AU1004600A - Mullion/Jamb combinations - Google Patents

Description

Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT, 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

q Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor: Address for service in Australia: Invention Title: FLETCHER ALUMINIUM LIMITED MICHAEL JOHN HANCOCK

BURGGRAAF

and DAVID FRANK A J PARK SON, Level 11, 60 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra ACT 2601 Mullion/Jamb Combination The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us -2- The present invention relates to jamb (whether for a door or a window) and mullion combinations, assemblies thereof and individual components and the use thereof for such combinations and assemblies.

Frequently extruded members are provided to define frames about an opening.

Sometimes such frames must be partitioned between regions of one type ofjoinery and regions of another type ofjoinery. For example, an extrusion that defines a door or window jamb may be provided within an overall window frame. An adaptive mullion type extrusion can be used to provide in part for a window in an opening (whether as a mullion or transom) adjacent the extrusion jambed door.

10 The present invention envisages (amongst still otherjamb/mullion mergings) the following combinations hinged door//awning and/or fixed window(s), sliding window(s)//awning and/or fixed window(s), (iii) double hung windows awning and/or fixed window(s), (iv) single sliding window awning and/or fixed window(s), sliding door(s)// awning and/or fixed window(s).

The present invention therefore is directed to components of assemblies, methods S of providing such assemblies, and the use of such assemblies or components.

In a first aspect the present invention consists in o:o.oi 20 a joinery assembly comprising; a peripheral frame formed from lengths of an extrusion or extrusions, at least one of said lengths (the "glazing length") having provision for glazing (for example, with an extruded glazing bead) a side light, under light or over light (eg. window) glazing sheet or panel, an adaptive mullion or transom extrusion within said peripheral frame (likewise to said glazing length) having provision for glazing the said side light, under light or over light glazing sheet or panel, but on the other side from that glazed or to be glazed by the glazing length, and a first framing extrusion length extending alongside said adaptive mullion or transom extrusion, said first framing extrusion length being adapted in conjunction with either a length of an extrusion of said peripheral frame opposite said glazing length, or (ii) a second framing extrusion length extending alongside a length of an extrusion of said peripheral frame opposite said glazing length, being adapted to provide a surround on two opposed sides of an opening in the joinery assembly adjacent in use to a glazing over light to be closed or closeable by any one or more door and/or window, wherein said adaptive mullion or transom extrusion has a (preferably flank) region of an extruded (preferably sharp) transverse feature thereof in transverse 10 abutment with said first framing extrusion length along at least part of the length thereof •.providing an appearance of at least substantial integrity and/or merger of the two from at least one side of said joinery assembly.

Preferably a second framing extrusion length is present and that is in transverse abutment with the proximate length of extrusion of the peripheral frame.

S 15 Preferably the or each said framing extrusion length is of an extruded form capable, if desired, if a like merger with sharp transverse feature of said adaptive mullion or transom by having an undercut arcuate or flat region complementary to the i lkg Ssaid flank region.

Preferably said peripheral frame is of mitred extrusions.

20 Preferably said adapted mullion or transom extrusion is a mullion.

Preferably said adapted mullion or transom extrusion is a transom.

Preferably an assembly of the present invention provides any of the following (non exclusive) combinations, hinged door H awning and/or fixed window(s), (ii) sliding window(s) awning and/or fixed window(s), (iii) double hung windows awning and/or fixed window(s), (iv) single sliding window H awning and/or fixed window(s), and sliding door(s)// awning and/or fixed window(s).

Preferably said adaptive mullion or transom extrusion has an asymmetric sharp feature in transverse section to the extruded length.

Preferably said sharp feature is symmetric when considered in transverse section -4to the extruded length.

Preferably the assembly is substantially as hereinafter described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

Said "sharp" feature need not come to a point.

In another aspect the present invention consists in, in combination, a jamb extrusion and a mullion extrusion, wherein said extrusions are capable of being brought into transverse abutment so that a feature of the mullion extrusion (preferably a sharp feature) provides from one side the outside) of any resultant assembly, a merging of said mullion with said 10 jamb.

oooo As used herein reference to "transverse abutment" means, if, for example, a hinged door/fixed window assembly, that the elongate extruded mullion (hereafter oooo "adaptive mullion') and the elongate extruded jamb, at least within the confines of a frame for the opening to be provided with at least one window and at least one openable door, are in contact, the mullion preferably having a feature adapted to receive the glazing. The term has a corresponding meaning for other combinations.

As used herein therefor the term "mullion" should not be restricted to that which directly receives glazing but may include a member which itself acts as a frame for a sashed window. Preferably however the term "mullion extrusion" as hereinafter 20 provided for a fixed window is directly associable with glazing in conjunction with a glazing bead.

