AU674913B2 - Magnetically-sealed storm window combination - Google Patents

Description

1 This invention relates to magnetic insulating systems for window, door, skylight and curtain wall applications, and in particular to retrofit enclosures for primary glass enclosures in which the retrofit enclosure is temporarily but hermetically secured to the interior of the permanent enclosure.

The provision of at least one window in a wall of each principal room in a house is desirable to provide natural light during the daylight hours, to maintain occupants of the rooms in communication with the world outside, and if necessary to provide emergency egress from the rooms. In general, the windows are arranged to open, at least in part, by "casement" slider or "double hung" construction, to accomplish ventilation of the rooms by admission of 15 ambient outside air, and in most areas screens are a necessary adjunct to keep out airborne objects, insects,

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.bats, and so forth.

Equally necessary as adjuncts, particularly in areas of less temperate climate, are storm windows, which function to permit entry of light while creating an air S" space to reduce heat transmission during the winter. The form.- routine of taking off storm windows and substituting screens in the spring, with the reverse procedure in the fall, is being replaced by the use of "combination" windows, which can serve either as storm windows or as screens. However, some form of energy conservation is still necessary to prevent heating costs from rising intolerably in the winter.

I I I d Storm windows have proven to be highly effective in preventing leakage of air through windows and have been widely used in recent year, primarily due to the ircreased emphasis that has been placed on energy efficiency.

However, a problem associated with most storm windows is their lack of aesthetic appeal. For example, inside storm windows may be temporarily held in place by conventional fasteners, clamps and the like. Fastening elements of this type are so unattractive that they detract significantly from the overall appearance of the window.

Primarily for this reason, inside storm windows have not been used as widely as they might be otherwise, nor have other types of window covers.

Storm windows, whether elementary or "combined", are 15 arranged to fit into the frames of the house windows, which have ledges at the top and sides for that purpose.

Particularly with the more elementary arrangements, it is found that they perform their function only imperfectly.

Even the most perfect workmanship seldom results in a space of truly tight air, and only slight leakage is required to materially reduce the efficiency of the arrangement. While the more modern arrangements are perhaps more perfect initially, the dimensional changes which occur in all buildings with age soon result in the appearance of small 25 passages for movement of air into and out of the supposed tight space, with the related loss of efficiency.

Window heat loss accounts for about 20 40% of building space heating costs. With continuing increases in 3 'fuel costs, existing structures require an inexpensive and practical means for converting single pane glass windows to thermal insulators. Presently employed means include double-pane windows constructed to form a sealed air space between the panes. Alternatively, an equivalent second (storm) window may be added to function in conjunction with the window to form an insulating air space. Such insulating means presently available are undesirable since they are expensive to make and to install. Furthermore, even though these double-pane arrangements reduce heat loss due to conduction through the glass panes, there is still substantial heat loss caused by convection of the air within the air space which promotes conduction heat loss through the outside pane. Additionally, conventional storm windows reduce cold air infiltration, a major heat loss component, by only 1/3 to 1/2.

Sliding windows both for use in prime window constructions or as auxiliary indoor window installations, storm windows, have achieved widespread popularity and would likely be more popular if their cost were reduced and the ease of manipulation were improved. Installations of the type concerned include a perimetric outer frame having a track for accommodating a slidable glazing panel.

The outer frame also may include channels capable of 25 receiving a glazing panel which can be stationary, i.e., coo fixed. Both or either of the perimetric frame and the frame holding the glazing member of the panel may be formed as a profile of extruded plastic material or of metal 4 sections which include bevelled ends which can be secured abutted to form the particular frame for the perimetric frame and/or the sliding panel.

Although prior installations have often featured magnetic sealing means, exposure of the installation to the elements, heat, cold, rain and wind, have resulted in distortion, buckling, undesired expansion or shrinkage (contraction) resulting in difficulty in retention of the glazing panels, warping, possible fracture of the glazing panels and/or interference with the smooth manipulation of the panels. Often complex magnetic structures increase costs. Complex purchase means for grasping the sliding window panel for breaking the seal have been required.

Also, increasing cost and complexity not conductive to facile operation and inexpensive manufacture and installation.

One alternative to compression-dependent sealing involves the use of magnetic elements in the sealing arrangement. It has thus been proposed that magnets be used to attach covers, screens, nets and various other objects to a window. In this type of arrangement, a metal strip extends around the window frame to adhere to magnets or magnetic tape carried on the window cover. Due to the unattractive appearance of the metal strip, the aesthetic 25 problems are much the same as in the case of more conventional fastening devices. Also, if individual magnetic elements are used, gaps are presented between the cover and the frame, and the effectiveness of the cover suffers accordingly. The use of a metal strip creates further problems in that it is expensive and difficult to install.

In other proposals, glazing panels, normally storm windows, have been applied to the frame by means of a permanent magnetic strip which is secured about the periphery of the panel and which is magnetically coupled to a steel strip attached by an adhesive to the corresponding periphery of the window frame. Sometimes due to variations in the surface of the frame or the twist in or lack of squareness of the frame an inconsistent seal is formed between the glazing panel and frame.

