Replacement window cladding method and system

Abstract

A window unit and replacement window cladding method and system which is provided as a single unit to be installed as a complete new window that fits over the head, side jamb and sill of an existing window frame and the old window frame that is cladded with head jamb, side jamb, and sill cover assemblies defining an opening in which one or more sash units is pivotally secured forming a replacement window unit, without any loss of glass size and egress, and without disturbing the building interior.

Claims

1. A replacement window cladding system comprising: a) a head jamb assembly; b) a pair of side jamb assemblies, said head jamb and side jamb assemblies configured to be installed as a single unit in a building window opening directly over an already installed window frame, the head and side jamb assemblies each including inner and outer balance system channels and having a rearwardly facing surface to be positioned against an outwardly facing surface of the window frame, and an extension member connected to the head and side jamb assemblies which upon installation extends behind the already installed window frame; c) a head adapter adapted to be connected to said head jamb assembly hi a position covering the inner balance system channel; d) a frame adapter adapted to be connected to said side jamb assemblies at a location between the inner and outer balance system channels; and e) a sill assembly; f) said head jamb assembly, side jamb assemblies, and sill assembly, defining an opening in which one or more sash units is securable forming a replacement window unit.

2. The replacement window cladding system of claim 1 additionally comprising an inside trim member adapted to be connected to said head and side jamb assemblies having a first leg, and a second leg with a reduced end portion.

3. The replacement window cladding system of claim 1 in which said sill assembly includes a sill cover having a main cap section, an offset ledge on one end, a nose section on the other end, and a sill cover extension having a lip on one end and another end which is supported on the offset ledge, the sill cover extension allowing for the angle of the sill cover to be adjusted to fit or modify the angle of an existing sill.

4. The replacement window cladding system of claim 3 additionally comprising an upper window sash and lower window sash which are slidably mounted to said head jamb and side jamb assemblies.

5. The replacement window cladding system of claim 4 in which the side jamb assemblies, head jamb assembly, and sill assembly are connected together to form a single unit.

6. The replacement window cladding system of claim 4 wherein at least one of the side jamb assemblies, head jamb assembly, and sill assembly is made of a synthetic material.

7. The replacement window cladding system of claim 4 wherein at least one of the side jamb assemblies, head jamb assembly, and sill assembly is made by extrusion.

8. A replacement window unit comprising: a clad jamb assembly (40) including a back wall having opposite inwardly and outwardly (42) facing surfaces, a first arm (44) connected to the back wall and having an outwardly extending portion and an inwardly extending portion, an extension arm (46) connected to the outwardly extending portion of the first arm (44) and projecting over a portion of the outwardly facing surface (42) of the back wall, a pair of aligned balance system channels (76 and 78) extending from the inwardly facing surface of the back wall, a slot (80) defined between the channels, and an exterior window casing structure (50) attached to the first arm (42), said casing structure including an accessory kerf and configured for attachment of one or more trim components to the window unit; said clad jamb assembly (40) forming at least a pair of oppositely disposed side jamb sections and a top jamb section extending between the side jamb sections, and configured to be secured to a previously installed window frame having an inwardly directed surface, a rear surface, an exterior directed surface and an interior directed surface, with the outwardly facing surface (42) of the back wall seated against the window frame inwardly directed surface, the outwardly extending portion of the first arm seated against the window frame exterior directed surface, and the extension arm abutting against the window frame rear surface; and a sill section (160) connected between the side jamb sections of the clad jamb assembly.

9. The replacement window unit of claim 8 in which the exterior window casing structure (50) includes an internal screw boss.

10. The replacement window unit of claim 9 in which the first arm perpendicularly intersects with an end of the back wall.

11. The replacement window unit of claim 10 additionally comprising a head adapter (100) having a pair of clip members for securing the head adapter in the slot (80) between the channels of the head jamb section of the jamb assembly, a sash guide section, and a channel cover section.

12. The replacement window unit of claim 11 additionally comprising a frame adapter having a pair of clip members for securing the frame adapter in the slot (80) between the channels of a side jamb section of the jamb assembly and covering the sash balances of the replacement window unit.

13. The replacement window unit of claim 8 additionally comprising a nail fin (49) extending outwardly from the first arm.

