AU2019101628A4 - Prefabricated Window Sill - Google Patents

Abstract

P10094.AU Innovation specification 17/12/2019 - 13 A prefabricated window sill, the window sill being formed in lengths from sheet material and in cross section comprising a middle part and an external sill part, the middle part being 5 configured to straddle a horizontal sill plate of a window frame of a building and the external sill part extending from the window frame to form a window sill.

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a prefabricated window sill and system, and a method of installing a prefabricated window sill system.

Background

TraditionaIly, window sills have been used on buildings to enhance their appearance and to allow water to drain away from the window to avoid water seepage. It is important that window sills be properly constructed to provide a level surface on which the window is to be mounted to avoid water seepage.

Modern building construction often uses building panels of different materials. Steel frames and external cladding such as Colorbond™ are commonly used and with such materials there has not been an efficient way to provide a window sill. It can be desirable to provide a window sill to improve the aesthetics of modern building or to allow buildings of traditional appearance to be constructed of modern materials.

There is a need to address the above, and/or at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a prefabricated window sill, the window sill being formed in lengths from sheet material and in cross section comprising a middle part and an external sill part, the middle part being configured to straddle a horizontal sill plate of a window frame of a building and the external sill part extending from the window frame to form a window sill.

According to a preferred embodiment the external sill part includes a downwardly sloping top surface extending away from the window, a generally vertical outer surface,

2019101628 17 Dec 2019

P10094.AU Innovation specification 17/12/2019

-2and a return extending from the outer surface to a wall of the building to be coupled thereto.

Preferably, the return of the external sill part is configured for securing directly to a frame of the building, an external wall material or a bracket fixed thereto. Preferably, the window sill further comprises an internal part extending inwardly into a building from the middle part, the internal part being securable to the building at a location which is internal thereof.

Preferably, the internal part includes a shelf having a generally horizontal top surface, a generally vertical outer surface and a return extending from the outer surface to the wall to be coupled thereto. Preferably, the return of the internal part is configured for securing directly to a frame of the building.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a prefabricated external window sill, the window sill being formed in lengths from sheet material and configured to be secured to an external wall of a building, wherein the sill includes a downwardly sloping top surface extending away from the window, a generally vertical outer surface, and a return extending from the outer surface to a wall of the building to be coupled thereto.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a prefabricated window sill system, comprising a window sill of the above described type and end caps to close a void formed behind the external sill part.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided, in situ, a prefabricated window sill according to any preceding claim, the window sill straddling a horizontal sill plate of a window frame of a building and being secured to a frame of the building or an external wall material of the building.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of installing a prefabricated window sill system, including the steps of:

P10094.AU Innovation specification 17/12/2019

-3providing a prefabricated window sill, the window sill being formed in lengths from sheet material and in cross section comprising a middle part and an external sill part, the middle part being configured to straddle a horizontal sill plate of a window frame of a building and the external sill part extending from the window frame to form a window sill; and securing the window sill relative to the window frame.

According to preferred embodiments, the external sill part includes a downwardly sloping top surface extending away from the window, a generally vertical outer surface, and a return extending from the outer surface to a wall of the building to be coupled thereto, the window sill being secured by fixing the return to a frame of the building, an external wall material or a bracket fixed to the frame or the external wall material.

Preferably, the window sill further comprises an internal part extending inwardly into a building from the middle part and the method includes the step of securing the internal part to the building at a location which is internal thereof.

Preferably, the internal part includes a shelf having a generally horizontal top surface, a generally vertical outer surface and a return extending from the outer surface to the wall to be coupled thereto, the method including the step of securing the return directly to a frame of the building. The method can further include the step of securing plasterboard over the return. The method can further include the steps of securing end caps to the window sill to close a void formed behind the external sill part.

In preferred embodiments, the window sill is formed of a length which is longer than an opening of the window frame and the method includes the step of trimming the middle part at either end and folding up the tabs created thereby and securing them to the window frame.

