US2812812A - Window construction - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 12, 1957 T. HAUCK WINDOW CONSTRUCTION 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed'Dec. 29, 1949 INVENTOR 1 1 3 a I ATTORNEtS bi T. HAUCK 2,81

e Sheets-Sheet a WINDOW CONSTRUCTION u w W ll &

1 !ln LIIIIII" I h aw u Nov. 12, 1957 Original Filed Dec. 29. 1949 Nov. 12, 1957 T. HAUCK 2,812,812

WINDOW CONSTRUCTION Original Filed Dec. 29. 1949 I 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 umgymyg I 4 4.93am? Theodore Hams/E- av M, 91W

90 ATTORNEYS 7 T. HAUCK 2,812,812

wmoow CONSTRUCTION Original Filed Dec. 29, 1949 e Sheets-Sheet 5 I INVENTOR Theodore Hauck ATTORNEYS Nov. 12, 1957 T. HAUCK wmnow CONSTRUCTION Original Fiied. Dec. 29, 1949 e Sheets-Sheet e .INVENTOR Th o dore Hauc/z z i 9 a 2 ATTORNEYS Unite WINDOW CONSTRUCTION Theodore Hauck, Amityville, N. Y., assignor to General Bronze Corporation,Garden City, N. Y.

3 Claims. (Cl. 160-401) This application is a division of. my copending application Serial No. 135,726, filed December 29, 1949 now Patent No. 2,703,158.

This invention relates to window construction and more particularly to an improved window unit comprising a conventional double-hung window combined in a novel manner with a novel self-storing storm sash and screen assembly, as well as to certain novel sub-combinations of the window unit. The present invention is particularly useful when incorporated in windows of the type wherein all of the non-glazed portions of the window are made of metal and the preferred embodiment of the invention will be described in connection with such windows. However, as the description proceeds it will be apparent that the invention may be used in connection with wooden frame windows as well, and a modification of the invention particularly useful in wooden frame windows will also be described. Also portions of the present window unit may be used in conjunction with casement type windows.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved assembly of double-hung window, storm sash and screen that is unusually easy to install and may be rapidly secured in place in a suitable buiding opening by relatively unskilled labor. It is another object of the invention to eliminate the relatively complicated and costly anchoring of the window frame in the building opening that has heretofore been thought necessary. It is still another object of the invention to provide a combination window unit of this type having sufiicient ventilating flexibility to satisfy the varying desires of different users under widely varying atmospheric conditions. It is a further object of the invention to provide such a unit wherein the screen is protected from exposure during winter weather without removal from the unit. It is another object of the invention to provide a unit having an improved caulking joint and improved heat insulating properties. It is still another object of the invention to provide in such a unit improved means for inhibiting lateral movement of the storm sash and screen and thereby preventing rattling of these window elements. It is a still further object of the invention to provide in a unit of this type improved means for limiting downward movement of the lower sash and improved means for retaining the window elements in their uppermost position when desired. Other objects of the invention will be in part obvious and in part pointed out hereafter.

The many objects and advantages of the present invention may best be understood and appreciated by reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a window unit incorporating a preferred embodiment of the present invention and wherein:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of a pair of windows incorporating the invention;

Figure 2 is a vertical section taken on the line 2-2 of States PatentO Figure 1 and showing the general arrangement of the ice window unit and its manner of mounting in the building opening;

Figure 3 is a horizontal section taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 1 and further showing the general arrangement of the principal parts of the two window units of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a vertical section taken on the line 44 of Figurel and showing the spring-biased detent for retaining the storm sashes and screen in their uppermost positions;

Figure 5 is a horizontal section taken on the line 55 of Figure 4 and showing one of the track-retaininglugs;

Figure 6 is a vertical section taken on the line6-6 of Figure 4, i. e., at right angles to the section of Figure 4 and showing the cooperation between the spring-biased detent and the notch in the frame of the lower storm sash;

Figure 7 is an enlarged detail view of the storm sash notch and detent shown in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a detail view, similar to Figure 7 but taken on the line 8-8 of Figure 4, and showing the configuration of the notches in the frames of the screen and upper storm sash;