14. The replacement window unit of claim 8 additionally comprising a second arm (72) extending inwardly from the back wall and having a distal lip.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a replacement window unit according to the system and method of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 2 is an exploded view of replacement window unit and old window frame components.

(4) FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a head and side jamb assembly in accordance with the invention.

(5) FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of an exemplary head adapter.

(6) FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of an exemplary frame adapter.

(7) FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of an exemplary inside trim member.

(8) FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of an exemplary sill cover assembly.

(9) FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic side elevation view of the exemplary replacement window assembly.

(10) FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic top elevation view of the exemplary replacement window assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(11) The following detailed description is of the best mode or modes of the invention presently contemplated. Such description is not intended to be understood in a limiting sense, but to be an example of the invention presented solely for illustration thereof, and by reference to which in connection with the following description and the accompanying drawings one skilled in the art may be advised of the advantages and construction of the invention. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, the emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles and manner of use of the invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like elements of an embodiment.

(12) FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a new exterior replacement window unit 10 manufactured in accordance with the method and system of the present invention, which is provided as a single unit to be installed as a complete new window that fits over the head, side jamb and sill of the old window to be replaced. In preparing the old window opening for installation of the new exterior replacement window system of the invention, the old window sashes, moldings, brickmold casing, head and side blind stops, and parting stops are removed from around the old window frame. This leaves the old window frame, including the old side jambs, head jamb, and sill which are are to be reused if possible. It will be understood, however, that prior to installation of the new exterior replacement window unit 10, first the old frame is checked for wood rot, water damage, dry rot and other damage, and all necessary repairs are made.

(13) Unlike other replacement window installations where either the old frame is completely removed or the new window including a new frame is installed in the old frame, in the present system the old window is replaced by a new complete window that fits over the old frame, and includes a new clad frame with built-in sashes and counter balances which have been precisely measured to fit over the old wood frame, such that the old window frame is converted into a clad window. In a limited number of circumstances, particularly in the case of historic windows or for personal reasons, the old sashes could be retrofitted for use with the present old frame cladding method and system, although in general this is likely to be more costly and labor intensive than installing a complete new replacement window unit 10. The new sashes of the replacement window unit 10 may need to be removed from the window unit 10 temporarily after the unit is inserted in the old frame, in order for the new window and cladding system to be properly anchored to the old frame as described in detail below, after which the new sashes are put back in place. In one embodiment, the new windows are deep, having a width of about 4 and abut against the old inside trim that was nailed on when the old windows were originally installed.

(14) The replacement window installation method and system of the present invention has numerous advantages over existing systems, and eliminates problems and complaints associated with current stile replacement windows, including loss of glass area. For example, a current window replacement system resulted in a reduction of the glass width from 26 to 23 and in the overall glass height from 52 to 46 (per sash height of glass lost from 25 to 22, or about 10%). In contrast, loss of glass area in the present inventor's replacement window system ranges from 0% to possibly 1%. In addition, a double frame system gives the window a thicker frame look, since the ratio of glass to frame has a dramatic primarily negative change in appearance. In contrast, the present system maintains more of the original architectural look and feel of the building structure, as the same look to the interior and exterior is provided. The new system also gives the appearance of a new construction window and can closely match any new construction that may be added to a construction project.

(15) FIG. 2 is an exploded view illustrating the basic old or existing window and replacement window components. In the present inventor's system, the old sashes and balance system 23 are removed, while the old existing frame, including the side jambs 11 and 12, head jamb 13, sill assembly 14, head and sill extender 9, and sill nosing 15 are maintained. The new window has a strut attached to the head detail or blindstop 16, side jambs 11 and 12, and head jamb assembly 13 of the old frame, and a strut/aluminum clad 17 mated to the old jamb. Side blindstop 18 is part of the clad of the new window. The new cladding connected to the strut 17 that forms the jamb and head are connected to the sill cover 19. The sill cover 19 is the base of the new window and the new window is a complete unit that enjoins the side jambs 11 and 12 to the head jamb 13 and connects the new sill 19 which covers the old sill when installed or connected with the old frame 10 from the exterior. The present system thus eliminates the need for coil stock/roll form metal used in the other methods.

