US3310927A

US3310927A - Window construction

Info

Publication number: US3310927A
Application number: US386705A
Authority: US
Inventors: Persson Sven Eric
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1964-07-31
Filing date: 1964-07-31
Publication date: 1967-03-28
Anticipated expiration: 1984-03-28

Description

March 28, 1967 s. E. PERSSON WINDOW CONSTRUCTION 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 31, 1964 I .1. Ffe

Sven Eric Penssan INVENTCR 19M ,1 W

ATTORNEY March 28, 1967 5 PERSSON WINDOW CONSTRUCTION 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 31, 1964 a FIGB FIG 5 m T N E V m ATTORNEY March 28, 1967 s. E. PERSSON wmnow CONSTRUCTION 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July 31, 1964 Sven Eric Persson INVENTOR ATTORNEY United States Patent "

ice

3,31%,927 WINDOW CUNSTRUCTION Sven Eric Persson, Stow, Ohio (Box 29034, Malina 20, Sweden) Filed .luiy 31, 1964, Ser. No. 386,705 9 Claims. (Cl. 52656) This invention relates to windows and more particularly has reference to windows including frames and sash that are formed of sheet material such as steel, stainless steel, or other sheet material.

The invention is directed more particularly to the construction and formation of window frames and window sash from sheet material such as steel, stainless steel, other metals, and other materials wherein the parts of the sash and frames are formed by cold rolling.

At the present time, many developments have been made in the construction and formation of windows, doors and window sash of extruded or formed sections of metal such as aluminum. In addition, attempts have been made to provide window sash frames and doors comprising frames of skeletons of wood or metal covered with finishing material in the form of sheet metal or other substances.

Up to the present time, however, there has been no provision for constructing windows and window frames or door frames entirely of sheet metal, such as stainless steel or other materials, which will provide structures of sufficient strength and rigidity to withstand the stresses and abuse to which windows and doors are normally subjected and yet will have the advantages of sheet metal.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide window sash and frames constructed entirely of sheet material such as sheet stainless steel or other sheet metals and even other material in sheet form.

Another object of this invention is to provide a window construction wherein the frame and the sash are formed substantially entirely of sheet material.

A further object of this invention is to provide a window construction wherein the sash are formed of sheet material sections which have been cold rolled to form a channel-like groove for the reception of self-tapping and other screws for the attachment of hardware and other elements to the sections.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a window construction wherein the frame is formed of joined sections of sheet material such as sheet stainless steel and wherein certain sections are provided with channel-like grooves for the reception of self-tapping or other screws for the attachment of hardware and other elements to the sections.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a sash frame for receiving a panel such as a pane of glass, which frame is formed of a number of joined sections of strips of sheet material which have been cold rolled to form the panel-receiving channel and to form reinforcing flanges and other appurtenances wherein the channel. flanges and appurtenances of each section are integral.

In addition, the present invention has as an object the provision of a window frame formed of sheet material and comprising an inner element and an outer element interconnected and wherein insulating material is provided between the interconnected portions of the inner and outer frame elements to provide a thermal break between the same.

With these and other objects in view, the present invention resides in the parts and combinations hereinafter described and illustrated in the annexed drawing, in which:

FIGURE 1 is an outside elevational view of a window constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary enlarged view of a portion of the window frame and sash shown in FIGURE 1;

3,316,927 Patented Mar. 28, 1967 FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken on line 33 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary elevational view of one :side of the window taken from the interior thereof;

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line 5-5 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view similar to FIGURE 5 but taken on the lower portion of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of an anchoring member that is adapted to cooperate with the frame as shown in FIGURE 6 to anchor the samein a building opening;

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line 88 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 9 is an exploded fragmentary view of a sash element and frame illustrating how the hinges are attached; and

FIGURE 10 is an inside elevational view of the window of this invention.