As used herein the term "merging" means an attempt to smooth a transition from one extrusion to another by preferably providing some alignment of one surface with another with no more than a mere line separating the two. Preferably the arrangement does not require any nosing receipt of a preferred sharp feature of the adaptive mullion.

In another aspect the present invention consists in an assembly comprising a peripheral frame formed from mitred extrusions, a door frame including ajamb formed within part of said peripheral frame, and an adaptive mullion against the door jamb so as to provide a mullion for an awning and/or fixed window panel, the adaptive mullion by virtue of its transverse section in association with that of the jamb merging in appearance into the jamb or against the jamb as might be the case with an appropriate sharp or other feature).

In still a further aspect the present invention consists in, as a sub-assembly, whether it exists in isolation or not, a merger of a jamb extrusion and a mullion extrusion, the merger being such as to provide an appearance of substantial integrity of the two from at least one side.

Preferably said assembly or sub-assembly is of any of the combinations such as exemplified hereinbefore, i.e., hinged door H awning and/or fixed window(s), (ii) sliding window(s) awning and/or fixed window(s), 10 (iii) double hung windows//awning and/or fixed window(s), .:oe (iv) single sliding window awning and/or fixed window(s), ••go sliding door(s)// awning and/or fixed window(s).

age.

In a further aspect the present invention consists in, in a frame or framed :oo i opening located in a building, a window alongside an inwardly or outwardly openable door, the door beingjambed on one side by a jamb extrusion and the window having a mullion extrusion, said door jamb extrusion and mullion extrusion being in transverse abutment so that a sharp feature of the mullion extrusion provides (at least from one side of the assembly) a merging of said mullion with said jamb.

In still a further aspect the present invention consists in an extrusion being an .:ooo) 20 adaptive mullion of a kind herein described and/or having a sharp feature as identified as in Figure 1 hereof (irrespective of whether or not such feature includes any screw channel).

The present invention also consists in a method of adapting a frame to provide for a door and window combination which involves the use of apparatus in accordance with the present invention in any of the ways hereinbefore described and/or hereinafter described.

In still a further aspect the present invention consists in a method of providing joinery which involves a method substantially as hereinbefore described and/or hereinafter described (preferably by reference to the sequence of assemblance exemplified by reference to any one or more of Figures 5 through 7 hereof).

In another aspect the invention is a joinery assembly of such a method.

-6- The preferred form of the present invention will be described by reference to arrangements where there is to be a provision of a mullion in close proximity to a jamb for a door opening (having an outwardly opening or inwardly openingjambed door) and alongside a glazed window (openable or otherwise) an over light window].

Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which; Figure 1 is a preferred cross-sectional or end profile of a preferred adaptive mullion extrusion in accordance with the present invention showing that region A as the sharp feature of the mullion extrusion profile which, in conjunction with the jamb 10 extrusion, is to merge, .Figure 2 is a plan view showing the adaptive mullion extrusion profile of Figure 1 adjacent an extrusion providing an adaptor frame ("jamb") for an "open out" hinged o oo door with a side light, Figure 3 is a similar view to that of Figure 2 but this time showing an "open in" 15 hinged door with a side light, the side light of course being a fixed window glazed into *oa.

the adaptive mullion, Figure 4 is a repeat of Figure 3 (by way of example) showing a preferred assembly sequence (to be described by reference to Figures 5 to 7) by reference to steps I to V, S20 Figure 5 shows the mitred "window" frame of step I, Figure 6 shows the frame of Figure 5 fitted out with a mitred door adaptor (including the jamb), Figure 7 shows the adaptive mullion merged into the head and sill extrusion of Figure 6, Figure 8 shows a prior art window system whereby a mullion not having the merging feature is merely associated with an extrusion 8, Figure 9 is an enlargement of the association between the extrusions showing a region B which whilst not merging is to some extent esthetic, Figure 10 shows how the extrusion 8 of Figure 9 when used with, for example, the peripheral framing extrusion depicted in Figure 8, provides an unsightly region C, Figures 11 A and 1 B show the same structure but with Figure 11 A having the -7merging mullion adaptor of the present invention (see region A) whilst that of 1 1B does not thereby providing a region X without the merging feature, and Figures 12A and 12B in a similar manner to that of Figures 11A and 11 B show corresponding relationships but this time for an open out arrangement.