(16) The exterior frame cladding can be manufactured from materials such as aluminum, vinyl or fiberglass, synthetic materials, or wood. The cladding with or without a jamb liner/sleeve is connected to the old jamb after the old exterior casings/moldings, blind stops, and head stops are removed. The new window cladding with the jamb strut attached and balance system slide in to the old frame and connect with the old frame. The exterior clad side, head jamb and full sill cover need to fit tightly to the inside stops or side extender 20, and as seen in FIG. 2 as clad side blindstop 18 and strut 17 which join together and slide into and butt to side extender 20. The head jamb 13 and side jambs 11-12, and sill cover 15 are attached to the sash balance system, and are all completely weather-stripped. The jamb, head and sill covers with the sash balance system in one embodiment are backed with rigid Polystyrene or similar rigid plastics that will slide into the old window frame and attach to the old window frame with anchors (screw or fastener) through the balance channels or by engineered details to connect the Polystyrene to the old frame.

(17) A drip cap nailing fin 21 is secured to the new side and head jam assemblies, as well as a new head parting stop or polystyrene strut 22b which replaced old strut 22a, while head brickmold 23 is also removed. In addition, a dripcap nailing fin 24 is provided on the new clad side jamb assemblies, while side brickmold 25 is removed from the old side jambs. Once installed, a frame corner key 26 is secured to the upper corners of the new side jamb assemblies. One of the jamb balance assemblies 27 is shown behind head jamb assembly 13 in FIG. 2. Also shown with respect to the old frame 10 in FIG. 2 are dust blocks 28 which are secured to the side jambs 11 and 12, a jamb plug 29, jamb liner sill pad 30, and spacer blocks 31. New top and bottom sash assemblies 32a and 32b are dimensioned to fit in the new window, and include weatherstripping 33 and a check rail weatherstrip 34. Sash pins 35 are positioned on the bottom sides of the new top and bottom sash assemblies 32a and 32b, and a sash lock 36a and sash keeper 36b are positioned to lock the sashes 32a and 32b when in a closed position. Glazing beads 37 are positioned between the sash rails and stiles and the glass. A screen 38 is provided and fits in the new clad frame assembly, and a sill cladding nailing fin 39 and sill and side jamb gasket which are optionally used where needed are shown. Also included in certain replacement window packages may be additional specialized components depending on the window design, such a picture frame assembly, a screen accessory package, a concealed grille clip package, a metal joining/installation plate, corner gusset, glass shims, a nail fin stiffener bracket, brickmould, a 4 9/16 stool, and field applied add-on extender.

(18) FIG. 3 is an elevation view from an end of an exemplary embodiment of an elongated clad jamb assembly 40 constructed in accordance with the invention, which is used in forming the new side jambs and head jamb of the replacement window system. Assembly 40 in one embodiment is a rigid extrusion dimensioned to cover the jamb and is made from aluminum, vinyl, or fiberglass, and in other embodiments may be made of materials such as bronze, steel, resins or metal. As oriented in FIG. 3, assembly 40 has a flat upwardly facing surface 42, which surface 42 when assembly 40 is fitted into an old window frame abuts against the old side jamb or head jamb. Arm 44 is connected extending outwardly from one edge of surface 42, and an extension 46 having an upwardly concave channel 48 spaced from arm 44 extends inwardly from arm 44 such that when assembly 40 is installed, arm 44 fits along one side of the old frame side or head jamb, and extension 46 fits behind the old jamb. In addition, a nail fin 49 is attached extending outwardly from arm 44, while in some embodiments the nail fin 49 can be removed for those applications that do not need a nail fin, such as masonry walls.

