US3219100A - Storm window - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 23, 1965 R. JOHNSTON ETAL 3,219,100

STORM WINDOW Filed May 15. 1961 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 pq/ i w i 44 /44 w MEA- m z A $2 73? $7421.

Nov. 23, 1965 R. JOHNSTON ETAL 3,219,100

STORM WINDOW Filed May 15. 1961 4 SheetsSheet 2 Nov. 23, 1965 "R. JOHNSTON ETAL 3,219,100

STORM WINDOW Filed May 15. 1961 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 1 amvzon Nov. 23, 1965- JOHNSTON ETAL 3,219,100

STORM WINDOW Filed May 15. 1961 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN VEN TORS. ye 7'2 .72 717a: 5'0 71 United States Patent 3,219,100 STORM WINDOW Robert Johnston, Birmingham, and Wesley K. Strehlau, St. Clair Shores, Mich., assignors to Security Aluminum Company, Detroit, Mich., a corporation. of Michigan Filed May 15, 1961, Ser. No. 110,004 6 Claims. (Cl. 160-90) This invention relates to improvements in window construction and more particularly to the type which is provided with slidably mounted windows and one or more screens which are mounted on the frame supporting the windows to provide a convertible window construction. These convertible types of window constructions may be referred to as self-storing storm windows.

Applicants improved self-storing window construction disclosed herein provides novel screen structure including improved screen retaining means, screen positioning and stop means, screen latching means, and screen sash gusset means. Moreover, applicants invention includes novel window frame means including track means for slidably mounting the screen, and removable dust shield means for allowing the conversion of the triple track frame to a double track frame and vice versa.

One of the principal objects of this invention is to .provide a window frame which is readily convertible from a triple track to a double track structure so as to readily adapt the frame to spatial limitations of the building or other structure using the frame.

Another object is to provide novel type retaining means for the screen to allow the same to be readily removed from the aforesaid third track of the frame by a simple sidewise motion.

A further object is to provide the above retaining means with non-abrasive bearing means for preventing abrasion of the frame by the screen.

A further object is to provide a double track type of window frame with an additional third track for accommodating a screen without extending the thickness of the double track frame.

Another object is to provide an improved type of latching device which in cooperation with a portion of the aforesaid window frame and screen stop means sturdily maintains the screen in its operative screening position, and which allows itself to be unlatched by the simple motion of a leverage portion provided on the latching end of said latching means.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 represents a partly broken away elevational view of applicants convertible or self-storing storm window structure;

FIGURE 2 represents a cross sectional view of FIG- URE 1 taken along the line 22 thereof in the direction of the arrows;

FIGURE 3 represents a cross sectional view of FIG- URE 1 taken along the line 33 thereof in the direction of the arrows and showing the screen in its partially applied position;

FIGURE 4 represents a cross sectional view of FIG- URE 1 taken along the line 44 thereof in the direction of the arrows;

FIGURE 5 represents a cross sectional view of the structure of FIGURE 1 taken along the line 55 in the direction of the arrows;

FIGURE 6 represents a cross sectional view of a structure similar to that of FIGURE 1 taken along a line which would correspond to 2-2 of FIGURE 1 with the upper portion thereof broken away and in the direction of the arrows, and showing an alternative screen in place;

FIGURE 7 represents an isometric view of the elements ice of the screen frame and combination gusset retaining means therefor;

FIGURE 7a illustrates the assembled combination of a gusset member and a screen retainer slide as illustrated in exploded form in FIGURE 7.

FIGURE 8 represents a top view of a modified form of the screen retaining means slide;

FIGURE 9 represents a side view of the slide of FIG- URE 8;

FIGURE 10 represents an end view of the slide of FIGURES 8 and 9;

FIGURE 11 represents a cross sectional view of the slide of FIGURE 9 taken along the line 1111 thereof in the direction of the arrows; and

FIGURE 12 represents a cross sectional view of the structure of FIGURE 7 taken along the line 12-12 thereof in the direction of the arrows.

