AU2001100297A4

AU2001100297A4 - A system of framing doors, windows or the like

Info

Publication number: AU2001100297A4
Application number: AU2001100297A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Renato Attilio
Original assignee: TECHNOVA Pty Ltd
Current assignee: TECHNOVA Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2000-02-22
Filing date: 2001-08-21
Publication date: 2001-10-11
Anticipated expiration: 2008-02-22
Also published as: AU1846900A

Description

TITLE: A SYSTEM OF FRAMING DOORS, WINDOWS OR THE LIKE TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to framing of doors, windows and the like whether they be hinged, sliding or mounted in any other manner. Any reference to 'door frame' throughout the rest of this specification, including the claims, includes a reference to window, door and other like frames.

BACKGROUND ART Metal, particularly aluminium, framed doors and windows are known. Aluminium frames are durable and do not readily deform. However aluminium framed doors may not be attractive because they present the appearance of cold metal. They may also S1024.A:\301thn0vaconspc.,pd, I -2generate condensation of moisture from the atmosphere.

Because aluminium is a good conductor of heat, aluminium door frames provide poor thermal isolation between the outside and the inside of a room.

Timber door frames can present a more elegant and attractive appearance than can aluminium door frames, but timber may degrade, rot or warp under outside weather conditions. It may also be expensive to acquire and to maintain relative to aluminium.

It is accordingly an aim of some embodiments of the present invention to provide door frames which present a timber appearance to the interior of a building.

It is also an aim of the present invention to provide door frames which provide better thermal isolation than do comparable all-aluminium frames.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect, the present invention accordingly provides a frame for an openable door, window or the like, which frame includes:a first sub-frame; a second sub-frame; and joining means which joins the first sub-frame and the second sub-frame in a spaced apart relationship.

PREFERRED FEATURES OF THE INVENTION It is preferred that the first sub-frame of the door is fabricated substantially of metal. It is especially preferred that the first sub-frame of the door is fabricated substantially from aluminium.

01024, A: 00l wchrov. compspc. vpd.2 It is preferred that the second sub-frame of the door is fabricated substantially from a material which is substantially thermally insulating relative to aluminium. It is especially preferred that the second sub-frame of the door is fabricated substantially from timber.

It is preferred that the joining means which joins the first and second sub-frames of the door is fabricated substantially from material which has a low thermal conductivity relative to aluminium.

It is preferred that the joining means which joins the first and second sub-frames of the door is fabricated sub'tantially from a material which has a coefficient of thermal expansion which is intermediate the coefficients of thermal expansion of the materials of the first sub-frame and the second sub-frame.

It is preferred that the joining means which joins the first and second sub-frames of the door is fabricated substantially from polyamide material, and more preferably a nylon material.

It is also preferred that a door or the like according to the present invention be mounted to a doorjamb or the like, which doorjamb or the like includes:a first sub-frame; a second sub-frame; and joining means which joins the first sub-frame and the second sub-frame of the jamb in a spaced apart relationship.

It is preferred that the first sub-frame of the jamb is fabricated substantially of metal. It is especially preferred that the first sub-frame ofthejamb is fabricated substantially from aluminium.

It is preferred that the second sub-frame of the jamb is fabricated substantially from a material which is substantially thermally insulating relative to aluminium. It is especially 0 1024.A: 00 1 thnoaompspc. pd 3 -4preferred that the second sub-frame of the jamb is fabricated substantially from timber.

It is preferred that the joining means which joins the first sub-frame and the second subframe of the jamb is fabricated substantially from material which has a low thermal conductivity relative to aluminium.

It is preferred that the joining means which joins the first sub-frame and the second subframe of the jamb is fabricated substantially from a material which has a coefficient of thermal expansion which is intermediate the coefficients of thermal expansion of the materials of the first siub-frame and the second sub-frame.

It is preferred that the joining means which joins the first sub-frame and the second subframe of the jamb is fabricated substantially from polyamide material, and more preferably a nylon material.

It is preferred that the first sub-frame of one of the door and the doorjamb carry a gasket which is in sealing relationship with the other of the door and the door jamb when the door is closed.

It is preferred that the second sub-frame of one of the door and the door jamb carry a gasket which is in sealing relationship with one of the door and the doorjamb when the door is closed.

It is preferred that the first sub-frame of the door includes:an inner portion which is adjacent the second sub-frame of the door; an outer portion which is remote from the second sub-frame of the door; and insulating material intermediate the inner portion and the outer portion.

It is preferred that the first sub-frame of the doorjamb includes:an inner portion which is adjacent the second sub-frame of the door jamb; 01024A 31chnvLompspecwpd.4 an outer portion which is remote from the second sub-frame of the doorjamb; and insulating material intermediate the inner portion and the outer portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is an elevational view of a door which utilises a frame according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view on the line 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figures 3 is a cross-sectional view on the line 2-2 of Figure 1 when a door leaf has been partially opened.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view on the line 4-4 of Figure 1 when a door leaf has been partially opened.

Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a door which utilises a frame according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the door of Figure 5 when a door leaf has been partially opened.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a portion of a component of the door of Figure 2.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a portion of a component of the doors of Figures 2 and 6.