(19) Structure 50 is formed as part of assembly 40, and includes outwardly turned leg 52 which extends from arm 44 opposite inwardly turned arm 44, and has a rounded tip 54. Depending on the dimensions of the old window frame, in some embodiments, arm 46 and leg 52 are connected to arm 44 extending directly outwardly from each other or offset from each other. A short extension 56 extends downwardly from leg 52, and another extension 58 extends outwardly from short leg 56 to a position slightly beyond tip 54, forming outwardly facing groove 59. Another leg 60 extends downwardly from the outer end of extension 58, and the lower end of leg 60 is connected to angled extension 62 which extends downwardly and inwardly from leg 60. Angled extension 62 is connected on its other end to extension 64, which is also connected to short downward leg 66 and in turn to leg 68 which extends outwardly from the downwardly directed section of arm 44. A longitudinal track 71 is formed between leg 68 and rounded finger extension 70 which extends upwardly from leg 64. Longitudinal track 71 serves as a screw boss that enables screwing of the mitered parts together. When the old brickmold, and blind stop are removed from around the old window frame, a space or is left between the house exterior materials (siding, block, stone, stucco) that is filled by structure 50 and components to be connected to structure. This includes attachment or application of a nail fin, commercial backer rod, caulking, flashing, and nail or screw anchoring. Structure 50 therefore is the exterior window casing included in the clad system. Lip 54 is an accessory kerf used to help hold in place any clad trim accessories applied to make the face of the window wider. Increasing the width helps close any gaps between the building and the exterior window casing. There is also a corner key (see FIG. 2) that hold the corners together and receives the benefit of the screwed corners.

(20) Referring still to FIG. 3, arm 72 having an inwardly directed lip 74 depends downwardly from the end of flat upper surface 42 opposite arm 44. A pair of aligned balance system channels 76 and 78 are formed on assembly 40 underneath upper surface 42, and in addition a smaller channel or slot 80 is defined between channels 76 and 78. More particularly, several spaced apart structural members 82 extend downwardly from upper surface 42 and perpendicularly intersect with channel walls 82 and 84, and in additional have connected side walls 86, 87, 88, and 89, and inwardly turned legs 90, 91, 92, and 93, respectively. Wall 94 extends between side walls 87 and 88, and legs 91 and 92 also extend partially inwardly with respect to wall 94, narrowing channel 80. Leg 90 also is joined to arm 44, and one end of extension 96 extends downwardly from leg 90, with extension 97 extending outwardly from the other end of extension 96, extension 98 extending downwardly from extension 97, and short extension 99 joining between the lower end of arm 44 and extension 98, together essentially forming an L-shaped structure below leg 90 which serves as a sash guide when the window unit 10 is completely installed.

(21) FIG. 4 is an elevation view from an end of view head adapter 100, which includes a flat upper surface 102, a lip 104 which extends downwardly from one end of section 102, and an arm 106 that extends outwardly from section 142 in the same direction as lip 144, and having a finger 108 spaced from surface 102. Head parting stop 110 is connected to flat section 102 opposite lip 104, and extension 112 is connected outwardly from parting stop 110 on the side opposite section 102. As shown in FIG. 8, head adapter 100 when secured to head jamb assembly 40 covers the part of the interior head jamb, which provides a more attractive appearance and in addition blocks some air movement into the channels 76 and 78. In addition, head parting stop 110 divides the top and bottom sash to cover the open area in the head and also keeps the in check from moving in and out. Extension 114 extends downwardly from extension 112, and has an inwardly turned finger 156 on its outer end, which is horizontally aligned with finger 108 on arm 106. Opposed clip members 118 and 120 having fingers 121 and 122 which are horizontally aligned with fingers 108 and 116 extend from the lower end of head parting stop 110. As is also shown in FIG. 8, head adapter 100 is secured to head jamb assembly 40 with clip members 118 and 120 secured in channel 80 of assembly 40, while fingers 116 and 121 abut against leg 90, fingers 108 and 122 abut against leg 92, and lip 104 presses against extension 97 of assembly 40.

(22) FIG. 5 is an elevation view from an end of frame adapter 130, which as shown includes a flat elongated top section 132, arms 133 and 134 which extend from the ends of section 132 and each having an inwardly turned horizontally aligned finger 135 and 136. In addition, a pair of opposed flexible clip members 138 and 140 each also having horizontally aligned fingers 141 and 142 which are also horizontally aligned with fingers 135 and 136 are provided. As shown in FIG. 9, frame adapter 130 is secured to side jamb assembly 40 with opposed clip members 138 and 140 extending in slot or channel 80 between legs 91 and 92, and with fingers 135, 136, 141, and 142 pressing against legs 91 and 92. Frame adapter 130 covers the sash balances of replacement window unit 10, and in addition adds a contact for the weatherstrip provided on the side of the sashes.