Figure 9 is a vertical section taken on the line 9-9 of Figure 3 and illustrating the construction of the safety latch, and also certain details of the anti-rattling springs;

Figure 10 is a vertical section taken on the line 10-10 of Figure 9, i. e., at right angles to the section of Figure 9 and showing further details of the mounting of the antirattling springs;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the auxiliary frame showing the manner of mounting the tracks therein;

Figure 12 is a detail view of one of the screen latches;

Figure 13 is a detail view showing the lower portion of one of the track members in section and a stop for limiting downward movement of the upper storm sash;

Figure 14 is a vertical section through a modified screen and storm sash assembly particularly suited for use with wooden frame windows;

Figure 15 is a front elevation of the structure of Figure 14 showing the drainage ports, commonly called weep holes and indicating the means for adapting this constructing to window openings of different sizes.

Figure 16 and 17 are vertical sectionstaken on the lines 1616 and 17-17 of Figure 15 respectively and further showing the drainage ports and adapting means.

Figure 18 is an approximately vertical section taken on the line 18-18 of Figure 16 and further showing the construction of the drainage ports; and

Figure 19 is a perspective detail view of the corner of the frame shown in Figure 15. i

As indicated in the foregoing general description of the drawings, the structure as shown in Figures 1 and 3 comprises two window units located side-by-side. Since thetwo units are of essentially similar construction, only one of the. units will be described in detail.

Referringto the drawings and more particularly to Figure 2, the numeral 10 generally designates a conventional double-hung metal frame window comprising the header 11, jambs 17, upper sash 12, sill 15 and lower sash 14. The conventional window 11) is retained in a building opening by means of what will be designated herein a trim-anchor, generally designated 16, which is of generally rectangular shape and includes an outwardly extending fin 18 that extends outwardly at all sides of the trim-anchor. Referring to Figures 1 and 3 as well as to Figure 2, the fin 18 provides a nailing strip whereby the trim-anchor 16 may be secured to the peripheral portion 20 of the building opening as by means of the nails 22. i l i r As indicated in Figures 1 and 3, in cases where two or more window units are to be located side-by-side in a single window opening the portions of the fin 18 located between eachpair of windows may be secured to a portion of the conventional window frame 11 and thus form a mullion. It is evident that where a single window unit is to be located in a building opening the portion of fin 18 which in Figures 1 and 3 forms part of the mullion will be nailed to a peripheral portion of the building opening which receives the window unit.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, the frame 11 of .window is provided at its header and jambs with an outwardly extending flange 24 which is secured to the fin 18 in any suitable manner such as by means of screws 26 and in this way the trim-anchor 16 anchors the conventional window frame 11 and its associated sashes 12 and 14 in the window opening. The fin 18 is spaced somewhat from the frame 11. At the top of the window the trim-anchor 16 is provided with two rearwardly extending spacing members 27 and 28 which bear against the upper portion of frame 11 and cooperate with flange 24 and adjacent portions of the fin 18 to define an enclosure 29 filled with an insulating material that serves to inhibit moisture condensation as will be more fully described hereafter. At the sides of the window unit (see Figure 3) the spacing member 28 is omitted and its function is performed by the spacing members 30 that extend forwardly from the flange 24 to engage fin 18 and define enclosure 29. The rear face of the fin 18 is provided with the projections 31 which position the spacing member 30 and thus ensure proper lateral positioning of the window 10 with respect to the trim-anchor 16.

Reverting to Figure 2, at the bottom of the window unit the sill is provided with a pair of downwardly extending fins or flanges 32. A right-angle portion 33 of the trim-anchor 16 extends rearwardly under one of the flanges 32 and upwardly between the flanges to provide means whereby the sill 15 is connected to the trim-anchor by means of screws 26. As at the top of the window, the space defined by part 33, flanges 32 and sill 15 is filled with the insulating material 29. The trim-anchor 16 also includes a forwardly and downwardly extending sill 34. After installation of the window unit and erection of the building facing 35, the space between the sill 34 and facing 35 is filled with a suitable caulking material 36. In like manner the space between fin 18 and the facing 35 at the top of the window unit is filled with the caulking material 36. Similarly, as shown in Figure 3, the space between the trim-anchor and building facing at the sides of the window is filled with caulking material 36.

