Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
mis invention relates to new and useful improvements in
window constructions particularly desinged for motor coaches and
the like.
Conventionally such window constructions consist of a
sheet of glass or plastic enclosed within a relatively heavy frame
which in turn is hinged to the window opening and is clamped into
the closed position by means of detachable latches and the like.
Such windows are often used as escape hatches and to-
gether with other faults, are relatively heavy making it difficult
to hold the window open in the case of an emergency.
Furthermore such conventional windows are relatively ex-
pensive due to the large number of parts required to provide a
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window construction which can be sealed yet can rapidly be
opened when desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes these disadvantages
and one aspect of the invention consists of a window construc-
tion for motor coaches and the like which include a window
opening formed in the wall thereof with the window opening
being substantially rectangular and being defined by the ed-
ges of the wall surrounding the opening; said window construc-
tion comprising in combination a window panel consisting of asubstantially planar frameless sheet of window material, a
flexible seal secured to the edges of the wall defining the
window opening, hinge means operatively secured to adjacent
one edge of said wall and to adjacent one edge of said win-
down panel and detachable latch means operatively secured tothe opposite edge of said wall and adjacent to the opposite
edge of said panel, the portions of the hinge means and the
latch means secured to said window panel being spaced inward-
ly from the adjacent edges of said panel, the portions of
said hinge means and the portion of said detachable latch
means secured to said window panel including planar portions,
a shock absorbing bushing extending through apertures formed
through said panel and fastening means extending through said
planar portion of said hinge means and said bushing, adjacent
said hinge means, and further fastening means extending through
said planar portion of said latch means, and said bushing ad-
jacent said latch means.
Another advantage of the invention is to provide a
device of the character herewithin described which provides a
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cost saving because of the reduction of the number of pieces of
parts forming the construction.
Yet another advantage of the invention is to provide
a device of the character herewithin described in which rela-
tively thick clear plastic can be used for the window panelingor, alternatively, a thinner sheet of tempered glass of laminat-
ed glass can be used. In the event of plastic being used, the
use of an insulated window is eliminated because the relatively
thick plastic forms a good thermal barrier.
Yet another advantage of the invention is to provide
a device of the character herewithin described in which the
frameless window provides an increased area of clear vision from
the inside of the motor coach and provides a more esthetic pleas-
ing appearance from the exterior thereof.
Still another advantage of the invention is to provide
a device of the character herewithin described in which the win-
dow sash unit is relatively lightweight and is therefore easier
to hold open in an emergency in order to provide a means of
escape.
A still further advantage of the invention is to pro-
vide a device of the character herewithin described which, be-
cause of the lighter weight, reduces wear on the upper hinge
pins due to vibrations and rattling.
A still further advantage of the invention is to pro-
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vide a device of the character herewithin described in which
the lock keepers and window pulls may be incorporated in an
integral unit and furthermore as there are no steel screws
holding an aluminum frame together, galvanic corrosion is
eliminated.
Still another advantage of the invention is to pro-
vide a device of the character herewithin described which elim-
inates the possibility of leaks because the window panel is
snugged directly against the flexible seal.
A still further advantage of the invention is to pro-
vide a device of the character herewithin described which is
simple in construction, economical in manufacture and otherwise
well suited to the purpose for which it is designed.
With the foregoing in view, and other such advantages
as will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which
this invention relates as this specification proceeds, my in-
vention consists essentially in the arrangement and construc-
tion of parts all as hereinafter more particularly described,
reference being had to the accompanying drawings in which:
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DESCRI PTI ON OF THE DRAWI NGS
Figure 1 is a front elevation of one embodiment of the
window panel per se.
Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of the window panel
in Figure 1 along the line 2-2 showing a cross section of the
window frame in phantom.
In the drawings like characters of reference indicate
corresponding parts in the different figures.
DETAI LED DESCRI Pll a~
Proceeding therefore to describe the invention in detail,
reference should be made to the drawings in which 10 illustrates
the wall of a motor coach and the like having an aperture 11 form-
ed therein with the edges 12 of the aperture defining a window
opening.
A window panel collectively designated 13 is hinged to
the upper edge 12A of the window opening ky means of a hinged com-
ponent collectively designated 14 and, when in the closed position,
registers against a flexible seal 15 of rubber or the like which
extends all around the window opening and is secured to a flange
portion 16 thereof in the usual way.
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A latch mechanism 17 is provided which lalches the window
panel in the closed position and a release bar assembly 18 of con-
ventional construction, is provided to release the latch mechanism
so that the window can be pushed open in an upward direction as in-
dicated by arrow 19. In this regard, the release 20 of the latchassembly is moved from the position shown in phantom, in the direc-
tion of arrow 21 to effect the release.
In detail the window panel generally designated 13 is
formed with a configuration to suit the window opening, of a clear
plastic, a relatively thin tempered glass or laminated glass depend-
ing upon design parameters.
It is a substantially planar panel and is provided with
upper hinge plates 22 in spaced apart relationship along the upper
edge 23 thereof but spaced inwardly therefrom.
In this regard, apertures 23A are formed through the
panel and a shock absorbing bushing 24 engages the apertures. The
lower hinge leaf or plate 22 is provided with a planar portion 23B
and nut and bolt means or similar fastening means 25 extends
through this planar portion, and through the shock absorbing bush-
ing 24 thus holding the hinge portions 22 firmly against the panel
a~ clearly shown.
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A hinge pin 2~ extends through the sleeve portion 27 of
the hinge plate 22 and connects the hinge plate to the upper plate
portion 27 which is secured to the wall 10 spaced fro~ the edge 12A.
In this regard a drip moulding 28 may be provided in the usual way,
The latch or catch assembly 17 includes a combination
plate portion 29 having a pull handle 30 formed thereon and a
planar portion 31 extending at an angle from the pull handle por~
tion. A further portion 32 is provided substantially parallel
with the main handle portion 30 and a latch catch 33 is formed to-
wards the distal end of this portion 32. ~ conventional spring
loaded latch 34 extends upwardly from the release assembly 18 and
engages through an aperture and is held against the latch 33 in
the usual manner when the window panel is in the closed position.
This component 29 is fastened to the panel 13 in a manner
similar to the securement of the hinge plate 22 and is also spaced
upwardly from the opposite or lower edge 35 of the panel.
In operation, the relative lightweight panel is easily
opened and closed and held firmly against the seal lS when in the
closed position~
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Although the glass or plastic panel 13 may be transparent,
nevertheless it will be appreciated that it may be tinted if neces-
sary without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Also it will be appreciated that although the window
S is shown hinged along the horizontal upper edge 12A of the window
opening, nevertheless it can also be hinged by one of the vertical
sides if this particular design is required.
Since various modifications can be made in my invention
as hereinabove described, and many apparently widely different em-
bodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claimswithout departing from such spirit and scope, it is intended that
all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be
interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
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