Figure 9, 10 and 11 are perspective views of components of the door of Figures 5 and 6.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood, preferred embodiments of it will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

01024.A:\30heehnovLcompScc.wpd.W -6- DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 shows a door (which is indicated generally at item 1 in the drawing) according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 1, the door 1 is viewed from inside a room, and the door opens inwardly. Although this embodiment is described as being a door, it is to be understood that the present embodiment is equally applicable to windows and the like.

Figures 2 and 3 are cross-sectional drawings at the level of an upper hinge 9 of the door leaf 2. Figure 2 shows the door in the 'closed' position, while figure 3 shows the door in a partially opened position.

The door 1 according to the present embodiment includes two inwardly opening door leaves 2 and 3. The door 1 is itself mounted in a door opening which is in turn framed by left and right jambs 4 and 6, lintel 5 and sill 11.

Each door leaf 2 and 3 is hinge mounted to a jamb 4 and 6 respectively by hinges 9.

As will be seen from figures 2 and 3, the frame of the door 1 includes an a first sub-frame 11 and a second sub-frame 12.

In the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the first sub-frame 11 carries glazing 13, but it is to be understood that the sub-frame 11 may carry any form of suitable panelling.

It is also to be understand that the sub-frame 11 may carry double glazing, rather than the single pane of glass which is shown at 13.

As will also be seen from figures 2 and 3, the doorjamb 4 also includes two sub-frames, indicated by numerals 14 and The sub-frames 11 and 14 of the door leaf 2 and the jamb 4 are each constructed primarily of aluminium or aluminium alloy extrusion. The sub-frames 12 and 15 of the door leaf 2 and the jamb 4 are similarly each constructed primarily of timber.

O24.A:\31 ohnov.compwpo. pd, -7- Joiners 16 and 17 keep the sub-frames 11, 12 and 14, 15 attached together but in spaced apart relationship.

It is preferred that the joiner 16 be in the form of a pin which is attached to the sub-frame 11 of the door by any suitable form of connector. It is also preferred that the joiner 16 includes an enlarged head 18 which is captured within a complementary grove which extends longitudinally in the timber of the second sub-frame 12 of the door.

Similarly it is preferred that the joiner 17 is in the form of a pin which is attached to the sub-frame 14 of the jamb by any suitable form of connector. It is also preferred that the joiner 17 includes an enlarged head 19 which is captured within a complementary groove which extends longitudinally in the timber of the second sub-frame 15 of the jamb.

According to the present embodiment, each of the joiners 16 and 17 are fabricated from material which has a low thermal conductivity relative to aluminium. Preferably the joiners 16 and 17 are fabricated from polyamide, and more preferably from nylon.

As is also shown in figures 2 and 3, each of the sub-frames 12 and 14 of the door and jamb respectively carry sealing and insulating gaskets 23 and 21.

The gasket 23 is glued or otherwise suitably mounted adjacent the periphery of the inner face of the sub-frame 12. When the door 2 is closed, the gasket 23 is in firm contact with the region 24 adjacent the periphery of the outer face of the sub-frame 14. A particularly preferred cross-sectional shape of for the gasket 23 is shown in figure 8.

A particularly preferred cross-sectional shape for the gasket 21 is shown in figure 7. That shape includes a broad-headed pin portion 26 which is integral with a tongue portion 27.

The gasket 21 is mounted to the sub-frame 14 of the jamb by the capture of the pin portion 26 within a longitudinally extending groove in the metal of the sub-frame. When the door 2 is closed, the gasket 21 is in firm contact with a tongue 22 which is provided integral with, and extending from, the sub-frame 11.

Preferably the gaskets 21 and 23 are fabricated from a dutral material and more 01024,A:\301 Ynova.compq, upd.7 -8preferably from nylon.

Elevated air pressure on the outer side of the gasket 21 caused by wind penetrating the outer sub-frame 11 causes the gasket 21 to more securely seal against the tongue 22.

Figure 4 is a the cross-sectional view of region of the door leaf 2 which is remote from the hinges 9. As is shown in figure 4, the gasket 23 extends around the entire periphery of the door leaf 2.

It is preferred that the'first sub-frame 11 includes a slit or other opening (which is not illustrated in the drawings). This slit is placed in the door in the outer face of the subframe 11, adjacent the sill. This slit or other opening is placed to allow drainage of condensate out of the interior of the sub-frame.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate another embodiment of the invention. Components in these figures which are the same as components of figures 2, 3 and 4 carry the same reference numerals.

The embodiment of figures 5 and 6 differ from the embodiment of figures 2, 3 and 4 in that:the first sub-frame 11 of the door is divided into an inner portion 31 which is adjacent the second sub-frame 12 of the door and an outer portion 32 which is remote from the second sub-frame 12 of the door; and the first sub-frame 14 of the doorjamb is divided into an inner portion 41 which is adjacent the second sub-frame 15 of the jamb and an outer portion 42 which is remote from the second sub-frame 15 of the jamb.

