Glass restraint system for windows

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to FIG.
1 of the drawing, there is shown a preferred embodiment of the present invention installed in a window frame 100.
A film 102 is adhesively attached to a glass pane 104, the film edges being securely clamped to the window frame 100 by a securing assembly 106 in accordance with the present invention.
A seal 108 is positioned between the securing assembly 106 and the film 102 covering the glass pane.
The seal 108 keeps water and other contaminants from lodging between the securing assembly and the film covering the glass pane.
In operation, the film 102, being adhesively attached to the glass pane 104 as well as to the window frame, provides the benefit of retaining the pane in the event of its dislodgement from the window frame, and of retaining fragments of glass in the event the glass pane 104 is broken.
The system provides protection to building occupants as well as others outside the building in the event of glass dislodgement by an earthquake, a hurricane, or an explosion, or if a projectile should break the glass, by retaining at least a high percentage of the glass particles.
The system also provides resistance to projectiles and makes it more difficult for a potential unlawful entry of the building.
FIG.
2A shows further detail of the assembly 106 and seal 108 through a view indicated by cross section line 2--2 of FIG.
1.
As illustrated, the securing assembly 106 includes an elongated baseplate 200 that is positioned over the edge of the film 102 and is attached to the window frame 100 by a suitable fastening means 202, and thereby clamps the film edge 102 therebetween.
The fastening means may be of the screw type or of any other well-known type including plastic or metal snap-in fasteners, rivets, etc.
The baseplate 200 is preferably an extruded member having a trough-shaped cross section with a flat bottom 204, and sides 206 and 208 with grooves 210 and 212 extending the length of the plate 200.
A snap-on cap 214, also of inverted trough shape, is defined by a top 215 and sides 216 and 218 having inwardly protruding ribs 220 and 222 which are forcibly engageable into grooves 210 and 212