Importance

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Abstract

A plastic window frame assembly is disclosed that includes rigid molded corner sections. Each of the corner sections has opposite ends. A pair of offset tabs extend outward from each of the opposite ends. The corners are molded so as to include integrally formed non-rigid seals. Lineal rail sections are located between the corner sections. Each of the rail sections has channels, one each formed in an exterior and an interior surface of the rail section for receiving, respectively, the offset tabs of the corner sections to locate and to align the corner sections with a rail section. The channels include a glazing channel extending along the length of the rail section for receiving a glass or plastic pane. The tabs are connected to a rail section such that the tabs and a portion of a rail section together define stake holds, each of which proceeds from an exterior surface of the frame and extends therethrough but does not penetrate the interior surface or the tabs of the frame. Thus, the molded corner sections and the lineal rail sections may be assembled around a glass or plastic pane. The lineal rail sections are extruded such that non-rigid seals are integrally formed during their extrusion. The lineal rails can be cut to fit and assembled around the glazing and connected to the corners without adhesive or caulking steps, which dramatically reduces production time and cost to produce a lightweight strong thermoplastic window frame.

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First Claim