US3070856A

US3070856A - Weather seal for sliding window

Info

Publication number: US3070856A
Application number: US47889A
Authority: US
Inventors: Dean K Minick
Original assignee: Capitol Products Corp
Current assignee: Capitol Products Corp
Priority date: 1957-08-06
Filing date: 1960-08-01
Publication date: 1963-01-01
Anticipated expiration: 1980-01-01

Description

Jan. l, 1963 CK 3,070,856

'EA NG wINDow Jan. 1, 1963 D. K. MNcK WEATHER sEAL FoR sLIDING wINDow 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed Aug. 6, 1957 IOO --IIO ATTORNEYS Jan. l, 1963 D. K. MNcK 3,070,856

WEATHER SEAL FOR SLIDING WINDOW Original Filed Aug. 6, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 mf'\\ QA INVENT OR DEAN K. MINICK ATTORNEYS' Jan. 1, 1963 D. K. MNcK 3,070,856

WEATHER SEAL FOR SLIDING WINDOW Original Filed Aug. 6, 1957 5 Sheets-Shet 4 .JE-f /2 JNVENTOR DEAN K. M'NcK ATTORNEYS Jan. 1, 1963 K. MNcK 3,070,856

WEATHER SEAL FOR SLIDING WINDOW Original Filed Aug. 6, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 NvENToR ATTORNEYS DEAN K.MNcK

United tates @arent @nhee asians Patent-ea saa. 1, issa v 3,070,856 WEATHER SEAL FR SMDHNG WHNDW Dean K. Minicir, Camp Hill, Pa., assignor to Capitol Products Corporation, Mechanicsburg, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania riginal application Aug. 6, 1957, Ser. No. 676,629, now

Patent No. 2,953,824, dated Sept. 27, 1960. Divided and this application Aug. 1, 1960, Ser. No. 47,889

Claims. (Ci. 20-59) The present invention relates generally to the window art and more specifically and in particular to new and useful improvements in weather seals for horizontal sliding sash window constructions.

This application is a division of my original application, Serial No. 676,629 filed August 6, 1957, now Patent No. 2,953,824, issued September 27, 1960.

There are many prior art window constructions of the horizontal or lateral sliding type which serve to provide in a window opening one or more fixed sashes in combination with one or more horizontally openable sashes which slide in parallel relationship with the fixed sash components. lt has been discovered that there are many features of construction throughout prior art structures which are disadvantageous for one reason or another.

The principal disadvantage inherent in substantially all prior art horizontal sliding windows arises from high cost of manufacture of the intricate and complex structures heretofore utilized. Other disadvantages found to be prominent throughout these prior art structures relate to inadequate and insuflicient weather sealing, ineficient and poor working parts, and costly and unsightly locking or latch means which are difficult and cumbersome in operation.

It is, therefore, a general object of the present invention to provide a window of the horizontal sliding type the construction of which serves to eliminate substantially all of the disadvantages and problems inherent throughout the prior art structures.

It is a principal object of this invention to provide a Window construction which is of extremely simple and inexpensive design lending itself readily to low cost manufacture without sacrificing any of the requisite characteristics of strength, durability, or appearance.

It is another object of this invention to provide a window of the type described wherein the simplification of design and parts and the low cost of manufacture are made possible through the utilization of a simple, extruded structural member Which serves substantially universally in the fabrication and assembly of the window unit.

Still a further object of this invention is the provision of a window of the type described wherein the simplified and unique structural member utilized substantially universally in the fabrication and assembly of the window construction permits a substantial savings in the amount of material required to construct the structural components of the window relative to the material requirements of prior art structures. The structural member utilized is of such a construction as to satisfy maximum requirements of strength notwithstanding the substantial reduction in material utilized in its formation.

A still further object of this invention rests in the provision of a window construction of the type described wherein unique structures are utilized in the formation of glazing seals and weather seals for the sash elements of the window which serve to afford weather sealing and cushioning characteristics of maximum efiiciency for the Window unit.

The glazing and weather sealing components utilized in the instant window construction are of extremely simpie and inexpensive design and are readily incorporated in the window construction at time of fabrication at a minimum cost attributable to materials and to labor.

Another and important object of this invention resides in the provision of a unique and utilitarian latch mechanism incorporated in the window unit cooperatively with the horizontal sliding sash components to provide a positive, self-locking construction for the openable sash components of the window. in addition to the novel construction and operation of the self-locking latch mechanism incorporated in the window unit, the latch mechanism is of such a structural design as to eliminate extension of any latch parts into any light area of the window unit while still presenting manually operable components in readily accessible position on the window.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a window construction of the type hereinbefore described wherein the movable sash components of the window arel readily removable from the window unit for cleaning and like purposes.

Yet another object of this invention is the provision of a window construction of the type described wherein such components as glazing seals, weather seals and slide tracks or rails may be quickly and easily removed or installed for purposes of repair or replacement.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a new and useful window construction of the type described in which the frame components are readily fabricated for iin-trim or woodbuck type window installations.

Still further objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art when the following description is read in the light of the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front or inside elevation of an illustrative embodiment of the window unit.

FIG. 2 is a rear or outside elevation of the window unit shown in FIG. l.

