Window insert, insert kit, and methods
View Patent ↗A window insert assembly is disclosed for reducing window energy loss and for damping sound. Also disclosed are parts in a window insert kit to build a window insert and methods for installing the window insert into a window well. In one embodiment, the window insert comprises an outer frame assembly with a gasket frame seated in a gasket channel of the outer frame and planks of an inner frame seated in an inner channel of the outer frame assembly. The inner frame suspends layers of plastic wrap. In an alternative embodiment, the outer frame is in the form of a U-channel or adhesive foil with the gaskets adhered to its outer perimeter. In another embodiment, the outer perimeter of the inner frame comprises a stiffener groove. Here, the outer frame is in the form of a T-shaped stiffener with gasket adhered to its top.
1 . A window insert assembly configured for being fit within a window frame, the window insert assembly comprising:
a planar inner frame assembly including a rectangular shape and defining a first broad side of the planar inner frame assembly, a second broad side of the planar inner frame assembly, and an outer perimeter of the planar inner frame assembly;
a first plastic wrap fully covering the first broad side of the planar inner frame assembly and covering at least a first portion of the outer perimeter of the planar inner frame assembly;
a second plastic wrap fully covering the second broad side of the planar inner frame assembly and covering at least a second portion of the outer perimeter of the planar inner frame assembly, wherein the second plastic wrap overlaps the first plastic wrap along the outer perimeter of the planar inner frame assembly;
a first quantity of dual sided tape attached to the outer perimeter of the planar inner frame assembly and affixing the first plastic wrap to the outer perimeter, wherein the dual sided tape includes adhesive on both sides of the dual sided tape;
a second quantity of the dual sided tape affixing the second plastic wrap in place about the outer perimeter;
a plurality of U-channel members disposed over the outer perimeter the planar inner frame, wherein the plurality of U-channel members encapsulate edges of the first plastic wrap and edges of the second plastic wrap; and
a compressible gasket disposed around an outer perimeter of the plurality of U-channel members.
2 . The window insert assembly of claim 1 , wherein the planar inner frame assembly includes:
a first long plank;
a second long plank;
a first short plank; and
a second short plank; and
wherein the first long plank, the second long plank, the first short plank, and the second short plank collectively define a perimeter of the planar inner frame assembly.
3 . The window insert assembly of claim 2 , wherein the planar inner frame assembly further includes a third short plank disposed between the first short plank and the second short plank.
4 . The window insert assembly of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of U-channel members are constructed with one of plastic or aluminum.
5 . The window insert assembly of claim 1 , further comprising at least one facing shield attached to the planar inner frame assembly and configured to prevent view of the U-channel members and the compressible gasket.
6 . The window insert assembly of claim 1 , wherein the second quantity of the dual sided tape affixes the second plastic wrap to the first plastic wrap.
7 . A method for installing a window insert assembly to a window frame, the method comprising:
measuring the window frame;
assembling the window frame insert, including:
cutting a first long plank, a second long plank, a first short plank, and a second short plank based upon the measured window frame in lengths configured to create a rectangular planar inner frame assembly with the first long plank, the second long plank, the first short plank, and the second short plank;
securing the first long plank, the second long plank, the first short plank, and the second short plank into the planner inner frame assembly with threaded fasteners;
cutting a first plastic wrap into a shape configured to fully cover a first broad side of the planar inner frame assembly and a first portion of an outer perimeter of the planar inner frame assembly;
cutting a second plastic wrap into a shape configured to fully cover a second broad side of the planar inner frame assembly and a second portion of the outer perimeter of the planar inner frame assembly;
disposing the first plastic wrap to cover the first broad side of the planar inner frame assembly and to cover the first portion of the outer perimeter of the planar inner frame assembly;
utilizing a first quantity of dual sided tape to secure the first plastic wrap about the perimeter of the planar inner frame assembly;
disposing the second plastic wrap to cover the second broad side of the planar inner frame assembly and to cover the second portion of the outer perimeter of the planar inner frame assembly, wherein the second plastic wrap overlaps the first plastic wrap along the outer perimeter of the planar inner frame assembly;
utilizing a second quantity of dual sided tape to secure the second plastic wrap about the perimeter of the planar inner frame assembly;
encapsulating the first plastic wrap and the second plastic wrap about the outer perimeter of the planar inner frame assembly with a plurality of U-channel members; and
adhering a compressible gasket about an outer perimeter of the U-channel members; and
fitting the window insert assembly into the window frame by compressing the compressible gasket and pushing the window insert assembly into the window frame.
8 . The method of claim 7 , further comprising attaching at least one facing shield to the planar inner frame assembly to prevent view of the U-channel members and the compressible gasket.
9 . The method of claim 7 , further comprising utilizing a heat gun to heat one of the first plastic wrap and second plastic wrap to remove wrinkles.
10 . A window insert assembly kit for installing a window insert assembly to a window frame, the assembly kit comprising:
a plurality of elongate planks, wherein the plurality of elongate planks include a common thickness such that the plurality of planks are configured to be arranged into a planar inner frame assembly configured to fit within the window frame;
fasteners operable for securing the elongate planks into the planar inner frame assembly;
plastic wrap configured for covering a first broad side of the planar inner frame assembly and a portion of an outer perimeter of the planar inner frame assembly;
dual sided tape in sufficient length to secure the plastic wrap to the outer perimeter of the planar inner frame assembly around an entirety of the outer perimeter;
a plurality of U-channel members configured to be fit over an edge surface of the planar inner frame assembly and encapsulate the plastic wrap after it has been secured to the outer perimeter of the planar inner frame assembly; and
a foam gasket configured to be adhered to an entire outer perimeter of the plurality of U-channel members after the U-channel members have been fit over the edge surface of the planar inner frame assembly;
wherein the elongate planks are operable to be trimmed according to measurements of the window frame; and
wherein the foam gasket is configured to be compressed as the window insert assembly is installed to the window frame.
11 . The window assembly kit of claim 10 , wherein the plastic wrap is further configured for covering a second broad side of the planar inner frame assembly and a second portion of the outer perimeter of the planar inner frame assembly; and
wherein the dual sided tape is sufficient in length to additionally secure the plastic wrap to the outer perimeter of the planar inner frame assembly.