This disclosure relates generally to storm windows, and more particularly to a press fit storm window that may include a facility for controlling blowout events.
Storm windows are generally mounted on the outside or inside of main windows of a home or business. They are oftentimes used in cold climates to reduce energy leakage from the windows, for instance, cold air leaking into a house through the main windows. Storm windows may be mounted externally or internally, and are generally made from glass, plastic, or other transparent material. In some instances storm windows may be translucent or opaque.
A method of measuring efficiency of thermal insulation, which is the opposite of a rate of heat transfer, is R-Value. An R-value number indicates the relative resistance to heat flow, where a higher R-value has greater thermal efficiency. The R-value generally depends on the type and size of the insulation system being rated, for example the material selected, its size, thickness, and density. R-values of multi-layer systems equal the total of the individual layered systems.
Many present-day storm window systems are difficult to install and remove. Generally present-day storm window systems are mechanically attached with mounting hardware to either the inside or outside of the main window. The windows may be heavy and difficult to manipulate. Other, less expensive systems use see-through plastic sheets that are taped or attached to window casings. Sometimes the plastic sheets may be “shrunk” using a heat gun which, when directed at the plastic sheet, causes the sheet to contract, making the sheet taught, and easier to see through. Such prior art systems are, similar to the mechanical systems as described above, difficult and time-consuming to install.
Embodiments of the invention address these and other problems in the prior art.
Embodiments of the invention are directed to storm windows that may be easily and readily installed in a window frame of an existing window. A transparent portion of the window is generally see-through and may be made from glass, plastic, such as PLEXIGLASS, or other clear, generally rigid material. In other embodiments the window may be translucent, patterned, or opaque. A resilient material forming a resilient support surrounds the edges of the transparent portion, at least in part, such that, when the resilient material is compressed smaller than its natural state, it provides a “righting” or reformation force between the window frame and the transparent portion of the storm window. This reformation force of the resilient material puts pressure both on the window frame and the edge of the storm window and frictionally holds the storm window in place without the need for mounting hardware. The storm window may also include features for keeping it in place should outside forces act on the storm window system, such as a strong wind leaking through the main window, as described below.
A resilient support 110 generally includes a bulb portion 103 and a groove portion 107, and is positioned to generally surround at least a portion of the edge of the panel 130. In one embodiment, the resilient support 110 is mechanically held fast to the panel 130 by the “groove” 107 made from space between retaining portions 106, 108. The retaining portions 106, 108 are generally spaced so that they each contact a front or rear surface of the panel 130, thereby keeping the resilient support 110 in place and from moving relative to the panel. In other embodiments an adhesive may facilitate anchoring the resilient support 110 to the panel 130, at least in some portions of their contact. The retaining portions 106, 108 are generally sized to provide enough frictional force to securely hold the panel 130 surfaces. In one embodiment the retaining portions 106, 108 are ⅛″ tall, but could vary between approximately 1/32″ and approximately 2 inches, depending on the size and material selection of the panel 130. The width of the groove 107 is generally sized to exactly match the thickness of the panel 130, but may be slightly smaller or larger depending on the installation. In some embodiments adhesives could be used to adhere or attach the panel to the resilient support 110, with or without requiring the retaining portions 106, 108.
The bulb portion of the resilient support 110 may take one of several cross-sectional shapes. In
The resilient support 110, as described above, is formed of a yieldable material that deflects or deforms under pressure and, based on its shape and material selection, provides a return reformation force, i.e., the force that the material exerts on the contact point or points of the object causing its deformation. As the resilient support 110 is further deformed, for instance pressing on the material of the support with a finger, the reformation force increases relative to the amount of deformation. In reverse, as the deformation force is reduced, the material of the resilient support 110 produces less and less reformation force until the material returns to its “natural,” undeformed state, at which point the reformation force is zero.
In some embodiments the resilient support 110 is a single, uniform material, such as foam. In other embodiments the resilient support 110 is made from a combination of materials, such as a silicone cover or shell filled with a foam insert. The foam insert may be solid or may further include a cross sectional hole similar to the hole illustrated in
Embodiments of the invention may be produced from a large variety in materials, in various shapes and sizes. For instance the resilient support 110, as described above, may be made from foam, silicone, EPDM, or PVC, or derivatives, or any other material having the properties desired. Additionally, as mentioned above, the cross-sectional shape of the resilient material forming the resilient support 110 can be selected for the desired properties of the storm window. For instance the bulb of the resilient support 110 may be circular, oval, spiral, elliptical, square, triangular, or may have an “open” shape, such as L, U, V, or C. In either case, if there is a hole, such as the one illustrated at 104 of
Further detail of the corner is illustrated in
Also with respect to
With respect to dimensions illustrated in
As described above, to install the storm window according to embodiments of the invention, first the storm window is sized according to the dimensions of the window frame in which the storm window is being installed. Next the storm window is inserted into the window frame in which a deformable, resilient material of the support is compressed during the insertion. After being placed and set in the window frame, the resilient material of the support exerts a reformation force between the window frame and the resilient support of the storm window. This reformation force coupled with frictional forces between the resilient support and the window frame, and to an extent, to the friction forces holding the panel in place by the resilient support, holds the storm window securely in place.