It has been recognized that it would be highly desirable to provide magnetically-sealed installations with means which facilitate operation without sacrificing the sealing effectiveness when opening and/or closing is not desired. Manipulation of the assembly should be facilitated for opening and closing with retention of sealing effectiveness against wind, rain, hail, etc. Where the installation is indoors, aesthetics and appearance also is a factor. Economy in manufacture and installation likewise is an important consideration. Achievement of these functional, economic and aesthetic factors has not been realized with the structures presently available to the S: 25 art, or provided by prior patents.

U.S. Patent No. 4,079,558 patented March 21, 1970 by R.B. Gothan provided a storm window structure in which the storm window was attached to the related frame magnetically. Strips of iron or other ferromagnetic material were fastened to the face of the window frame, whether double-hung or casement, and a sheet of glass or plastic was provided with a frame including a layer of permanently magnetic material arranged to hold the window in the frame magnetically, resiliently, and removably.

Such storm window was provided by the combination of a window frame having a substantially flat casing around three edges thereof to define a plane. A plane sheet of rigid transparent material was provided to be applied over the window frame as a storm sash. Flat ferromagnetic strips were secured along the face of the casing adjacent the three edges. A mounting member extended along the edges of the sheet and was made up of outer and inner portions connected by a hollow, resilient intermediate portion, the outer portion having a flat face for engaging the strip and the inner portion having opposed resilient edges, at least one of which was grooved to receive the sheet. When the sheet was applied flatwise to the frame, the face of the mounting member engaged the strips and an edge of the member engaged the bottom of the window frame, all in sealing relation. Permanently magnetic material was provided in the mounting member adjacent the flat face for magnetically and resiliently holding the sheet to the frame.

U.S. Patent No. 4,387,541 patented June 14, 1983 by N.L. Boomershine provided a window assembly which included a second permanent magnetic strip which was applied to the window assembly frame by means of an adhesive binder. In the coupling between the glazing panel of the assembly which carried its own permanent magnetic strip and the magnetic strip applied to the frame of the assembly there was magnet to magnet contact. The magnetic strips utilized to attach the panel to the frame were normally constructed of a flexible rubberized material which, when the strips were magnetically coupled, were in frictional contact so as to retard sliding movement of the glazing panel relative to the assembly frame.

Such window assembly thus included a peripheral frame defining a window opening and a glazing panel for spanning the window opening, the dimensions of the panel being greater than the dimensions of the opening. A permanent magnetic strip was secured about the periphery of the panel. A compatible permanent magnetic strip was provided having first and second sides. An adhesive binder was applied at the first side of the compatible strip. The compatible magnetic strip was secured about the peripheral frame by the binder. The panel was attached to the peripheral frame by the magnetic attraction of the magnetic strip and the compatible magnetic strip along the second side of the compatible magnetic strip.

U.S. Patent No. 4,399,640 teaches snap-on attachments 25 of members which themselves are attached to other frame members by pressure sensitive adhesive elements.

U.S. Patent No. 4,413,446 teaches the permanent securement of magnets on a door sill by a non-magnetizable

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8 plate. The door is provided with a vertically-movable, tethered magnet to provide a magnetic seal with the first magnet.

U.S. Patent No. 4,473,980 patented October 2, 1984 provided a window insulation means which provided effective thermal insulation without drastically changing the light transmission function of the window. The patented structure was an insulation structure capable of being attached to a window frame enclosing a primary window and included a flat transparent or translucent sheet having an edge. A frame means including a U-shaped member of unitary construction was provided, the frame having two prongs, the prongs being adapted to enclose the edge of the sheet. A first strip having a first flat planar surface along its length a flexible magnetic strip or a ferromagnetic strip, and a second strip having a second flat planar surface along its length selected from the group consisting of a flexible magnetic strip and a ferromagnetic strip were provided. At least one of the first strip or the second strip was a flexible magnetic strip. The first strip was rigidly secured directly to or comprised one of the prongs.

The second strip was secured to the window frame. The first strip and the second strip were positioned directly to contact each other with the first planar flat surface and the second planar flat surface contacting each other in face-to-face relation. This positioned the sheet between 1/4 inch and 4 inches from the primary window and formed a 9 'continuous air-tight seal between the first strip and the second strip.

U.S. Patent No. 4,510,986 patented April 16, 1985 by R.M. Schwankl provided an inside storm window or other window cover was mounted to a window frame by two magnetic tape strips, one which adhered to the frame and another which adhered to the window cover. Before the second tape strip was attached to the window cover, it was positioned with its magnetic side face-to-face with the first strip so that the strips were oriented magnetically to attract one another at all points around the window. Then, the window cover was attached to the second strip, and the magnetic attractions between the tape strips assured an effective seal around the entirety of the window.

U.S. Patent No. 4,535,563 teaches a magnet held to the edge of a door by means of a clip. The window in the door is provided with tubular members at the peripheral edge, held on by adhesive, and within which cooperating magnets are placed.

