Installation features for fenestration units and associated methods

Abstract

Features and methods for use in connection with the installation of fenestration units. Embodiments include an installation bracket and method of use, pre-installed flashing tape, and a shim that can be broken to a desired length during shimming procedures.

Claims

1. An installation feature for use with a fenestration unit, comprising: an installation bracket base, wherein the installation bracket base comprises: a fastening portion configured to be fastened to a frame of a fenestration unit; and a tongue deflectably coupled to the fastening portion, wherein the tongue defines a shim receiver gap extending between an exterior-facing side and an interior-facing side of the installation bracket base between the tongue and the fastening portion, and wherein the tongue is configured to be engaged by a tapered shim extending through the shim receiver gap, and to be deflected by the tapered shim away from the fastening portion and toward a structure into which the fenestration unit is being installed; and wherein the tapered shim is disposed in the shim receiver gap.

2. The installation feature of claim 1 and further including a leg deflectably coupling the tongue to the fastening portion.

3. The installation feature of claim 1 and further including two spaced-apart legs deflectably coupling the tongue to the fastening portion, wherein the two spaced-apart legs define a slot and wherein the shim receiver gap extends through the slot.

4. The installation feature of claim 1 and further including one or more fastener openings in the fastener portion.

5. The installation feature of claim 1 wherein the installation bracket base is fabricated from single piece of material.

6. The installation feature of claim 1 and further including an anchoring bracket coupled to the installation bracket base, wherein the anchoring bracket extends from the fastening portion of the installation bracket base and is configured to be anchored to a structure.

7. The installation feature of claim 6 wherein the anchoring bracket is hingedly connected to the installation bracket base; and, the anchoring bracket includes a two space-apart legs defining a gap, and wherein the shim receiver gap extends through the gap between the legs of the anchoring bracket.

8. The installation feature of claim 6 wherein the anchoring bracket is hingedly connected to the exterior-facing side of the installation bracket base.

9. A fenestration unit including one or more of the installation bracket bases in accordance with claim 1 mounted thereto.

10. An installation feature for use with a fenestration unit, comprising: a base fabricated from a single piece of material, including: a fastening portion including one or more fastener openings; a tongue; and a leg deflectably coupling the tongue to the fastening portion, wherein the tongue and leg define a shim receiver gap extending between an exterior-facing side and an interior-facing side of the installation feature between the tongue and the fastening portion; and wherein the tongue is configured to be engaged by a tapered shim extending through the shim receiver gap, and to be deflected by the tapered shim away from the fastening portion and toward a structure into which the fenestration unit is being installed; and a flip-up anchoring bracket hingedly coupled to the exterior-facing side of the installation feature, the anchoring bracket including a leg configured to be anchored to a structure and defining a gap, and wherein the shim receiver gap extends through the gap of the anchoring bracket; and wherein the tapered shim is disposed in the shim receiver gap of the base.

11. A fenestration unit including one or more of the bases in accordance with claim 10 mounted thereto.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a fenestration unit as viewed from an exterior side prior to installation in a building structure, according to some examples.

(2) FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a fenestration unit as viewed from an edge, or side of the unit prior to installation in a building structure, according to some examples.

(3) FIG. 3 is schematic view of a cross-section of flashing tape for a fenestration unit, according to some examples.

(4) FIGS. 4-7 are detailed illustrations of the flashing tape shown in FIG. 3, showing perforation patterns in accordance with examples.

(5) FIG. 8 is an isometric illustration of a portion of a fenestration unit including an installation bracket, according to some examples.

(6) FIG. 9 is an isometric illustration of a portion of the installation bracket shown in FIG. 8.

(7) FIG. 10 is an isometric illustration of another flip-up bracket of the installation bracket shown in FIG. 9, according to some examples.

(8) FIG. 11 is an isometric illustration of another flip-up bracket of the installation bracket shown in FIG. 9, according to some examples.

(9) FIG. 12 is an isometric illustration of another flip-up bracket of the installation bracket shown in FIG. 9, according to some examples.

(10) FIG. 13 is an isometric illustration of another installation bracket, according to some examples.