FIG. 3 is a vertical section taken on line 3-3, FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a vertical section taken on line 4-4, FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a horizontal section taken on line 5-5, FiG. 1.

FIG. o is a horizontal section on line 6 6, FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a front elevation in fragmentary vertical section of the latch mechanism shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a pictorial perspective illustration of the latch mechanism shown in FIG. 6.

FiG. 9 is a fragmentary vertical elevation in partial section illustrating theI attachment of the center rail to the frame. v

FIG. 10 is a vertical section taken on line 10-10, Fl'G. 9.

FIG. 11 is a horizontal section taken on line 11-11, FIG. 10.- i

Fl'G. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary rear elevation of the Window in partial vertical section illustrating the screen lock.

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary pictorial perspective illustration of the upper portion of the removable sliding sash component.

FIG. -14 is a fragmentary horizontal section illustrating a modified form of the structural member from which the frame is constructed. I

FIG. 15 is a view like FIG. 14 of a further modification of the frame component. I

The nature of the present inventionmay be stated in general terms as relating to a window construction of the type including one or more fixed sash panels and one or more horizontally sliding sash panels all contained and supported withina frame in which all component sections (head, sill and side bar) are formed from a common one-piece structural member. In this window unit the glazing of the fixed and sliding panels is secure and weather-tight, and the movable panels are provided with a latch member serving as a functional hand grip for moving the sliding panels horizontally of the frame relative to the fixed panels and automatically operating to lock the movable panel in its closed position.

In the descriptions herein following, and in the accompanying drawings, the concepts of the present invention are exemplarily disclosed in the form of a double panelled window, one fixed and one sliding, for purposes of illustration of an operable embodiment. However, the concepts of this invention are equally applicable to windows including a plurality of panels, both fixed and movable, in a variety of cooperative relationships one to the other. It is not intended nor contemplated that the scope of this invention be limited in any way whatever beyond those requirements made necessary by the prior art and the hereinafter appended claims.

Detailed Description In the illustrative embodiment of the present invention disclosed in the accompanying drawings the numeral 10 designates, generally, the window unit constructed in accordance with the novel concepts of the invention and composed of a frame 12 for installation directly in a window opening. Frame 12 includes a sill member 14, a header 16, and interconnecting side bars 18 and 18:1. The sill and header are interconnected vertically intermediate the length of the frame by a center bar or meeting rail 20 defining within the frame two like openings on either side thereof. Each of said openings is closed by a glazed panel, one fixed, 22, and one slidable, 24. In addition, the opening in front of the sliding panel 24 is provided with a screen panel 26 enclosing one side thereof within the frame component.

In installation in a light opening the present window construction has a normally indoor side, as is seen in FIG. l of the drawings, and an outdoor side as is seen in FIG. 2, and over a portion of which the screen panel 26 is removably affixed.

Frame Components As best seen in FIGS. 3 through of the drawings, the sill, header and side

bar frame components

14, 16, 18 and 18a respectively, are all formed from an elongated extruded, semi-tubular structural member 28. Appropriate lengths of this common extruded structural member, each having mitered ends, are arranged and fabricated into a rectangular frame as disclosed with adjacent mitered ends being joined at right angles by welding or a like method of attachment to form a composite, onepiece frame member of substantially identical cross sectional configuration throughout its rectangular length.

The elongated extruded structural member 23 from which the components of the frame 12 are formed may be described in cross Sectional configuration (see FIG. 5) as consisting of a flat Web 30 extending transversely of the Width of the structural member throughout its longtudinal length. One longitudinal edge of the web 30 is provided with a flange 32 projecting outwardly from one face, 34, of the web and forms therewith a slightly obtuse angle a. The remote longitudinal edge of web 30 is provided with a second flange 36 projecting outwardly from the opposite face, 38, of the web in a direction opposite to and in parallel with the projection of flange 32 from the web. Flange 36 forms an acute angle b with the web face 38 which is complementary to obtuse angle "a.

Additionally, flange 36 is provided longitudinally of its extreme projected end remote to web face 38 with a perpendicular bead or lip 40 extending in the general direction of the plane of flange 32. Flange 36 also has a heel-like extension 42 formed as an integral continuation thereof projecting outwardly from face 34 of web 30 for a distance Suflicient to align the extended end thereof with the apex of angle a on a line defining a true perpendicular between the parallel planes of

flanges

32 and 36.

The cross Sectional configuration of the extruded structural member 28 is further defined by the face 38 of the Web being provided intermediate its length with an integrally formed, generally V shaped rib 44 projecting outwardly therefrom. The rib 44 consists of one leg 46 of the V extending in parallel with the

flanges

32 and 36 and is provided at its extended end with a perpendicularly offset web portion 48 with an integrally formed perpendicular fin 50 thereon projecting beyond and in parallel with leg 46 and offset therefrom by the intermediate web 48.

The second leg 52 of the V rib 44, which is formed integrally with the first leg 46 adjacent its point of integral attachment to web 30, extends outwardly from web 30 at an angle divergent with the angle of the first leg. The extended end of the second angular leg of the V is provided integrally with a U shaped channel formation 54 the Spaced legs of which are disposed in parallel relationship with the parallel planes of

flanges

32 and 36 to present the open mouth of the U opening outwardly away from face 38 of the Web. That leg of the U shaped channel member nearest the leg 46 of the V shaped rib member is provided with a flanged bend 56 extending for a spaced distance toward and in perpendicular to the leg 46 and in general transverse alignment with the offset web portion 48 of leg 46.