2019101628 17 Dec 2019

P10094.AU Innovation specification 17/12/2019

-4Brief description of the drawings

In order that the invention may be more easily understood, an embodiment will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1:	is a perspective view of a building having a prefabricated window sill according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2:	is a close cutaway perspective view of a window of the building of Figure 1;
Figure 3:	is a first perspective view of the window sill fitted to a building;
Figure 4:	is another perspective view of the window sill fitted to a building;
Figure 5:	is a side sectional view of a prefabricated window sill of another embodiment;
Figure 6:	is a perspective end view of the prefabricated window sill of Figure 5;
Figure 4:	is a side sectional view of a bracket for securing the window sill of Figure 5 to a building;
Figure 5:	is a side sectional view of the window sill of Figure 5 secured to a building;
Figure 6:	is a side perspective view of the window sill of Figure 5 with ends trimmed for securing within a window frame;
Figure 7:	is a front view of a prefabricated window sill secured within a window frame;
Figure 8:	is a side perspective view of a prefabricated window frame with an end cap;
Figure 9:	is a plan view of an end cap for use with a prefabricated window sill, the end cap being in an unfolded state;
Figure 10:	is a perspective view of the end cap of Figure 9 is a folded state and secured within a window frame;
Figure 11:	is a perspective view of an end cap and prefabricated window sill panel;

P10094.AU Innovation specification 17/12/2019

-52019101628 17 Dec 2019

Figure 12: is a side perspective view of a prefabricated window sill system in a first partially assembled condition;

Figure 13: is another side perspective view of a prefabricated window sill system in a second partially assembled condition;

Figure 14: is another perspective view of a prefabricated window sill system in a third, assembled condition;

Figure 15: is a side perspective view of a prefabricated window sill of one embodiment; and

Figure 16: is a side perspective view of a prefabricated window sill of another embodiment.

Detailed description

Figure 1 illustrates a prefabricated window sill 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The window sill 10 is configured for use with a building such as house 12 and lies under window 11. Figure 1 also illustrates an identical window 11A without a window sill.

The window sill 10 is formed in lengths from sheet material, which is preferably a coated steel such as Colorbond™ and 0.9mm to 1.2mm thick. The window sill 10 is secured to the building using conventional fasteners such as nails, screws or rivets.

As can be seen in Figures 2 to 4, in cross section the sill 10 comprises a middle part 14, an external sill part 16 extending from a base of the window 11 or window frame 13 (Figure 5) to form a window sill and an internal part 18. At either end of the sill 10 are upturned tabs 20, which will be described in further detail below.

The middle part 14 of the sill 10 is configured to straddle a wall 22 of the building and in a preferred form sits directly on a horizontal sill plate 25 of a window frame of the building 12. In use a window frame 15 of the window sits on top of the middle part 14.

2019101628 17 Dec 2019

P10094.AU Innovation specification 17/12/2019

-6In the cross sections shown in Figure 5, it can be seen that the external sill part 16 includes a downwardly sloping top surface 24 extending away from the window 11, a generally vertical outer surface 26, and a return 28 extending from the outer surface 26 to wall 22 to be coupled thereto. Top surface 24 is arranged at an angle of 15 degrees to horizontal, though it will be appreciated that other angles may also be used.

The return 28 can be configured for securing directly to frame 13, an external wall material or a bracket fixed to the frame or external wall material. The bracket may be a simple right-angle bracket such as that shown as 30 in Figure 3 for securing to an external wall material or a more complex bracket 32 as shown in Figure 5 for securing to the frame or a baton secured thereto. The return 28 may be riveted to bracket 32 with rivet 31. Any of the brackets used may be formed as short sections or as longer sections that are fixed to the sill and building at multiple places.

The sill 10 also comprises an internal part 18 extending inwardly into the building 12 from the middle part 14. The internal part 18 is securable to the frame 13 at a location which is internal of the building. Preferably, the internal part 18 is secured to the frame 13 of the building using a fixing screw 37. Alternatively, the internal part 18 may be secured to an internal wall material secured to the frame 13.

The internal part 18 includes a shelf having a generally horizontal top surface 35, a generally vertical outer surface 36 and a return 38 extending from the outer surface to the wall to be coupled thereto. The return 38 may be secured directly to the frame or an internal wall material.