(11) FIG. 14 isometric view of a shim, according to some examples.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(12) FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a fenestration unit 10 as viewed from an exterior side prior to installation in a building structure (not shown), according to some examples. FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a fenestration unit 10 as viewed from an edge, or side of the unit 10 prior to installation in a building structure, according to some examples. The term “fenestration unit” is meant to cover any of a variety of products for providing venting, viewing, ingress, or egress from a building structure into which the fenestration unit is installed. Examples include doors, windows, and the like. The term “building structure” is meant to cover any of a variety of structures. Examples include personal homes, residential buildings, commercial buildings, and others. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fenestration unit 10 includes a frame 12, flashing tape 14, and a plurality of installation brackets 16. Relative terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “top,” “bottom,” and the like are to be construed broadly and are used to describe the orientation of components relative to one another, rather than in an absolute sense, unless otherwise indicated.

(13) The frame 12 can be configured to maintain one or more glazing or other panels (e.g., sheets of glass). An example of a suitable frame design corresponds to those used for the products sold under the trade name “ARCHITECT SERIES” by “PELLA CORPORATION” having facilities located in Pella, Iowa. As shown in FIG. 1, the frame 12 optionally includes two side jambs 20 and 22, a head 24, and a sill 26.

(14) The flashing tape 14 is optionally a single, continuous piece of material (e.g., integral or separate, connected components) or formed of separate and discrete pieces of material, and extends around the perimeter of the frame 12, for example being attached to each of the side jambs 20 and 22 and the head 24 as desired. Generally, the flashing tape 14 will be a single, continuous piece of material to facilitate proper sealing. Additionally, the sill 26 is typically left free of the pre-installed flashing tape 14, with a subsequent piece (or pieces) of tape similar to flashing tape 14 applied during installation. In some shipping kits, a length of pre-cut flashing tape of a proper width (and, e.g., length) is included with the unit 10 for installation along the sill 26. In some examples, however, the sill 26 may also include a portion of the pre-installed flashing tape 14 (e.g., such that the flashing tape 14 forms a continuous ring).

(15) In some examples, the flashing tape 14 is pre-attached to the fenestration unit 10 (e.g., at the manufacturing location) prior to installation of the fenestration unit 10 in a building structure. Thus, in some examples, the fenestration unit 10 includes the flashing tape 14 when the fenestration unit is in a shipping configuration (e.g., wrapped with shrink wrap, contained in a shipping container, and/or while coupled with other additional or alternative shipping aids). In some examples the flashing tape 14 is applied directly to an exterior surface of the frame 12 (e.g., adhered to the frame 12) and in other examples the flashing tape 14 is additionally or alternatively received between portions of the frame 12 (e.g., between frame cladding and the frame jamb) to secure the flashing tape 14 to the fenestration unit 10.

(16) FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a cross-section of the flashing tape 14. As shown the flashing tape 14 includes a release liner 30 (e.g., craft paper), an adhesive layer 32 (e.g., butyl), and one or more structural layers such as a carrier layer 34 (e.g., ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber, EPDM), and a backing layer 36 (e.g., aluminum foil).

(17) The release liner 30 is optionally slit at a desired width to facilitate assembly to the frame 12 (e.g., by removing a portion of the release liner 30 and adhering the flashing tape 14 to the frame 12 with the adhesive layer 32.

(18) The adhesive layer 32 is optionally a butyl adhesive, but can be any of a variety of adhesive formulations suitable for such purposes.

(19) The carrier layer 34 is preferable formed of an elastomeric material (e.g., EPDM) to facilitate flexing and limited stretching/conformability of the flashing tape 14 during shipping (e.g., to facilitate folding the flashing tape 14 against the remainder of the fenestration unit 10) and during installation (e.g., to facilitate folding the flashing tape 14 outward and then against the outer surface (e.g., cladding or building wrap) of the building structure into which the fenestration unit 10 is installed. Such a feature can be particularly useful for ensuring proper folding and sealing at the corners of the fenestration unit 10, for example.

(20) In some examples, the backing layer 36 is formed of a material that provides good handling characteristics and some overall stiffness to the flashing tape 14 (e.g., a metallic foil, such as aluminum foil). In some examples, the backing layer 36 includes one or more relief features (e.g., perforations, apertures, slits, or other features providing selective flexibility). Several examples of potential patterns are shown schematically, such as one or more perforated lines at the corners (FIG. 4), a pattern of holes (FIG. 5), a slit cross-hatching (FIG. 6), or a series of slits—angled or otherwise (FIG. 7), or any other additional or alternative pattern of diagonal, horizontal, vertical, or checkerboard patterns, for example, as desired. Any of these options, similar options, and combinations thereof are contemplated. Such relief features may assist with the overall ability of the flashing tape 14 to be folded as desired (e.g., for shipping purposes) without defeating the enhanced handling provided by such a layer. The corners or other portions of the flashing tape 14 may be beneficially prepared with such features. In some examples, the backing layer 36 may be offset or have a smaller width than other components of the flashing tape 14 (e.g., there may be foil along only part of the width of the flashing tape 14) to facilitate a desired level of conformity with the flashing tape 14 while balancing the need for proper handling characteristics (e.g., the flashing tape 14 does not easily flop over onto itself to self-adhere).