U.S. Patent No. 4,561,223 is the most relevant in that it shows a magnet secured to a frame profile by the interrelationship of retaining clips on the frame profile and hooks on the magnet. This magnet is magneticallysecured to another magnet which is fixed to an L-shaped frame member, which is itself secured to the window sill.

U.S. Patent No. 4,575,966 patented March 18, 1986 by J.T. Garritson provided a magnetically-sealed sliding window system including at least one sliding panel and a s

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perimetric frame including channel means for receiving same. Longitudinally-poled magnets were provided so that the sliding panel could be opened and closed in sole reliance on the repulsion/attraction forces of the magnetic fields. In the sealed condition, the magnets were aligned longitudinally with dissimilar poles providing an attractive force sufficient to establish a tight seal. The sliding panel was dislodged from the closed condition first to shift the polar relationship and/or to shift the panel from its magnetic coupling to a disposition vertically offset. In the former instance a repulsion force was effected pushing the panel to the displaced offset condition. The sliding panel fell under gravitational force to bottom within the base channel of the frame. The slidable panel was then free to be translated in the channel or track. Resealing was effected by lifting or raising the sliding panel to reestablish the like polar alignment.

U.S. Patent No. 4,592,180 teaches the conventional technique of adhesive securement of the magnetizable strip to the window assembly.

U.S. Patent No. 4,947,585 and 4,977,705 each teaches a magnetic weatherstrip permanently secured to a door jamb.

The right-angled lateral edges of the door are provided with magnetizable material strip secured within grooves in the door.

U.S. Patent No. 4,999,951 teaches the conventional techniques of having a magnetic element secured to a non- 11 Magnetic rim which is itself adhesively secured to a ceramic which is adhesively bonded to the window pane.

U.S. Patent No. 5,086,604 and 5,253,457 each teach an extruded male retainer permanently attached to the window casing by a pressure sensitive foam tape adhesive. A profile is snap-accepted onto the male retainer. The patents differ in that '604 teaches a facia frame, while '457 teaches a channel to support a pane of glass.

None of the prior art construction were entirely satisfactory since it was difficult to apply the magnetically-receptive material to the window frame in such a manner that its cooperation with the magnets of the storm window provided an almost perfect seal. Thus the present invention has for its main object the ability to overcome the disadvantag-s generally found in prior available systems of this type.

S• It would be desirable to prcvide a system for thermally insulating glass windows with little or no structural modification. Furthermore, it would be desirable to provide a glass thermal insulation system which required little or no labour costs and which can be oe produced without the need for special installation tools.

In addition, it would be desirable to provide a thermal insulation system for glass windows which could be modified easily to change its light transmission or reflectance characteristics thereby to permit its preferential use at different exposures of a building. Still further, it would be desirable to provide such a thermal insulation system 12 which minimizes convection heat loss and substantially eliminates air infiltration heat loss which can be equal to or greater than the conducted heat loss.

It is also desirable to provide a thermal insulation that can be installed independent of weather characteristics and whose installation cost is not dependent on building height (because of the difficulty of access) as is the situation with some presently employed means. Additionally, it would be advantageous to provide a window thermal insulation that can be removed and installed, literally in seconds, for cleaning or ventilation purposes and, if provided in two pieces, the lower half of which can be removed and magnetically self-stored over the top half when it is desired to open the window for ventilation or for summer storage. Additionally, it would be advantageous to provide a window thermal insulation that can be remov-d easily to change the summer/winter solar energy transmission characteristics to maximize total energy savings and/or comfort and to facilitate cleaning or repair of e window insulation or prime window.

It would also be desirable to provide a window seal assembly in which the sealirj force is not entirely dependent upon the compression of the sealing member. It would further be desirable to provide a satisfactory window seal assembly for a window in which the sealing member does not offer undue compressive resistance to movement of the window pane.

13 It also would be desirable to provide the fo1" 'ng major benefits: greater personal comfort in home or office; substantial elimination of drafts; increased warmth; energy conservation; reduced energy costs, up to 40%; virtual elimination of condensation; noise reduction; and up to 60% UV rays filtration.

It is an object of the present invention to achieve at least some of the aforementioned desires.

There is disclosed herein a magnetic insulating storm window comprising: a panel sub-frame, said panel sub-frame including a pair of spacedapart vertical mullions, a lower sill, and an upper plate, each mullion, sill and plate comprising a dorsal channel provided with a resilient gripping member for gripping a panel inserted therein, and a lateral facia channel, for holding a lateral magnetic seal operatively associated therewith; and an intermediate frame, said intermediate frame including a pair of spaced-apart vertical mullions, a lower sill and an upper plate, each mullion, sill and 15 plate comprising a pair of spaced-apart, vicinal lateral channels for holding a snap-on magnetizable or magnetic metal receptor, and a secondary channel including means for *s 'securing said intermediate frame to a component of a window frame.