Although the above method works well for many windows, there are situations when outside forces can overcome the frictional and reformation forces of such a storm window set in a window frame. For instance, older windows were generally manufactured with much larger size tolerances and, combined with years or decades of use, may therefore include large air gaps. When forceful winds blow from outside the window through such air gaps they may create significant pressure on the storm window mounted inside, which generally forms an air-tight seal by virtue of its ring of resilient material of the support. Other actions can also cause pressure on the storm window, such as airflow caused by other windows in the home opening or closing, pressurizations or depressurizations due to airflow such as HVAC, or other motion due to humans or earthquakes, for example. As a result, the storm window may become unseated from the window frame. When the wind forces are light, the storm window may simply re-position itself within the window frame. When wind forces are strong, however, the storm window may be blown completely out of the window frame, which could fall into the house and cause damage or injury. In any event, if the storm window is unseated by wind or other forces, it is generally no longer seated correctly in the window, such that wind may enter the house, which may significantly reduce the insulation value of the storm window.
With respect to all of the illustrations 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D, what is referred to as “top” may as well be referred to as “side,” depending on which orientation the storm window is inserted into the window frame, as described in detail below.
Such a construction and installation of the storm window 820 of
The friction ribs 911 may be designed so that they provide more frictional force in one direction than another. For instance, with reference to
Instead of adding friction ribs to the resilient material making up the support, there are other methods of varying the force at which the resilient support holds a section of storm window in place. For instance, recall from above that the bulb portion of a resilient support section, for example the bulb portion 103 in
Therefore, selection and control of the properties that affect how much restoration force is being applied by the resilient support in the installed storm window can be used to control how the storm window performs during a wind event. For instance, the hole in the resilient support on the sides of a storm window installation may be filled with a material that has more restorative force than that the material filling the hole in the resilient support attached to the top and bottom of the storm window. In effect, then, the sides of such a storm window are held more firmly to the window frame than the top and bottom. In such a system, during a wind event, the top or bottom are more likely to release than either side, thereby giving a system of controlled blowout. A similar system is illustrated in
Similar considerations can be made in other embodiments. For example, a resilient support having ribs 911 or 912 of
Within the panel or glazing of the storm window 1060 is a channel, or hole 1062, through which a string, chain, or other flexible tether passes and is attached to a side of the window frame at an attachment 1044. Coupled to the string are two objects, such as balls 1040, 1050. In some embodiments the balls 1040, 1050 have different weights, and the ball 1040, stationed between the outside window 1020 and the storm window 1060 is the heavier ball. In other embodiments the balls 1040, 1050 have the same or nearly the same weights. In some embodiments an amount of string or chain that is located between the outside window 1020 and storm window 1060 is longer than the amount of chain outside the storm window, and this difference in weight pulls the ball 1050 toward the window 1060 based on the weight of the chain.
During the majority of time, the window will appear as it does in
The storm window 1100 includes a panel 1110, such as glazing or plastic, having a hole 1112 therethrough. Within the hole 1112 is a male portion of a snap, including a stud post 1120, which in turn is attached to a snap stud 1122. The strap 1130 is attached to the panel 1110 by first passing the stud post 1120 through a hole in the strap, then sandwiching the strap between the stud post 1120 and the snap stud 1122.
The strap 1130 further includes a snap hole 1134 (
As illustrated in
If there is a need to remove the storm window 1100, for example during an emergency when rapid egress is required, the retention system is easily released and the storm window may be moved or completely removed. Specifically, in operation, the user merely grabs the pull tab 1132 and pulls the tab away from the window 1100. Pulling on the pull tab 1132 causes the strap 1130 to lift away from the panel 1110, and the hole 1134 passes over the snap stud 1122 by virtue of the lifting. The strap 1130 then exerts pressure on the retaining strap 1140 (
Recall, however, that the strap 1130 is affixed to the panel 1110 by virtue of the snap post 1120 and other portions of the system. Because the strap 1130 is so attached to the window 1100, continued pulling on the pull tab 1132 allows the user to remove the window from the window frame, or at least dislodge the window far enough to gain access to the outside window, such as illustrated above. Then the user may open the outside window as if the storm window had not been put in place. Thus the retention system allows for rapid egress out of the window by a person in need of exiting through the window that has the storm window mounted within the window frame.
The soft-bulb portion 1320 may optionally include one or more friction ribs 1322, 1324, the function of which is described above. In some embodiments, the friction ribs may include different sized ribs 1322, 1324, such as illustrated in
The soft-bulb portion 1320, as described above, may be made of from foam, silicone, EPDM, or PVC, or derivatives, or any other material having the properties desired. In a particular embodiment the soft-bulb portion 1320 is made of vulcanized polypropylene rubber, and more particularly of ThermoPlastic Vulcanisate (TPV), and even more particularly TPV 35A, which is widely available.