As best shown in FIGURE 3 of the drawings, the present invention comprises a frame for an opening in a building, such as a window frame. The frame is preferably of rectangular construction and comprises an outer frame element 1 and an inner frame element 2. As clearly shown in FIGURE 2, the outer frame element 1 is of rectangular formation and comprises upright or side sections 3, a bottom rail section 4, and a top rail section 5. Each of the top, bottom and side sections of the outer frame element is constructed of a single sheet or strip of material such as sheet stainless steel or other sheet metal or other substance in sheet form and is cold rolled to form a member having the cross section indicated in FIGURE 3 of the drawing. In other words, the strip of sheet material is folded into a boX-like configuration indicated by reference numeral 6. This hollow, box-like configuration has a peripheral flange 7 integral therewith and of double thickness. At the inner periphery of the frame, the box-like configuration has a second flange 8 which extends perpendicularly to flange 7. Flange 8 is of double thickness and carries a third flange 9 also of double thickness which is parallel to the flange 7 and spaced therefrom. Flange 9 extends peripherally outwardly of flange 8 at a point between the box-like formation 6 and the inner free edge of flange 8. The free edges of the strip of material forming the section of the frame including the box-like formation lie at the free edge of flange 9. For purposes of the present invention, it is not necessary that the free edges of the strip, of which the section including the hollow box-like configuration 6 is constructed, and which correspond to the free edges of flange 9 be welded or otherwise secured together because, due to the formation of the section by cold rolling or other means, the two thicknesses of material forming the flange 9 will lie juxtaposed against each other. Of course, if desired, the free edges of flange 9 may be welded or otherwise secured together. Similarly, any other double thicknesses of material in the section may be spot welded, welded, or otherwise secured together if necessary or desired.

The inner frame element 2 as shown in FIGURE 4 of the drawings is also of rectangular construction, and the top and bottom rail sections and the upright sections are formed of strips of sheet material such as sheet metal or other sheet material as hereinbefore indicated.

Each of the sections is formed by folding or bending the strip of sheet metal or other material by cold rolling to form a body portion 10 having a channeldike groove 11 formed therein intermediate the edges thereof. At the inner edge of the body 10, there is provided a peripheral flange 12, a portion 13 of which extends inwardly of the frame element and another portion 14 of which extends outwardly of the frame element. From the portion 14 there is an outwardly extending flange 15, the free edge of which is bent back on itself and then inwardly of the frame to form a terminal flange 16.

At its outer edge the body portion carries a flange 17 which extends inwardly of the inner frame element as clearly shown in FIGURE 3. The material forming the flange 17 is bent back on itself and extends first parallel and adjacent the body portion 10 and then extends outwardly of the frame element to form a portion 18 which corresponds to portion 14 of the flange 12 on the opposite edge of the body 10. From the free edge of flange 18 there extends a flange-like portion 19 in the same plane as the flange and toward said flange 15. The free edge of flange 19 is bent back on itself and then inwardly of the inner frame element to form a portion 20 corresponding to the portion 16.

The foregoing construction provides a slot in the outer peripheral portion of the inner frame element between the opposite ends of

flanges

15 and 19. The spaced angled flanges 16 and 20 at the edges of the slot cooperate to form a seat to receive the head 21 of an anchor or anchoring element 22 by means of which the inner frame element is secured or anchored to the wall of the building in which the window is mounted.

FIGURES 6 and 7 illustrate more clearly the manner in which the anchor 22 is secured to the inner frame element. It will be noted that the head 21 of the anchoring element has diagonally opposite rounded corners which permit the head to be inserted through the slot provided between the opposed edges of

flanges

15 and 19. After the head 21 is positioned on the seat provided by angled flanges 16 and 20, it may be twisted to bring the rectilinear edge portions of the head 21 into engagement with the flanges 16 and 20 and thereby secure the same firmly in engagement with the inner frame element. The body portion 22 of the anchor may be provided with openings 23 by means of which the body of the anchor is effective- 1y secured to the wall of the building,