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,go S S S S o° *o *o* o i *o [N:\LIBLL](00590:JCC 14 By a variant thereof, the dorsal channel includes at least two downwardlysloping, flexible and resilient gripping fingers.

By a variation thereof, the dorsal channel includes a panel abutment inner flange at the mouth of the channel.

By a variant thereof, the lateral channel includes a pair of facing flanges to define a lateral channel to receive a complementary-shaped, lateral projection protruding from the magnetic seal.

By a variant thereof, each vicinal channel includes a narrow lateral entry throat.

By a variation thereof, the snap-on metal receptor includes a pair of depending legs, each leg terminating in an outwardly and upwardly directed foot, for insertion into an associated lateral entry throat. Alternatively, by another variation, a double-faced adhesive type may be used to maintain the snap-on metal in place.

By still another variant, a fly screen with the above-describ;ed attachment to the 15 intermediate frame and to an aluminum frame, and having a glass fiber mesh is provided.

i o* o *o• [N;\LIBLL]00590:JCC 415 By a variant thereof, all components of the frame are formed of extruded thermoplastic material, polyvinyl chloride.

By a further variant thereof, the pane is formed of an acrylic plastic material.

By another variant thereof, the magnetic seal is a flexible, extruded, permanently magnetized rubber/ferrite compound.

By a variant thereof, the magnetic insulating storm window system includes means for securing a face of the window frame to a vicinal face of the intermediate frame, double-face adhesive tape, and preferably also including a silicone sealant.

A preferred form of the present invention will now .be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of a typical magnetic window insulation system of one embodiment of the present invention; [N:\LI3 ,.]100590:JCC 16 Fig. 2 is a cross-section of a vertical/horizontal mullion divider of the magnetic window insulating system of one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a cross-section of a panel sub-frame, intermediate frame and window frame of the magnetic window insulating system of one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 is a cross-section of an extrusion providing a vertical or horizontal divider mullion used in the magnetic window insulating system of one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 is a cross-section of an extrusion providing a mullion support and spaced sub-frame assembly piece used in the magnetic insulating window of one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6 is a cross-section of an extrusion providing an element of the intermediate frame used in the magnetic insulating window of one embodiment of the present .invention; Fig. 7 is an assembly of a snap-on metal magnet receptor and an intermediate frame element as shown in Fig.

6; Fig. 8 is a cross-section of an extrusion providing an "element of the panel sub-frame, including the panel and the magnetic element, used in the magnetic insulating window of one embodiment of the present invention; e*ee Fig. 9 is a side, elevational view of the assembly of the panel sub-frame, or the intermediate frame of an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 10 is a perspective view, partly broken away of another embodiment of this invention, namely a selfstoring, magnetic fly screen; Fig. 11 is a cross-section of a panel sub-frame, intermediate frame and fly screen of the magnetic windcw system of the embodiment of the present invention shown *n Fig. 10; and Fig. 12 is a cross-section of a vertical/horizontal mullion divider of the magnetic window insulating system of one embodiment of the present invention in conjunction with the magnetic fly screen embodiment of Fig. As seen in Fig. 1, the fixed window 100 includes a pair of side jambs 101, an upper plate 102 and a sill 103.

The window 100 is divided into a pair of pane sections 104 provided by vertical mullions 105,106. These window sections each include a pair of side mullions 107, top rail and a bottom sill 108. A third window pane section 109 is :.-divided by horizontal rail 110 into a fixed pane section ee 111 and a side slider pane section 112 including a vertical mullion 113. In addition, this pane section includes a pair of side mullions 114, and a lower sill 115.

Figs. 2 and 3 show details of the window unit 100, one embodiment of the intermediate frame 300 and one embodiment of the panel sub-frame 200.

18 The window unit 100 includes a frame 110 provided with conventional glazing 111, held in place in a conventional manner, by putty 112. The window 100 also includes a conventional jamb 113 and a conventional mullion 114.

The intermediate frame 300 includes a secondary channel 310 and a pair of vicinal lateral channels 311 separated by a channel rail 312. A detailed description of the intermediate frame will be given with reference to Fig.

4. Secured to the intermediate frame 300 is a snap-on metal receptor 313, held to the vicinal lateral channels 311. A complete description of the snap-on metal receptor 313 will be given with respect to Fig. 7.

The panel sub-frame 200 includes a profile 210, including a pane channel 211 provided with a pair of resilient flexible gripping fingers 212 and an abutment flange 213 to retain a pane of an acrylic plastic) 214. The profile 210 also includes a lateral channel 215 to retain a magnetic seal extrusion 216 of complementary shape. A complete description of the profile 210 will be given with respect to Fig. 8.

seen also in Figs. 2 and 3, the intermediate frame ooeo 300 is secured to the window frame 100 by means of doublefaced adhesive tape 115 and a screw 116. The joints between intermediate frame 300 and the window frame 100 are filled with silicone sealant 117. The panel sub-frame 200 is held to the intermediate frame 300 by means of the magnetic seal extrusion 216 magnetically held to the snapon magnetizable metal receptor 313.