Referring to FIGURES 1 and 2. of the drawings, a convertible storm window generally designated 14 comprises a frame 16 preferably of tubular construction which may be of either extruded members as shown in FIGURE 2, or fabricated from one or more aluminum or other lightweight material sheets as is the method of fabricating the screen frame illustrated in FIGURE 7. Frame 16 is formed to provide a first track or channel 18 which is positioned exteriorly of the supporting structure 34 such as the outside of a building, a second track or channel 20 and a third track or flange 22 formed from an outward extension of an outer side 24 of the second track 20. A flange 26 forms the inner sides of tracks 18 and 20 and a flange 28 forms the outer side of track 18. In order to provide proper sealing for the windows generally designated 36 and 38, the channels 18 and 20 may extend all the way around the window opening defined by the frame 16 and generally designated 40. It is seen that flanges 24, 26, and 28 are in that order progressively reduced in, peripheral dimension so that the outer sides of the window sashes bear against their associated flanges 26 or 28. It is noted that the outer face 32 of the frame 16 would normally be seen from the exterior of the building 34 to which the frame 16 is secured by any suitable means such as screws or bolts.

Window 36 comprises a tubular-shaped sash 42 having sealing means 44 extending outwardly toward the flange 28 of frame 16 around three sides of the window 36 to seal the window 36 against flange 28, and a further sealing means 45 extending inwardly on the bottom edge of the Window 36 to provide sealing with the window 38 when window 38 is in its down and closed position. In this respect it is noted that window 36 is normally closed when up and window 38 is normally closed when down. Frame 42 is provided at its inner periphery with a groove 46 provided with a seal 48 sealingly engaging and retaining the window glass or pane 50. Window 38, though wider than window 36, is of substantially identical structure thereto except that a sealing means 51 is provided which faces inwardly at the top and a sealing means 53 faces inwardly at the bottom of the window 38 toward the top and bottom segments, respectively, of screen sash 64. A pair of side sealing means (not shown) is also provided which face outwardly along the sides of the window 38 toward the flange 26.

Provided at the bottom edge of each of the windows 36 and 38 are channels 52', 52, respectively, slidably receiving at each side of the windows 36, 38 positioning catches 54', 54 provided with end portions 56, 56, respectively (FIGURE 1) adapted to engage spaced steps 57, FIG- URES 2 and 4, punched in the bottoms of channels 18 and 20. Tabs 58', 58 are bent inwardly from portions of the side walls of the channels 52, 52 into the slots 60, 60, respectively, in either side of the catches 54, 54 to retain the same in channels 52, 52. Resilient means such as springs 55', 55 may be provided in channels 52', 52, respectively to abut catches 54, 54 and urge the same along channels 52, 52 toward the steps 57 so that the catches 54', 54 will automatically snap into the steps 57 to position the windows 36, 38, as they are moved along their respective tracks 18, 20. Projection 62', 62 are provided on each catch 54', 54 to allow it to be grasped and pulled against its respective spring 55, 55 out of the steps 57, and abutments 59, 59 on the window sashes 36, 38 engage the catches 54', 54 to prevent them from coming out of the sashes 42', 42 when the windows 36, 38 are removed from the frame 16. Projections 61, 61 at the top of the windows 36, 38 and catches 54 prevent removal of the windows from the frame until the catches 54 are retracted against their springs 55. When catches 54, 54 are retracted on either side of the windows 36, 38, a simple twisting motion of each window in the plane of the frame will disengage projections 61, 61 from behind their respective flanges 26, 24.

Referring to FIGURE 7 wherein is illustrated a sash 64 of a screen 66, which comprises a rectangular arrangement of segments specifically referable to as screen side rails 68, a screen sill 70, and a screen head 72. These sash segments 68, 70, 72 are generally of the same cross sectional configuration comprising a central tubular aperture 74, a slot 76 and a groove 78. The edge of a screen fabric 80 fabricated generally of wire or plastic mesh is inserted and securely held in place in groove 78 by an elongated member 82 wedged therein. Gusset members generally designated 84 may be provided at each corner of sash 64 and comprise a substantially right angular planar body 86 having a pair of legs 88 and 90 formed thereon. Leg 88 is provided with an inner flange 92 and an outer flange 94, and leg 90 is provided with an inner flange 96 and an outer flange 98. Flange 98 is formed with a recess 100 to provide an opening endwise into the channel formed by leg 88 and its flanges 92 and 94. A slot 102 is provided in the adjacent screen side rails 68 to coincide with the recess 100 when leg 90 is inserted into the aperture 74 in side rails 68.