Still referring to Figure 2, the trim-anchor 16 includes in addition to the fin 18 and spacing members 27 and 28, a forwardly extending fin 37 which is provided at the top and sides of the window unit with an inwardly extending flange 38. The fin 37, flange 38, spacing member 27 and conventional window frame 11 cooperate to define an auxiliary frame 41 wherein a pair of storm sashes and a screen may be mounted.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the inner side portions of the auxiliary frame 41 are provided with the track members 40 and 42 respectively which cooperate with the flange 38 to define the slots 4446-48 and 50-52--54 respectively. Slidably mounted within the slots 48 and 54, there is an upper storm sash 56 comprising a hollow rectangular frame 58 and a light 60, e. g. a piece of glass, mounted and sealed therein. A similarly constructed lower storm sash 61 comprising a hollow 'frame 62 and light 63 is slidably mounted in the slots 44 and 50. Slidably mounted between these two storm sashes in the slots 46 and 52 there is a screen 64 mounted in a hollow frame 65. As further described hereafter the storm sashes and screen may be vertically moved to give desired ventilation and weather protection under varying winter and summer conditions. In addition to providing slots for reception of the storm sashes and screens, the track members 40 and 42 act as stiffening members for the frame 41 to help prevent buckling of the frame.

In order to permit ready removal of the window sashes 56 and 61 and screen 64 for cleaning and the like, the track members 40 and 42 are made in sections that are separately detachable from the frame 41. Referring particularly to Figures 3, 5 and 11, the frame 41 is provided with a pair of track- member retaining flanges 68 and 70.

The track member 40 is provided with a number of retatable lugs, such as the lug 72, rotatably mounted on the track member 40 by means of rivets 74 which are secured to the lugs. At their ends each of the lugs 72 has a pair of ears 76 and 78 which are adapted to engage respectively the retaining flanges 68 and 70 to hold the track member securely in place in the frame 41. The inner ends of rivets 74 are flush with the track member 40 and provided with kerfs 80 by means of which the rivets 74 and associated lugs 72 may be rotated with a screw driver to cause the cars 76 and 78 to engage or be detached from the retaining flanges 68 and 70. The track member 40 is also provided with a series of projections 81 that normally engage the flange 68. These projections facilitate proper positioning of the track member with respect to the frame 41 when the track member is inserted in the frame and also prevent undesired relative movement of the track member and frame.

The sectionalization of the track members 40 and 42 is best indicated in Figure 11. The track members may be formed of any suitable number of sections but as shown in Figure 11 comprise a lower section 82 extending from the bottom of the window unit to the point 84 and including two of the lugs 72, and an upper section 83 extending from the point 88 to the top of the window and provided with two of the lugs 72. When it is desired to remove one of the window elements comprising the two storm sashes and screen from the frame 41, the window elements are moved to their uppermost position where they are retained in place by mechanism described below. The lugs 72 of the lower section 82 are then rotated to disengage this section of track member 40 from the frame 41 and the corresponding section of track member 42 is removed. Thereafter one or more of the window elements may be lowered nad removed from the frame 41 as indicated in phantom in Figure 14, by drawing the lower portion of the sash inwardly and causing the sash to pivot about its upper edge. The flange 38 of frame 41 prevents the sash from falling outwardly as it is removed. Reverting to Figure 11, it will be noted that the upper end of track section 82 is spaced from the lower end of section 83 by an amount equal to the distance between points 84 and 88 on the frame 41, and that the distance from sill 34 to point 88 is greater than the height of the window elements. This spacing is to facilitate removal of the window elements from the frame.

In order to retain the window elments in their uppermost positions, a spring-biased detent is provided. Referrring to Figures 4, 6, 7 and 8, mounted on the upper outer surface of the track member 40, there is a leaf spring 90 which at its upper end is bent to form a projection 92. A slot 94 is formed in the track member 40 to permit the projection 92 to bear against the side edges of the frames of the window elements. As shown in Figure 7, the frame 62 of the lower storm sash 61 is provided wtih a V-notch 96 that is engaged by the projection 92 to hold the storm sash in its uppermost position. The projection 92 is resiliently biased to enter the notch 96 to retain the sash 61 in its uppermost position. When it is desired to lower this sash downward manual pressure on the window element causes the projection 92 to be forced outwardly into the space between the track member 40 and fin 37 and the sash can thus be lowered.

