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US 5,687,533 AGranted
Method and apparatus for connecting window frame segments
AssigneeAndersen Corporation
InventorTodd W. Bruchu
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A corner lock includes a first member that is secured to a first window frame segment and a second member that is secured to the first member and a second window frame segment. The first member is inserted into an opening in an end of the first window frame segment, and a partial turn thereof anchors the first member relative to the first window frame segment. A ring on a protruding end of the first member abuts an end of the second window frame segment, and the second member inserts through this ring and is secured within the end of the second window frame segment.
Claims20
A window, comprising:
- at least one window sash;
- frame members disposed about said at least one window sash, wherein an end of a first frame member is connected to an end of a second frame member, and an opening extends lengthwise into said end of said first frame member, and said opening has a longitudinal axis;
- a first effective diameter as measured in a first direction perpendicular to said longitudinal axis;
- and a second effective diameter as measured in a second direction perpendicular to said longitudinal axis;
- a first fastener having a first end and a second, opposite end, wherein said first end is inserted into said end of said first frame member;
- and
- a second fastener having a first end;
- a second, opposite end;
- and a shaft extending therebetween, wherein said first end is inserted through said second, opposite end of said first fastener and into said end of said second frame member, and said second, opposite end cooperates with said end of said second frame member to retain said second, opposite end of said first fastener therebetween, and wherein said shaft has a longitudinal axis;
- a first effective diameter as measured in a first direction perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said shaft;
- and a second effective diameter as measured in a second direction perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said shaft and bounded by at least one ridge extending substantially radially about a portion of said shaft, and said second effective diameter of said opening is at least as great as said second effective diameter of said shaft, and said first effective diameter of said opening is at least as great as said first effective diameter of said shaft and is less than said second effective diameter of said shaft.
8 more elements
A corner assembly connecting a first window frame segment at a desired angle relative to a second window frame segment, comprising:
- a first member having a shaft portion and a head portion, wherein said head portion has a greater effective diameter than said shaft portion;
- and
- a second member having a first portion and a second portion, wherein said first portion cooperates with an opening in an end of the first window frame segment in such a manner that when said second member occupies a first orientation relative to the opening, said first portion is readily movable into and out of the opening;
- and when said second member is rotated to a second orientation relative to the opening, said first portion is anchored within the opening, and said second portion is proximate an adjacent end of the second window frame segment, and said shaft portion of said first member extends through said second portion and into the adjacent end of the second window frame segment, and said second portion is retained between the second window frame segment and said head portion of said first member.
1 more element
A corner assembly connecting a first window frame segment at a desired angle relative to a second window frame segment, comprising:
- a first member having a shaft portion and a head portion, wherein said head portion has a greater effective diameter than said shaft portion;
- and
- a second member having a threaded shaft and a ring, wherein said threaded shaft is anchored within an opening in an end of the first window frame segment, and said ring is proximate an adjacent end of the second window frame segment, and said shaft portion of said first member extends through said ring and into the adjacent end of the second window frame segment, and said ring is retained between said head portion and the second window frame segment.
A method of fastening a first frame component relative to a second frame component, comprising the steps of:
- forming an opening in the first frame component in such a manner that the opening has a first effective diameter as measured in a first direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the opening and a second effective diameter as measured in a second direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the opening, wherein the second effective diameter is greater than the first effective diameter;
- selecting a first fastener with a shaft having a corresponding first effective diameter as measured in a corresponding first direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the fastener, and having a corresponding second effective diameter as measured in a corresponding second direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fastener, wherein the corresponding second effective diameter is defined by at least one ridge extending about a portion of the first fastener, substantially radially about the longitudinal axis thereof, and with a head connected to an end of the shaft and having a hole formed therethrough at a desired angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft;
- orienting the shaft relative to the opening in such a manner that the first effective diameter and the corresponding first effective diameter are substantially coplanar and the second effective diameter and the corresponding second effective diameter are substantially coplanar;
- inserting the shaft into the opening;
- rotating the shaft within the opening in such a manner that at least one ridge engages a sidewall of the opening and the hole through the head substantially aligns with a connecting member on the second frame component;
- selecting a second fastener with a shaft having a diameter less than that of the hole, and with a head having a diameter greater than that of the hole;
- inserting the shaft of the second fastener through the hole and into the connecting member on the second frame component;
- and
- securing the shaft of the second fastener relative to the second frame component.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.