Patent Application
20110258962
This disclosure relates generally to fenestration and more specifically to windows with decorative trim and methods of applying decorative trim to windows.
It has long been common to apply decorative trim around window frames on the exterior side of a dwelling. For traditional wooden window frames, this typically is done by nailing trim to the exterior edges of the window frame surrounding the window opening. For vinyl and composite window frames, exterior trim may be supplied in a number of ways. For example, some suppliers extrude an exterior window frame as an integral component of the window frame extrusion. This is exemplified in
Other suppliers of extruded window frames provide separate trim extrusions that can be attached to a corresponding extruded window frame with foam tape or other adhesive and/or fasteners. This technique is exemplified in
Extruded window frames and trim such as those discussed above and others often are used in “overfit” window installations. An overfit installation is one in which a new replacement window frame is inserted inside and around an existing window frame that is left in place in the window opening due to removal and repair difficulties and cost, and to obtain installation time reduction. Overfit frames and trim typically are used, for example, in window replacement applications where removal of an old window frame requires cutting or breaking stucco siding (or other siding) in order to remove the old window frame. Removal of a window frame installed in a stucco covered building is expensive and difficult because of the time required to remove and repair the stucco after window removal. Further, stucco repair creates areas in which cracks can propagate as the building weathers. An overfit frame window is installed inside an old existing window frame, which is left in place, so that no stucco is damaged in the process and no consequent repair is required. The exterior trim or flange on the overfit window covers the outside surface of the old window frame and part of the exterior wall of the structure.
Such an installation is exemplified in cross section in
Thus, a need exists for a window and window trim system and method that addresses and overcomes the shortcomings and problems of the prior art, some of which are discussed above. It is to the provision of such a window and window trim system and method that the present invention is primarily directed.
U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/327,153, to which priority is claimed above, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Briefly described, the present invention, in a preferred embodiment thereof, comprises a window and window trim system that converts a standard window frame into a frame suitable for an overfit window installation, or simply provides for adding decorative trim to window frames. A window trim hoop is formed by joining specially profiled trim lineals at their ends to form a trim hoop similar in shape to a picture frame. The trim hoop has inner dimensions that are slightly larger than the outer peripheral dimensions of a corresponding window frame. Friction members such as a spline or spring clip may be installed around the inner periphery of the trim hoop or at other locations, although this is not necessary. In fact, it has been found that eliminating the friction members can be advantageous in many situations. The trim hoop may then be slid onto the window frame from the interior side thereof until it seats against a protruding stop feature such as a flange at the forward edge of the window frame. The friction member, if present, bears against the frame and initially helps hold the trim hoop in place by means of a friction fit and also may provide a measure of forgiveness or tolerance compensating for variations in frame and trim hoop size. Sealant, preferably a structural sealant, is applied at the junction of the trim hoop and window frame preferably on the inside of the trim hoop to secure the trim hoop in place and form a seal against wind and water. A window frame and trim is thus formed from separate extrusions quickly, easily, without the need for precise cutting and joining skills, and without forming holes in the lineals of the window frame. These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the system and method of the invention will become more apparent upon review of the detailed description set forth below taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures, which are briefly described as follows.
a-1c, referenced above, are cross-sectional views of window frames and trims illustrating a prior art technique of forming trim as a unitarily extruded component of a window frame.
a and 2b, also referenced above, are cross-sectional views of a window frame and trim illustrating a prior art technique for joining a separate window trim to a window frame using foam tape and/or screws.
Referring now in more detail to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views,
Referring in more detail to the left hand image of
A trim hoop 34 is generally rectangular in the illustrated embodiment (although it can be any desired shape) and is formed of vertical lineals 36 and horizontal lineals 37 joined at their ends at joints 38. The joints 38 in the illustrated embodiments are miter joints; however any type of joint suitable for joining the lineals together might be substituted with equivalent results. More specifically, the lineals 36 and 37 of the trim hoop 34 may be joined together at their ends, for instance, by corner keys, any number of mechanical fasteners, gaskets, adhesives, heat or sonic welding, or combinations thereof. Again, the trim hoop is illustrated as a simplified rectangular profile for clarity in the figures, but may have virtually an architectural profile such as a brick mould profile, for example. In fact, a selection of trim in various architectural styles is envisioned to be and is within the scope of the invention such that a desired architectural trim can be paired with virtually any window frame.
The trim hoop is mounted to the window frame by being slid over the frame as indicated by arrows 41. A friction member 39 may or may not extend around the interior perimeter of the trim hoop 34 if desired for initially holding the trim hoop in place on the window frame and providing a measure of tolerance, as discussed in more detail below. The friction member also may be inserted after the trim hoop is slid onto the window frame, or may be located on the window frame just inside the stop member. Alternatively, the friction member need not be included at all and can be eliminated if desired with little or no adverse impact. In fact, it has been found that elimination of the friction feature actually provides additional space between the trim hoop and the window frame within which sealant and/or adhesive can flow, resulting in an improved bonding of the trim hoop to the window frame.
The right hand image in
To the upper right in
The lower left image in
The window trim system and method of this invention offers the advantages of being simple to fabricate, easy to install on a window frame, and simple to seal against air and water infiltration. The trim hoop lineals or profiles are relatively easy to cut and join together to form the trim hoop and this can be done during fabrication in a manufacturing facility or even on sight by an installer. Excessive skill and precision are not required. The trim can be fabricated in varying shapes and colors to match desired cosmetic requirements without the cost of much more complex full-frame tooling. The trim lineals can be run through a table saw to shorten them in overfit applications in which the frames are inset from the outside plane of a wall. Prior art trim systems are significantly more complicated and difficult to install and seal. They typically are installed one piece at a time, which makes corner joining difficult and requires very precise cutting of the trim lineals. If friction members are included (they are not necessary) they may allow more forgiveness in the size of the trim hoop and promote precision corner joining that is accurate and gapless. Prior art unitarily extruded frame and trim solutions are expensive to tool and not easily adapted for color or shape variations.
As mentioned, the present invention is particularly useful to create overfit replacement windows where old window frames are left in place and the replacement window and trim are slid past the old frame. It will be clear; however, that the invention is not limited to overfit installations, but applies to virtually any window installation where a trim is to be added to a window frame before installation.
The invention has been described herein in terms of preferred embodiments and methodologies considered by the inventors to represent the best mode of carrying out the invention. It will be understood by those of skill in the art, however, that a wide range of additions, deletions, and modifications both subtle and gross might well be made to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is significantly broader than the illustrated embodiments thereof.
Priority is hereby claimed to the filing date of U.S. provisional patent No. 61/327,153 filed on 23 Apr. 2010.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61327153 | Apr 2010 | US |
