configured to: drive the first anchor cleat of the mullion pin toward the third anchor cleat of the locking bracket and capture a portion of one proximate fenestration frame member therebetween; drive the second anchor cleat of the mullion pin toward the fourth cleat of the locking bracket and capture a port of another proximate fenestration frame member therebetween.
Aspect 21 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-20 to optionally include wherein the first, second, third and fourth anchor cleats include clamping surfaces, the clamping surfaces of the first and third anchor cleats are transverse to each other, and the clamping surfaces of the second and fourth anchor cleats are transverse to each other.
Aspect 22 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-21 to optionally include the proximate fenestration frame members, and the proximate fenestration frame members include: a first fenestration frame member having a first cleat recess; and a second fenestration frame member having a second cleat recess.
Aspect 23 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-22 to optionally include wherein in the locked configuration the first anchor clear is seated within the first cleat recess, and the second anchor clear is seated within the second cleat recess.
Aspect 24 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-23 to optionally include wherein in the introduced configuration the pin body is position in a fenestration gap between the first and second fenestration frame members; and in the locked configuration the pin body is moved across the first and second fenestration frame members to seat the first and second anchor cleats within the respective first and second cleat recesses.
Aspect 25 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-24 to optionally include wherein the locking bracket includes a bracket plug, the mullion pin includes a pin socket, and in at least the locked configuration the bracket plug is received in the pin socket.
Aspect 26 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-25 to optionally include a mullion cover coupled with at least one of the mullion pin or the locking bracket.
Aspect 27 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-26 to optionally include wherein the locking bracket is integral to the mullion pin, and the locking bracket is coupled with the remainder of the mullion pin at one or more of a proximal or distal end portion of the mullion pin.
Aspect 28 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-27 to optionally include wherein the locking bracket and the mullion pin are coupled with a fastener, and in the locked configuration the fastener compresses or tensions the mullion pin to move the mullion pin and seat the first and second anchor cleats in the first and second cleat recesses.
Aspect 29 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-28 to optionally include wherein the locking bracket includes a jack recess; the mullion pin includes a jack received within the jack recess; and wherein the jack is configured to transition the at least one mullion pin between the introduced and locked configurations.
Aspect 30 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-29 to optionally include wherein the locking bracket is coupled with the mullion pin with a fastener, and the locking bracket is spaced from the mullion pin.
Aspect 31 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-30 to optionally include wherein in the locked configuration the mullion pin is in one of tension or compression.
Aspect 32 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-31 to optionally include a method for mulling fenestration assemblies comprising: positioning at least one mullion pin within a fenestration gap between a first fenestration frame member and a second fenestration frame member in an introduced configuration; moving the at least one mullion pin from proximate a fenestration exterior or interior toward the other of the fenestration interior or exterior; clamping the first fenestration frame member with the second fenestration frame member in a locked configuration with the at least one mullion pin, clamping includes: seating a first anchor cleat of the mullion pin within a first cleat recess of the first fenestration frame member with the moving of the at least one mullion pin; seating a second anchor cleat of the mullion pin within a second cleat recess of the second fenestration frame member with the moving of the at least one mullion pin; and drawing the first and second fenestration frame members together with the movement of the at least one mullion pin toward the other of the fenestration interior or exterior.
Aspect 33 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-32 to optionally include wherein drawing the first and second fenestration frame members together includes engaging clamping surfaces of the first and second cleats with complementary clamping surfaces of the first and second cleat recesses, respectively.
Aspect 34 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-33 to optionally include wherein engaging clamping surfaces includes moving the clamping surfaces relative to the complementary clamping surfaces to drive the first and second fenestration frame members together.
Aspect 35 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-34 to optionally include wherein clamping the first and second fenestration frame members in the locked configuration includes securing the first and second cleats in a position to retain drawing of the first and second fenestration frame members together with a locking bracket.
Aspect 36 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-35 to optionally include wherein securing the first and second cleats includes coupling the locking bracket with the mullion pin and tensioning the mullion pin.
Aspect 37 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-36 to optionally include wherein securing the first and second cleats includes coupling the locking bracket with the mullion pin and compressing the mullion pin.
Aspect 38 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-37 to optionally include wherein one of the mullion pin or the locking bracket includes a jack and the other of the locking bracket or the mullion pin includes a jack recess that slidably receives the jack; and wherein moving the at least one mullion pin includes moving the jack within the jack recess of the locking bracket.
Aspect 39 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-38 to optionally include wherein securing the first and second cleats includes coupling the locking bracket with the mullion pin and constraining movement of the mullion pin toward the introduced configuration.
Aspect 40 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-39 to optionally include wherein clamping the first and second fenestration frame members in the locked configuration includes: seating third and fourth anchor cleats of the locking bracket with third and fourth cleat recesses of the respective first and second fenestration frame members; and drawing the first and second fenestration frame members together with grasping of the first fenestration frame member between the first and third anchor cleats and grasping of the second fenestration frame member between the second and fourth anchor cleats.
Aspect 41 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-40 to optionally include wherein drawing the first and second fenestration members together includes pulling the mullion pin toward the locking bracket.
Aspect 42 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-41 to optionally include wherein drawing the first and second fenestration members together includes driving the mullion pin away from the locking bracket.
Aspect 43 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-42 to optionally include wherein moving the at least one mullion pin includes actuating a fastener coupled between a locking bracket and the mullion pin.
Aspect 44 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-43 to optionally include wherein positioning the at least one mullion pin within the fenestration gap includes inserting the mullion pin from one of the fenestration exterior or the fenestration interior.
Each of these non-limiting aspects can stand on its own, or can be combined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of the other aspects.
The above description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “aspects” or “examples.” Such aspects or example can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate aspects or examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate aspects or examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more features thereof), either with respect to a particular aspects or examples (or one or more features thereof), or with respect to other Aspects (or one or more features thereof) shown or described herein.
In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls.
In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.
Geometric terms, such as “parallel”, “perpendicular”, “round”, or “square”, are not intended to require absolute mathematical precision, unless the context indicates otherwise. Instead, such geometric terms allow for variations due to manufacturing or equivalent functions. For example, if an element is described as “round” or “generally round,” a component that is not precisely circular (e.g., one that is slightly oblong or is a many-sided polygon) is still encompassed by this description.
The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described aspects or examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as aspects, examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63365246 | May 2022 | US |