Window assembly masking bag

Abstract

The invention provides methods and equipment for storing and protecting window assemblies. In certain embodiments, there is provided a bag configured to hold a window assembly therein following the assembly's manufacture up until after the installation of the assembly. The bag is configured to be sealed and to be form-fitted to the window assembly. As such, the likelihood of the bag allowing contaminants therein or catching on something and tearing is reduced. Following the installation of the window assembly, a portion of the bag is configured for removal from the exposed surfaces of the window assembly. A portion of the bag not removed is subsequently utilized as a protective barrier for the non-exposed surfaces of the window assembly. In certain embodiments, there is provided a method for storing and protecting a window assembly using a bag of the described nature.

1 . An apparatus for securely storing and protecting a window assembly, comprising a bag with size and shape to accommodate a window assembly, the bag having an opening in at least one end thereof for inserting the window assembly into the bag, the bag having form-fitting functionality for eliminating amounts of excess space between interior surfaces of the bag and exterior surfaces of the window assembly once the window assembly is inserted into the bag, such form-fitting capability enabling the bag to be form-fitted to the window assembly, thereby enabling securement of the window assembly within the bag while also limiting portions of the bag which protrude from the window assembly.  
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the bag is formed of one or more elements, one of the elements being a flexible protective material that is of a suitable thickness so as to be resistant to tearing yet accommodating so as to not interfere with installation of the window assembly in the field.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein material comprises plastic.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the bag is opaque in order to protect the window assembly from bleaching.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the bag is translucent to permit examination of contents of the bag.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the bag is water-resistant.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the bag includes a tube defining a bore that enables fluid communication between interior of the bag and exterior of the bag, wherein the tube is operatively coupled to a side of the bag, wherein the bag opening is adapted to be operatively sealed, and wherein the bag is adapted to be form-fitted to the window assembly through vacuum sealing via the tube.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the tube is made of a plastic material and is adapted to be self-sealing.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the bag is comprised of material adapted to retain static electricity.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the bag is comprised of heat sensitive material.  
   
   
       11 . A method of securely storing and protecting a window assembly for a period of time 
 after the window assembly is manufactured, comprising the steps of: providing a bag with size and shape to accommodate a window assembly, the bag having    an opening in at least one end thereof for inserting the window assembly into the bag, the bag having form-fitting functionality for enabling the bag to be form-fitted to the window assembly, thereby enabling securement of the window assembly within the bag while also limiting portions of the bag which protrude from the window assembly;    inserting the window assembly into the bag; and    form-fitting the bag once the window assembly is inserted in the bag.    
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the form-fitting functionality includes a tube defining a bore that enables fluid communication between interior of the bag and exterior of the bag, wherein the tube is operatively coupled to a side of the bag, and wherein the form-fitting step includes sealing the bag opening and pulling excess air between interior surfaces of the bag and exterior surfaces of the window assembly out of the bag through the tube.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the form-fitting step includes self-sealing of the tube after the excess air is pulled out from the bag.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the bag is comprised of material adapted to retain static electricity, and wherein the form-fitting step includes introducing static electricity to the material.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the bag is comprised of heat sensitive material, and wherein the form-fitting step includes heating surfaces of the bag.  
   
   
       16 . A method of securely storing and protecting a window assembly during installation of the window assembly, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a construction including a window assembly being encased in a bag, the bag form-fitted to the window assembly, the form-fitted bag enabling securement of the window assembly within the bag while also limiting portions of the bag which protrude from the window assembly;    installing the construction in a building wall opening generally intended for the window assembly;    finishing environment surrounding the installed construction; and    removing the exposed portions of the bag.    
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the removing step involves cutting the bag along joint lines defined between edges of the building wall opening and the construction with a sharp instrument.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the removing step involves tearing the bag along joint lines defined between edges of the building wall opening and the construction.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein removing step involves providing perforations in the bag along the joint lines.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the removing step involves providing a linkage holding the bag together at the joint lines, and wherein tearing along the joint lines would involve pulling the linkage away from the construction.  
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the removing step involves leaving a portion of the bag between the building wall opening and the window assembly, such bag portion serving as a barrier against action of wall material on non-exposed frame surfaces of the window assembly.  
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the removing step involves using the bag portion as a seal for the non-exposed frame surfaces.  
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the removing step involves using the bag portion as one or more of a waterproof barrier and an airtight barrier.