Frame assembly for doors, windows and the like

An improved frame assembly for doors, windows and the like comprising:

• a frame defining an opening for receiving and retaining a central panel, a central panel positioned within said opening, said central panel defining an edge about its exterior perimeter, said frame including a first skin and a second skin in opposed relationship and defining a cavity therebetween, said first and second skins each having an interior and exterior edge and a plurality of support ribs positioned within said cavity and adjacent said interior edges for supporting said edge of said central panel, said support ribs having a first surface which is flush with said interior edges and a second surface which is substantially perpendicular to said first surface and which abuts said edge of said central panel, said support ribs of said first skin being staggered with respect to said support ribs of said second skin, said central panel being in contact with and held between said interior edges of said first and second skins, said edge of said central panel extending into said cavity, an insert adjacent the periphery of said first and second skins, said exterior edges of said first and second skins being separated by and in contact with said insert, said insert having opposed grooves on either side for receiving said exterior edges of said first and second skins, said insert further having a first portion disposed within said cavity and a second portion extending outside of said cavity adjacent said exterior edges, said cavity containing a foamable insulating material which fills said cavity and surrounds said edge of said central panel to form a weather and thermal resistant seal between said foam and said edge.