As can be seen in Figure 5, the return 38 may be formed with a tab 40 which is configured to be secured to the frame. Alternatively, a bracket (not shown) may be used to secure the return 38 to the building.

Preferably, the tab 40 is secured directly to the frame 13 and the internal wall sheeting 39, which is often plasterboard, overlaps the tap 40 to hide the bracket from view

2019101628 17 Dec 2019

P10094.AU Innovation specification 17/12/2019

-7inside the building. Similarly, bracket 32 may be formed so that once secured to the building, external cladding material overlies the bracket 32, hiding it from view. Bracket 32 is formed with an inverted U-shaped opening 33 for receipt of an upper end of the external cladding material, to cover the end so as to prevent water seepage into the building, as illustrated in Figure 6.

It will be appreciated that the width of the middle part 14 is determined having regard as to whether the return 28 is to be secured directly to the frame 13, a baton 19 against which the external cladding material is installed, or directly to the cladding material 17. When the return 28 is secured directly to the frame 13, the middle part 14 will be 100mm, in accordance with the width of the frame. Where a baton is used, a further 35mm of width may be provided in the middle part 14 to accommodate the baton. Where the return is to be received against the cladding, a further 25mm of width may be provided to the middle part.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate upturned tabs 20 which are formed by trimming the middle part 14 inwardly from the end edge. Tabs 20 are then upturned for securing to within the frame 13, preferably using nails 21. Forming tabs 20 in this manner allows a window sill which is wider than the window to be formed and allows a clean interaction between the sill, and the wall of the building. In a preferred form, tabs 20 are between 25 and 50mm long. If required, packers 23 maybe installed under the sill 10 to prevent buckling over longer window spans.

As illustrated in Figure 8, end caps 42 may be provided to close the void formed behind the external sill part. End caps are secured to the sill 10 with fasteners 43, which may be rivets or screws. In an alternative embodiment, end caps 42 may be configured to simply clip into place.

An alternative end cap 142 is illustrated in Figures 9 to 14. This end cap 142 is formed with portion 147 that forms an end of the sill. End cap 142 also includes tabs 145 and 149 which are folded over. Tabs 145 are provided to secure the bracket to the

2019101628 17 Dec 2019

P10094.AU Innovation specification 17/12/2019

-8frame 13 and the horizontal sill plate 25 and tabs 149 are rivetted to the sill 10 (as shown in partial view in Figure 11). The end cap 142 may be fixed to the frame 13 with screws or nails and to the sill 10 with rivets. The end cap 142 as shown in Figures 9, 10, 11 and 12 may be fitted outside the sill or inside the sill, the latter being the preferred option (but difficult to show in the drawings). Figure 11 shows a typical aluminium window with fins 150 on all sides. The fins 150 are used to nail or screw the window into a reveal or directly onto the outside of the frame 13. It should be noted that the bottom fin has to be removed in order not to interfere with the sill.

Figures 12 to 14 illustrate a sill 10 fitted to a building with the downwardly sloping top surface 24 removed for clarity in Figure 12. It can be seen that the sill 10 is secured directly to the building and then the external cladding material 17 fitted around the sill 10. This provides a clean finish and improved sealing to prevent water seepage and the cladding overlies the sill 10.

Figure 15 illustrates a prefabricated window sill 110 according to another embodiment of the invention. Window sill 110 is similarly configured to sill 10, though it does not have an internal shelf, and like numerals used to denote like parts and the preceding description of sill 10 is intended to apply to sill 110.

The window sill 110 is also formed in lengths from sheet material and is configured to be secured to an external wall of a building. The sill 110 includes a downwardly sloping top surface 124 extending away from the window, a generally vertical outer surface 126, and a return 128 extending from the outer surface to a wall of the building to be coupled thereto. Return 128 has an upturned edge 129 for mounting against the external wall.

Return 128 may be formed in accordance with return 28 and again may be secured directly to the frame, a baton secured thereto, or to an external wall surface.

Middle part 114 is provided with a return 115 that allows the sill 110 to be secured within the building, either directly to the frame or to an internal wall sheeting material.