The inner and outer elements of the frame are assembled by securing the various sections of each frame element together, for instance, the top and bottom rails of the outer frame element may be secured to the stiles or side sections by welding, by screws, or other fastening means or methods, and then the inner frame element may be partially assembled by, for instance, assembling the two upright sections with the bottom rail section. The outer frame element is then slid into assembled position with the inner frame element by positioning the flange 17 of the inner element in the space between the hollow boxlike element 6 of the outer frame element and the flange 9 of the outer frame element, as clearly shown in FIGURES 3, 5 and 6 of the drawings. space between the box-like element of the outer frame element and the flange 19 suitable heat-insulating material 9a, and the flange 17 is spaced by the heat-insulating material so that there will be no metal-to-metal contact between the flange 17 and any portion of the outer frame element. After the inner and outer frame elements are assembled with the insulating material between them to provide the necessary thermal break, then the remaining section, which may be the top rail of the inner frame element, may be put in position and welded or otherwise attached to the side or upright sections of the inner frame element thereby providing a completely assembled frame consisting of the inner and outer frame elements with the heat-insulating material interposed between the same so as to provide a definite thermal break between the outer frame element and the inner frame element.

The assembled inner and outer frame elements may be placed in the wall of a building in which window openings are provided, in any desired manner well known to those skilled in the building construction art. In this connection, use may be made of the anchors 22 which are of special construction to provide a definite attachment by means of their head portions 21 with the inner frame element. In assembling the frame in There is provided in the an opening in the building wall, the flanges 7 of the outer frame element may serve as a caulking stop, and the flange 14 of the inner frame element may serve a similar purpose. The flanges 7 and 14 on the frame have other purposes as may appear hereinafter when it is deemed necessary to assemble a group of window frames together with interposed mullions.

The sheet material frame constructed in accordance with the present invention may be provided with weathering sections or stop members also formed of sheet material and suitably attached to the inner frame element. As clearly shown in FIGURES 3 and 6, the stop or weathering section 24 is formed of sheet metal bent to form a hollow body. FIGURES 3 and 6 show in particular the weathering section 24 secured in place at the inner bottom portion of the window frame. Bach portion of the weathering section comprises of sheet material such as sheet metal having a flat surface or body 25 from which extends a vertical flange 26, the free edge of which is bent inwardly to provide a small flange 27 which abuts the body portion 10 of the inner frame element.

The other edge of the body portion 25 is bent inwardly of the inner frame element and then back on itself to provide a flange 28 of double thickness. The portion of the flange 28 that is bent back on itself is continued to form a side wall 2i of the weathering section, and the free edge of this wall is bent back on itself and then is continued in the opposite direction to provide a slot or groove 30 which receives the flange 13 of the inner frame element. As clearly shown in FIGURE 6 of the drawings, the weathering section 24 is secured to the inner frame element by means of screws 31 which pass through openings provided in the weathering section 24 and enter into the rectangular slot 11 provided in the body portion 10 of the inner frame element. The screws 31 being of the self-tapping type will readily engage in the slot or channel 11 and effectively secure the weathering section firmly and fixedly to the inner frame element.

As clearly indicated in FIGURES 3 and 6 of the drawings, there is interposed between the Weathering section 24 and the outer frame element 1 a sealing strip 32, the purpose of which will appear hereinafter.

When the frame according to the present invention is to be used for mounting a window pivoted to swing about a horizontal intermediate axis, the weathering section 24 is attached not only to the bottom rail of the window frame, as shown in FIGURES 3 and 6, but is also attached to the portions of the stiles of the window frame beneath the hinge about which the window is to be swung, as shown in FIGURE 8.

In the event that the frame is to be used for mounting window sash in a manner to swing about a horizontal pivot at a position other than the intermediate position described above, the weathering sections may be positioned at different portions of the window frame. Furthermore, in the event that the sash is mounted to swing about a vertical axis, the weathering sections may be differently positioned so as to effect a tight joint between the frame and the sash when the sash is in closed position.

In the case that the weathering sections are joined to extend on more than one section of the window frame, the joints between the portions thereof may be effected by welding or other means of attachment.