(23) FIG. 6 is an elevation view from an end of inside trim member 150, which generally has an L-shape including with a first leg 152 and a second longer leg 154. Leg 154 has a reduced end portion 156 and a longitudinal notch 157 is formed along its outer edge. As shown FIG. 9, inside trim member 150 is secured to the side jamb and head jamb assembly 40 by inserting reduced frame portion 156 between lip 74 on arm 72 and the outer surface of flange 86 until lip 74 is extending into notch 157, with leg 172 extending over leg 90 and aligned with either surface 122 of frame adapter 120 if attached to one of the side jambs or with extension 152 of head adapter 140 if attached to the head jamb assembly.

(24) FIG. 7 illustrates the clad sill cap or cover 160, which includes a main cap section 162 having an offset ledge 164 on one end, and a short downwardly directed leg 166 on its other end. Leg 166 connects to sill nose section 168 which in use covers the vertical front of the old sill or sill nosing and has a downwardly depending leg 170 on its forward end, and which leg 170 has a narrow U-shaped channel 172 formed on its lower end. In addition, another leg 174 having a perpendicular foot 176 directed towards main cap section 162 extends downwardly from nose section 168 spaced inwardly from leg 170, such that channel 172 and foot 176 are horizontally aligned. Groove 178 is also provided on the underside of sill nose section 168. In addition, a sill extension member 180 having a lip 182 on one end is provided, which is used to adjust the inside slope angle of the sill. End 184 of sill extension member 180 is positioned on ledge 164, where it may be secured by a flexible adhesive or the like, while lip 182 is abutting against the old window frame (see FIG. 8). Extension 180 allows for the angle needed to adjust and fit the sill cap to the old sill's angle.

(25) As shown in the side diagrammatic sectional view of the replacement double hung window unit 10 in FIG. 8, main cap section 162 of sill assembly 160 fits over the main part of the old window frame or sill section 190, which is supported on studs 192, and with leg 174 over the front of the old sill, and lip 182 of extension section 180 pressing against member 194. Sill assembly 160 also connects to the side jamb assemblies 40 on either side of the old window frame, which side jamb assemblies are connected to the head jamb assembly. The old sill nosing 15 (see FIG. 2) may be removed depending upon its condition, but the main sill section 190 should remain unless it is deteriorated, in which case a CPVC sill or other substitute wood sill should replace the original sill. In addition, sill side caps 196 (also see FIG. 2) may be provided, which is dimensioned to fit over the ends of the old sill, and is optional on some embodiments.

(26) Referring still to FIG. 8, there is also shown upper and lower replacement window sashes 32a and 32b which are pivotably secured to the window unit 10. Upper window sash 32a includes upper stile 202 and keeper rail 204, which support window 206 with glazing beads 208 inserted in the connection between the window 206, stile 202, and rail 204. Lower window sash 32b includes lock rail 210, handle rail 212, which support window 214 also with glazing beads 208. In addition, new head jamb assembly 40 is shown connected to old window frame head jamb 216, with structure 50 positioned in front or to the outside of the old head jamb 216, and arm 46 positioned over the top of the old head jamb, and nail fin 50 extending upwardly over the outer surface of the building structure. In addition, head adapter 100 is secured to new head jamb assembly 40, with surface 102 blocking channel 76 in assembly 40 so that the lock rail 210 of the bottom sash assembly will contact surface 142 when the bottom sash is raised completely upwardly. Alternatively, in another embodiment, although less preferred head adapter 100 may optional, or replaced with frame adapter 30 depending upon the desired amount of air infiltration and overall thermal requirements for the particular window unit. In addition, the upper rail of upper sash is aligned with channel 76 of head jamb assembly 40. Inside trim member 150 is also secured to assembly 40 with leg 152 directed inwardly towards channel 78.

(27) FIG. 9 is a top diagrammatic sectional view of the replacement double hung window unit 10, and shows old window frame side jambs 220 and 222 with new assemblies 40 which together define an opening and form the new window frame secured thereto. Each new side jamb assembly 40 has a frame adapter 130 connected between the channels 76 and 78, and in addition, inside trim member 150 is secured to assembly 40. The ends, top and bottom of the channels in one embodiment have installed tunnel pads that interconnect with the weatherstrip to block air and water leakage.