(21) In some examples, the flashing tape 14 is sufficiently bi-directionally flexible/stretchable stretchable such that the backing layer 36 does not require any perforations/relief features at the corners (or elsewhere, in some examples). Regardless, in a typical installation, once the release liner 30 is removed, the flashing tape 14 can be stretched up and onto the wall of the building structure (not shown). The release liner 14 can be slit (e.g., at a width of about 0.5 inches) to allow removal of part of the release liner 14 for applying the flashing tape 14 to the frame 12 during manufacture (or otherwise prior to installation), and a remainder of the liner 14 may stay in place until removed during installation in the building structure.

(22) FIG. 8 shows one of the installation brackets 16 installed on the jamb 22 of the frame 12, according to some embodiments (note the flashing tape 14 is removed from the view of FIG. 8 to allow viewing of the bracket 16 as installed). As shown, the installation brackets 16 may be secured to the frame using one or more fasteners F (e.g., screws or nails) received through fastener openings in fastening portions of the installation brackets 16.

(23) The installation brackets 16 are attached at pre-selected locations about the frame 12 (e.g., at or near the corners). The installation brackets 16 are optionally formed of stamped steel or other material as desired. Each installation bracket 16 optionally includes a base 40 and a flip-up bracket 42. Generally, the number and position of the installation brackets 16, as well as the configuration of the base 40 and flip-up bracket 42, are selected about the fenestration unit 10 such that structural anchoring is sufficient for a desired performance rating. Generally a minimum of two of the brackets 16 will be located near each lower corner on the sill 26 (e.g., to provide the needed space to allow proper moisture management and means to shim one or both sides of the fenestration unit 10 during plumbing/levelling). Generally, additional ones of the brackets 16 would be located at each checkrail for double hung windows as well as near the upper corners on the jambs 20 and 22 of all fenestration units 10.

(24) FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the base 40, according to some examples. As shown, the base 40 includes a shim receiver 50, formed by a deflectable tongue 52 and a slot 54. The deflectable tongue 52 is coupled to a remainder of the base 40 with a pair of legs 56, which also help form the boundaries of the slot 54. Generally, the base 40 permits a shim (not shown) to be inserted narrow end first, from the exterior of the fenestration unit 10, under the deflectable tongue 52 and into the slot 54. This can help hold the shim during shimming, and also permits gradual insertion of the shim and thus plumbing of the unit 10. In some examples, the incline towards the interior of the base's shim receiver 50 facilitates self-centering of the unit 10 within a rough opening (not shown). Such self-centering can help reduce or eliminate the need for an additional person/labor within the interior of the building structure to assist with centering or shimming of the unit 10.

(25) The base 40 can be provided as a standalone unit, or used in conjunction with the flip-up bracket 42, described below.

(26) FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the flip-up anchoring bracket 42, according to some examples. As show, the flip-up bracket 42 is optionally U-shaped with a pair of attachment legs 60 and 62 each having a desired number of apertures for receiving fasteners (e.g., screws or nails). The flip up bracket 42 has an inner portion 64 that is configured to be hinged (e.g., using one or more pins) to the base 40 and which also defines a gap 66 with the base 40. In some examples, the gap 66 in the flip-up bracket 42 and the gap under the tongue 52 of the shim receiver 50 (FIG. 9) help allow for the insertion of a wedge shim (not shown) from the exterior of the building structure (not shown) for shimming the fenestration unit 10. This shimming capability can help allow for easier unit leveling using the unit's frame 12 as a guide as well as eliminate the need for a person/laborer on the interior of the building structure during levelling.

(27) Additionally, the isolated flip-up bracket 42 (i.e., isolated in the sense there are discrete locations corresponding to each of the installation brackets 16, rather than a continuous, or relatively longer nail flange extending along the frame 12) can help reduce the number of anchor fasteners that are required, or which an installer perceives as being required, around the entire perimeter of the unit 10. In other words, an installer might otherwise believe that more fasteners than necessary are required when utilizing a standard nailing flange for installation of a similar unit to that of unit 10.