Referring to FIGURE 12, there is illustrated a crosssectional view of screen sill 70 with the gusset member 84 in locking position. It is to be noted that the gusset member 84 described above in connection with the lower left corner of sash 64 has been rotated ninety degrees in order that the channels formed by the leg members 88, 90 and 92, 94 and 96, 98, respectively, will be properly oriented, viz outwardly facing. Thus, the leg 90 has been inserted into sash sill 70 at the right end thereof and the I leg 88 has been inserted upwardly into right side rail 68. It is to be noted that a similar situation will exist as one progresses in order around the corners of the sash 64 and leg 88 will be inserted into screen head 72 and leg 90 will be inserted downwardly into rail 68 at the upper right corner. Thus, the insertion of leg 90 into rail 68 and leg 88 into sill 70 provides a firm connection between these sash segments by the frictional engagement of similar projections 104 on each of the legs into the slot 76 in each of the sash segments 68, 70 and further by the frictional engagement of the legs 88 and 90 and their respective flanges 92, 94, 96, and 98 with the inside of the portions of said segments defining the apertures 74.

Referring further to FIGURES 7 and 7a, a screen retainer slide generally designated 106 is shown comprising a body 108 having a hook-shaped end 110 and an oppositely directed end 112. A tab 114 is formed from the body 108 to provide a stop shoulder 116 which is adopted to engage the flange 98 of the gusset 84 to limit outward movement of the slide 106 when the slide 106 is operated. Tab 114 further provides a stop shoulder 118 forengaging an inward travel abutment 120 on flange 92 of the gusset 84 to limit inward movement of the slide. When the slide 106 is positioned in the channel formed by the flanges of leg 88, and the assembled gusset and retainer 4 slide unit is then inserted into the aperture 74 in the sill 70, a bottom edge 122 of the slide body 108 rests on flange 94 as fragmentarily shown in phantom in FIGURE 7, and an upper edge portion 124 of body 108 underlies the gusset flange 92. Tab 114 and end 112 extend transversely from body 108 and are adapted to engage the keg 88, thereby spacing the body 108 from leg 88 suflficiently to allow a helical spring 126 to be inserted between slide end 112 and gusset flange 98. In this manner body 108 and thus tab 114 will be constantly urged inwardly of flange 98 to thereby urge retaining end toward the exterior surface of rail 68. Suflicient clearance between slide 106 and the walls defining aperture 74 is provided to allow free movement of the slide therein. It is noted that the height of body 108 is such that shoulder 118 will engage abutment as spring 126 urges body 108 inwardly in leg 88. It is further noted that the retainer slides 106 at adjacent corners of the sash 64 are mirror images of each other since the gusset is rotated clockwise ninety degrees from each corner to an adjacent corner.

Referring to FIGURE 3, it is seen that the retainers 106 located on either side of the screen sash 64 resiliently clamp the sash to the flange-shaped third track 22. Referring also to FIGURE 7, it is particularly noted that the abutments 120 are so spaced from flanges 98 that when the screen sash 64 is resiliently retained on the third rail 22 by the retainers 106, the shoulders 118 on the retainers are not bottomed out against the abutments 120. This structure allows the springs 126 to clamp the retainers to the third rail 22 with suflicient force to maintain the screen sash 64 at any desired position along the entire length of the third track even though the frame and tracks are in a vertical position as shown in FIGURE 1.

Referring to FIGURES 8-11, a modified form of retainer slide generally designated 128 comprises a body 130 of concave cross section as shown in FIGURE 11 and having a top side 132 comprised of a movement limiting tab 134 having the same function as that of tab 114 of retainer 106 viz to engage flang 98 in the exploded corner illustrated in FIGURE 7, and a reduced thickness continuation section 136 connected at its end to the end 138 of the retainer to strengthen the retainer and its tab 134. Shoulders and 137 on tab 134 function in the same manner as shoulders 116 and 118 respectively on slide 106 and in this regard it is to be noted that surface 139 is positioned at least flush with the upper surface of tab 92 when retainer slide 128 is in position in gusset 84. Retainer slide 128 is further provided with a hook-shaped end 140 and having a bearing surface 142 spaced from the body 130 in order to space the screen sash 64 from the outer surface 25 of track 22 to prevent abrasion of this surface by sash 64 as it moves along said surface. Slide 128 is preferably of a soft, low friction material such as nylon to insure that no abrasion of track 22 occurs. In retainers 106 and 128, the shoulders 116 and 135 respectively, are spaced a suflicient distance from flange 98 to allow sufiicient extension of these retainers against the force of their springs to allow the opposite side of the screen sash to be lifted away from the track or flange 22 without extension of the retainers 106, 128 on said opposite side.