The inner and outer portions 31 and 32 of the first sub-frame 11 of the door are attached to each other in spaced relationship by the longitudinally extending joiner members 33 and 34. As is shown in more detail in figures 11 and 10 respectively, it is preferred that the joiner members include substantially 'I-shaped' portions, the ends of which are 01024.A 3 0 IE ahnova. compspec. wpd.8 -9captured in grooves in each of the portions 31 and 33.

Similarly the inner and outer portions 41 and 42 of the first sub-frame 14 of the door jamb are attached to each other in spaced relationship by the longitudinally extending joiner members 35, 36 and 37. It is preferred that the joiner members 36 and 37 include substantially 'I-shaped' portions, the ends of which are captured in grooves in each of those portions.

The joiner member 34 on the door and the joiner member 35 on the door jamb each include sideways extending tongues (41 and 2 respectively) which butt against each other when the door is closed to form a seal.

It is preferred that the joiner member 35 is fabricated from a dutral material.

It is preferred that each of the joiner members 33, 34, 36 and 37 are fabricated from a polyamide material, and more preferably from a nylon material.

It is especially preferred that the joiner members 33, 36 and 37 include glass-fibre reinforcing.

OIO

4 3 1 whvompspa.wpd49

Claims

1. A frame for an openable door, window or the like, which frame includes:- a first sub-frame; a second sub-frame; and joining means which joins the first sub-frame and the second sub-frame in a spaced apart relationship.

2. A frame as claimed in claim 1 in which the first sub-frame of the door is fabricated substantially of metal.

3. A frame as claimed in claim 2 in which the first sub-frame of the door is fabricated substantially from aluminium.

4. A frame as claimed in claim 3 in which the second sub-frame of the door is fabricated substantially from a material which is substantially thermally insulating relative to aluminium.

A frame as claimed in claim 4 in which the second sub-frame of the door is fabricated substantially from timber.

6. A frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the joining means which joins the first and second sub-frames of the door is fabricated substantially from material which has a low thermal conductivity relative to aluminium.

7. A frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the joining means which joins the first and second sub-frames of the door is fabricated substantially from a material which has a coefficient of thermal expansion which is intermediate the coefficients of thermal expansion of the materials of the first

01024.A:\3 I mhncompspc.wpd, -11- sub-frame and the second sub-frame.

8. A frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the joining means which joins the first and second sub-frames of the door includes a pin which has a head which is captured within a complementary slot in the second sub-frame.

9. A frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the joining means which joins the first and second sub-frames of the door is fabricated substantially from polyamide material. A frame as claimed in any claim 9 in which the polyamide material is a nylon material. 11. A frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, when mounted to a door jamb or the like, which doorjamb or the like includes:- a first sub-frame; a second sub-frame; and joining means which joins the first sub-frame and the second sub-frame of the jamb in a spaced apart relationship. 12. A frame as claimed in claim 11 wherein the first sub-frame of the jamb is fabricated substantially of metal. 13. A frame as claimed in claim 12 wherein the first sub-frame of the jamb is fabricated substantially from aluminium. 14. A frame as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein the second sub-frame of the jamb is fabricated substantially from a material which is substantially thermally insulating relative to aluminium. 01024, A: U01(cchnO compspec~wpd, I -12- A frame as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14 wherein the second sub-frame of the jamb is fabricated substantially from timber. 16. A frame as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 15 wherein the joining means which joins the first sub-frame and the second sub-frame of thejamb is fabricated substantially from material which has a low thermal conductivity relative to aluminium. 17. A frame as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 15 wherein the joining means which joins the first sub-frame and the second sub-frame of the jamb is fabricated substantially from a material which has a coefficient of thermal expansion which is intermediate the coefficients of thermal expansion of the materials of the first sub-frame and the second sub-frame. 18. A frame as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the joining means which joins the first sub-frame and the second sub-frame of thejamb is fabricated substantially from polyamide material. 19. A frame as claimed in claim 17 wherein the joining means which joins the first sub-frame and the second sub-frame of the jamb is fabricated substantially from a nylon material. A frame as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 18 wherein the first sub-frame of one of the door and the doorjamb carries a gasket which is in sealing relationship with the other of the door and the door jamb when the door is closed. 21. A frame as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 19 wherein the second sub-frame of one of he door and the door jamb carries a gasket which is in sealing relationship with one of the door and the door jamb when the door is closed. 22. A frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first sub- frame of the door includes:- 01024,A:\301 chnova. ompspc. wpd. 12 13- an inner portion which is adjacent the second sub-frame of the door; an outer portion which is remote from the second sub-frame of the door; and insulating material intermediate the inner portion and the outer portion. 23. A frame as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 21 wherein the first sub-frame of the door jamb includes:- an inner portion which is adjacent the second sub-frame of the doorjamb; an outer portion which is remote from the second sub-frame of the door jamb; and insulating material intermediate the inner portion and the outer portion. 24. A frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first sub- frame of the door includes an opening which is placed to allow drainage of condensate out of the interior of the sub-frame. A frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, substantially as described with reference to the drawings. Dated this 2 4 th day of October, 2000. SANDERCOCK COWIE PATENT ATTORNEYS FOR TECHNOVA PTY. LTD. 010 2 4.A:\301lwchnavcospcc .xw. 13