Referring to Figure 8, corresponding notches are Y formed in the frames 65 and 58 of the screen 64 and upper storm sash 56 respectively, but the notches 97 are of a somewhat different configuration from notch 96. Thus notches 97 have a horizontal upper edge which prevents lowering of the upper storm sash and screen by downward manual pressure on these window elements until the projection 92 has been Withdrawn from notches 97. The detent and notches cooperate to form an interlock between the window elements which permit lowering of the storm sash 56 and screen 64 only after the storm sash 61 has been moved downwardly to cause the projections 92 to be retracted.

In order to secure desired ventilation, it is frequently desirable that the lower storm sash be positioned a pre determined amount above its lowermost position in contact with sill 34. Referring to Figures 3 and 9 of the drawings, this desired positioning of the lower storm sash is secured by means of a retaining pin 100 which passes through the hole 102 in the track member 42 and extends across the slot 50 of the track member. The pin 100 is mounted on a leaf spring 104 which at its lower end is secured to the track member 42 by a rivet 106 and thus the pin 100 is resiliently urged through the hole 102 into the position shown in solid lines in Figure 9, in which position it engages the lower portion of sash 61. To facilitate withdrawal of the pin 100 from the track member, it is provided with a knob 108 that may be manually grasped. The withdrawn position of the retaining pin is shown in phantom in Figure 9. It is apparent that when the pin 100 is positioned as shown in the solid lines in Figure 9, it Will limit downward movement of the lower storm sash 61. The pin 100 also serves as a safety latch to prevent injury to the hands of the user of the window, since the pin must be manually withdrawn from the slot 50 in order to lower the sash 61 the last few inches to its closed position.

In order to inhibit lateral movementof the window elements in their respective slots and prevent rattling of the window elements, a number of specially mounted spring elements are provided. Referring to Figures 9 and 10, a normally arcuate thin spring member 110 is mounted on the hollow frame 65 of the screen 64. The hollow frame 65 is provided with the holes 112 and 114 and the ends of the spring 110 pass through the holes and are curved to ensure that the ends of the spring will remain within the interior of the frame 65. The central portion of the spring 110 bears against the side of slot 52 and thus inhibits lateral movement of the screen 64 within the slot. It should be noted that the spring 110 is loosely mounted with respect to the frame 65, i. e., it is not secured in fixed relation to the frame but is freely movable, within limits, in the holes 112 and 114. It has been found that the loose mounting of the spring 110 is especially effective in reducing rattling while at the same time permitting free movement of the screen 64 within its slot. In the embodiment here disclosed (see Figure 1) each of the window elements is provided with four of the springs 110, i. e., two vertically spaced springs on each side of the window element.

The screen 64 is provided with a pair of spring-biased latches located at the inner side of the screen to prevent opening of the screen from the outside. As shown in Figure l, the latches 118 and 120 are mounted opposite one another in the sides of screen frame 65 approximately mid-way between the top and bottom of the screen. Referring to Figure 12, each latch comprises a springretaining housing 122 effectively secured to the frame 65 and containing a coil spring 124 which bears at one end against the housing and at its other end against a shoulder 126 of an axiallyslidable pin128 in such manner as to urge the pin to the right as shown in Figure 12. The pin 128 extends through the side wall of frame 65 in one direction, and in the other direction extends through the spring 124 and housing 122 and terminates in a knob 130 that is adapted to be manually grasped. Rightward movement of the pin is limited by a shoulder 132 of knob that bears against a portion of housing 122. The portion of pin 128 extending beyond frame 65 is adapted to engage (see Figure 11) a hole 134 in the lower section 82 of track member 40. It is evident that spring 124 normally holds pin 128 in hole 134 to retain screen 64 in its lower position and that pin 128 may be manually withdrawn by means of knob 130 when it is desired to lraise the screen. The knobs 130 also serve as means whereby the screen may be manually gasped to raise and lower it.

Referring to Figures 11 and 13, the lower section 82 ot the track member is provided, near the bottom thereof, with an upset projection 136 that extends into the slot 48. As best shown in Figure 13, projection 136 acts as a stop to limit downward movement of upper sash 56 and prevent it from coming in contact with sill 34.