Referring to FIGURES l and 2, a screen latch generally designated 144 is secured by suitable means such as screws 146 to the bottom of screen sash 64. This latch is provided with body portion 148 having a bend 150 intermediate its attaching end 152 and its hook-shaped latching end 154. It is seen that in applying the latch 144, the pressure on body 148 directed against the concave outer surface 156 of the body will tend to elongate the body and snap the end 154 over the bottom edge 158 of the third track. A pair of stops 160 and 162 respectively, hooked over the bottom and top edges of track flange 24 provide stop means for the screen as the flanges 164 and 166 thereof respectively, engage these stops. It is noted that stop 160 prevents downward movement of the screen and causes the latch 144 to be stressed to tightly retain the screen in its lower position.

A dust shield 168, as shown in FIGURE 2, may be inserted into track 18 and resiliently retained therein by slight compression of the sides of said shield during its insertion. This shield provides an additional dust seal with the face portion 170 of the sash of window 38 when it is desired to close this window and not use the screen 66.

Referring to FIGURE 6, an alternative screen 172 may be used in place of screen 66 should it be desired to have a double track structure by not using the additional third track 22. To do so, the dust shield 168' is snapped out of the track 18 and the screen 172 having projections 174 on the bottom, and a flange 176 on the top is inserted into position in track 18 by inserting flange 176 between the frame flange 28 and the sash 42 of window 36 and thereafter pushing the screen down to snap the projections 174 in behind the flange 26. With the screen in its position as shown in FIGURE 6 it is then necessary merely to remove the screen stops 160 and 162 in order to have a double track window rather than the triple track as shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. Regarding this modification and the preferred embodiment illustrated, it is to be noted that the screen retainer slides 106 described above may be removed and the screen 66 should be reduced in its trans verse dimension in order that it may be accommodated in channel 18. In this regard, it is also to be noted that the lower flange of the screen sill portion (70 in FIGURE 7) has been removed to facilitate the lower portion of the screen 172 in clearing flange 26 as it is rotated about the line formed by flange 176.

What is claimed is:

1. In a convertible storm window and screen unit wherein the separate windows are slidably mounted in substantially side-by-side channels and wherein the outer side of one of said channels is formed to provide a flange means, said screen comprising a sash having screen fabric attached thereto, retaining means slidably mounted in said sash and frictionally engageable with the flange means for slidably and removably holding said sash outside the adjacent channels and permitting said screen to be operated up and down parallel to the windows, said retaining means including low friction bearing means engaging said flange means for spacing said sash therefrom to prevent abrasion of said flange means by said sash during relative movement therebetween.

2. A convertible storm window and screen unit having a window frame for supporting separate windows and a screen spaced therefrom, said frame comprising first track means defining a window opening and adapted for slidably receiving and retaining first window means, second track means defining a window opening and adapted for slidably receiving and retaining second window means, said first and second track means comprising adjacent channels each having inner and outer sides for overlying side portions of said window means to retain the same, and third track means for slidably receiving the screen, all of said track means lying in approximately spaced parallel planes relative to each. other, said third track means comprising flange means on said unit at opposite portions of the openings defined by said first and second track means and being an extension of the outer side of one of said first and second track means, said screen comprising a sash having screen fabric attached thereto, retaining means slidably mounted in said sash and frictionally engageable with said flange means for slidably and removably holding said sash outside the adjacent channels and permitting said screen to be operated up and down parallel to the win dows, said retaining means including low friction bearing means intermediate said sash and flange means for spacing the same to prevent abrasion of said flange means by said sash during relative movement between said sash and flange means.

3. In a unit adapted to be removably attached to a window frame, the unit having a sash formed of a plurality of tubular segments attached at the ends thereof by gusset means and attached to the window frame by retaining means interacting with the gusset means, the com bination of the gusset means and retaining means comprising a gusset body member having a pair of legs connected to form a substantially right angle, one of said legs being adapted for securement to a portion of one of the plurality of tubular segments, and the other of said legs being adapted for securement to a portion of another, of the plurality of tubular segments and having a first flange formed intermediate the ends, slide means extending through the one of the plurality of tubular segments and partially supported in said other leg including retaining means at one end thereof for resiliently retaining the unit on the window frame and flange means formed adjacent the other end thereof perpendicular to said flange, said slide means further including, first shoulder means formed thereon for limiting outward movement of said slide means in the tubular members, and second shoulder means engageable with said first flange for limiting inward movement of said slide means, and resilient means supported adjacent said other leg and disposed between the one of the plurality of tubular segments and said second flange for resiliently urging said slide means inwardly of the one of the plurality of tubular segments, whereby said retaining means resiliently engages the window frame to hold the unit in place thereon.