(28) Assembly 40 is secured to side jambs 220 and 222 by nail fins 50, and in addition screws can be passed through wall 94 between channel 76 and 78 directly into the side jambs (in one embodiment the same is true with respect to the head jamb). Once the old frame cladding has been completely installed, then the counter balances and the sash are installed.

(29) As indicated above, replacement window unit 10 is shipped completely assembled and dimensioned so that the unit slips over the old wood window jamb, sill and head, including the new sashes, sash locks and insect screen installed. When the window arrives at the project, it is ready to be installed. The sashes may be removed after installing for the purpose of accessing the area of the frame adapter, which can be removed so that anchor screws can be directed through wall 84 of the new side jamb assemblies 40, after which the frame adapter 130 is replaced. Sealant is applied behind the nail fin, and in the area where the interior of the replacement window unit 10 meets the inside stops, as well as at the exterior of the head, side jambs and sill. A polystyrene strut may be inserted behind the head and side jambs which are used as a tunnel pad to block air and water from leaking into the replacement window unit structure 10. In one embodiment, the clad sill assembly is connected to the new side jamb assemblies by a screw boss channel which is built into the side jamb system in the spaces formed structural members 82 in assembly 40. In this arrangement, screws will be directed up through the underneath of the sill and into the screw boss channel in the side jamb.

(30) In one method of practicing the present invention, first the installer will inspect the condition of the old window and take exact measurements of the old window, which are to be provided to the manufacturer of the window, since proper sizing of the new window is very important. When the new window arrives, it is completely assembled with the assembly configured to slip over the old wood window jamb, sill and head, and with the sash, sash locks and an insect screen installed. When the window arrives at the project, it is therefore already properly sized and ready to be installed. As indicated above, the sash may be removed after installing for the purpose of accessing the area of the frame adapter, which is temporarily removed to install anchor screws, after which the frame adapter is replaced. To prepare the old opening to receive the new window, the old brick molding or exterior casing and exterior blind stop are removed. Next, the cavity space between the remaining window frame, sill, and head is inspected for any wood rot, old insulation, or insect infestations. Using a good quality insulation, low expanding foam, fiberglass batt type insulation and window and door graded caulking, is applied to the exterior edge of the old jamb, head and sill. The new replacement window unit 10 is then fitted over the old window frame by placing the head exterior open receptor slot over the old head jamb while rotating down on the side jambs. As the new side jambs slide over the old side jamb, the window unit is pressed evenly inwardly until the sill connects the old sill at the back stop. The installer will then plumb, level, and square the new window with respect to the old window frame, with shims being made available so the installer can adjust the frame to square up. Shims can also be used on the outside perimeter on the frame to square, plumb and level the new window. Once this is completed, 1roofing nails are used to nail into the nail fin and anchor the new window. A drip cap is applied over the head of the new window unit, and the set of the window to the interior is checked. Further shims and caulk are used if necessary to achieve a proper appearance. When secured to the side jamb and connected on all four corners the unit becomes a fully assembled window in need of the wood side jamb of the old window. It is then married to the old wood side jamb, head jamb and sill. The unit is secured with the nail fin and or anchored through the side jamb. Anchoring through the side jamb is best done by removing the frame adapter.

(31) While the present invention has been described with respect to the installation of double hung replacement windows, in another embodiment the invention may be used with casement and awning windows. The present system requires eight sash parts for a double hung window and four sash parts for a casement/awning window. This present design can be used for replacement of casements and awnings with modifications to a casement/awning sill cover and no frame blind stop inside or out, and a sash stop will be added to the location of the parting bead and head stop.

(32) As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by referenced in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

(33) While the present invention has been described at some length and with some particularity with respect to the several described embodiments, it is not intended that it should be limited to any such particulars or embodiments or any particular embodiment, but it is to be construed with references to the appended claims so as to provide the broadest possible interpretation of such claims in view of the prior art and, therefore, to effectively encompass the intended scope of the invention.