(28) FIG. 11 is an isometric view of another example of a flip-up bracket 142 optionally employed with one, some, or all of the installation brackets 16 of the fenestration unit 10 as desired. As shown, the flip-up bracket 142 has a square-annular, or ring-shape (e.g., as opposed to the U-shape of FIG. 10) and includes additional fastener apertures.

(29) FIG. 12 is an isometric view of another example of a flip-up bracket 242 optionally employed with one, some, or all of the installation brackets 16 of the fenestration unit 10 as desired. As shown, the flip-up bracket 242 has is relatively longer and defines a U-shape including legs 260 and 262. A longer flip-up bracket may help facilitate anchoring with pre-applied brickmould, and thus help eliminating the requirement to remove some or a portion (e.g., 3-½ inches) of brickmould in the field to properly anchor mullion ends of the unit 10 and a unit to which the unit 10 is mulled.

(30) FIG. 13 is an isometric view of another example of an installation bracket base 140 that may be utilized for one, some, or all of the installation brackets 16 of the fenestration unit 10 as desired. As shown, the base 140 is relatively longer than the base 40, and includes dual shim receivers 150 with associated mounting locations for flip-up brackets, such as any of those previously described. In some examples, the base 140 serves as a mullion end reinforcement plate and as a means of mullion anchoring to the rough opening in which the fenestration unit 10 and another fenestration unit (not shown) are installed as a mulled assembly, or unit.

(31) Various additional or alternative modifications to the installation brackets 16 are contemplated. For example, for block frame installation methods that utilize masonry installation clips, the base (such as any of those previously described) and flip-up bracket (such as any of those previously described) could be reversed, allowing for insertion of the unit 10 from the interior of the building structure. If desired, a longer, modified flip-up bracket could then be anchored into the rough opening (e.g., similar to installation clip anchoring in either straight or bent condition).

(32) FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a shim 70 optionally employed for shimming the unit 10, or any other fenestration unit as desired. The shim 70 defines a top 72, a bottom 74, a nose 76, and a heel 78. As shown, the shim 70 includes a series of opposing upper grooves 80 formed into the top 72 and lower grooves 82 formed into the bottom 74 of the shim 70. The opposing upper grooves 80 and lower grooves 82 provide pre-selected break points for the shim 70 to facilitate breaking the shim at a desired length during a shimming procedure. The groves 80 and 82 are positioned on opposing sides of hollows 84 formed into the top 72 of the shim 70 that save material and reduce weight of the design. The top and the bottom 72 and 74 are angled with regard to one another such that the angle, or incline of the shim can be relatively steeper than standard shims (e.g., compare approximately 2 degrees for a standard shim to approximately 9.5 degrees according to some shim designs disclosed herein). Any of a variety of inclines are contemplated, such as greater than 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 20 degrees, any value in between, or any range in between the afore-mentioned examples. In some examples, the shim 70 has dimensions of 0.5 inches in height, 3 inches in length, and 1 inch in width.

(33) In examples, the base and flip-up bracket are located such that structural anchoring is sufficient for the products desired performance rating. For example, two or more brackets located near each lower corner on the sill may provide the space needed to allow proper moisture management as well as provide means to shim up one or both sides to accomplish plumb/level product after set within the rough opening. Additional brackets may located at each checkrail for double hung as well as near the upper corners of all products on each jamb.

(34) The incline towards the interior of the base's shim receiver may allow for self-centering of the product within the rough opening. This may eliminate the need for an additional person/labor needed within the interior of the building to assist with centering or shimming of products. The gap in the flip up bracket and the base's shim receiver may allow for the insertion of a wedge shim from the exterior. This may allow for easier product leveling using the product's frame as a guide, and may eliminate the need for the interior person/laborer. The isolated flip up bracket anchor method may reduce the number of anchor fastening required around the entire perimeter when compared to a standard nailing flange installation of similar product. In examples, a longer base with dual shim locations and flip up brackets may serve as a mullion end reinforcement plate and means of mullion anchoring to the rough opening. A longer flip up bracket in examples could also allow anchoring with factory applied brickmould, and may eliminate the need to remove 3-½″ brickmould in the field to properly anchor mullion ends. For block frame installation methods that utilize masonry installation clips, the base and flip up bracket could be reversed, allow for insertion of the product from the interior/within the building. A longer, modified flip up bracket could then be anchored into the opening (similar to installation clip anchoring in either straight or bent condition).

(35) Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the above described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.