Maritime glazing system and sealing methods

Abstract

Systems and methods including various glazing devices are provided for attaching a window to a frame of a boating vessel to form a weatherproof seal therebetween.

That which is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A glazing system for sealing a marine window to a vessel, the system comprising:
 a frame having a first aperture therein, and a second aperture formed in the frame apart from the first aperture, the first aperture being configured for receiving a first snap-fit device configured to hold, without drilling, a portion of a window or a rod, and the second aperture configured for receiving a second snap-fit device, wherein the window or the rod is receivable in the first snap-fit device, and wherein, when the window or the rod is connected with the first snap-fit device and the first snap-fit device is engaged within the first aperture, a seal is formed between the frame and the window or the rod.   
     
     
         2 . The system as in  claim 1 , wherein the frame is made of a material selected from the group comprising aluminum, steel, fiberglass, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The system as in  claim 1 , wherein the window is made of a transparent material selected from the group comprising glass, plastic, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The system as in  claim 1 , wherein the first snap-fit device has a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end receiving the window or the rod, and the proximal end being one of, in cross-section, a nipple shape, a C-shape, a mushroom shape, or an arrow-head shape engaged within the first aperture. 
     
     
         5 . A glazing system for sealing a marine window to a vessel, the system comprising:
 a frame having a first aperture therein, and a second aperture formed in the frame apart from the first aperture, the first aperture being configured for receiving a first snap-fit device, a first brace, or a first transparent material, and the second aperture being configured for receiving a second snap-fit device, a second brace or a second transparent material, and wherein, when the first brace is disposed in the first aperture, a seal is formed between the frame and the first brace, the first transparent material being attachable to the first brace without drilling.   
     
     
         6 . The system as in  claim 5 , wherein each of the first and second snap-fit devices has a distal end and a proximal end, each distal end receiving the respective transparent materials or the respective braces, and each proximal end being one of, in cross-section, a nipple shape, a C-shape, a mushroom shape, or an arrow-head shape engaged within the respective first and second apertures. 
     
     
         7 . The system as in  claim 5 , wherein when the first transparent material is disposed in the first aperture, a seal is formed between the frame and the first transparent material without modifying the frame or the first transparent material. 
     
     
         8 . A glazing assembly for sealing a marine window to a vessel, the assembly comprising:
 a glazing system having a proximal end and a distal end;   a frame being configured for receiving the proximal end; and   transparent material attachable to the distal end of the glazing system without drilling.   
     
     
         9 . The assembly as in  claim 8 , wherein the proximal end and the distal end are disposed at an angle to each other. 
     
     
         10 . The assembly as in  claim 8 , wherein the frame includes an aperture or indentation formed therein, the aperture or indentation being shaped complementary to the proximal end to engage the proximal end with the frame. 
     
     
         11 . The assembly as in  claim 8 , wherein the transparent material is adhesively attached to the distal end of the glazing system. 
     
     
         12 . The system as in  claim 8 , wherein the transparent material is selected from the group comprising glass, plastic, and combinations thereof.