Fire and impact resistant window assembly

Claim 1

A fire, impact resistant and tamper proof window assembly comprising a multi-part centrally open marginal frame, said frame including part interconnecting means operable with the frame assembled to preclude frame disassembly from one side thereof and said frame having spaced apart first, second and third inwardly facing grooves disposed respectively in outer, inner and outer relationship with the frame assembled, a pane of fire glass with marginal portions secured in said inner groove and extending across the frame central opening, a first pane of deflectable impact resistant substantially transparent plastic with marginal portions secured in one outer groove and extending across said central opening, a second pane of deflectable impact resistant substantially transparent plastic with marginal portions secured in said other outer groove, said plastic panes being at least one fourth (1/4) of an inch in thickness and being spaced from said fire glass pane a distance of at least one fourth (1/4) of an inch whereby to avoid breakage of said fire glass pane on impact and resulting inward deflection of said plastic panes toward the fire glass, and said plastic panes being formed of a material with high impact resistance characteristics at least similar to that of polycarbonate so that impact on either of said panes may deflect the pane but not rupture the fire glass, and said material having a relatively low melting point such that fire on one side may melt or deform the plastic on said one side but leave the opposite plastic pane intact due to the protection of the fire glass.