The soft-bulb portion 1320 may optionally include one or more relief grooves 1326 formed on an inside surface of material, as illustrated in
The rigid panel carrier 1330 is sized to accept a desired panel. As described above, the panel may commonly be glass or acrylic, or other panel having the desired properties, such as panels specifically selected for sound or light absorption. Within the rigid panel carrier 1330 are nubs 1432 sized and shaped to cradle the panel, such as a panel 1340 in
In other embodiments, the rigid carrier 1330, 1430 may be sized to accept a largest possible panel 1440, and also be structured to accept thickness-adjusting inserts placed in the rigid carrier to permit strong grip on thinner panels.
Any of the embodiments illustrated in
Also as described above with reference to
The soft-bulb portion 1801 and the carrier 1802 are preferably extruded components. Thus,
Directions such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “right,” and “left” with respect to the soft-bulb portion or the carrier are used for convenience and in reference to the views provided in figures. The soft-bulb portion and the carrier may have a number of orientations during installation or use, and a feature that is vertical or horizontal in the figures may not have that same orientation in actual use.
The soft-bulb portion 1801, such as illustrated in
The function of the friction ribs 1804 is as described above. Some friction ribs may be larger and taller than other friction ribs, such as described for
The base section 1805 includes angled faces 1808, horizontal faces 1809, internal corner grooves, or relief grooves, 1810, and outer corners 1811. The horizontal faces 1809 are generally perpendicular to the vertical centerline 1803 of the soft-bulb portion 1801. The horizontal faces 1809 have an inner end 1812 and an outer end 1813. The corner grooves 1810 may cause the soft-bulb portion 1801 to deform more at the corner grooves than in other areas of the soft-bulb portion. The function of the corner grooves 1810 may be as described above in
The tongue 1806 extends from the base section 1805 of the soft-bulb portion 1801 and from the inner ends 1812 of the horizontal faces 1809. The tongue 1806 includes shoulders 1814 at a distal end 1815 of the tongue 1806. The shoulders 1814 are configured to engage, and perhaps interlock with, edges 1816 of the carrier 1802, as described more fully below. Preferably, the tongue 1806 is symmetric about the vertical centerline 1803 of the soft-bulb portion 1801.
The angled faces 1808 extend from the outer ends 1813 of the horizontal faces 1809 and at an angle 1817 to the horizontal faces 1809. The outer corners 1811 are at outer ends 1813 of the angled faces 1808.
The soft-bulb portion 1801 may be made, for example, from foam, silicone, EPDM, or PVC. Preferably, the soft-bulb portion is made from a resilient polymer, such as silicone. More preferably, the soft-bulb portion is made from silicone having a hardness of about 50 durometer and conforming to the ASTM 2000 standard classification as set forth by ASTM International.
Preferably, the soft-bulb portion 1801 has a side wall thickness 1818 of between about 0.010 inch and about 0.110 inch. More preferably, the soft-bulb portion has a side wall thickness of between about 0.040 inch and about 0.080 inch. Even more preferably, the soft-bulb portion has a side wall thickness of between 0.052 inch and 0.068 inch. The top wall thickness 1819 of the soft-bulb portion may be greater than the side wall thickness 1818. For example, the top wall thickness may be about 15% to 35% greater than the side wall thickness. In one embodiment, the side wall thickness is approximately 0.060 inch and the top wall thickness is approximately 0.075 inch.
Preferably, the soft-bulb portion 1801 has an overall width 1820 of between about 1.25 inch and about 0.250 inch. More preferably, the soft-bulb portion has an overall width of between about 1.00 inch and about 0.500 inch. Even more preferably, the soft-bulb portion has an overall width of between 0.711 inch and 0.789 inch.
Preferably, the distance 1821 between the shoulders 1814 of the tongue 1806 and the horizontal faces 1809 is between about 0.225 inch and about 0.125 inch. More preferably, the distance between the shoulders and the horizontal faces is between about 0.210 inch and about 0.140 inch. Even more preferably, the distance between the shoulders and the horizontal faces is between 0.190 inch and 0.160 inch.
Preferably, the width 1822 across the shoulders 1814 is between about 0.200 inch and about 0.070 inch. More preferably, the width across the shoulders is between about 0.165 inch and about 0.105 inch. Even more preferably, the width across the shoulders is between 0.155 inch and 0.125 inch.
Preferably, the height 1823 between the horizontal faces 1809 and the top of an outer friction rib 1824 is between about 1.00 inch and about 0.190 inch. More preferably, the height between the horizontal faces and the top of an outer friction rib is between about 0.875 inch and about 0.285 inch. Even more preferably, the height between the horizontal faces and the top of an outer friction rib is between 0.614 inch and 0.552 inch.
Preferably, the angle 1817 between the horizontal face and the angled face is between about 95 degrees and about 175 degrees. More preferably, the angle between the horizontal face and the angled face is between about 115 degrees and about 145 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle is about 130 degrees.