To complete the constructional configuration of structoral member 28, that face of fin 50 on rib 44 disposed toward leg 52 thereof is provided with a plurality of spaced grooves 58 extending lonigtudinally of the member for purposes to be hereinafter described with detailed description of the improved functions of the structural member in the utility in which it is disclosed.

Again, as is best seen in FIG. 5 of the drawings, the frame 12 is formed by fabrication of a rectangle from four structural members 28 arranged in continuous, right angular alignment and suitably joined at the intersecting corners of the rectangle. By this construction the several webs, flanges, ribs, beads and channels of the structural elements forming the rectangular frame are continuously aligned about the rectangle with portions of each being in direct, spaced opposition one from the other between the head and sill bars and the two side posts of the frame respectively.

`To generally complete the frame structure of the novel sliding window construction constituting the present invention, there is provided a center post or meeting rail 60 secured vertically between the head bar and sill of the frame substantially mid-way between the side posts of the frame.

The center bar or meeting rail 60 consists of an elongated, extruded member having a cross Sectional configuration including a central, generally I shaped member 62 one of the two normally parallel plates of which is a straight leg section 64 perpendicular to the cross web 66 thereof, while the second leg 68 of the normally parallel pair is provided with a concave groove 70 laterally, centrally thereof and extending longitudinally of that face defining

remote end portions

72 and 74 of the leg lying in the same plane and being parallel with leg member 64.

The formation of groove 70 in the outer face of leg plate 68 causes an angular inclination of the inner faces of the leg within the side opening channels 75 of l shaped member 62 resulting in a generally V shaped configuration of these channels in cross Sectional view complementary to the V shaped channels defined by ribs 44 of the structural member 28.

The extreme outer cnd or longitudinal edge of portion 72 of leg 63 is provided with a right angular lip or head 75 extending longitudinally thereof and projecting for a spaced distance into the mouth of adjacent channel 75 in the direction of the leg 64. The extended end or `longitudinal edge of portion '74 of leg 68 is provided with a right angular lip 73 identical in configuration and location as lips 76. However, lip 7-8 is provided with an extended portion Si) which projects for a spaced distance outwardly from the opposite face of leg 68, remote to leg od, where it is turned through 90 degrees to provide a fiange 82 lying in parallel spaced relationship the outer face of portion 74 of leg 68 and forming therewith a generally U shaped channel 84 longitudinally of the cross rail and disposed with its open face in aligned vopposition with channel member 54 on rib 4d of the side bar of window frame 12 remote thereto.

Leg 64, of meeting rail member 62, which is generally straight and flush on its outer face, is provided at that end thereof adjacent to the first described longitudinal edge of leg 6% with a perpendicular web Sa? extending for a spaced distance in a direction therefrom remote to leg 68. Web tle is provided on its extreme, outermost end with a right angular flange d8 extending to lie in spaeed parallel relationship with the outwardly dispose face of the leg od. Web 36 is additionally provided with a perpendicular iin projecting therefrom in a direction opposite to the direction of projection of flange 88 and which is formed integrally with the Web 86 at a point immediately adjacent the integral attachment of the Web to the leg 64 of the meeting rail member. A fin 92 corresponding to fm 99 is formed integrally in offset relationship to the leg 6d on that longitudinal edge thereof remote to the integral attachment of the web 86 in such a manner that fin 92 projects oppositely from the cross rail member to fin 90 and in an aligned transverse plane therewith.

Meeting rail di) is positioned and secured in the frame between the upper header component of the frame and the sill component thereof. Because of the identity of structure of st-ructural member 28 in the frame header and the sill the structural attachment of the upper and lower ends of the cross rail is identical, and this attachment is shown, exemplarily, in FGS. 9, 10 and ll relative to the sill member M.

As is best seen in FIG. 10, the lower end off meeting rail di? is positioned above the sill component 14 of the frame 12 with the bottom ends of

portions

72 and 74 of leg 6% of the meeting rail seating in vertical alignment on the upwardly disposed, flat surface of Web portion 48 of the frame component rib 44. At the same time, the bottom surface of leg 64 of the meeting rail 6d seats horizontally along the uppermost horizontal surface of flanged bead 56 on the second leg of rib 4d of the sill component 14.

To position the meeting rail 60 on the sill component of frame 12 as described above the lowermost ends of fins 9% and 92 of the meeting rail at) are cut away horizontally for a distance above the bottom ends of legs e4 and 68 substantially equal to the vertical depth of fin dil of the sill component, above Which these fins are vertically aligned. Likewise, screen retaining Web 86 and flange 88 are cut away for a like distance above the foot of the meeting rail.