One embodiment of a mullion extrusion 400 is shown in Fig. 4. The extrusion includes a main channel 400 provided by lateral wall 410 and end walls 411 as well as by inner lateral walls 412,413. End walls 411 are reinforced at 414 and are provided with internal rectangular channels 415, and with external "V"-shaped channels 416.

Inner lateral walls 412,413 extend to inner end walls 417 to define an inner rail channel 418, terminating in a face wall 419. Face wall 419 is reinforced at 420 and is provided with an internal rectangular channel 421.

Abutting inner lateral wall 412 is a pair of vicinal channels 422 and abutting inner lateral wall 413 is a pair of vicinal channels 423. Each vicinal channel 422 and 423 is provided with a terminal lateral wall 424, which is pierced by an entry throat 425.

As seen in Fig. 5, the assembly extrusion 500 is of :generally-rectangular shape having a pair of side walls 510 and a pair of end walls 511A, 511B. End wall 511A is provided with an external "V"-shaped channel 512A and with an internal "V"-shaped protrusion 513A. End wall 511B is provided with an external "V"-shaped protrusion 513B and an internal "V'-shaped channel 512B. The extrusion 500 is divided by a transverse wall 514 supporting a cylindrical channel 515.

Another embodiment of a mullion extrusion 600 is shown in Fig. 6 which includes a main channel 600 provided by lateral wall 610 and end walls 611 as well as by an inner lateral walls 612. End walls 611 are reinforced at 614 and I are provided with internal rectangular channels 615, and with external "V"-shaped channels 616.

Abutting inner lateral wall 612 is a pair of vicinal channels 622. Each vicinal channel 622 is provided with a terminal lateral wall 624, which is pierced by an entry throat 625.

As seen in Fig. 7, the snap-on metal receptor 700 is associated with the extrusion 600. The metal receptor 700 is formed of magnetic or magnetizable metal, iron or steel, and is provided by a main plate 710, folded over to provide two facing plies 711. Each ply 711 is provided with a downwardly-depending leg 712 which terminated in an outwardly and upwardly projecting locking foot 713.

As seen in Fig. 8, the extrusion 800 includes a lower base member 810 and upstanding therefrom, an outer lateral wall 811 and an inner upstanding wall 812. Outer wall 811 S• includes a lower projecting leg 813 and an upper ledge 814, which overhangs outer member 811 at 815 and also provide a pane abutting flange 816. The inner face of wall 811 is provided with a pair of inwardly, downwardly-directed gripping resilient fingers 817, to grip acrylic pane 818.

eo o The outer face of wall 812 is provided with an upper 0'..ledge 819 and a lower ledge 820. Upper ledge 819 is S provided with a downwardly-extending flange 821, while 25 lower ledge 820 is provided with an upwardly-projecting ee partial wall 822, defining therebetween a reception channel 823.

823.

21 A complementary-shaped magnetic seal extrusion 824 includes an upper channel 825, cooperating with downwardlydepending flange 821 and a lower channel 826 cooperating with lower upwardly projecting wall 822. This provides a lateral projection 827 complementary to reception channel 823. The magnetic seal extrusion 824 includes a flat lateral face 828 which is of the same height as the height of the walls 811 and 812.

As seen in Fig. 9, the mullions 910, 911, 912 are each provided with right angled edges 913. Mullion 910 is provided with an outer snap-on metal magnet receptor 813.

The inner wall 914 near the edge 911 is provided with a mullion support 915 secured thereto by screw 916. The end at edge 913 of mullion 911 is urged downwardly (in the direction of dashed arrow 917) to fit into mullion support S" 915.

S" Mullion 911 is also fitted with a mullion support 918 secured thereto by screw 916. The end at edge 913 of mullion 912 is urged horizontally (in the direction of dashed arrow 919) to fit mullion support 918.

In use, the intermediate frame 300 is fitted and CO e secured to the window frame 100 in a manner well known to :0 those skilled in the art, by double-faced adhesive tape. The snap-on metal receptor faces inwardly. The panel sub-frame with the magnetic seals therein is secured •eto the intermediate frame by magnetic attraction. Because of the continuous nature of the magnetizable metal recepof the continuous nature of the magnetizable metal recep- 22 tors and the magnetic seals, there is a virtually perfect magnetic seal.

Figs. 10 and 11 show details of the window unit 100, one embodiment of the intermediate frame 300 and one embodiment of the magnetic fly screen sub-frame 1000.

The window unit 100 includes a frame 110 provided with conventional glazing 111, held in place in a conventional manner, by putty 112. The window 100 also includes a conventional jamb 113 and a conventional mullion 114.

The intermediate frame 300 includes a secondary channel 310 and a pair of vicinal lateral channels 311 separated by a channel rail 312. A detailed description of the intermediate frame will be given with reference to Fig.

4. Secured to the intermediate frame 300 is a snap-on metal receptor 313, held to the vicinal lateral channels 311. A complete description of the snap-on metal receptor 313 has previously been given with respect to Fig. 7.