The carrier 1802, such as illustrated in
The nubs 1826 are generally as described above for
The stabilizers 1827 are generally located on either side of the panel gap 1835 and protrude into the panel gap 1835. The stabilizers 1827 may provide lateral stability and alignment to the panel within the carrier 1802, and the stabilizers 1827 may help prevent dust and other contaminants from entering the panel gap 1835 when a panel is installed within the carrier 1802. For example, the stabilizers may be made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). In some embodiments, the stabilizers 1827 may be configured to align the panel so that the panel is symmetric about the vertical centerline 1803 of the soft-bulb portion 1801 when the soft-bulb portion 1801 is assembled to the carrier 1802. In some embodiments, the stabilizers 1827 may be configured to align the panel so that the panel is not symmetric about the vertical centerline 1803 of the soft-bulb portion 1801 when the soft-bulb portion 1801 is assembled to the carrier 1802. A panel that is not symmetric about the vertical centerline of the bulb may be useful when, for example, the window frame is bowed in or out so that it is not straight. Thus, the position and type of nub 1826, such as its material and thickness, may be altered to change the alignment of the soft-bulb portion 1801 with respect to the panel and allow the user to fill in gaps caused by a bowed window frame.
The carrier body 1825 includes sloped faces 1828, top faces 1829, resilient prongs 1830, and a snap channel 1831. The sloped faces 1828 are configured to align with and contact the angled faces 1808 of the soft-bulb portion 1801 when the soft-bulb portion is assembled to the carrier 1802, such as shown in
The resilient prongs 1830 extend into the snap channel 1831, and the distal end 1836 of each resilient prong 1830 includes an edge 1816.
Preferably, the width 1832 of the snap channel 1831 is between about 0.150 inch and about 0.035 inch. More preferably, the width of the snap channel is between about 0.125 inch and about 0.050 inch. Even more preferably, the width of the snap channel is between 0.100 inch and 0.066 inch.
Preferably, the width 1833 of the carrier body 1825 is between about 0.900 inch and about 0.200 inch. More preferably, the width of the carrier body is between about 0.750 inch and about 0.350 inch. Even more preferably, the width of the carrier body is between 0.630 inch and 0.568 inch.
Preferably, the overall height 1834 of the carrier body 1825 is between about 1.20 inch and about 0.500 inch. More preferably, the overall height of the carrier body is between about 1.00 inch and about 0.650 inch. Even more preferably, the overall height of the carrier body is between 0.856 inch and 0.778 inch.
Preferably, the depth 1837 of the panel gap 1835 is between about 1.00 inch and about 0.063 inch. More preferably, the depth of the panel gap is between about 0.750 inch and about 0.100 inch. Even more preferably, the depth of the panel gap is between 0.375 inch and 0.125 inch.
To assemble the soft-bulb portion 1801 to the carrier 1802, the tongue 1806 may be inserted into the snap channel 1831 until the shoulders 1814 of the tongue 1806 abut the edges 1816 of the resilient prongs 1830. The resiliency of the prongs allow the edges 1816 of the prongs 1830 to diverge, or separate, enough for the shoulders 1814, which may be pliable, of the tongue 1806 to pass the edges 1816 of the resilient prongs 1830 during the insertion process. Once the shoulders 1814 of the tongue 1806 pass the edges 1816 of the resilient prongs 1830, the resiliency of the prongs 1830 allows the edges 1816 of the prongs 1830 to converge again, thus causing the edges 1816 to engage with the shoulders 1814 of the tongue 1806, such as shown in
Preferably, the carrier 1802 is made from a polymer, such as a thermoplastic polymer. The polymer may be rigid or semi-rigid. More preferably, the carrier body 1825 is made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), while the nubs 1826 and the stabilizers 1827 are made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
As illustrated in
The soft-bulb portion 1901, such as illustrated in
Preferably, the soft-bulb portion 1901 is generally circular or rounded in cross section, enclosing a central void. More preferably, the cross-sectional profile of the soft-bulb portion 1901 is generally in the shape of a domed or rounded pentagon, for example as shown in
Each of the tongues 1905 extends from the base section 1904 of the soft-bulb portion 1901. The tongues 1905 includes shoulders 1912 at distal ends 1913 of the tongues 1905. The shoulders 1912 are shaped and configured to engage, and perhaps interlock with, edges 1914 of the carrier 1902, such as described above for
The soft-bulb portion 1901 may be made, for example, from foam, silicone, EPDM, or PVC. Preferably, the soft-bulb portion is made from a resilient polymer, such as silicone. More preferably, the soft-bulb portion is made from silicone having a hardness of about 50 durometer and conforming to the ASTM 2000 standard classification as set forth by ASTM International.
