Frame concealed operating sash
United States Patent 1 Maune 51 Apr. 22, 1975 FRAME CONCEALED OPERATING SASH Primary Examinerl(enneth Downey [75] Inventor: Ne F. Maune Ladue. MO. Attorney, Agent, or FirnzPaul M. Denk [73] Assignee: Profile Systems, Inc., St. Louis, Mo. [57] ABSTRACT 22 i Apr. 4 973 In a window construction of the type incorporating both operating and fixed sashes, a perimeter frame [21] Appl 347834 surrounds the composite of sashes, and supports the various intermediate frames that are arranged between 52 us. Cl. 49/400; 49/501; 49/504; each such adjacent sashes The perimeter frame 52 207 cludes jamb. sill or head portions, and connecting in- 511 Int. Cl. E05d 7/00 Iegrally perpendicularly from each of said Portions [58] Field of Search 49/400-402, and the intermediate frames is thee flange which is 49 501 5 4 4 52/207 designed having a narrowed width, but yet substantially less than the width of said jamb, sill, or head por- 5 References Cited tions, but at least of sufficient width to obscure the UNITED STATES PATENTS framework of the operating sashes when maintained in 3 475 861 H969 Varkmga 49/488 X f:losurf l: against the thack fside os the face flartijges. The ace anges are 0 uni orm imension an appear 3,678,626 7/1972 Hclkel 49/402 identically throughout the window construction 3,758,997 9/1973 Vance 52/207 X 7 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTEDAPRZZIBYS saw 2 pr 3 PIC-3.6  
 FRAME CONCEALED OPERATING SASH BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invenetion relates generally to window construction. but more particularly pertains to operating and fixed sashes which are mounted in a manner that provides for uniformity in appearance as when the window construction is viewed either from the interior. and preferably the exterior.  
  Various forms of window structures have long been available in the prior art. In the early times of building construction. window units for buildings were generally constructed of wood. or metal. and were of the balance type that provided for their sliding opening generally in the vertical direction. But. of more recent origin. has been the metal extruded forms of window structures. generally for use in large commercial buildings. such as office buildings. schools. retail establishments. hospitals. and other like structures. Most of these prefabricated extruded window structures generally include one or more fixed sashes that are rigidly built into the structure of the window. for permanent mounting. In addition. such window structure usually includes one or more operating sashes that generally pivot inwardly so as to provide especially. for ventilation.  
  Prefabricated window structures as just previously described incorporating both the stationary or fixed and operating sashes generally require structural components of differing dimensions to provide sufficient reinforcement for the window and enough structure for mounting of the mechanical components of the operating sashes. As stated. the strength of the framework is augmented as a result of utilizing structural components of increased dimensions. but at the same time. the increased width associated particularly of such framework is required for providing substantial concealment for the mechanicalcomponents of the operating sash. As a result. the frame members providing the structure for supporting the operating sashes generally are more visually apparent than the narrower width structure provided surrounding and supporting the permanent or fixed sashes. Architecturally speaking. such disparity in frame dimensions is generally despised. and in addition. such usually increases the cost of window structures of this kind.  
  An example of the type of prior art previously discussed is disclosed in the two prior United States patents to Alexander. No. 2.913.778. and Hubbard. No. 3.138.229. As shown in the Alexander patent. the window frames surrounding the ventilator sashes of this window structure is of substantially increased width over the fixed light shown comprising the bottom panel of said structure. Similarly. this non uniformity of window structure between the operating and fixed sash frames of a prefabricated unit is clearly evidenced in the Hubbard patent. wherein additional flange work must be provided for enhanced reinforcement and concealtnent of part of the operating window assembly. as shown.  
  Where the prior art window constructions are not concerned with providing at least a partial concealment of the framework of a swingable or operating sash. then the frame of the operating section is usually clearly exposed for viewing both interiorly and exteriorly of the window construction. and does not provide any uniformity of appearance or concealment of the operating sash with respect to the permanent or fixed sashes. This type of construction is shown in the United States patent to Spink. No. l.8-l8.o73.  
  In view of the foregoing. it is the principal object of this invention to provide a window structure for a building in which a plurality of operating and fixed sashes may be confined within the window framework. having uniformity of structure surrounding each of said sashes. so that the operating sash is completely concealed particularly as one views the structure from the exterior of the building in which it mounts.  