In order to provide a seal between the storm sash and screen these window elements are provided with a number of laterally extending horizontal ribs that extend from side to side of the elements. Referring to Figure 2, the frame 65 of screen 64 is provided with a pair of ribs 180 and 182 that extend sideways from track member 40 to track member 42 and outwardly into contact with frame 58 of upper storm sash 56 when these elements are in the position shown in Figure 2, and an inwardly extending rib 184 that extends sideways between members 40 and 42 and outwardly to frame 62 of storm sash 63. At the top of sash 63 there is a rib 186 extending from track 40 to track 42 and outwardly to frame 65 of screen 64 and a spring 188 afiixed to frame 62. The spring 188 also extends from track 40 to track 42 and bears against the lower portion of sash 12 to cause the window elements 56, 64 and 61 to be urged toward one another to ensure desired contact between the ribs and window element frames from side to side'of these elements. When the parts are positioned as shown in Figure 2, ribs 180, 184 and 186 cooperate with frames 58, 62 and 65 respectively to inhibit passage of atmospheric air to the space between the storm window and the conventional window. The spring 188 is particularly useful as a sealing element in cases where the storm sashes are omitted and a single half-screen such as the screen 64 is positioned in tracks 46-50.

Near the bottoms of sashes 56 and 62, there are additional ribs 190 and 192 which provide hand-holds to facilitate manual movement of these Window elements. The bottom of screen 64 has a downwardly and outwardly extending rib 194 which provides a hand-hold for movement of the screen. A similar rib 196 is formed at the bottom of storm sash 61. It should be noted that a double seal is provided at the bottom of storm sash 61, since the frame 62 bears against sill 15 and the bottom of rib 196 bears against sill 34.

Turning now to Figures 14-19 of the drawings, these figures show a trim-anchor and storm sash-screen assembly essentially the same as those described previously, but modified for use with Wooden-frame windows. Referring particularly to Figure 14, the numeral designates a conventional, double-hung wooden-frame window having the conventional frame 152 and sill 154. Secured to the frame 152 there is a trim-anchor 156 including a laterally extending fin 158 adapted to be used as a nailing strip for securing the trim-anchor 156 to frame 152, and an auxiliary frame within which are mounted, in manner similar to that previously described, an upper storm sash 162, screen 164 and lower storm sash 166. The window elements 162--164166 slide in slots of auxiliary frame 160 as previously described, and can be removed therefrom if desired. The mode of removal of lower sash 166 is indicated in phantom in Figure 14.

The construction of the bottom portion of trim-anchor 156 is somewhat different from that of trim-anchor 16. As best shown in Figures 16 and 17, the bottom of trimanchor 156 is provided with an expansion rail 168 comprising the telescoping upper and lower U-shaped members 170 and 172 which are relatively slidable to permit the auxiliary frame of the trim-anchor to be fitted to previously installed window frames of various heights. As indicated in Figure 19, the side rails of the trimanchor 156, as originally formed, may extend somewhat below the expansion rail 168 to form extension 198. When the trim-anchor is fitted to a conventional window frame 152, the expansion rail is adjusted to cause the lower U-shaped member 172 to be positioned against sill 154, and the extensions 198 of the trim-anchor are cut off flush with the bottom of member 172. The extensions 198 are preferably made at least long enough to extend somewhat below the expansion rail 168 when it is in its most expanded position.

At the bottom of trim-anchor 156 means are provided for removing condensed moisture both from the space between the conventional window and storm sash, and from the interior of the hollow expansion rail. Referring to Figures l18, the under side of U-shaped member 172 is recessed at one or more points to define, with sill 154, a number of channels 174 (in this case two) providing a drainage port or weep hole for removal of any water that may condense between the storm sash and window. The member 172 is also provided with the holes 176 which serve as drainage ports for moisture that may condense within expansion rail 168. The holes 176, in addition to acting as drainage ports, provide a convenient opening for insertion of a screw driver or similar tool for the purpose of adjusting the expansion rail in fitting the trim-anchor to the window frame.