The carrier 1902, such as illustrated in
The carrier body 1915 includes resilient prongs 1916, a top face 1917, snap channels 1918, and outer corners 1919. The top face 1917 is configured to align with and contact the horizontal face 1906 of the soft-bulb portion 1901 when the soft-bulb portion 1901 is assembled to the carrier 1902, such as shown in
Preferably, the carrier 1902 is made from a polymer, such as a thermoplastic polymer. The polymer may be rigid or semi-rigid. More preferably, the carrier body 1915 is made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), while the nubs and the stabilizers are made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
To assemble the soft-bulb portion 1901 to the carrier 1902, the process is similar to what is described above for
One important metric for systems for mounting a secondary panel within a window frame is called slip force. Slip force is a measure of the lateral load that an assembly can withstand without slipping as measured at various amounts of bulb compression. For example, a surface may be placed against the top of the soft-bulb portion 1901 of
On the one hand, the slip force metric should be sufficiently high enough to help prevent the secondary panel from dislodging from the window frame under typical conditions. For example, as noted above, when forceful winds blow from outside the window through air gaps in older windows, they may create significant pressure on the secondary window mounted inside. On the other hand, the slip force metric should be sufficiently low enough to help prevent the buildup of air pressure between the secondary panel and the existing window. As discussed above, that can also dislodge the secondary panel from dislodging from the window frame. Accordingly, it is preferred that the slip force changes relatively little as compression of the bulb increases.
Secondary panel systems incorporating an assembly, such as the assembly 1900, may have a slip force that increases less than 50% as the bulb compression increases from about 10% of overall bulb height to about 65% of overall bulb height. By comparison, some conventional panel systems have a slip force that increases over 400% for the same compression interval.
Another important set of metrics for systems for mounting a secondary panel within a window frame are the push force and the pull force. The push force is the force, per unit area, that it takes to dislodge a mounted secondary panel from a window frame. In other words, it is a measure of the resistance to air pressure acting, or pushing, on the panel. By contrast, pull force is a measure of the effort it takes to dislodge the panel by pulling it, from a localized point on the panel, rather than pushing it. The pull force, for example, may quantify how difficult it would be for a user to intentionally dislodge the mounted panel from a window frame by pulling on the panel. The pull force and push force are generally determined relative to a frame depth, which is how deep into a window frame the panel, including the bulb and the carrier, is mounted.
At a frame depth of about ¾ inch, secondary panel systems incorporating an assembly, such as the assembly 1900, may have a push force that is about 5.2 pounds per square foot and a pull force of about 10.5 pounds on a panel having an area of about 3.5 square feet.
As illustrated in
The soft-bulb portion 2001 is generally as described above for
As illustrated in
The snap bead 2003 includes a gap 2009 and may include nubs, such as the nubs discussed above for
Preferably, the carrier 2002 and the snap bead 2003 are each made from a polymer, such as a thermoplastic polymer. The polymer may be rigid or semi-rigid. More preferably, the carrier and the snap bead are made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).
The soft-bulb portion 2101 and the carrier 2102 are preferably extruded components. Thus,
Directions such as “top,” “bottom,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “right,” and “left” with respect to the soft-bulb portion or the carrier are used for convenience and in reference to the views provided in figures. The soft-bulb portion and the carrier may have a number of orientations during installation or use, and a feature that is vertical or horizontal in the figures may not have that same orientation in actual use. Additionally, laterally means in a direction substantially perpendicular to the vertical centerline 2103.
The soft-bulb portion 2101, such as illustrated in
The function of the friction ribs 2104 is as described above for
The base section 2105 may include internal corner grooves, or relief grooves, 2108. The corner grooves 2108 may cause the soft-bulb portion 2101 to deform more at the corner grooves than in other areas of the soft-bulb portion. The function of the corner grooves 2108 may be as described above in
The T-connector 2106 extends from the base section 2105 of the soft-bulb portion 2101. Preferably, the T-connector 2106 is symmetric about the vertical centerline 2103 of the soft-bulb portion 2101. As illustrated in
When the soft-bulb portion 2101 is not installed in the carrier 2102, the angle 2142 between the base section 2105 and the extension 2109 is preferably less than about ninety degrees. By contrast, when the soft-bulb portion 2101 is installed in the carrier 2102, the angle 2142 between the base section 2105 and the extension 2109 is preferably about ninety degrees. This interference fit provides a small spring force and allows the soft-bulb portion 2101 to grip the base section 2105 where the base section 2105 and the extension 2109 contact the carrier 2102.
The soft-bulb portion 2101 may be made, for example, from foam, silicone, EPDM, or PVC. Preferably, the soft-bulb portion is made from a resilient polymer, such as silicone. More preferably, the soft-bulb portion is made from silicone having a hardness between about 45 durometer and about 75 durometer. Even more preferably, the soft-bulb portion is made from silicone having a hardness of about 60 durometer. All or a portion of the T-connector 2106 may also be sprayed or otherwise coated with a clear, low friction coating. For example, the bottom surface 2115, left-side surface 2116, and right-side surface 2117 of the crosspiece 2110 may include the clear, low friction coating.
Preferably, the soft-bulb portion 2101 has a side wall thickness 2119 of between about 0.010 inch and about 0.110 inch. More preferably, the soft-bulb portion has a side wall thickness of between about 0.040 inch and about 0.080 inch. Even more preferably, the soft-bulb portion has a side wall thickness of about 0.060 inch. The top wall thickness 2120 of the soft-bulb portion may be greater than the side wall thickness 2119. For example, the top wall thickness may be about 15% to 35% greater than the side wall thickness. In one embodiment, the side wall thickness is approximately 0.060 inch and the top wall thickness is approximately 0.075 inch.