The present invention not only contemplates the production of window frames of sheet metal but also contemplates the construction of the sash or vents of windows of sheet metal. In the following description, the sash or vents will be described as of the double-glazed type, in which an inner sash element is mounted by means of hinges to swing about a horizontal axis intermediate the upper and lower potrions thereof, and an outer sash element is hingedly attached to the inner sash element to swing with the inner sash element and also so that it may be swung away from the inner sash element to permit access to the space between the sash elements. In assembled position, the outer sash element is adapted to be latched in closed position with respect to the inner sash element. The inner sash element is formed of four sections comprising a bottom rail section, a top rail section, and two stile sections. Each section is composed of a strip of sheet metal which is folded to provide the desired configuration. FIGURES 5, 6 and 8 clearly illustrates a cross section of side and bottom sections of the inner sash element. The sections forming the side and bottom of the inner sash element are of identical cross section, and in the following description, the various portions thereof will be given the same reference numerals. The body portion 33 of the section is corrugated as illustrated in the drawings. The inner edge of the body portion 33 is bent to form one side 34 of a channel 35 for receiving a pane of glass or other transparent, translucent, or opaque material as desired. The strip of metal is further bent to form a bottom 36 of channel 35 and again bent to form a side 37 of channel 35. The free edge of the sheet metal strip is then bent inwardly in a plane parallel to the body portion 33 and then outwardly to form a flange 38. The free edge of the flange 381 is bent outwardly of the window to form an outer peripheral portion 39. The outer peripheral portion has a groove 49 formed in the intermediate portion thereof which extends of a depth such that the bottom of the groove 40 is in engagement with the body portion 33 of the section. The outermost free edge of the portion 39 is bent at right angles thereto to form an outwardly eXtending flange 41.

The outermost free edge of the body portion 33 of the strip of sheet metal is bent peripherally outwardly to form a flange 43 and then inwardly to form a terminal flange 44.

The metal is then bent back on itself to make terminal flange 44 and flange 43 have a double thickness. The metal is still further bent to underlie the body portion 33 and is then bent peripherally outwardly to form a flange 45 lying opposite flange 43. A portion of flange 45 is bent outwardly in the same plane as flange 44 and back on itself to form a flange 46 which is directly opposite and substantially in the same plane as flange 44. Flange 45 continues outwardly from flange 46 and is bent back on itself to form a stop member 47. The free edge portion of the metal strip is then bent to form a portion 48 which lies in the same plane as the portion 39. The free edge of the portion 48 is bent outwardly and back :on itself to form an interlock with the terminal flange 41 as clearly shown in the drawings.

For most purposes it is found that the inter-locking seam formed between the terminal flange 41 and the opposite free edge of the strip of material is suflicient to impart strength and rigidity to the section of the sash thus formed. If desired, however, the seam may be welded or otherwise bonded to insure its permanent assembly.

The construction described above is of extreme importance in that there is provided by folding a single strip of material a channel for receiving the pane or panel 52 to be supported by the inner sash element. Furthermore, there is provided in the outer peripheral portion of the inner sash element a groove 46 which serves as a means of attaching hardware and various accessories to the inner sash element without requiring machining, filling, or punching thereof. For instance, as shown in FIGURE 6 of the drawings, a pull element 58 may be securely attached to the inner sash element by means of screws 51 which pass through openings provided in the element 56) and enter the channellike slot 44 The screws are preferably of the self-tapping type and are of such size as to securely embed themselves in the Walls of the slot 44). It will be noted that the outer edge of the element is in engagement with the seam formed by the free edges of the strip of which the lower section of the inner sash is constructed. This arrangement imparts rigidity and avoids any tendency for the pull to become loosened as might be the case in the event of its attachment by screws alone.

It wi h be noted that the channel 35 for receiving the pane 52 has its walls slightly inclined so that the channel is of somewhat dovetail cross section. This facilitates cooperation between the sealing head 53, the walls of.

the channel, and the pane or panel 52.

The

flanges

43, 44, 45 and 46 at the outer edge of the body portion 33 provide a channel 54 which is partially closed by the

flanges

44 and 46. The channel 54 and the cooperating

flanges

44 and 46 provide a means of securing hardware to the inner sash element or vent. One important purpose of the channel 54 is for the attachment to the inner sash element of a hinge component 55 by means of which an outer sash element is hingedly attached to the inner sash element. As illustrated in FIGURE 6, the hinge component 55 is carried by a bracket 56 which is secured by means of screws or studs 57 to a nut plate 58 which is inserted within the channel 54 on the bottom rail of the inner sash element.