The magnetic fly screen sub-frame 1000 includes a o •e oo• profile 1010, preferably formed of extruded aluminum including an entry channel 1011 provided with an internal channel 1012 to retain a screen 1014 of a glass fibre mesh). The profile 1010 also includes a hidden face 1015 to provide a surface onto which a magnetic seal tape eeoc 1016 is adhered by an adhesive surface 1017.

As seen in Fig. 10, the corners of the magnetic fly screen sub-frame 1000 are formed in the manner previously described with reference to Fig. 9.

23 As seen in the assembly in Fig. 11, the magnetic fly screen sub-frame 1000 is held by magnetic attraction of the magnetic tape 1016 to the snap-on magnetizable metal clip 216. The magnetic fly screen sub-frame 1000 also includes a pull handle 1017 having a lower leg 1018 and a locking projection 1019 fitted into the internal channel 1012.

As seen also in Figs. 10 and 11, the intermediate frame 300 is secured to the window frame 100 by means of double-faced adhesive tape 115 and a screw 116. The joints between intermediate frame 300 and the window frame 100 are filled with silicone sealant 117. The panel sub-frame 200 is held to the intermediate frame 300 by means of the magnetic seal extrusion 216 magnetically held to the snapon magnetizable metal receptor 313.

Fig. 12 shows details of the window unit 100, one embodiment of the intermediate frame 300, one embodiment of the panel sub-frame 200 and one embodiment of a magnetic fly screen sub-frame 1000.

o• The window unit 100 includes a frame 110 provided with conventional glazing 111, held in place in a conventional manner, by putty 112. The window 100 also includes a conventional jamb 113 and a conventional mullion 114.

""The intermediate frame 300 includes a secondary channel 310 and a pair of vicinal lateral channels 311 separated by a channel rail 312. A detailed description of the intermediate frame will be given with reference to Fig.

4. Secured to the intermediate frame 300 is a snap-on metal receptor 313, held to the vicinal lateral channels 311. A complete description of the snap-on metal receptor 313 has previously been given with respect to Fig. 7.

As also seen in Fig. 12, the magnetic fly screen subframe 1000 includes a profile 1010, preferably formed of extruded aluminum including an entry channel 1011 provided with an internal channel 1012 to retain a screen 1014, of a glass fibre mesh). The profile 1000 also includes a hidden face 1015 to I ,uvide a surface into which a magnetic seal tape 1016 is adhered by an adhesive surface 1017.

As seen in the assembly in Fig. 12, the magnetic fly screen sub-frame 1000 is held by magnetic attraction of the magnetic tape 1,016 to a magnetizable metal tape 1216. The magnetic fly screen sub-frame 1000 fits into the channel provided by extension 210 which includes an upright retainer flange 1217.

Tests have been carried out to determine the effectiveness of the storm window of embodiments of this ee invention. In one such test, during a Canadian winter, heating bills and water bills have been reduced dramatically. Gas consumption was reduced by approximately eeee 34%, and electrical consumption had dropped significantly, 25%. The sound insulation provided by this system had substantially eliminated traffic noise. It is expected that comparable savings will be achieved in power consumption in the summer seasoning for air conditioning.

In another test, the savings after the installation of the storm window combination of the present invention for heating during the winter months of November and December in Canada were 35.8%. It was also found that prior to the installation of the storm window combination of this invention, thermographic scanning determined that heat loss through the windows was The results of ctill another test indicated that there was a considerable improvement in the window performance with the storm window combination of the present invention installed. The air flow rate of the original window alone went from beyond the capacity of the pump, which resulted in not being able to determine the air flow rate with the test instrumentation, to an air flow rate of 0.45 (m 3 /hr)m which qualified as an A3 rating. At the 10 Pa range, there was a 95% improvement to the window with the storm window 15 combination of the present invention applied.

*e another test using thermograms of windows without and with the storm window combination of the present invention, the window having the storm window of this oee• invention installed showed an overall temperature difference of 7.9 0

C.

In a test of noise level reduction, the difference without and wi.h the storm window combination of the ""present invention installed offered a significant reduction of 5.5 dB and 10.8 dB at the octave bands between 500 and 4000 Hz. This is significant, in that this is the frequency range for human speech.

26 This reduction greatly reduces the interference of traffic noise on speech. Furthermore, in the 500 to 4000 Hz octave bands a significant improvement was noted.

The following are the results of actual tests.

Test 1 Airtightness *15 Type Standard Require- Results ment Before After Lab Test ASTM E283 <0.25(m 3 436 0.097 Commercial hr)m-1 (fail) (m 3 /h)m- 1 (fixed) (pass) Lab Test ASTM E283 <0.55(m3/- 28.0 0.43, Residential hr)m-1 (fail) (m 3 /h)m' (side- (A3) slider) On Site ASTM E783 <0.55(m 3 Undeter 0.45 Test hr)m-1 minable (m 3 /h)m (Fixed/CM) (Fail) (A3) RESULTS OBTAINED 75 Pa The test results for a fixed window concluded the improvement in airtightness was 450% with the storm window 25 combination of the present invention added on. The test on S a slider window reduced the air flow from a Q value of 28.0 to Q value of 0.43 achieving the highest possible rating with the storm window combination of the present invention added on The same rating was achieved in an on-site test.