Preferably, the soft-bulb portion 2101 has an overall width 2121 of between about 1.25 inch and about 0.250 inch. More preferably, the soft-bulb portion has an overall width of between about 1.00 inch and about 0.500 inch. Even more preferably, the soft-bulb portion has an overall width of between 0.711 inch and 0.789 inch.
Preferably, the lateral width 2122 between the shoulders 2114 is between about 0.800 inch and about 0.160 inch. More preferably, the lateral width 2122 is between about 0.600 inch and about 0.300 inch. Even more preferably, the lateral width 2122 is between 0.506 inch and 0.444 inch.
Preferably, the lateral width 2123 of the aperture 2111 is between about 0.350 inch and about 0.070 inch. More preferably, the lateral width 2123 is between about 0.280 inch and about 0.140 inch. Even more preferably, the lateral width 2123 is between 0.230 inch and 0.190 inch. Preferably, the height 2124 of the aperture 2111 is between about 0.240 inch and about 0.050 inch. More preferably, the height 2124 is between about 0.190 inch and about 0.100 inch. Even more preferably, the height 2124 is between 0.161 inch and 0.129 inch.
Preferably, the distance 2125 between the bottom surface 2115 of the crosspiece 2110 and the upper surface of the crosspiece 2110 is between about 0.130 inch and about 0.025 inch. More preferably, the distance 2125 is between about 0.110 inch and about 0.050 inch. Even more preferably, the distance 2125 is between 0.094 inch and 0.066 inch.
Preferably, the distance 2126 between the bottom surface 2115 of the crosspiece 2110 and the lower surface of the base section 2105 is between about 0.290 inch and about 0.060 inch. More preferably, the distance 2126 is between about 0.230 inch and about 0.110 inch. Even more preferably, the distance 2126 is between 0.195 inch and 0.155 inch.
Preferably, the height 2127 of the void 2107 is between about 1.025 inch and about 0.200 inch. More preferably, the height 2127 is between about 0.800 inch and about 0.400 inch. Even more preferably, the height 2127 is between 0.646 inch and 0.584 inch.
Preferably, the angle 2142 is between about 86 degrees and about 75 degrees. More preferably, the angle 2142 is between about 85 degrees and about 79 degrees. Even more preferably, the angle 2142 is between 80 degrees and 83 degrees.
The carrier 2102, such as illustrated in
The nubs 2129 are generally as described above for
The stabilizers 2130 are generally located on either side of the panel gap 2131 and protrude into the panel gap 2131. The stabilizers 2130 may provide lateral stability and alignment to the panel within the carrier 2102, and the stabilizers 2130 may help prevent dust and other contaminants from entering the panel gap 2131 when a panel is installed within the carrier 2102. For example, the stabilizers may be made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). In some embodiments, the stabilizers 2130 may be configured to align the panel so that the panel is symmetric about the vertical centerline 2103 of the soft-bulb portion 2101 when the soft-bulb portion 2101 is assembled to the carrier 2102. In some embodiments, the stabilizers 2130 may be configured to align the panel so that the panel is not symmetric about the vertical centerline 2103 of the soft-bulb portion 2101 when the soft-bulb portion 2101 is assembled to the carrier 2102. A panel that is not symmetric about the vertical centerline of the bulb may be useful when, for example, the window frame is bowed in or out so that it is not straight. Thus, the position and type of nub 2126, such as its material and thickness, may be altered to change the alignment of the soft-bulb portion 2101 with respect to the panel and allow the user to fill in gaps caused by a bowed window frame.
The protuberances 2143 are configured to align the panel within the panel gap 2131 and to keep the panel from shifting within the panel gap 2131 when a panel is installed within the carrier 2102.
The carrier body 2128 includes a receiving slot 2132 opposite the panel gap. The receiving slot 2132 has a neck 2133 that is laterally narrower than an interior cavity 2134 of the receiving slot 2132. For example, the neck 2133 may be between about 15% and about 40% narrower than the interior cavity 2134. As illustrated in
Preferably, the carrier 2102 is made from a polymer, such as a thermoplastic polymer. The polymer may be rigid or semi-rigid. More preferably, the carrier body 2128 is made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), while the nubs 2129 and the stabilizers 2130 are made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
Preferably, the length 2136 of the panel gap 2131 is between about 0.800 inch and about 0.170 inch. More preferably, the length 2136 is between about 0.700 inch and about 0.300 inch. Even more preferably, the length 2136 is between 0.531 inch and 0.469 inch.
Preferably, the height 2137 of the receiving slot 2132 is between about 0.300 inch and about 0.060 inch. More preferably, the height 2137 is between about 0.230 inch and about 0.120 inch. Even more preferably, the height 2137 is between 0.195 inch and 0.155 inch.