In a preferred form of the present invention the adaptive mullion is preferably symmetric and may be of a profile as shown in Figure 1 which has the prospect of being used on either side to glaze of a jambed door with an appropriate glazing bead. The adaptive mullion 1 with its glazing bead 2 as shown in Figure 2 is shaped to receive and glaze (with the appropriate seals etc not shown) an over light fixed window 3.

10 As can be seen in each of Figures 2 and 3 the adaptive mullion with its region A is shaped to merge with a surface of the respective jamb extrusion 4 or 5 so as to •"provide an aesthetic view from that side which allows the view of the transition from •c the extrusion 1 to the extrusion 4 or 5 as the case may be.

o••o• The provision of such a sharp feature A (which preferably does not include as 15 a near part of its profile anything to nose into any receiving space ofthejamb extrusion) may, if desired, (at least in part) be nosed or otherwise located into such jamb. The adaptive mullion in any of its forms provides a simple means of providing a unitary "appearance ofthe composite component ofthe adaptive mullion and thejamb extrusion.

The preferred sequence of assembly in accordance with the present invention is **see: 20 as follows: The provision of four mitred frame extrusions which are screwed together to provide a peripheral frame as shown in Figure 5. At least for the vertical parts of the frame of Figure 5, the extrusion is preferably as shown in Figure 3 as 6 which is capable of combining with a glazing bead 7 to assist in the glazing of a fixed window 3, if desired, on one side of the preferred swing door opening.

(II) There is then provided the extrusions (preferably four being required) (preferably each mitred) which is to provide a doorjamb and periphery for a swing door (if the door type is a swing door). Figure 6 shows the insertion of such a "door adaptor" into the frame of Figure 5. Preferably fitting is with appropriate screwing or other fixing riveting).

(III) An adaptive mullion in accordance with the present invention is then fitted as shown in Figure 7 against the door adaptor shown in Figure 6 within the larger frame shown in Figure 5. The adaptive mullion can be seen merged in against the door adaptor. It may be fixed by screwing and/or riveting.

(IV) The glazing is then fitted with appropriate seals.

Finally (although this can, if desired, be before the fitting of glazing) the door is then fitted on hinges.

The present invention envisages the use of an adaptive mullion or transom extrusion of the kind depicted either as an adaptive mullion or an adaptive transom, or together. For example the adaptive mullion could run to the height of a transom itself 10 being formed by the same extrusion such that there might be, for a particular door or window opening, both an over light and a side light.

oooo In some forms of the present invention the adaptive mullion could be used twice in an opening to provide a door or window opening inwardly from each of the two ooooo vertical extrusions of the peripheral frame. This could be in an assembly with no over 15 light or no under light or could be in addition to any such under light or over light.

Usually however the arrangement will be used with a simple over light or a simple side light.

SAs used herein the reference to glazing of the side light etc includes any glazing material whether opaque, transparent or translucent and accordingly the meaning 20 "glazing panel" takes an appropriate meaning.

oooeo In Figures 8, 9 and 10 regions B show a simple abutment between an adaptive mullion 9 without a sharp feature of the present invention to a framing extrusion 8 which is used twice in the arrangement of Figure 8. In the arrangement of Figure 8 there is a side light 10 and first and second framing extrusion lengths 8. In the arrangement is shown however the regions C between part of extrusion 8 and the peripheral frame extrusion 11 which provides no appearance of substantial integrity or merger.

Indeed even the region B is a simple non merged step type appearance. However the adaptive mullion (or transom) itself has "no sharp" feature forming part of any such merger and/or appearance of integrity.

Carrying on the use of the present invention are arrangements in accordance with the present invention where, by way of example, the versions of Figures 11 A and 12A show a preferred form in the present invention whilst those of Figures 1 1B and 12B are virtually identical with Figures 11A and 12A but without the advantage of the merger provided by the flanking face of a sharp feature of the adaptive mullion or transom feature.

In the arrangement of Figures 1 1A (an "open in" door alongside a side light) and Figure 12A (an "open out"door alongside a side light) the sharp feature A in each instance of the adaptive mullion 12 can be seen against a said first framing extrusion length 13 (in this case an adaptor frame). The peripheral frame member 14 (glazed 10 using glazing bead 15) is said glazing length whilst the framing member extrusion is the opposite framing member and is faced opposite the first framing length extrusion ee o• •.13 by the second framing length extrusion 16 which, in the case of Figure 11 A, is to oo accommodate an "open in" door or window or, in the case of Figure 12A, an "open out" oeloo door or window.

15 Shown by the region X is the merger at zone 17 provided by the undercut and complementary facing of the adaptive mullion or transom 12. Of course if 12 is an adaptive transom the side light 18 rather than being a side light will be an over light or :.an under light. Region X shown in each of Figures 11B and 12B whilst revealing the under cut show there is no complementary face being provided complementary to that 2f e a e s 19 of the peripheral frame extrusion 14.