The meeting rail 69 is secured to the sill component in the position described by means of two spaced thread cutting screws gd and 9451 Which are threadedly engaged from the underside of the sill component upwardly through countersunk holes 96 and Qa in the Web 3% into the lower ends of the two side opening vertical channels '75 defined in the central I shaped portion of the meeting rail tiil, said channels being automatically threaded for a spaced distance above their lower, open ends when said screws are driven into position. i f

When the meeting rail 69 is secured within the frame 12 by the attachment hereinabove described it will be so positioned, as best seen in FIG. 5, as to locate the generally V shaped side opening channels in the main body thereof in opposed alignment laterally of the frame with the generally V shaped channels defined by the ribs 424 on each vertical side component of the frame. At the same time, oppositely extending ribs and 92 formed on the meeting rail are aligned transversely of the frame with the fins 5d on legs 46 of the two V ribs 44 on each side component of the frame. ln the same manner, the projecting

lips

76 and 78 on the leg 63 of the meeting rail oil will be aligned transversely with the bea-ds or lips '56 on the legs 52 of the V ribs of the side elements of the frame.

The transverse alignment within the frame of the above recited similar elements of the meeting rail and the interl mediate ribs 44 of the side elements of the frame serve to perform complementary and cooperative functions in the window assembly which will be hereinafter described.

Frame Installation The installation of frame 12 in a wall opening is best illustrated by FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 wherein there is shown.

a typical "'woodbuck installation consistent with the specic embodiment of the frame structural member 28 hereinbefore described.

In typical fashion the window opening in the structural wall is defined, side top and bottom, by framing studs or jamb members 98, ltltl, and 132 respectively. These jamb members present flush surfaces continuously about the opening disposed inwardly thereof.

The window frame 12 is positioned vertically in the opening (FIGS. 4 and 5) from the outdoor side of the opening which locates the flanges 32 of all the frame components in abutment with the vertical faces of the jamb members on the outdoor side thereof marginally about the window opening which they define. At the same time, the extended or projected ends of heel portions 42 of the frame component flanges 35 are positioned in abutment with the adjacent flush surfaces of the surrounding jamb members. Screws, clinch nails, or the like, lod, are driven, from within the frame, outwardly through countersunk opening 1% in the webs 39 of the side components of the frame into the adjacent jamb members to -rigidly and tightly secure the window frame in the opening.

Window Panels In the Window embodiment shown there is a fixed sash lil and a horizontally sliding, openable sash llo defined within the frame. The fixed sash consists of a glazccl panel 112 Which is positioned vertically within the frame with a peripheral, marginal edge portion thereof continuously about one face being located in abutment with the grooved faces of fins Sti of rib members 44 on one side component of the frame and the sill and head components thereof through the portions thereof extending from that side component transversely of the frame to the meeting rail 69. That vertical marginal edge portion of the glazed panel 112 remote to the side component of the frame abuts the grooved face of the fin 9% projecting integrally from the meeting rail in opposition to the tin Sti of rib 44 on the side component of the frame. The glazed panel 112 is secured in the described position by means of a glazing strip 114. Glazing strip takes the form of an elongated strip of resilient material, such as neoprene, vinyl, or the like, which in cross sectional configuration is substantially crescent-shaped, and which is provided in its convex face interme-diate the extreme tip ends thereof with a longitudinal groove 116 of generally U shaped configuration. As is best seen in FIG. 5, the installation of the glazing strip 114 is such that it is partially inserted sideways into the' channel de.- fined between the divergent legs of the V shaped rib 44, and at the same time into the channel '75 defined between the

leg members

64 and 68 of the meeting rail, Such insertion of 'the strip brings groove 116 into registry with and engagement about the bead 56 of the rib 4d, and with lip 76 of the leg 68 of the meeting rail.

This positioning of the glazing strip serves to locate one point 118 or tip end longitudinally thereabout in engagement with the inner face of the leg 46 of rib 44. The second cnd tip 129 of the strip engages the glazed panel 112 in opposition to fins 59 and fin 99. It can be seen that the glazirg strip forms a triangular insert having three-point contact between the glazed panel, leg 46 and leg 52 thereby compressively and resiliently holding the glazed panel in place while simultaneously providing a cushioned seal completely about the marginal edge of the panel.

In FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings there is shown a horizontal track member 121 carried by the sill component of the window frame. The track member consists of a flat strip 122 having upturned vertical flanges 124- and 126.10ngitudinal of each side edge. Flange 124 is provided with a rolled-over edge 1 .3 adapted to engage downwardly in channel 54 of rib element 44 of the sill component, while flange 126 is provided with a rolled edge 130 adapted to engage downwardly over the uppermost end of vertically disposed flange 35 on the sill component.

As is best seen in FIG. of the drawings, the flat, central portion of the track extends from adjacent the Web 30 of one side component of the frame to a point closely adjacent the Web of the opposed side component. However, the rolled edge portions 128 and 13% are cut away, as at 132 and 134, for a spaced distance inwardly from each end thereof sufficient to accommodate the laterally projecting ribs d4 and flanges 36 on the side bar components of the frame.

As is further seen in FIG. 5, the flat portion 122 of the track is provided in a central portion thereof with a longitudinally formed drain slot 136 vertically therethrough providing communication with the channeled recess of the sill component defined between rib d4 and iiange 36 thereof. Rib 44 of the sill component is provided at spaced points longitudinally thereof with weep loles 138 for draining condensation and the like from within the channel on the indoor side of the sill component outwardly onto the upper, inclined face of the :eb 39 of the sill component.