The channel 54 on the sides or stiles of the inner sash element may serve as a groove for receiving a slidable element which is connected to arms 54a pivoted to the outer sash element to hold the outer sash element in a position to which it is swung about the hinge member to facilitate cleaning of the panes in the two sash elements.

The inner sash element is assembled by securing together the bottom section to the two side sections by welding or other suitable means. In place of attachment by welding, in some instances attachment can be eifected by angle brackets such as shown in FIGURE 2 of the drawing. In this instance, an angle bracket 60 is secured to adjacent sections by means of screws 61 which are threaded into the slots 40 of the adjacent sections.

The top rail of the inner sash element is detachably connected to the side sections to facilitate the insertion of the pane or panel 52 within the channel 35 and the removal thereof in the case of breakage or required replacement. As best shown in FIGURE 3 of the drawings, the upper rail is formed of a strip of sheet material 'which comprises a body portion 62 which has a dished portion 6 3 at one side thereof. The outer free edge of the strip is bent back on itself to form an outwardly extending flange 64 of double thickness. The free edge of the strip is then bent inwardly to from a flange portion 65 and then outwardly of the sash element to form a shoulder 66, and again continued inwardly of the sash element to form one side 67 of a channel for receiving a sealing strip 68. The free edge of the strip is then bent outwardly of the window opening to provide a bottom wall 69 for the channel that receives the sealing strip 63. Finally, the free edge of the strip is bent outwardly of the sash element to form a wall 70 for retaining the strip 68 within the channel.

The innermost edge of the strip forming the body 62 is bent outwardly of the sash element and back on itself to form a flange 71, the purpose of which will appear hereinafter. The free edge of the strip forming the innermost portion of the flange 71 is then continued inwardly to form a flange 72 which carries a channel member 76 for receiving the pane or panel 52.

As illustrated in FIGURE 3, the flange 72 is of double thickness and is integral with the bottom wall 74 and the side walls 75 and 76 of the channel 7 3. As a matter of fact, the walls of the channel are of double thickness as illustrated. The double thickness effect of the flange 72 is obtained by bending the free edge of the strip back on itself. Actually, the return portion of the flange 72 is again bent to form a portion 77 which underlies the body 6 2 and the free edge is finally bent inwardly to provide a flange 78 opposite the flange 65.

The space provided between flanges 65 and 78 serves as a seat to receive an upper member 79 of a Venetian blind 80 which is to be supported by the inner sash element.

The details of the Venetian blind 80 and its upper element 7 9 have not been illustrated as any suitable, conventional Venetian blind mechanism may be adapted to fit within the space between the flanges 65 and 78.

The upper rail formed of the strip of sheet material is detachably connected to the side sections of the inner sash element in any desired manner. For instance, this attachment may be effected by means of an angle bracket and screws, as illustrated in FIGURE 2 of the drawing. Moreover, the upper rail may be attached to the side sections of the inner sash element by means of screws passing through portions of the upper rail and engaging within the slots 40 of the side sections of the inner sash element. Any other suitable means for detachably connecing the upper rail to the side sections of the inner sash element may be employed.

The outer sash element comprises a sash frame also formed of sheet metal or other sheet material. As illustrated in the drawings, the outer sash element comprises a lower rail section, two side sections or stiles, and an upper rail section.

As in the case of the inner sash member, the lower rail and the stiles orside sections are of the same cross section. Each of these sections is formed of a strip of sheet material which is bent or folded to form a channel member 81 having a bottom wall 82 and

inner side walls

83 and 84. The outermost edge of the strip is bent outwardly of the sash opening and then back on itself to form a flange 85 which serves as an outer wall of the channel for receiving the other sash element. The wall 85 is continued downwardly to form an outermost flange 87 which is bent back on itself to form a seam 38 with the opposite edge of the strip of material. The strip of material forming the wall 84 is bent inwardly of the frame and then outwardly of the frame to form the outer wall 89 of the channel 81. The wall 89 is continued outwardly of the sash element and then is bent at right angles to form a flange 90 and then further outwardly to form a peripheral flange 91. The peripheral flange at its outermost edge is bent to form a bead 92 which serves as a hinge component that cooperates with the hinge component 55 carried by the inner sash element. Bead 92 is perforated at intervals to permit the hinge component 55 to pass through the same.

