Window and window frame construction

Abstract

An openable window includes a window frame defining a window opening which is typically neither square nor rectangular and a window pane assembly which typically is square or rectangular, although the window opening and window pane assembly may have other shapes. The window allows for a window opening having curved portions or various complex shapes while eliminating some of the complex construction to achieve such shapes, such as eliminating the need for a window sash having curved portions when the window opening has curved portions. The window pane assembly preferably slides open and closed. A window sash may or may not circumscribe the window pane or panes. Standard dividers may be used or an adhesive layer may be adhered to the window pane to create the appearance of multiple window panes, stained glass or various other patterns.

1 . A window comprising:
 a window frame having an inner circumference of a first shape defining a window opening; and   a window pane assembly mounted on the window frame and having an outer circumference which is greater than the inner circumference and has a second shape different than the first shape; the assembly comprising at least one window pane and being movable between open and closed positions.   
     
     
         2 . The window of  claim 1  wherein the first shape is neither square nor rectangular. 
     
     
         3 . The window of  claim 2  wherein the second shape is one of square and rectangular. 
     
     
         4 . The window of  claim 1  wherein the second shape is one of square and rectangular. 
     
     
         5 . The window of  claim 1  wherein the inner circumference comprises an arcuate portion. 
     
     
         6 . The window of  claim 5  wherein the assembly comprises a sash which comprises at least a portion of the outer circumference and is free of an arcuate portion having a mating configuration with the arcuate portion of the inner circumference. 
     
     
         7 . The window of  claim 5  wherein the sash comprises the entire outer circumference and is free of an arcuate portion. 
     
     
         8 . The window of  claim 1  wherein the inner circumference defines an inwardly-projecting angle. 
     
     
         9 . The window of  claim 1  wherein the outer circumference is formed entirely of straight surfaces. 
     
     
         10 . The window of  claim 1  wherein the assembly comprises a sash connected to the at least one window pane and comprising at least a portion of the outer circumference. 
     
     
         11 . The window of  claim 10  wherein the sash comprises the entire outer circumference. 
     
     
         12 . The window of  claim 1  wherein the at least one window pane has an outer circumference formed entirely of straight edges. 
     
     
         13 . The window of  claim 1  wherein the assembly is slidably movable between the open and closed positions. 
     
     
         14 . The window of  claim 13  wherein the assembly is slidably movable in a first direction between the open and closed positions; and the inner circumference comprises a portion which extends at an acute angle to the first direction. 
     
     
         15 . The window of  claim 1  wherein the assembly comprises a layer of material adhesively connected to the at least one window pane and forming a border which extends in a mating fashion adjacent at least a portion of the inner circumference of the window frame. 
     
     
         16 . The window of  claim 15  wherein the border extends adjacent the entire inner circumference of the window frame. 
     
     
         17 . The window of  claim 16  wherein the border comprises a portion which angles inwardly away from the outer circumference of the assembly. 
     
     
         18 . The window of  claim 1  further including a flexible layer of material adhered to the at least one window pane to form a pattern thereon. 
     
     
         19 . The window of  claim 18  wherein the flexible layer comprises at least one divider which creates an appearance that one window pane is a plurality of window panes; and the at least one divider has a free end disposed adjacent the inner circumference of the frame and spaced inwardly from the outer circumference of the assembly.