  It is another object of this invention to provide a window constructed in which the operating sash is completely concealed behind the structural flanges of the window framework. even though said flanges are extruded having a width dimension which is substantially less than the width of the framework itself.  
  It is another object of this invention to provide a pane retaining window structure which also significantly covers the interior portions of the main frame of the window in its entirety in order to conceal such structure and obtain uniformity of appearance regardless whether the structure is being viewed from either within or without.  
  An additional object of this invention is to provide a uniquely strong and durable individual or plurality of window units which are yet of uniform appearance and effective in significantly concealing their operative components.  
  Another object of this invention is to provide structure for an aluminum extruded window construction in which both the fixed and operating sashes have uniformity of appearance when viewed without requiring the use of any supplemental covering flanges as heretofore employed to augment the width of such structure for concealment purposes.  
  It is also an object of this invention to provide an aluminum window system of the type previously described which is simple and economical of construction. having a uniform narrow line of sight without sacrificing structural strength.  
  Other objects will become more apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the following summary. and upon reviewing the description of the preferred embodiment in view of the accompanying drawings.  
 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with this invention. generally stated. the concept desired is principally the uniformity of ap&#39; pearance between the structural components supporting both the fixed and operative sashes of prefabricated window assemblies. without sacrificing any of the inherent strength constructed into window structures of this design. Achieving this concept is acquired through the detailed design of various components. formed of extruded metal or aluminum, which when assembled provide mutual strength and support for complementary components of the window structure so as to achieve the average or even enhanced strength while acquiring the desirable uniformity in appearance or. the so called. zero or narrow line of sight when viewing both its fixed and operating sashes.  
  The structure of this window design includes a perimeter frame. made up of mitered and joined frame members. that surrounds the various operating and fixed sashes built into the design. with various intermediate frames spanning the distance between the perimeter frame or other intermediate frames to provide the structural reinforcement between the various adjacent sashes. Said perimeter frame. or its frame members. in addition to the intermediate frames are provided with structural portions which may be identified as the jamb. sill or head portions of the frames. depending upon their locale in the structure. and principally said portions of the perimeter frame are disposed for rigid connection to the window opening provided in the building structure. so as to support the entire composite of sashes firmly within the arranged building aperture. In addition. there are face flanges provided upon the exterior surface of the previously defined frames. said flanges extending substantially perpendicularly from their integral connection and formation with the aforesaid structure portions. with said flanges have a width sufficient to provide obscurity for and concealment of the glazing beads that support the stationary panes or the frame forming the operating sash. and since these face flanges are each of identical width. the entire window structure when viewed from the exterior will have uniformity of appearance making it architecturally pleasing without sacrificing strength. The face flanges are of equivalent or greater width than the width of the beads or operating sash frames to insure such obscurity. The frames forming the operating sash are disposed for hinged connecting with the jamb. sill. head or the intermediate frame portions of the window structure. and in this relationship may be pivoted. preferably inwardly. so as to provide for their opening and functioning as a ventilator. when desired. Furthermore. even the previously defined fixed sash may be constructed in the manner as defined for the operating sash of this invention. being hingedly connected to its perimeter framework. and capable of infrequent slight pivotal opening so as to provide for fire access or to facilitate the process of window cleaning which has heretofore been a very difficult operation in the more modern highrise building structures incorporating a plurality and multitude of fixed sashes as defined in this disclosure.  
 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings. FIG. I provides an isometric view of an example of the window structure of this invention incorporating single operating and fixed sashes;  
  FIG. 2 provides a front view of the window structure of this invention as shown in FIG. 1;  
  FIG. 3 provides a side view of the window structure disclosed in FIG. 1:  
  FIG. 4 provides a fragmental vertical sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 2;  
  FIG. 5 provides a transverse sectional view of the operating sash and frame taken across the line 55 of FIG. I; and  
  FIG. 6 provides a partial view of the window structure disclosing the operating sash being pivoted as when opened.  
 DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In the drawings. and particularly referring to FIG. 1 through 3, there is shown a window unit construction A. in this particular embodiment. containing only a single fixed sash l and one operating sash 2. being embraced within and snugly retained interiorly ofa perimeter frame 3 that generally surrounds the aforesaid sashes. The perimeter frame includes a series of frame members comprised of lineal lengths of extruded aluminum or other metal that incorporate various angulated and projecting components. as will be hereinafter described. with said lengths being carefully mitered at their ends. as for example. at 4. and rigidly held together by the usual corner blocks 5 which may be welded. soldered or brazed in place so as to rigidly secure the perimeter frame into a rigid unit. Depending upon the number of sashes that may be built into the window structure A. one or more intermediate frames. such as the horizontally disposed intermediate frame 6, must be provided between the various adjacent sashes to provide structural reinforcement at this location in addition to providing means for joining the two windows together as when in closure. Although this one embodiment of the window structure invention only shows a single intermediate frame 6, if there are a series of fixed sashes 1 provided within a perimeter frame of a window structure, in addition to a greater number of operating sashes. then there will be an additional series of intermediate frames which may be disposed both horizontally and in the vertical direction to provide supporting framework between said sashes within the perimeter frame.  
  The basic concept of this invention. as previously summarized. is to provide an extruded frame window construction in which uniformity of elevational sight line is maintained for both the fixed sash. and the normally interiorly opening operating sash. regardless of the number of such sashes that may be incorporated within the construction. while at the same time not sacrificing any structural strength in a window structure of this nature. Furthermore, these advantages and objectives are yet achieved while designing the frame members of this structure having the narrow appearing frames furnishing a narrow line of sight. Hence. as previously described. uniformity of structural appearance is achieved. and structural strength is maintained. while also providing maximum window visuality. This can significantly be seen in FIG. 2 wherein the frame members 7 through 10 are of equal and uniform dimension. riot requiring any additional or built-up flange portion in that segment of the frame members 6, 7. 8 and 10, that surround and support the operating sash 2 as had heretofore been required and as shown in prior art window constructions.  
  In viewing FIG. 4, which is a vertical section taken through the window structure in FIG. 2. it can be seen that the perimeter frame of this invention is designed and constructed from the extruded frame members 9 and 10 which. along with the members 7 and 8, are of similar appearance and design. The frame member 10 includes a sill portion 11, which is generally a single length of extruded m&#39;etal having a width approximating the width of the corresponding building window aperture into which this structure fits. with said portion 11 integrally including a semi-tubular like section 12, which is designed in this manner for a twofold purpose. one to provide structural rigidity and reinforcement for the perimeter frame due to this integrally extruded tubular like formation of this portion. and secondly to provide clearance for insertion of the corner block 5, obviously at the corners. so as to provide the means for securing the perimeter frames together. An interiorly. i.e. interior with respect to the building. extending portion 13 includes a projection 14 which is of a length equivalent to the projection of the tube portion 12, and  
 in this manner provides for firmly stabilizing the perimeter frame against the surface of the building aperture into which the window structure is to be mounted. Any form of screw or other means of fastening may be inserted through the extension 13 and secured into the wall of the building opening so as to secure the window structure firmly in place. as when installed. At the interior end of the extension 13 is a turned portion 15. which may be generally defined as a bead retainer. being designed for holding a glazing head. to be hereinafter described. and used for supporting generally the fixed sashes in place when installed. When the operating sash is installed, at this location, the retainer bead 15 normally is not used.  
  Extending perpendicularly from the exterior end of the sill portion 11 of this perimeter frame 10 is a face flange 16 which. as can be seen, extends sufficiently inwardly of the window structure to provide significant structural reinforcement to the entire perimeter frame of the window, but at the same time. also provides means for concealing and being at least aligned with the structural framework holding the pane 17 in place.  
  The upper frame member 9 is of similar construction and formed of the same extruded materials that forms the frame member 10, with said frame member 9 incorporating a head portion 18 having the semi-tubular like portion 19 designed for strengthening said frame member and for embracing the corner block 20 disposed therein. The head portion 18 includes the interiorly extending member 21, similar to the member 13, and also includes a projection 22, and a bead retainer 23 extending perpendicularly at the end of said extension.  
 Once again extending perpendicularly inwardly atthe exterior end of the frame member 9 is a face flange 24. which is of narrow line structural width. but of sufficient dimension to provide reinforcement for the frame member. in addition to furnishing the means for concealing the structural means retaining the glazing 25 of the stationary sash fixed in place.  