The sliding panel 116 of the window assembly consists of a rectangular frame 149 which is generally H shaped in cross sectional configuration with the perpendicular partition wall offset toward one end thereof outwardly away from the panel opening. Glazing of the frame is accomplished by the utilization of a continuous strip 142 of resilient material, such as neoprene, vinyl or the like, which is generally U shaped in cross Sectional configuration with the open mouth thereof receiving and engaging a continuous marginal edge portion of a glazed panel 144. The panel receiving strip is provided on the opposed outer surfaces of the parallel leg portions c-f the U shaped configuration with spaced longitudinally extending, and integrally formed, resilient fingers 146 while the adjacent ends of the legs defining the opening thereinto are provided with substantially perpendicular flanges 148.

In the installation of the glazed panel 144 in the frame 140 the strip 142 is inserted telescopically into frame 14% continuously thereabout to bring the undersides of the flanges 143 into abutment with the frame longitudinally of the panel receiving opening and to position the strip within the channel opening of the frame with the resilient fingers 146 therealong in engagement with the inner, adjacent faces of the parallel legs of the frame. By this construction the glazed panel 144 is firmly supported and cushioned within the frame 146 and a seal is established between the remote faces of the panel by the U shaped glazing strip in engagement within the channel-shaped frame.

The frame 14% of the sliding sash is slidably seated on the horizontal portion of the sill track 121. When supported by the track the upper end of the sliding sash frame projects upwardly for a spaced distance into the cavity defined between the downwardly projecting flange 38 and rib 44 of the upper or header component of the frame 12. The upper, cross component of the sliding sash frame is provided, as seen in FIG-S. 4 and 13, with spaced retainng lugs 150 secured horizontally to the upper sash frame component and projecting outwardly from that face thereof disposed toward the downwardly projecting ange 38 of the head element of the window frame so as to overlie the inturned lip 40 on the lowermost end of the flange 38 thus retaining sash frame 149 therein. The lugs 156 may be formed from nylon or other suitable self-lubricating or non-frictional materials.

When positioned in the window frame slidably seated on sill track 121, the sliding sash frame 140 presents on the indoor side thereof two

finger rails

152 and 154 which take the form of flanges formed longitudinally of the side members of the sash frame to project perperidicularly thereto and to terminate on their projected ends in

arcuate lips

156 and 158, respectively, each of which extends at substantially right angles to its integral flange in a direction away from the frame opening.

Further, that side member of the frame supporting flange 152 is additionally provided with a raised head let) which extends longitudinally of the indoor face of the frame component in spaced parallel relationship to the flange 152 and defining therewith, cooperatively with the frame, a channel 162 vertically of the frame and opening in the direction of the arcuate lip 156 on the ilange 152.

Completing the structure of the sliding panel of the window structure, that vertical face on the outside of that side component of the slidable frame opposite to flange 156 is provided with a turned over flange element 154 longitudinally of the outermost edge thereof. Turned over dange 164 forms with the adjacent frame component face a channel 166 having its open mouth disposed longitudinally of the frame component in the direction of the framed opening. This structure positions the fiange defined channel 166 to telescopically receive vertical flange 2-2 on the indoor side of meeting rail 62 when the panel is moved to a closed position thcreby interlocking the frame and the meeting rail.

Weather Seal In order to provide a weather seal for the sliding sash frame of the window construction a sealing strip 168 is provided continuously about the peripheral edge of the opening defined between the meeting rail and the side component of the frame remote to the fixed sash. The sealing or weather strip 163 consists of an elongated piece of resilient material such as neoprene, vinyl or the like, which is of generally rectangular configuration in cross section (FIGS. 4 and 5) and which is provided with a pair of parallel passages 170 continuously throughout its length serving to increase the resiliency of the member and at the same time providing a savings of material necessary to form the element. The weather strip is provided longitudinally of one face, on the outdoor side, with a plurality of spaced beads 172 which, when the strip is properly located, register with and engage in the complementary grooves 58 in the faces of aligned projections 5d on ribs 44 of the side, sill and head sections, and on rib 92 of the meeting rail member. The sealing strip is also provided longitudinally of one face thereof at right angles to said beads with a generally arcuate finger 174 having an angular teat 176 on its extreme end and an undercut groove 178 on one side thereof adjacent its point of integral attachment to the strip. Finger 174 is insertable within the V shaped channel of the ribs 44 on the side, sill and head sections and the side opening channel '75 of the meeting rail member 62. When the finger 174 is engaged within said defined channel openings the undercut groove 178 thereof engages over the beads 56 of the ribs 44 and the lip 7% of the meeting rail to retain the seallng strip in place in flush contact with the ribs dd and the meeting rail, as seen in FIG. 5. That longitudinal face of the sealing opposed to the beads 172 is provided with a partial concave face 18% which engages continuously about the outside face of frame 140 of the sliding sash there-adjacent when the sliding sash is in a normally closed position (see FIG.

in connection with the sliding sash frame and its horizontal supporting track there is provided a bumper member 132 of ge erally L shaped configuration which is formed from a resilient material and which is secured to the inner face 38 of Web St) of the side frame component adjacent the sliding sash and in transverse alignment with the track member at a point spaced thereabove so as to be engaged by the adjacent end of the sliding sash frame upon closing movement of the frame. This bumper serves to cushion the closing of the sliding sash and the foot portion 184 of the L. shaped member projects in the direction of the sliding frame in parallel with the track to engage the adjacent face of the sash frame to provide a seal therealong for that end of the frame when the sash is in a closed position.