4. Combination gusset means and retaining means for use with a window frame and an adjustable window screen, having a sash formed of a plurality of tubular members, the combination comprising a pair of channelshaped legs connected to form a substantially right angle, said legs having inner and outer flanges, one of said legs being adapted for frictional securement to a portion of the screen sash and the other of saidlegs being adapted for frictional securement to another portion of the screen sash, said inner flange of said one leg being formed to provide an abutment, said outer flange of said other leg being formed to provide an opening extending endwise into said one leg, slide means extending through said opening into said one leg, first shoulder means on said slide for engaging said outer flange of said other leg to limit outward movement of said slide, second shoulder means on said slide for engaging said abutment to limit inward movement of said slide, retaining means on said slide, and resilient means in said one leg engaging said slide for urging the same inwardly in said one leg for frictionally engaging said retaining means with the wind-ow frame.

5. An adjustable window screen wherein the sash thereof comprises tubular segments connected together at their ends by gusset means, at least some of said gusset means comprising a pair of legs connected to form a substantially right angle, said legs having inner and outer flanges to impart a channel shape thereto, one of said legs of each said gusset means being frictionally held in an end portion of one of said segments and the other of said legs of each said gusset means being frictionally held in an end portion of another of said segments, said inner flange of said one leg being formed to provide an abutment, said outer flange of said other leg being shaped to provide an opening extending endwise into said one leg, slide means extending through said opening into said one leg, first shoulder means on said slide for engaging a portion of said sash to limit outward movement of said slide, second shoulder means on said slide for engaging said abutment to limit inward movement of said slide, retaining means on said slide projecting outwardly from said sash and movable with said slide, and resilient means in said one leg engaging said slide for urging said retaining means toward said sash.

6. An adjustable window screen wherein the sash thereof comprises tubular segments connected together at their ends by gusset means, at least some of said gusset means comprising a pair of legs connected to form a substantially right angle, said legs having inner and outer flanges to impart a channel shape thereto, one of said legs of each said gusset means being frictionally held in an end portion of one of said segments and the other of said legs of each said gusset means being frictionally held in an end portion of another of said segments, portions of the outer surface of each of said legs frictionally engaging the inside of their associated segments to reinforce said end portions thereof, said inner flange of said one leg being formed to provide an abutment, said outer flange of said other leg being shaped to provide an opening extending endwise into said one leg, slide means extending through said opening into said one leg, first shoulder means on said slide for engaging a portion of said sash to limit outward movement of said slide, second shoulder means on said slide for engaging said abutment to limit inward movement of said slide, retaining means on said slide projecting outwardly from said sash and movable with said slide, and resilient means in said one leg engaging said slide for urging said retaining means toward said sash.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Eastman.

Watson 160369 Everhard 160-369 Christie 292-87 Tinnerman 29287 Lipman 18975 Millner 18975 Axelrod 18975 Hansen 292-87 Knebel 189-75 Olsen 160381 X Buchanan 160369 Mendelsohn 2055 Pennington et al. 16090 X HARRISON R. MOSELEY, Primary Examiner.

20 JEROME SCHNALL, BENJAMIN BENDE'IT,

CHARLES E. OCONNELL, Examiners.

Claims (1)

1. IN A CONVERTIBLE STORM WINDOW AND SCREEN UNIT WHEREIN THE SEPARATE WINDOWS ARE SLIDABLY MOUNTED IN SUBSTANTIALLY SIDE-BY-SIDE CHANNELS AND WHEREIN THE OUTER SIDE OF ONE OF SAID CHANNELS IS FORMED TO PROVIDE A FLANGE MEANS, SAID SCREEN COMPRISING A SASH HAVING SCREEN FABRIC ATTACHED THERETO, RETAINING MEANS SLIDABLY MOUNTED IN SAID SASH AND FRICTIONALLY ENGAGEABLE WITH THE FLANGE MEANS FOR SLIDABLY AND REMOVABLY HOLDING SAID SASH OUTSIDE THE ADJACENT CHANNELS AND PERMITTING SAID SCREEN TO BE OPERATED UP AND DOWN PARALLEL TO THE WINDOWS, SAID RETAINING MEANS INCLUDING LOW FRICTION BEARING MEANS ENGAGING SAID FLANGE MEANS FOR SPACING SAID SASH THEREFROM TO PREVENT ABRASION OF SAID FLANGE MEANS BY SAID SASH DURING RELATIVE MOVEMENT THEREBETWEEN.

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