It is apparent from the foregoing description that the present invention provides an unusually compact and effective window unit that may be used with or without storm sash and screen. That is to say, the trim-anchor 16 and conventional window frame form a useful subcombination since the trim-anchor includes a nailing strip by means of which the combined structure may be readily mounted in a building opening without the use of relatively complicated anchoring means that have heretofore been generally used. It should be noted that the trim-anchor of the construction shown in Figures 1-13 is the sole means for anchoring the conventional window in the window opening. If, after installation of the trimanchor and conventional window it is found desirable to add storm sashes and screens, these additional window elements may be readily mounted in the auxiliary frame 41 by insertion of the track members 40 and 42.

The storm sash and screen assembly described above possesses numerous practical advantages. By providing separate tracks, for the two storm sashes and the screen, each of these window elements can be independently adjusted and hence a wide variety of ventilating conditions secured. Since the screen is mounted between the two storm sashes it may be moved upwardly behind the upper storm sash (see Figure 2) during the winter months to prevent clogging with snow. The retaining pin 1% permits positive partial opening of the lower storm sash 61 and also acts as a safety device to reduce the likelihood of smashing of the fingers by the descending sash, since the knob N3 must be manually grasped and withdrawn before the sash 61 can be moved to its lowermost position. The detent J2 retains the window elements in their uppermost position and the loosely mounted springs 11!) are exceptionally effective in inhibiting lateral movement of the window elements within their slots and in preventing rattling of these elements. The heat insulated enclosure 29 has been found to reduce materially the tendency of moisture to condense on the various glass surfaces of the window unit.

It is, of course, to be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative only and that numerous changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus it is apparent that the trim-anchor may be used to support a single conventional window or may be formed as a unitary structure to support two or more such windows. The number of window elements supported within the auxiliary frame of the trim-anchor may be varied as desired, e. g., the screen or one of the storm sashes may be omitted, or a nonmovable full screen may be used. The spring-biased detents may be located on only one side of the frame or on both sides thereof, and safety latches may be provided at both sides of the window, or additional vertically spaced latches may be used. The number and arrangement of anti-rattling springs may also be varied.

Since many embodiments might be made of the present invention and since many changes might be made in the embodiment disclosed herein, it is to be understood that the foregoing description is to be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.

What i claim is:

1. In a window construction, a frame comprising sill, header and jambs arranged in substantially rectangular form, each of said jambs having at least two sash receiving channels extending longitudinally thereof, a first half sash and a second half sash, each slidably mounted in a respective pair of channels in said jambs and arranged to slide to the upper and lower halves of said frame with one sash being slidable in front of the other, the first one of said sashes having a locking notch in one of its vertical side stiles, said notch having a substantially horizontally outwardly extending upper face, the second one of said sashes having a camming notch in one of its side stiles opposite said locking notch in said first sash, the upper face of said camming notch inclining upwardly and outwardly and terminating short of the upper end of said stile, a resilient locking and latching member carried by said frame and extending into the paths of movement of said sashes and engageable with both of said notches and with the upper face of said camming notch, whereby when said sashes are in raised positions in the upper half of said frame with their notches in horizontal alignment each with the other, said first sash is positively locked against downward movement and said second sash is frictionally latched against downward movement, and when said second sash is moved downward, the upper face of said camming notch pushes against said resilient member to move it out of engagement with said locking notch in the stile in said first sash so that the latter will be free to move downwardly, and when said second sash is positioned in the lower part of said frame with said first sash in the upper part thereof, said first sash will be positively locked.

2. The combination of elements as in claim 1 wherein said resilient member is a transverse hairpin-loop shaped continuation of the free end of a spring arm, is continuous across its width and extends transversely substantially across all of said tracks, said spring arm being wide, long and thin and fixed vertically in cantilever fashion to said frame.

3. The combination of elements as in claim 1 in further combination with a third half-sash, and another pair of sash receiving channels positioned parallel to the first two pairs in said jambs and in which said third sash is mounted, said third sash having a locking notch in one of its vertical side stiles, said notch having a substantially horizontal outwardly extending upper face and being engageaole by said locking and latching member simultaneously along with said notches in said first and second sashes.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 892,970 Bagby July 7, 1908 2,575,575 Altwies Nov. 20, 1951

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