Preferably, the lateral width 2138 of the neck 2133 is between about 0.600 inch and about 0.120 inch. More preferably, the width 2138 is between about 0.480 inch and about 0.240 inch. Even more preferably, the width 2138 is between 0.384 inch and 0.330 inch.
As discussed above, the carrier 2102 may accommodate panels of different widths. Preferably, the carrier 2102 may accommodate at least two panels, one being relatively thinner than the other. For example, the thinner panel may have a thickness of about 0.118 inch, while the thicker panel may have a thickness of about 0.220 inch.
For the thicker panel, preferably the gap 2139 between the nubs 2129 is between about 0.345 inch and about 0.070 inch. More preferably, the gap 2139 is between about 0.275 inch and about 0.140 inch. Even more preferably, the gap 2139 is between 0.227 inch and 0.187 inch. For the thinner panel, preferably the gap 2139 is between about 0.175 inch and about 0.035 inch. More preferably, the gap 2139 is between about 0.140 inch and about 0.070 inch. Even more preferably, the gap 2139 is between 0.121 inch and 0.089 inch.
For the thicker panel, preferably the gap 2140 between the stabilizers 2130 is between about 0.300 inch and about 0.060 inch. More preferably, the gap 2140 is between about 0.240 inch and about 0.120 inch. Even more preferably, the gap 2140 is between 0.202 inch and 0.162 inch. For the thinner panel, preferably the gap 2140 is between about 0.130 inch and about 0.025 inch. More preferably, the gap 2140 is between about 0.100 inch and about 0.050 inch. Even more preferably, the gap 2140 is between 0.094 inch and 0.066 inch.
Preferably the height 2141 of the interior cavity 2134 of the receiving slot 2132 is between about 0.160 inch and about 0.030 inch. More preferably, the height 2141 is between about 0.125 inch and about 0.060 inch. Even more preferably, the height 2141 is between 0.109 inch and 0.081 inch.
To assemble the soft-bulb portion 2101 to the carrier 2102, the T-connector 2106 of the soft-bulb portion 2101 may be inserted into the receiving slot 2132 of the carrier 2102 from an end of the carrier 2102, for example, by sliding the T-connector 2106 into the receiving slot 2132. As noted above, the soft-bulb portion 2101 and the carrier 2102 are preferably elongated components. Thus,
In this way, the soft-bulb portion 2101 may be attached to the carrier 2102 without the use of glue or another adhesive to fix the bulb to the carrier. Also, the assembly, when made to the preferred dimensions, provides lateral stability by reducing or eliminating bulb roll when the assembly is pressed into a window frame.
The carrier 2202, such as illustrated in
The first protrusion 2206 and the second protrusion 2207 are configured to receive between them a portion, such as an edge, of a flexible sheet 2208 and a spline 2209. The flexible sheet 2208, such as a plastic film or a screen, is pinched between the spline 2209, the first protrusion 2206, and the second protrusion 2207 to securely attach the flexible sheet 2208 to the carrier 2202. In some embodiments, the carrier 2202 is symmetrical about a vertical centerline 2210, such that there is the first protrusion 2206 and the second protrusion 2207 have corresponding, mirrored features on the left side of the vertical centerline 2210.
The carrier 2102 of
The fin portion 2301 is preferably an extruded component. Thus,
Directions such as “top,” “bottom,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “right,” and “left” with respect to the fin portion or the carrier are used for convenience and in reference to the views provided in figures. The fin portion and the carrier may have a number of orientations during installation or use, and a feature that is vertical or horizontal in the figures may not have that same orientation in actual use. Additionally, laterally means in a direction substantially perpendicular to the vertical centerline 2303.
The fin portion 2301 may include a ridge section 2344 and a T-connector 2306, so called because it resembles an upside-down capital letter T. Preferably, the ridge section 2344 is generally triangular in cross section, tapering from a base end 2305 of the ridge section 2344 to a tip 2345 of the ridge section 2344, such as shown in
The ridge section 2344 of the fin portion 2301 may be made, for example, from foam, silicone, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), or another synthetic polymer. Preferably, the ridge section 2344 is made from closed-cell EPDM sponge. All or a portion of the T-connector 2306 may also be sprayed or otherwise coated with a clear, low friction coating. The crosspiece 2310 of the T-connector 2306 is preferably made from a rigid plastic.
Hence, the ridge section 2344 is deformable and compressible, meaning that the tip 2345 may be deflected laterally (in the directions shown by the arrows 2346 in
One feature of the cavity 2307 is to provide a relatively constant amount of force and friction to hold the assembly 2300, plus a panel, in the window frame over a wide range of amounts of compression. In other words, the fin portion 2301 can get really squashed if the assembly 2300, plus panel, is a bit too large for the window frame, but without putting excessive pressure on the assembly 2300. Conversely, the fin portion 2301 may be bent only slightly if the assembly 2300, plus panel, is a bit too small for the window frame, and still provide enough friction to form a seal and hold the assembly 2300 in place. Preferably, the cavity 2307 is sized as is to provide enough space for the sidewalls of the fin portion 2301 to collapse into the space of the cavity 2307.