P10094.AU Innovation specification 17/12/2019

-92019101628 17 Dec 2019

Figure 16 illustrates a prefabricated window sill 210 according to another embodiment of the invention. Window sill 210 is similarly configured to sill 10 and 110, though it does not have an internal shelf and is configured for retrofitting to an existing building. With sill 210 like numerals are used to denote like parts and the preceding description of sill 10, 110 is intended to apply to sill 210.

The window sill 210 is also formed in lengths from sheet material and is configured to be secured to an external wall of a building. The sill 210 includes a downwardly sloping top surface 224 extending away from the window, a generally vertical outer surface 226, and a return 228 extending from the outer surface to a wall of the building to be coupled thereto. Return 228 has an upturned edge 229 for mounting against the external wall of an existing building.

The described embodiments provide a prefabricated unit which can be easily installed with minimum amount of time and effect. It can be easier to install than a conventional window sill and enhance waterproofing of the window. Once the opening for a window has been constructed in the frame of the building, the above described window sill can be installed to fit like a saddle over the horizontal sill plate or trimmer. The sill plate can be either timber or steel

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word comprise, and variations such as comprises and comprising, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or

P10094.AU Innovation specification 17/12/2019

-102019101628 17 Dec 2019 information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims (16)

1. A prefabricated window sill, the window sill being formed in lengths from sheet material and in cross section comprising a middle part and an external sill part, the middle part being configured to straddle a horizontal sill plate of a window frame of a building and the external sill part extending from the window frame to form a window sill.

2. The window sill of claim 1, wherein the external sill part includes a downwardly sloping top surface extending away from the window, a generally vertical outer surface, and a return extending from the outer surface to a wall of the building to be coupled thereto.

3. The window sill of claim 2, wherein the return of the external sill part is configured for securing directly to a frame of the building, an external wall material or a bracket fixed thereto.

4. The window sill of any preceding claim, further comprising an internal part extending inwardly into a building from the middle part, the internal part being securable to the building at a location which is internal thereof.

5. The window sill of claim 4, wherein the internal part includes a shelf having a generally horizontal top surface, a generally vertical outer surface and a return extending from the outer surface to the wall to be coupled thereto.

6. The window sill of claim 5, wherein the return of the internal part is configured for securing directly to a frame of the building.

7. A prefabricated window sill, the window sill being formed in lengths from sheet material and being configured to be secured to an external wall of a building, wherein the sill includes a downwardly sloping top surface extending away from the window, a generally vertical outer surface, and a return extending from the outer surface to a wall of the building to be coupled thereto.

8. A prefabricated window sill system, comprising a window sill according to any preceding claim and end caps to close a void formed behind the external sill part.

9. In situ, a prefabricated window sill according to any preceding claim, the window sill straddling a horizontal sill plate of a window frame of a building and being secured to a frame of the building or an external wall material of the building.

2019101628 17 Dec 2019

P10094.AU Innovation specification 17/12/2019

10. A method of installing a prefabricated window sill system, including the steps of: providing a prefabricated window sill, the window sill being formed in lengths from sheet material and in cross section comprising a middle part and an external sill part, the middle part being configured to straddle a horizontal sill plate of a window frame of a building and the external sill part extending from the window frame to form a window sill;

securing the window sill relative to the window frame.

11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the external sill part includes a downwardly sloping top surface extending away from the window, a generally vertical outer surface, and a return extending from the outer surface to a wall of the building to be coupled thereto, the window sill being secured by fixing the return to a frame of the building, an external wall material or a bracket fixed to the frame or the external wall material.

12. A method according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the window sill further comprises an internal part extending inwardly into a building from the middle part and the method includes the step of securing the internal part to the building at a location which is internal thereof.

13. A method according to claim 12, wherein the internal part includes a shelf having a generally horizontal top surface, a generally vertical outer surface and a return extending from the outer surface to the wall to be coupled thereto, the method including the step of securing the return directly to a frame of the building

14. A method according to claim 13, further including the step of securing plasterboard over the return.

15. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, further including the steps of securing end caps to the window sill to close a void formed behind the external sill part.

16. A method according to claim 15, wherein the window sill is formed of a length which is longer than an opening of the window frame and the method includes the step of trimming the middle part at either end and folding up the tabs created thereby and securing them to the window frame.