27 Test 2 Insulation Condensation 10 *0 0 0 0

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Type Standard Results Before After Lab Test CAN/CSA I 54 I Side- A440-M90 slider and R 1.93- R 3.27- Window Thermo- (hr.Ft 2 oF/BTU) (hr.Ft 2 oF/BTU) graphic Scan U .52 (BTU/- U .1 (BTU/hr.Ft 2 of) hr.Ft 2 of) CFR 21.0% CFR 36% RSI .34(m 2 k/w) RSI .58 (m 2 k/w) Lab Test CAN/CSA I 31 I 57 Sliding A440-M90 Patio and R.86(hr.Ft 2 oF/ R.2.20(hr.Ft 2 o Door Thermo- BTU) F/BTU) graphic Scan U.66(BTU/hr.- Ft.

2 0f) 2 0f) CFR 8% CFR 22.9% RSI.23(m 2 k/w) RSI 39(m 2 k/w) CFR Condensation Free Rating (relative humidity level for 97% of the window surface to be dry at temp; Out 31; In The first test was conducted on a fixed, residential window and the second on a sliding patio door, both in accordance with CAN/CSA-A440-M90 standards.

The storm window retrofit combination of the present invention greatly improved the insulation and condensation resistance performance of the window, increasing the window's R-value from 1.93 to 3.27 and its condensation free rating (CFR) from 21% to 36%.

Test 3 Enercgy Ratingi Type Standard original Results Window Type Computer CSA A440 Before After Simulation -2M1991 (Vision and Frame) Steel -148W/- -37W/- Casement M 2 m Double -20 W/m 2 +2W/n 2 Run PVC Sashless Slider Steel -137W/- -29W/- Vertical

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Slider/- Hung Window This test was a computer simulation involving both VISIONTI1 and FRAMETSI Software. The storm window retrofit combination of the present invention great improved the energy efficiency in all three window types tested.

C. C Test Case 4 Noise Reduction C. C C

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C

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0 50 2301 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 E-4 Third octave Centre Frequencies (Hz ,a Fixed Wir low with and without 0

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29 Tests measured the effect of the storm window combination of the present invention system on traffic noise intrusions.

The storm window combination of the present invention system offered noise reductions ranging from 8.4 dB to 17.6 dB at the octave bands between 500 to 4000 Hz. This is significant as it is the frequency range for human speech and traffic noise.

This present invention, in a preferred embodiment, uses a PVC sub-frame and mullion. Other systems rely on the flat surface of an existing window frame or utilize painted wood mouldings to create a flat surface to adhere metal as a receptor to the magnet. The sub-frame and mullion system of the present invention, allows the 15 creation of self-contained structures over virtually any 0..

type of existing window, patio door, skylight, curtain wall, etc., creating a secondary glazing, regardless of the existing type of frame.

oloe PVC, unlike wood, is maintenance-free, knot-free, recyclable and presents a professional, smooth, highly 0 *elegant look. The installation of the system of the present invention not only saves energy, and improves comfort, but it also improves the appearance of existing glazed areas.

The present invention uses a hidden mullion (horizontal/vertical divider) support system. By utilizing such hidden mullion support, no unsightly brackets, screws or external reinforcements are required. The joints are

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therefore clean, straight, and professional looking. The design of the mullion support system of the present invention allows for easy alignment of the mullion with the sub-frame, by means of a channel or groove, eliminating measuring and simplifying the installation process.

The present invention uses a snap-on metal receptor system. By utilizing such specially-designed metal clip as a receptor to the magnetic frame as opposed to adhesive tapes of the prior art to attach metal to the sub-frame, the present invention achieves a more professional, secure, maintanence-free finish, with better visual appeal.

Installation is tremendously simplified, since there are no adhesive tapes to join with metal strips. Waste is ee. reduced, at installation time is cut by approximately 15 The present invention uses magnetic panel side extrusions. Such extrusion, unlike others, allows for a magnet butt-end connection, thereby eliminating leaks. The flat surface, with a recessed area, allows for an easy-to- 9*99 install, visually-appealing, and professional looking selfstorage (for windows that require opening). The panel extrusion handle doubles both as a handle for removable eeo• panels as well as a self-storage ledge. Such extrusion can also be a hinged magnetic panel extrusion. Such hinged 9999 say.extrusion allows installation of the system of the present invention over windows that require vertical or horizontal swing action opening. This extrusion works particularly well when installed over swinging patio doors. Such extrusions can also be made of flexible material, e.g.,

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*flexible PVC. This product enables the installation of the system of the present invention over round, gothic, pointed, circular, octagonal and other various window shapes.