The bead 92 not only serves as a component for cooperation with the hinge component 55 carried by the inner sash element but also serves as a stop for cooperating with flange 47 carried by the inner sash element frame, as clearly illustrated in FIGURES and 8.

The upper rail of the outer sash element is also formed of sheet metal or other sheet material and comprises a channel member 93 having a bottom wall 94 and

side walls

95 and 96. The edges of the sheet material are bent back on themselves as shown in the drawings to form

outer side walls

97 and 98 of the channel member 94. The free edges of the strip of material are further bent so as to continue from the bottom of the channel member 94 and form a flange 99 of double thickness which extends upwardly from the channel member 94. The material of the strip is bent to extend upwardly from the flange 99 to form an upper member 101 and a lower member 101 and the free ends are overlapped to form an interlocking seam 102. The portion 101 of the strip is shaped in the form of a latch to cooperate with sealing material 68 carried by the upper rail of the inner sash element and thereby forms a latch to retain the outer sash element in assembled position with the inner sash element.

It has been found that the hinge components formed by the peripheral head 92 and the members 55 carried by the inner sash element are sufficient in conjunction with the latch formed by the upper rail of the outer sash element to effectively retain the outer sash element in assembled relation with the inner sash element.

When it is desired to swing the outer sash element away from the inner sash element, the assembled sashes should be rotated to a position whereby the hinge components are uppermost and the latch component formed of the elements as and 101 are in a lowermost position. By unlatching the then lower edge of the assembled sashes, the outer sash element may be swung away from the inner sash element to permit access to the space between the sash element for cleaning or other purposes. As previously indicated, arms carried by slides within the channel 54 and pivoted to the outer sash element may be provided to retain the outer sash element spaced away from the inner sash element during cleaning operations.

The upper rail of the outer sash element is detachably connected to the side sections of the outer sash frame element in order to permit the pane or panel 86 to be inserted and removed therefrom. In this connection a sealing bead 102 is provided between the pane or panel 86 and the walls of the channel members 81 and 94.

The attachment of the upper rail member to the side sections of the outer frame element may be effected by brackets and screws or in any other desired manner.

In the window construction according to the present invention as illustrated in the drawings wherein the sash members are pivoted about a horizontal axis, as previously explained, the weathering sections 24 are provided on the bottom rail and on the stiles beneath the pivot hinge. Above the pivot hinge the weathering sections 240, which are identically constructed to the weathering sections 24, are secured to the inner sash element instead of being secured to the inner frame element. For this purpose, screws 31a are provided which extend into the slot 4th of the inner sash element. In this instance, the weathering sections 24a then move with the sash in its pivoting movement about the horizontal axis.

In one of the most useful forms of the present invention, the assembled inner and outer sash elements are adapted to swing about a horizontal axis intermediate the upper and lower portions of the window frame. As shown in FIGURES 9 and 10 of the drawings, hinges 103 are provided for this purpose. Each of the hinges 103 comprises two components, one of which is adapted to be secured to the window frame and has been designated by reference numeral 104. This hinge component comprises a base 105 which is adapted to be secured to the stationary window frame by means of screws 1% and 107 which are received within the groove 11 provided in the inner frame element 2. As in the case of other attachments to the frame by means of screws engaging the groove 11, screws 1% and 1457 may preferably be of the self-tapping type and, when screwed into the groove 11, will securely attach the hinge component thereto. In some instances it is found desirable to provide lugs 108 on the hinge component 1% to assist in fixing the component to the window frame.

The hinge component 104 is provided with an offset portion 109 which has a curved groove or slot 110 formed therein. As illustrated, the offset portion 109 projects inwardly of the window frame. Hinge component 104 is located just above one of the weathering sections 24- that is also attached to the window frame element by screws entering the slot 11.