Screen Panel ln addition to the sliding sash for closing the openable portion of the Window, the window is also provided with a screen llfon the outdoor side thereof away from the sliding sash. The screen consists of a rectangular frame the bottom, top and side members 190 of which are of generally rectangular cross section and each of which is provided with an L shaped projection 192 extending into the frame opening and defining an undercut channel lil-i continuously about the inner peripheral edge of the frame. The channel 194 receives the marginal edges of the screening material 1% downwardly theren and an elorgated continuous elastic rope or band 193 is wedged downwardly into the undercut channel 194 overlying the marginal screen edge theren and tensionally retaining the same in the channel to tautly position the screening material entirely over the frame defined opening.

The outer vertical edge of one side component of the screen frame, as best seen in FIG. 12, is provided with a flat bow spring member 2% having the remote ends thereof hooked to and engaged in the outer face of the frame component as at 2%2 and Zti-f so as to place the intermediate portion of the spring under outwardly bowed tension.

To accommodate the installation of the screen, the side component of the frame 12 of the window adjacent the sliding sash opening is provided on the inner face thereof as a continuation of flange 32 with a bead 2% extending vertically the length of said frame component in alignment transversely of the Window with flange 88 previously described. To install the screen in the openable portion of the window the spring supporting vertical side member of the screen frame is inserted angularly, inwardly intermediate the flange d8 and the outer face of leg d4- of the meeting rail under sufficient force to compressively distort the spring to permit the opposite side member of the screen frame to be moved sufciently in the direction of rib 44 on the side element of the window frame 12 to bring the outer face of the side member of the screen frame inwardly of the bead 296 on the window frame component whcreupor release of compressive movement of the screen frame against spring 2% Will urge the remote side element of the screen frame into abutment with the face of the Web .Titi intermediate head 2% and rib 44. This is accomplished easily from the inside of the window by depressing the screen toward the center bar of the window by means o f pivotal finger loops 267. The resilience of spring 2% will retain the screen frame in fixed tensional position between flange 86 of the meeting rail and web t of the side component of Window frame 12.

i Latch Mechansm A latching mechanism generally designated at 208 is provided in cooperative association with the frame of the sliding sash and the center post or meeting rail 62 of the window frame assembly. The latching mechanism consists of a swinging catch or keeper 22th which is in the form of an elongated, extruded bar member of a modified L shaped cross Sectional configuration including a thickened heel portion 212 at the jun'cture of the vertical leg 214 of the l.. and the perpendicularly extending foot 216 thereof.

The extended toe portion 218 of the swinging catch is vertically notched, as at 22%, downwardly of the upper or top face thereof at a point spaced inwardly from the extreme end, thus defining on the extreme toe end of the catch a' generally vertically extending, rounded bead 222. The end or forwardmost face 224 of the toe portion of the catch is angularly inclined rearwardly from the upper, forwardmost point on the rounded beard 222 to the lower end of the face at its point of convergence into the bottom face of the foot portion of the catch. This forwardmost face of the toe portion of the swinging catch is provided, intermediate its vertical length, with a grooved channel 226 extending longitudinally throughout the catch bar and defining on the lower, forwardmost end of the toe portion a rib 228 the forwardmost face of which aligns in Vertical angularty with the normal plane of the inclined toe face of the catch.

The bottom face of the foot portion of the L shaped swinging catch is formed arcuately, as at 230, from the forwardmost face of the toe portion rearwardly and upwardly into the body of the foot portion for a spaced distance in the general direction of the heel of the catch and from the innermost end of said arcuate configuration angularly downwardly, as at 252, to the heel of the catch defining the above-described thicliened heel portion 2312. At the heel of the catch a generally rounded lip 234 is formed in a direction generally outwardly from the normal plane of the vertical leg of the catch in a direction following the line of the angularly inclined bottom v face of the foot portion thereof whcreby a groove or finger rail is defined generally in the area designated 236 between the normal rearwardmost vertical face of the leg portion of the catch and its convergence into the rounded line of the lip 234 which is at a point spaced above the bottom face of the catch a distance dcfined by the projecting lip.

