WINDOW GLASS RETENTION SYSTEM
United States Patent 3668808
A retention system for window frames incorporating hook and loop fastener elements and novel sealing means which discourages unauthorized tampering with the retaining elements.
US Patent References:
Window cover acting as storm window
Grossman - May 1966 - 3251399
Fittings for mounting a pane or a sheet in a rabbet
Letourneur et al. - October 1966 - 3276178
Window cover acting as storm window
Grossman - May 1966 - 3251399
Fittings for mounting a pane or a sheet in a rabbet
Letourneur et al. - October 1966 - 3276178
Application Number:
05/142575
Publication Date:
06/13/1972
Filing Date:
05/12/1971
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Export Citation:
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
428/100, 52/213, 52/DIG.013, 52/204.597, 52/764
International Classes:
E06B1/60; E06B3/58; E06B1/56; E05C21/02
Field of Search:
52/213,393-503 49/404-474
Primary Examiner:
Downey, Kenneth
Claims:
What is claimed is
1. In a window glass frame having channel members for receiving edge portions of a window pane adapted for installation in a building structure, the facing portions of said frame and building structure each having mating hook and loop fastener means, said building structure defining an L-shaped recess for receiving said frame and for closely encompassing the periphery thereof, the improvement comprising said channel members having a toe portion extending inwardly from the periphery of said frame toward said building structure beyond the outwardly projecting extent of the hook and loop fastener element on said building structure to prevent the ingress of a mechanical instrument from around said frame to disrupt the engagement between said hook and loop fastener elements.
2. The frame according to claim 1 wherein said toe is in a sealing engagement with said building structure.
3. The frame according to claim 1 wherein said toe is tapered toward the interior of said adjacent structure.
1. In a window glass frame having channel members for receiving edge portions of a window pane adapted for installation in a building structure, the facing portions of said frame and building structure each having mating hook and loop fastener means, said building structure defining an L-shaped recess for receiving said frame and for closely encompassing the periphery thereof, the improvement comprising said channel members having a toe portion extending inwardly from the periphery of said frame toward said building structure beyond the outwardly projecting extent of the hook and loop fastener element on said building structure to prevent the ingress of a mechanical instrument from around said frame to disrupt the engagement between said hook and loop fastener elements.
2. The frame according to claim 1 wherein said toe is in a sealing engagement with said building structure.
3. The frame according to claim 1 wherein said toe is tapered toward the interior of said adjacent structure.
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There is a great need in commercial window installations, such as for example, plate glass store fronts, for large window sections to be installed quickly and securely. Frequently such installations require the expenditure of many man hours and the use of complicated sealing arrangements which greatly increase the cost of installation. It is the purpose of the present invention to obviate these difficulties, and to provide a tamper proof installation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a window glass frame comprising interconnected channel members each receiving an edge portion of a window pane. Mating hook and loop fastener means are provided which interengage the interior facing portions of the channel members and the outwardly facing portions of the adjacent building structure. Each channel member furthermore has a sealing toe which extends inwardly beyond the outwardly projecting extent of that portion of the hook and loop fastener which is attached to the adjacent structure beyond the shear line of the mating hook and loop fastener elements to prevent disruption of such elements from the exterior of the building.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the window glass frame of the present invention in an installed condition;
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary cross-section of the window glass frame of FIG. 1 taken in the direction of arrows 2-2 of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 3 illustrates typical means for separating the hook and loop fastener elements of the window glass retention system.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the drawing, a window frame 10 constructed according to the principles of the invention has been illustrated. Frame 10 consists of a channel member 11 secured and mitred at each corner to form the rectangular frame 10 as shown. Each of the channel members 11 receives an edge portion of a window glass 12 which is adhesively and sealingly bonded thereto in a conventional manner. Each channel member 11 has an inward (in the sense of being toward the interior of the building structure) extention or toe 11a. The frame 10 is received in an L-shaped recess within the adjacent building structure 13. A strip of hook fastener material 14 is secured to the interior facing side of each channel member 11 and a mating strip of loop fastener element 16 is secured by suitable means to the building structure 13.
It will be noted that the toe 11a extends inwardly beyond the shear line of engagement between the respective mating hook and loop fastener elements and in the present embodiment extends inwardly beyond the outwardly projecting extent of the loop fastener element 16. The functions of the toe 11a will now be explained.
Since the toe 11a projects inwardly beyond the shear line between the hook and loop fastener elements 14 and 16, it is virtually impossible for an instrument, such as a jimmy, to enter from the outside of the frame 10 beneath the channel member 11 and around the toe 11a to a position where the engagement between the hook and loop fastener elements 14 and 16 can be broken by disengaging such elements along their shear line of engagement. Moreover, the toe 11a acts as a very effective seal in combination with the hook and loop fastener element closure 14 and 16 to prevent moisture from passing beneath the frame 10 and past the fastener closure elements to the interior of the building.