The hinge component 111 is provided for attachment to the inner sash element by means of

screws

112 and 113 which pass through suitable openings in the hinge component 111 and enter the slot 40 provided in the inner sash element. Hinge component 111 is provided with depending spaced ears 114 and 115 through which a pivot pin or shaft 116 passes. In assembled relation, the pivot pin or shaft 116 is positioned within the slot 110 of the hinge component 164 and normally rests at the bottom of the slot 110 after the sash has been moved from closed to partially open position. During further movement to fully open position, the pins 116 pivot in the bottom of the slots 110. In the closed position of the sash, the pins 116 are slightly raised from the bottom of the slot 110 due to the lower portion 117 of the hinge component 111 bearing on the upper edge 118 of hinge component 104.

As previously indicated, the head 92 of the outer sash element engages flange 47 of the inner sash element to provide a tight joint between the bead 92 and the flange 47. The latter its covered with a strip of sealing material 47a (see FIG. 8).

It should further be noted (see FIG. 3) that the sealing member 68 carried by the upper rail of the inner sash member extends upwardly to the space between the flanges 64, 65 and 66 to effectively seal the upper rail of the outer sash element to the upper rail of the inner sash element. 32 associated with the weathering sections 24 and 24a cooperates in the case of weathering sections 24 (see FIG. 8) with the sealing strip 47a carried between the flange 47 of the inner sash element and in the case of the weathering sections 24a (see FIG. 5) with the inner end of flange 8 of the outer frame element to form a tight joint between the sash elements and the frame elements.

From the foregoing description, it will be realized that the present invention provides a window and frame structure that may be constructed of sheet metal and particularly cold-rolled sheet steel or sheet stainless steel. It has been found that sheet steel of 20 to 28 gauge is suitable. The various elements of the window frames and window sash are basically of cubic form with 90 bends. The configuration of the various sections of the frames and sash is such that hardware can be attached at any place along the section without the necessity of making holes in the sections. This eliminates machining and the necessity of employing tools to make fastenings that would otherwise be necessary. The arrangement of the screwreceiving grooves or slots in the portions of the window frame and window sash will greatly reduce the cost of window fabrication and provide a structure wherein the fastenings are not apparent When the window is assembled and the sash is in closed position.

The form of the present invention shown in the drawings is given by way of example and it should be understood that the basic concepts of the present invention are not to be limited to the particular structure disclosed.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A frame for a building opening formed of strips of sheet material, each strip forming one of the top, bottom, or side members of the frame, and comprising a body portion defining the inner peripheral surface of the frame and lying in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the frame, said :body portion having a channel-like groove in said inner peripheral surface, and flanges at the opposite edges of the body portion extending from the frame in planes parallel to the plane of the frame, each strip having portions extending towards each other from the outwardly extending flanges and lying parallel to the body portion, said portions terminating short of each other to provide a slot and being reversely bent back on themselves perpendicularly and extending towards the body portion to provide spaced angled flanges bordering the slot, all of said flanges being integral with said body portion and being formed by bending and rebending said strip.

2. A frame according to claim 1 further comprising anchor means provided with a head engaging the angled flanges at the edges of the slot to secure the anchor means to the frame.

3. A frame according to claim 1, said frame comprising an inner frame, and an outer frame formed of strips It should further be noted that the sealing strip 4 of sheet material, each strip forming one of the top, bottom, and side members of the outer frame and folded longitudinally to provide a unit having a first flange extending from the outer peripheral portion of the outer frame, a second flange extending from the inner peripheral portion of the outer frame toward the inner frame and a third flange extending from the second flange in the direction of the first flange and parallel thereto, said third flange being spaced from the unit, one of the flanges of the inner frame extending into the space between the third flange of the outer frame and said unit, and heatinsulating material interposed between the last mentioned flange of the inner frame and the adjacent portions of the outer frame.

4. A frame according to claim 3 further comprising anchor means provided with a head engaging the angled flanges at the edges of the slot to secure the anchor means to the frame.