Completing the structure of the latch member is a flat bow spring 238 which is positioned longtudinally in the groove 226 on the forward face of the toe portion of the latch with one end of the spring secured to the bottom or inner wall of the groove by Serrated edges on the spring, as at 24%, and the second end freely engaging the bottom wall of the groove at a point spaced longitudinally from the attached end thereof. The configuration of the spring is such that the bo'wed portion 242 thereof projects outwardly of the groove 226 for a spaced distance beyond the plane of the vertically inclined forward face of the nose portion of the latch.

in the cooperative installation of the latch member with respect to the frame Mil of the sliding sash and the meeting rail 62 of the window assembly the toe portion of the latch member is slidably inserted vertically in the channel defined by the normally inner face of fiange 152 on the sliding sash frame, the arcuate finger rail 156, and the rib 163 extending vertically of the outer face of the adjacent face of the sliding sash frame. This positioning of the latch brings the notch 22% in registry with the rib 1659 locating the rounded head 222'in confined engagement between the adjacent face of dange 152 and the inner face of rib loli with the generally arcuate bottom face portion 230 of the toe of the catch concentrically aligning with the inner face of the arcuate fiange or finger rail 156. This positioning of the latch places the bowed portion 242 of spring 238 in compressive or resilient engagement with the adjacent vertical face of flange 152 of the sash frame urging the forward face of the toe portion of the latch outwardly from said fiange face to a point limited by the engagement of the forward vertical face of the vertical leg portion 214: of the latch with the perpendicular fiange 164- on the adjacent vertical edge of the frame 140 of the sliding sash. At a point coincidental with the engagement of the forward vertical face of the leg portion with the fiange 164 an angularly tlatted portion 244- on the upper face of the foot portion of the catch will be brought to a point of engagement with the adjacent vertical face of the sliding sash frame 140. The coincidental engagement of these two surface areas on the latch member with the respective perpendicularly disposed surfaces of the sliding sash frame is critical to the retention of the latch member in the defined channel which retention is accomplished by the moments of force on the latch member established between these two points of engagement, the engagement of the rounded bead 222 behind rib 160, and the moment of the resilient urging on the latch face by spring 238. The latch catch is retained vertically in place in the defined channel by peening or upsetting bead or rib 160, as at 244, above and below the catch location.

Cooperating with the latch member, supported on the sliding sash frame as defined, is a strilrer shoulder 2-i6 formed vertically inwardly of the outer face of leg 68 of the meeting rail 60 at a point therein adjacent the joindure of the concave groove and the straight leg portion 72 of the meeting rail. The striker shoulder 246 is formed at a point transversely of the outer face of the leg 68 of the meeting rail so as to normally space it a short distance away from the rearward face of the leg portion 214 of the catch when the catch is in the full line position shown in FIG. 6 under the resilient urging of spring 238. However, the upper extended end of leg portion 124 of the catch extends perpendicularly inwardly of the concave area in the leg 68 of the meeting rail for a distance sufficient to bring the rearward vertical face thereof into abutment with the striker shoulder 216 upon movement of the sash frame from a closed position in a direction parallel to the fixed sash and in the direction of the fixed sash portion of the window. At the same time, when the sliding sash frame is in a fully closed position the above-referenced spacing between the striker shoulder 245; and the upper vertical face of the leg portion 214 of the catch is sufficient to permit the leg portion of the catch to be moved arcuately about a pivotal point established on the central axis of the Circular bead 222 outwardly and away from the'leg 66 of the meeting rail to the position indicated in dotted lines in FIG. 6 of the drawings. When the latch member is arcuately withdrawn as shown in dotted line the sliding sash is then free of obstruction to movement to an open position. It is obvious that the release movement of the latch mechanism to position it in the dotted line position of FlG. 6 is accomplished by finger pressure exerted in the area 236 generally outwardly against the rounded finger lip 23s; on the heel portion of the latch. Such outwardly exerted finger pressure is facilitated by use of the left hand, for example, with the thumb engaged behind that vertical face of fiange 152 of the sliding sash frame remote to the latch member with the fingers of the hand engaging about the finger lip 234. Reversing the example given to enable use of the right hand for opening of the latch, the finger tips would be engaged on that surface of fiange 152 remote to the latch to readily position the thumb for engagement behind the finger lip 234 for pivotal withdrawing of the latch member.

Fi T rim Structure Referring to PiGS. 14 and 15 of the drawings there are shown two illustrative, modified forms of the structural member 28 from which the components of the window l frame 12 may be formed. These two modifications illustrate the adaptability of the present window construction to a fin-trim installation as distinguished from the typical wood bncl; installation to which the previously described illustrative embodiment was directed.

ln HG. 14 the modified structural member 28 is identical in all respects to the member 28 hereinbefore described (the same designations being used) with a single exception occurring in the specic construction of earlier described fiange 32 on one longitudinal edge of the web 3% of the member. In the present embodiment ilange 32 is extended for a substantial distance beyond its extreme terminus as hereinbefore described to provide for engagenent of the extended portion Z-'i with a vertical face of a framing stud 23t of the type normally framing a window opening and providing for an exterior wall installation outwardly therefrom in a typical fin-trim installation. Additionally, the flange 32 is provided with an integrally formed perpendicular rib 252 originating thereon at a point intermediate its length and projecting outwardly in a direction generally away from the window to form with the extended portion 248 of fiange 32 a corner for the reception of the exterior wall extcrnally of the frarning stud 25%. The rib 252 establishes a framed opening for the Window within the subsequently applied cxterior wall.

ln FIG. 15 there is shown another form of the fin-trim window frame wherein the flarge 32 of the wood buck structural member hereinbefore described is provided with an attachment 254 forming the frame for the window opening within the area to Which the exterior wall is to be subsequently applied externally of the framing stud 250. The framing attachment 254 consists of a tlat Web 256 having an offset lug 258 on one face thereof for engagement with the extended end of ange 32 which lug is so located and positioned as to locate the adjacent end of the Web in coincidence with the projected plane of Web 30 of the structural member. The last referenced end of web 256 of the framing attachment is turned at right angles to provide an offset plate portion 260 extending as a continued projection of web 30 outwardly of ilange 32 for a spaced distance where it is turned again at right angles to provide a second web portion 262 extending in parallel relationship with web portion 256. Web portion 262 is provided on the end thereof remote to plate 254) with a perpendicular fiange 264 extending outwardly away from framing stud 250 and serving with Web portion 256 of the attachment to form a frame about the window opening in the same manner as provided by the integral framing components of ilange 32 of the structure shown in and described with respect to FIG. 14.