*0* *e o o *ooo

Claims (20)

1. A magnetic insulating storm window comprising: a panel sub-frame, said panel sub-frame including a pair of spaced- apart vertical mullions, a lower sill, and an upper plate, each mullion, sill and plate comprising a dorsal channel provided with a resilient gripping member for gripping a panel inserted therein, and a lateral facia channel, for holding a lateral magnetic seal operatively associated therewith; and an intermediate frame, said intermediate frame including a pair of spaced-apart vertical mullions, a lower sill and an upper plate, each mullion, sill and plate comprising a pair of spaced-apart, vicinal lateral channels for holding a snap-on magnetizable or magnetic metal receptor, and a secondary channel including means for securing said intermediate frame to a component of a window frame.

2. The magnetic insulating storm window further comprising:o4"cao', I a window including a perimetral frame of mullions, sill and plate holding a window pane, and means for securement to a window frame of jambs and rails.

3. The magnetic insulating storm window of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said panel sub-frame further includes: a fly screen sub-frame, said fly screen sub-frame including a pair of spaced- 20 apart vertical mullions, a lower sill, and an upper plate, each mullion, sill and plate comprising a facia channel provided with an internal channel for gripping a fly screen inserted therein, and a hidden face, for holding a facial magnetic tape adhesively secured thereon.

4. The magnetic, insulating storm window of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said dorsal channel includes at least two downwardly-sloping, flexible

5. The magnetic insulating storm window of any one of the preceding claims, and including a panel abutment inner flange at the mouth of said dorsal channel.

6. The magnetic insulating storm window of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said lateral facia channel includes a pair of facing flanges to define a second lateral channel to receive a complementary-shaped, lateral projection protruding o• from said magnetic seal.

7. The magnetic insulating storm window of any of the preceding claims, wherein each vicinal lateral channel includes a narrow lateral entry throat.

8. The magnetic insul I. storm window of claim 7, wherein said snap- on magnetizable or mag ntiirffetal receptor includes a pair of depending legs, each said leg terminatin~g-inan outwardly-and-upwardly-directed foot, for insertion into an associat cnarrow lateral entry throat, [N:\LIBLL]00590:JCC I

9. The magnetic insulating storm window of any one of the preceding claims, including a double-faced adhesive tape to hold and maintain said snap-on magnetizable or magnetic metal receptor in place.

The magnetic insulating storm window of any one of claims 3-9, including a fly screen disposed within said fly screen sub-frame, said fly screen being framed by means of an extruded aluminum profile fitted with a glass fiber mesh screen and including a lateral magnetic seal adhesively secured to the frame for magnetic attachment to said fly screen sub-frame.

11. The window system of any one of the preceding claims wherein all compcnents of said frames are formed of extruded thermoplastic malerial.

12. The window of claim 11 wherein said thermoplastic material is polyvinyl chloride.

13. The window of claim 11 or claim 12 wherein said extruded material can be hinged or flexible.

14. The magnetic insulating storm window of claim 11 or claim 12 wherein said extruded magnetic seal is a flexible rubberized ferrite magnetic extrusion.

The magnetic insulating storm window of any one of the preceding claims wherein said lateral magnetic seal is extruded.

16. The magnetic insulating storm window of any one of the claims 2-14 20 wherein said window pane is formed of an acrylic plastic material.

17. The magnetic insulating storm window system of any one of the claims 2-18 including a means for securing a face of said perimetral frame of said window to a vicinal face of said intermediate frame.

18. The magnetic insulating storm window system of claim 17 wherein said securing means comprises double-faced adhesive tape and other fasteners.

19. The magnetic insulating storm window of any one of the claims 3 to 18 inclusive, wherein said fly screen includes an integral-hinged, extruded handle, to permit vertical or horizontal swing action.

20. A magnetic insulating storm window substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated 24 September, 1996 Victor Garcia Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person SPRUSON FERGUSON [N:\LIBLL]00590:JCC Magnetically-Sealed Storm Window Combination ABSTRACT A novel magnetic insulating storm window (100) is provided herein. This storm window (100) includes a panel sub-frame (200), which is formed with a pair of spaced-apart vertical mullions, a lower sill and an upper plate, each mullion, sill and plate having a dorsal channel (211) provided with at least one resilient gripping member (212) for gripping a panel (214) inserted therein, and a lateral facia channel (215), for holding a lateral magnetic seal (216) operatively associated therewith. This storm window also includes an intermediate frame (300) which is formed with a pair of spaced-apart vertical mullions, a lower sill and an upper plate, each mullion, sill and plate including a pair of spaced-apart, vicinal lateral channels (311) for holding a snap-on magnetizable or magnetic metal receptor and a secondary channel (310) including means for securing the intermediate frame (300) to a component of a window frame (110). The storm window (100) also includes a fly screen made of an aluminium extrusion incorporating the above-identified magnetic holding system, and a glass fibre screen. Figure 3 S. a. a.. 4* a *o a a> a a a oo a 0248N/CMS