The T-connector 2306 extends from the base end 2305 of the ridge section 2344. Preferably, the T-connector 2306 is symmetric about the vertical centerline 2303 of the fin portion 2301. As illustrated in
In some embodiments the support rod 2312 may be inserted between the fin portion 2301 and the carrier 2102 in the manner shown in
Preferably, the fin portion 2301 has a lateral width 2321 at the base end 2305 of between about 0.150 inch and about 0.800 inch. More preferably, the lateral width 2321 is between about 0.300 inch and about 0.650 inch. Even more preferably, the lateral width 2321 is between 0.430 inch and 0.510 inch.
Preferably, the fin portion 2301 has a lateral width 2319 at the tip 2345 of between about 0.030 inch and about 0.155 inch. More preferably, the lateral width 2319 is between about 0.060 inch and about 0.125 inch. Even more preferably, the lateral width 2319 is between 0.073 inch and 0.113 inch.
Preferably, the lateral width 2322 of the crosspiece 2310 is between about 0.150 inch and about 0.800 inch. More preferably, the lateral width 2322 is between about 0.300 inch and about 0.650 inch. Even more preferably, the lateral width 2322 is between 0.430 inch and 0.510 inch. In addition, the lateral width 2322 is preferably substantially equal to the lateral width 2321.
Preferably, the height 2325 of the crosspiece 2310 is between about 0.009 inch and about 0.045 inch. More preferably, the height 2325 is between about 0.018 inch and about 0.036 inch. Even more preferably, the height 2325 is between 0.007 inch and 0.047 inch.
Preferably, the support rod 2312 has substantially the same width and substantially the same height as the crosspiece 2310.
Preferably, the distance 2326 between the crosspiece 2310 and the base end 2305 of the ridge section 2344 is between about 0.035 inch and about 0.175 inch. More preferably, the distance 2326 is between about 0.070 inch and about 0.140 inch. Even more preferably, the distance 2326 is between 0.085 inch and 0.125 inch.
Preferably, the extension 2309 of the T-connector 2306 has a lateral width 2323 of between about 0.103 inch and about 0.517 inch. More preferably, the lateral width 2323 is between about 0.207 inch and about 0.413 inch. Even more preferably, the lateral width 2323 is between 0.270 inch and 0.350 inch.
Preferably, the distance 2324 between the crosspiece 2310 and the tip 2345 of the ridge section 2344 is between about 0.364 inch and about 1.822 inch. More preferably, the distance 2324 is between about 0.729 inch and about 1.457 inch. Even more preferably, the distance 2324 is between 0.968 inch and 1.218 inch.
To assemble the fin portion 2301 to the carrier 2102, the T-connector 2306 of the fin portion 2301 may be inserted into the receiving slot 2132 (see
Likewise, the support rod 2312 may also be slid into the receiving slot 2132 of the carrier 2102. As noted above, the fin portion 2301 and the carrier 2102 are preferably elongated components. Thus,
To disassemble the fin portion 2301 from the carrier 2102, the T-connector 2306 and the support rod 2312 may each be slid out of the receiving slot 2132 from an end of the carrier 2102.
In this way, the fin portion 2301 may be attached to the carrier 2102 without the use of glue or another adhesive to fix the bulb to the carrier. The assembly 2300 may be installed onto a rigid panel as described above for
Some embodiments of the invention have been described above, and in addition, some specific details are shown for purposes of illustrating the inventive principles. However, numerous other arrangements may be devised in accordance with the inventive principles of this patent disclosure. Further, well known processes have not been described in detail in order not to obscure the invention. Thus, while the invention is described in conjunction with the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings, it is not limited to these embodiments or drawings. Rather, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that come within the scope and spirit of the inventive principles set out in the appended claims.
This patent application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 15/695,242, filed Sep. 5, 2017, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/411,577, filed Jan. 20, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,752,373, issued Sep. 5, 2017, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/150,191, filed May 9, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,580,954, issued Feb. 28, 2017, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 14/982,163, filed Dec. 29, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,353,567, issued May 31, 2016, which is a divisional of application Ser. No. 14/846,261, filed Sep. 4, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,255,438, issued Feb. 9, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 14/167,232, filed Jan. 29, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/877,952, filed Sep. 8, 2010, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/573,174, filed Oct. 5, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,272,178, issued Sep. 25, 2012. Each of those applications is incorporated in this patent application by this reference.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20180258685 A1 | Sep 2018 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 14846261 | Sep 2015 | US |
Child | 14982163 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 15411577 | Jan 2017 | US |
Child | 15695242 | US | |
Parent | 15150191 | May 2016 | US |
Child | 15411577 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 15695242 | Sep 2017 | US |
Child | 15979816 | US | |
Parent | 14982163 | Dec 2015 | US |
Child | 15150191 | US | |
Parent | 14167232 | Jan 2014 | US |
Child | 14846261 | US | |
Parent | 12877952 | Sep 2010 | US |
Child | 14167232 | US | |
Parent | 12573174 | Oct 2009 | US |
Child | 12877952 | US |