In accordance with the forcgoing descriptions and disclosures a horizontal sliding window construction is provided Which inherently satisfies all of those objects and advantages heretofore set forth. Substantial savings in time, materials and, consequently, costs of manufacture are made possible by the simple and inexpensive design, construction and fabrication of the novel and improved window constituting the present invention.

It should be specifically noted that the structural clements of the window structure herein disclosed are confined to one-piece tubular, or semi-tubular forms which are readily extruded, and which provide for savings in material required for manufacture without sacrificing any characteristics of strength and rigidity. Further, the several different structural forms utilized to construct the window are so designed as to cooperate one with the other to enable the obtaining of those advantages above denoted.

ln addition to those advantages set forth above, the present window construction in its several embodiments, provides a structure of maximum functional utility and having the ultimate in aesthetic quality. For example, the latch mechanism operating cooperatively with the sliding sash and the fixed meeting rail of the window frame serves to operate automatically upon closing of the window to efficiently and effectively lock the window. At the same time, the latch serves as a finger or grasping rail for one hand operation to release the lock and to move the sliding panel to an open, or partially open, position. While the novel llatch mechanism described per- -forms the above unique and useful functions it further aifords aesthetic advantages in that it does not extend into or over the glazed area of the window to obstruct vision and present an unsightly and awkward appearance as do prior art latches for similar type windows.

In the foregoing description certain terns have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding, but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art, because such words are used for purposes herein to facilitate description and they are intended to be broadly construed.

Having now described the invention, the construction, the operation and use of preferred embodiments thereof, the advantageous new and useful results obtained thereby, the new and useful constructions and reasonable mechanical equivalents thereof obvious to those skilled in the art are set forth in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A weather seal for use in a window frame having a continuous channel thereabout and in association with a sliding sash in said frame comprising, an elongated hollow strip of resilient material having a generally rectangular transverse configuration, an arcuately undercut resilient finger formed integrally along the length of one side face of the strip engageable in said continuous frame channel, and said finger having a projection extending along the distal end edge thereof and projecting therefrom in overlying acute angular relation with respect to the side face of said finger opposite the undercut side face thereof.

2. A weather seal for use in -a window frame having a continuous channel thereabout and in association with a sliding sash in said frame comprising, an elongated hollow strip of resilient material having a generally rectangular transverse configuration, an internal partition wall longitudinally of said hollow strip transversely dividing said hollow interior into two separate passages, a resilient finger formed integrally along the length of one side face of the strip in general external extension of lsaid internal partition wall, said finger having an angular projection on the extended end thereof and being engageable in said continuous frame channel.

3. A Weather seal Yfor use in a window frame having a continuous channel thereabout and in association with a sliding sash in said frame oomprising, an elongated hollow strip of resilient material having a generally rectangular transvense configuration, an internal partition wall longitudinally of said hollow strip transversely dividing said hollow interior into two separate passages, a resil-ient finger forned integrally along the length of one side face of the strip Vin general external extension of said internal partition wall, said finger having an angular projection on the extended end thereof and being engageable in said continuous frame channel, and one face of said hollow strip perpendicular to the finger supporting face thereof having an irregular concave configuration laterally of said strip.

4. A weather seal for use in a window frame having a continuous channel thereabout and in association with a sliding sash in said frame comprising, an elongated hollowstrip of resilient material having a generally rectangular transverse configuration, a finger formed integrally along the length of one side face of the strip engageable in said continuous frame channel, said finger having in one side face thereof adjacent its point of integr-al attachment to said strip a groove extending the length thereof, and said finger having a projection extending along the distal end edge thereof and projecting therefrom in overlying acute angular relation with respect to the side face of said finger opposite the grooved side face thereof.

5. A weather seal for u-se in a window frame having a continuous channel thereabout and in association with a sliding sash in said frame comprising, an elongated strip of resilient material having a generally rectangular transverse configuration, spaced passages extending throughout the strip length, an arcuate undercut finger -formed integrally along the length of one side face of the strip engageable in said lframe channel, said finger having la projection extending along the distal end edge thereof and projecting therefrom in overlying acute angular relation with respect to the side face of said finger opposite the undercut side face thereof, Ian one face of said strip perpendicular to the finger supporting face thereof having an irregularly concave configuration laterally of said strip.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,641,157 Cook Sept. 6, 1927 1,834,529 Ledwinka Dec. 1, 1931 1,9t)1,780l Sleeper Mar. 14, 1933 2,908,948 Jones Oct. 20, 1959