  One of the type of intermediate frames that may be utilized to provide structural reinforcement for the inner structure of the window construction and between the various adjacent operating and fixed sashes is more accurately disclosed at reference numeral 6, in cross section in FIG. 4. This intermediate frame member also includes a tubular like portion 26 having an interiorly extending member 27 projecting rearwardly therefrom, and since this particular frame member functions to provide intermediate support, a pair of bead retainers 28 and 29 extend perpendicularly from the back end of said extension and is disposed for retention of the means for securing particularly the per manent sash l in place. At the frontal or exterior portion of the intermediate frame member 6 are a pair of perpendicularly extending face flanges 30 and 31 which function identically to the face flanges of the perimeter frame as previously described. Intermediate these two face flanges 30 and 31 is a shallow slot 32 into which a feature strip of decorative material may be inserted to provide enhanced appearance and a pattern of color to the window structure. For example, such a strip (not shown) may insert and snap within the slots 33 so as to retain the decorative strip in place. The tubular portion 26 obviously possesses a hollow interior, as at 34, and any form of T-block or the like may insert therein for the purpose of retaining these intermediate frames securely to the perimeter frame, functioning in a somewhat similar manner as the corner blocks. Obviously the intermediate frame herein reviewed is shown as a horizontal member. but such intermediate frames may also extend vertically between various sashes particularly when a multitude of stationary and/or operating sashes comprises the window structure.  
  The retainer bead 35 utilized for snugly securing the glaze 25 permanently within its frame also is constructed as an extruded member. which when mitered and joined together into a framework snugly secures just inwardly of the perimeter and intermediate frames so as to secure said glaze 25 snugly against the glazing tape 36 and against the backside of said face flanges 24 and 30, in addition to the face flanges formed of the side frame members 7 and 8. The retainer bead includes a channel like portion 37 having one wall 38 incorporating an integral projection 39 for support of the gaskets 40 that press against the interior side of the glaze 25 of this permenent sash. Projecting outwardly of each member 38 is an extension 41 that provides for snug positioning of the retainer bead 35 with respect to the face flanges 24 and 30, in addition to the face flanges of the frame members 7 and 8. At the inward ends of the bead are provided marginal flanges 41. which extend approximately to the ends of the channel extensions 21 and 27., and each includes a snap locking mechanism 42 that is useful for interlocking respectively with the retainers 23 and 28. so as to snugly secure the retainer bead firmly in place for insuring permanent and fixed mounting of the fixed sashes within the framework of the window structure.  
  The operating sash of this invention can be more accurately seen by referring once again to FIG. 4, in addition to FIG. 5. The frame members 7 and 8 of the perimeter frame are identical in construction to the frame members 9 and 10 as previously analyzed. The only difference between these frame members and those previously described may be one of terminology. depending where they are located in the window structure. Each of these frame members 7 and 8 includes a jamb portion 43, being substantially a single width of shaped extruded material. and which include the usual semitubular like channel portions 44 that provide reinforcement for these members in addition to accommodating the corner blocks 45 that hold the frame members together as the perimeter frame. Projecting inwardly from the frontal edge of the jamb portions 43 are the face flanges 46 which, once again, extend inwardly only that distance necessary to provide some structural reinforcement. in addition to entering into at least alignment with the framework of the operating sash, furnishing concealment of said metal framework of the sash. It should also be noted that the width dimension of these face flanges 46 in addition to the other face flanges as previously analyzed, are only approximately one-third the dimension of the width of the various frame members, or more particularly their jamb, sill, or head portions, and said face flanges are shown to be of relatively narrow dimension furnishing a thin line of sight, but yet still providing uniformity of appearance. concealment of the components that support the glazing of both the fixed and operating sashes. in addition to the operating mechanisms that provide pivotal or opening movements to the operating sash.  
  The sash portion of this operating sash comprises a sash frame 47 which is likewise formed of tubular stock and is conveniently measured and mitered to be joined into the shape of the sash desired. The frame in its forward portion is formed having its reglet 48 which holds the various glazing compounds. such as a neoprene gasket. that secures the glass pane l7 firmly in place. A molding 50 is provided around the periphery of the reglet and is designed for snug contact against the inner side of the face flange 46. as when the operating sash is closed. and to insure proper closure. any form of a gasket. not shown. may be provided upon the inner surface of said face flange to provide snug contact with the operating sash when maintained in the closed position. The interior end of the frame 47 is formed having an outwardly extending marginal flange 51 which. when the operating sash is closed. it is in contiguity with the back edge of the frame as shown. and once again extends approximately to the center of a rearward extension of the jamb and sill portions 43 and 11. in this manner. this marginal flange 51 comes into close proximity with the marginal flange of an adjacent sash. and thereby providing for uniformity of appearance to the entire window structure. from the interior. and conceals the various frame members and other components forming the frame portion of the window structure. An example of the proximity to which these marginal flanges enter into is shown in FIG. 4, wherein the marginal flange 51 is shown just adjacent to the marginal flange 41 ofthe retainer head 35 of the fixed sash.  