To install the frame 10, merely requires pressing the frame into the L-shaped recess provided in the structure 13 until mating engagement of the hook and loop fastener elements 14 and 16 has taken place. Disengagement can be accomplished as shown in FIG. 3 by inserting a thin blade 17 from the interior of the building along the shear line of engagement between the respective hook and loop fastener elements 14 and 16. During such disengagement the frame can be urged outwardly until all of the hook and loop mating engagement has been broken and the frame can then be readily removed.
In accordance with the foregoing the present invention provides an extremely simple method for installing window frames which is particularly useful where large store fronts and expanses of plate glass are involved. There is provided a closure using hook and loop fastener means in combination with a frame element which is an effective seal and which operates also most effectively to prevent disruption of the hook and loop fastener engagement from the exterior of the window frame.
It will be understood that the foregoing description has been of a particular embodiment of the invention and is therefore representative. In order to appreciate fully the scope of the invention reference should be made to the appended claims.
There is a great need in commercial window installations, such as for example, plate glass store fronts, for large window sections to be installed quickly and securely. Frequently such installations require the expenditure of many man hours and the use of complicated sealing arrangements which greatly increase the cost of installation. It is the purpose of the present invention to obviate these difficulties, and to provide a tamper proof installation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a window glass frame comprising interconnected channel members each receiving an edge portion of a window pane. Mating hook and loop fastener means are provided which interengage the interior facing portions of the channel members and the outwardly facing portions of the adjacent building structure. Each channel member furthermore has a sealing toe which extends inwardly beyond the outwardly projecting extent of that portion of the hook and loop fastener which is attached to the adjacent structure beyond the shear line of the mating hook and loop fastener elements to prevent disruption of such elements from the exterior of the building.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the window glass frame of the present invention in an installed condition;
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary cross-section of the window glass frame of FIG. 1 taken in the direction of arrows 2-2 of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 3 illustrates typical means for separating the hook and loop fastener elements of the window glass retention system.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the drawing, a window frame 10 constructed according to the principles of the invention has been illustrated. Frame 10 consists of a channel member 11 secured and mitred at each corner to form the rectangular frame 10 as shown. Each of the channel members 11 receives an edge portion of a window glass 12 which is adhesively and sealingly bonded thereto in a conventional manner. Each channel member 11 has an inward (in the sense of being toward the interior of the building structure) extention or toe 11a. The frame 10 is received in an L-shaped recess within the adjacent building structure 13. A strip of hook fastener material 14 is secured to the interior facing side of each channel member 11 and a mating strip of loop fastener element 16 is secured by suitable means to the building structure 13.
It will be noted that the toe 11a extends inwardly beyond the shear line of engagement between the respective mating hook and loop fastener elements and in the present embodiment extends inwardly beyond the outwardly projecting extent of the loop fastener element 16. The functions of the toe 11a will now be explained.
Since the toe 11a projects inwardly beyond the shear line between the hook and loop fastener elements 14 and 16, it is virtually impossible for an instrument, such as a jimmy, to enter from the outside of the frame 10 beneath the channel member 11 and around the toe 11a to a position where the engagement between the hook and loop fastener elements 14 and 16 can be broken by disengaging such elements along their shear line of engagement. Moreover, the toe 11a acts as a very effective seal in combination with the hook and loop fastener element closure 14 and 16 to prevent moisture from passing beneath the frame 10 and past the fastener closure elements to the interior of the building.
To install the frame 10, merely requires pressing the frame into the L-shaped recess provided in the structure 13 until mating engagement of the hook and loop fastener elements 14 and 16 has taken place. Disengagement can be accomplished as shown in FIG. 3 by inserting a thin blade 17 from the interior of the building along the shear line of engagement between the respective hook and loop fastener elements 14 and 16. During such disengagement the frame can be urged outwardly until all of the hook and loop mating engagement has been broken and the frame can then be readily removed.
In accordance with the foregoing the present invention provides an extremely simple method for installing window frames which is particularly useful where large store fronts and expanses of plate glass are involved. There is provided a closure using hook and loop fastener means in combination with a frame element which is an effective seal and which operates also most effectively to prevent disruption of the hook and loop fastener engagement from the exterior of the window frame.
It will be understood that the foregoing description has been of a particular embodiment of the invention and is therefore representative. In order to appreciate fully the scope of the invention reference should be made to the appended claims.