Claims (17)

1. A joinery assembly comprising; a peripheral frame formed from lengths of an extrusion or extrusions, at least one of said lengths (the "glazing length") having provision for glazing (for example, with an extruded glazing bead) a side light, under light or over light (eg. window) glazing sheet or panel, an adaptive mullion or transom extrusion within said peripheral frame (likewise to said glazing length) having provision for glazing the said side light, under light or over light glazing sheet or panel, but on the other side from that glazed or to be glazed by the glazing length, and a first framing extrusion length extending alongside said adaptive mullion or transom extrusion, said first framing extrusion length being adapted in conjunction with oa either a length of an extrusion of said peripheral frame opposite said glazing length 15 or *tS. *r (ii) a second framing extrusion length extending alongside a length of an extrusion of said peripheral frame opposite said glazing length, being adapted to provide *see a surround on two opposed sides of an opening in the joinery assembly adjacent in use to a glazing over light to be closed or closeable by any one or more door and/or window, wherein said adaptive mullion or transom extrusion has a region of an extruded transverse feature thereof in transverse abutment with said first framing extrusion length along at least part of the length thereof providing an appearance of at least substantial integrity and/or merger of the two from at least one side of said joinery assembly.

2. An assembly of claim 1 wherein said transverse feature is sharp and a flank region thereof abuts said first framing extrusion length.

3. An assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein said sharp feature is symmetric when considered in transverse section to the extruded length.

4. An assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein said adaptive mullion or transom extrusion has an asymmetric sharp feature in transverse section to the extruded length. An assembly of any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein said sharp feature does not -11 come to a point.

6. An assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a second framing extrusion length is present and that is in transverse abutment with the proximate length of extrusion of the peripheral frame.

7. An assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein the or each said framing extrusion length is of an extruded form capable, if desired, if a like merger with sharp transverse feature of said adaptive mullion or transom by having an undercut arcuate or flat region complementary to the said flank region.

8. An assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said peripheral frame is of mitred extrusions.

9. An assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said adapted •.mullion or transom extrusion is a mullion. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said adapted mullion or transom extrusion is a transom. o00•o

11. An assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims providing any of the S2". following combinations, hinged door//awning and/or fixed window(s), (ii) sliding window(s) awning and/or fixed window(s), S.(iii) double hung windows H awning and/or fixed window(s), (iv) single sliding window H awning and/or fixed window(s), and .ooo.i sliding door(s) awning and/or fixed window(s).

12. An assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the feature of any one or more of the extrusions are substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

13. In combination, a jamb extrusion and a mullion extrusion, wherein said extrusions are capable of being brought into transverse abutment so that a feature of the mullion extrusion provides from one side of any resultant assembly, a merging of said mullion with saidjamb.

14. An assembly comprising a peripheral frame formed from mitred extrusions, a door frame including a jamb formed within part of said peripheral frame, and -12- an adaptive mullion against the door jamb so as to provide a mullion for an awning and/or fixed window panel, the adaptive mullion by virtue of its transverse section in association with that of the jamb merging in appearance into the jamb or against the jamb.

15. In a joinery assembly, whether it exists in isolation or not, a merger of ajamb extrusion and a mullion extrusion, the merger being such as to provide an appearance of substantial integrity of the two from at least one side.

16. Apparatus of claim 15 wherein the joinery assembly provides of any of the combinations: hinged door// awning and/or fixed window(s), (ii) sliding window(s) H awning and/or fixed window(s), (iii) double hung windows awning and/or fixed window(s), (iv) single sliding window awning and/or fixed window(s), o*oo sliding door(s) awning and/or fixed window(s).

17. In a frame or framed opening located in a building, a window alongside an inwardly or outwardly openable door, the door being jambed on one side by ajamb oooo extrusion and the window having a mullion extrusion, said door jamb extrusion and mullion extrusion being in transverse abutment so that a sharp feature of the mullion S"extrusion provides (at least from one side of the assembly) a merging of said mullion with said jamb. oeoo• S"18. The use of an extrusion of a kind hereinbefore described and/or having a sharp feature as identified as in Figure 1 hereof (irrespective of whether or not such feature includes any screw channel), in a method to provide a joinery assembly of any one of claims 1 to 12.

19. A method of adapting a frame to provide for a door and window combination when performed substantially as hereinbefore described. The accompanying drawings with reference to a method of providing joinery which involves a method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

21. A joinery assembly produced by a method of claim