  As previously analyzed in the summary of this invention. the operating sash may be hingedly fastened to its frame members and its perimeter frame in any manner that will provide for its limited. preferably inwardly. swinging movement so as to allow for ventilation inside the building structure. In this particular embodiment. the hinge means 52 is designed for providing swingable movement of the upward portion of the operating sash 2. although it is just as likely that a swingable movement could be arranged horizontally. or at the bottom. as may be desired by the designer. architect. or builder. The example of the hinge means 52 herein shown simply comprises a standard form of various toggle brackets and throwouts 53 and levers 54 all being pivotally interconnected to provide for the innerswing of the operating sash 2. Obviously other forms of hinge means. as for example. hinges that connect the bottom edge of the sill marginal flange 51 to the extension 13 of the frame member 10 could probably work just as effectively as the hinge means shown. In addition. any type of locking hardware. such as hand operated cam handles may be adapted to the operating sash and its adjacent frame member so as to allow for locking of said sash when closed.  
  Numerous variations in the construction of the window structure of this invention may occur to those skilled in the art in light ofthe foregoing disclosure. As previously analyzed. many more combinations of operating and fixed sashes may be combined into a large size window structure. both incorporating and operating under the principles of this invention. Such variations are intended to be within the spirit and scope of this invention. and to be protected under any patent to issue thereupon. The described embomdiments are set forth merely for purposes of illustration.  
  Having thus described the invention what is claimed and desired to be secured by Letter Patent is:  
  I. In a window structure for a building and ofthe type wherein its window frame presents a narrow profile.  
 and its operating and fixed sashes present a zero line of sight through their concealment behind the narrow frame profile as when the operating sash is in the closed position. said window structure incorporating a glazed operating sash and a glazed fixed sash. a perimeter frame peripherally surrounding said sashes and capable of being permanently mounted to the building structure. an intermediate frame member of tubular like structure provided between said sashes and being fixed to saidi perimeter frame thereby forming the operating and fixed sash openings. said perimeter frame having jamb. sill and head portions. said portions being of uniform semi-tubular structure and when viewed exteriorly along with the intermediate frame member being of uniform dimensions. said portions and the intermediate frame member having integral face flanges extending perpendicularly inwardly thereof in the direction of said sashes. said face flanges having a width substantially less than the width of said portions and the intermediate frame member. said face flanges on said portions and the intermediate frame member cooperating to form a continuous seat for the respective operating and fixed sashes. the glazed operating sash being hingedly mounted to one of said frames proximate a sash opening and capable of being opened with respect thereto. said operating sash being formed as a tubular like frame around its perimeter and having an integral reglet provided forwardly thereof for securing the glaze firmly in place. said glazed fixed sash including a retainer being formed of channel like structure around its perimeter and cooperating with gasket means for securing said glaze against the interior of the continuous face flanges of the fixed sash opening for holding said glaze firmly in place. locking means provided integrally rearwardly of the channel like structure for securing the fixed sash to its perimeter frame and intermediate frame member. and said operating sash when maintained in closed position in addition to said fixed sash being substantially concealed behind the face flanges as the window construction is viewed from one side. I  
  2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said operating sash hingedly connects proximate its bottom edge to the perimeter frame thereby providing for the pivotal opening of its top portion with respect to said frame.  
  3. The invention of claim 1 and including marginal flanges flaring perpendicularly outwardly from the inner edges of both said operating and fixed sashes. with said marginal flanges being disposed in contiguity with and substantially concealing the rearward edges of the perimeter frame during closure.  
  4. The invention of claim 1 wherein said face flanges have a width of less than one-half of the width of said jamb. sill and head portions.  
  5. The invention of claim 1 wherein the inner sides of the face flanges are disposed for retaining a sealing contact with the operating sash when said sash is maintained in closed position.  
  6. The invention of claim 1 and including corner blocks extending into confronting ends of the semitubular like structure of said jamb. sill and head portions to rigidly join the same together.  
  7. The invention of claim 1 and including a gasket seated within the reglet around the operating sash perimeter for securing the edge of the embraced glaze.