5. A frame for a building opening comprising an inner frame element formed of strips of sheet material, each strip forming one of the top, bottom, or side members of the frame, and comprising a body portion defining the inner peripheral surface of the frame and lying in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the frame, said body portion having a channel-like groove in said inner peripheral surface, and flanges at the opposite edges of the body portion extending from the frame in planes parallel to the plane of the frame, all of said flanges being integral with said body portion and being formed by bending and rebending said strip, an outer frame element formed of strips of sheet material, each strip forming one of the top, bottom, and side members of the outer frame and being folded longitudinally to provide a unit having a first flange extending from the outer peripheral portion of the outer frame element, a second flange extending from the inner peripheral portion of the outer frame toward the inner frame and a third flange spaced from the base of the second flange and extending from the second flange in the direction of the first flange and parallel thereto, one of the flanges of the inner frame element extending into the space between the third flange of the outer frame and said unit, and heat-insulating material interposed between the last mentioned flange of the inner frame element and the adjacent portions of the outer frame, said lastmentioned flange and said heat-insulating material and said adjacent portions of the outer frame interconnecting the inner and outer frames.

6. A frame according to claim 5 wherein the first and third flanges of the outer frame element and the cooperating flange of the inner frame element are parallel to the planes of said inner and outer frame elements.

7. A frame according to claim 5 wherein the unit of the outer frame is of hollow box-like form.

8. A frame for a building opening comprising an inner frame element formed of a strip of sheet material comprising a body portion lying in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the frame, a flange along the outer edge of the body portion and extending from the body portion in a plane parallel to the plane of the frame and being integral with said body portion and formed by bending said strip, an outer frame element formed of a strip of sheet material folded longitudinally to provide a unit having one flange extending from the inner side thereof and another flange extending from said one flange and overlying but being spaced from a portion of said unit and being disposed in a plane parallel to the plane of the frame and defining a channel with said portion of said unit, said flange of said body portion of said inner frame element being disposed in said channel, and heat-insulating material disposed in said channel between said last-mentioned flange and the adjacent portions of said outer frame element, said last-mentioned flange and said heatinsulating material and said adjacent portions of the outer frame interconnecting the inner and outer frame elements and interrupting the path of conductive heat transfer between the inner and outer frame elements.

9. A frame as claimed in claim 8, in the form of a double-glazed window sash, one glazing sheet being secured to each of said inner and outer frame elements.

UNITED References Cited by the Examiner STATES PATENTS McFarland et a1 189-69 Cooper 189-65 Zahner et a1. 189-69 Kohut 189-75 X Alexander et a1. 189-6 5 12 11/1948 Wagner 189-69 X 11/1956 Sylvan 189-75 X 5/1957 Martin 189-69 X 3/1959 Haas 52-403 X 5/1965 Smith et al 52-213 X FOREIGN PATENTS 5/1961 France. 4/1954 Great Britain. 4/1960 Great Britain.

HARRISON R. MOS-ELEY, Primary Examiner.

REINALDO P. MAC'HADO, Examiner.

Hodson 189-75 X 15 W. E. HEATON, K. DOWNEY, Assistant Examiners.

Claims

1. A FRAME FOR A BUILDING OPENING FORMED OF STRIPS OF SHEET MATERIAL, EACH STRIP FORMING ONE OF THE TOP, BOTTOM, OR SIDE MEMBERS OF THE FRAME, AND COMPRISING A BODY PORTION DEFINING THE INNER PERIPHERAL SURFACE OF THE FRAME AND LYING IN A PLANE PERPENDICULAR TO THE PLANE OF THE FRAME, SAID BODY PORTION HAVING A CHANNEL-LIKE GROOVE IN SAID INNER PERIPHERAL SURFACE, AND FLANGES AT THE OPPOSITE EDGES OF THE BODY PORTION EXTENDING FROM THE FRAME IN PLANES PARALLEL TO THE PLANE OF THE FRAME, EACH STRIP HAVING PORTIONS EXTENDING TOWARDS EACH OTHER FROM THE OUTWARDLY