AU771413B2

AU771413B2 - Window assembly

Info

Publication number: AU771413B2
Application number: AU48797/00A
Authority: AU
Inventors: John Towner
Original assignee: WINTEC ALUMINIUM WINDOW AND DO
Current assignee: Ullrich Aluminium Pty Ltd
Priority date: 1999-07-30
Filing date: 2000-07-24
Publication date: 2004-03-18
Anticipated expiration: 2020-07-24
Also published as: AU4879700A

Description

P/00/01i1 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: 'Window assembly' The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: [711il, Yl)('[--.\,NAI'lllW)120k(W)17202(, 9 CE00371783.6 1 Window Assembly This invention relates to window and door frame assemblies and particularly to frame assemblies for combination partitioned sliding windows or doors.

Most partitioned sliding windows are constructed of extruded metal frame members in which a horizontal transom supports a hollow or solid sill having a track in which an upper sliding window is able to slide. Since the track for the sliding window is essentially an upwardly open u-shaped channel having openings to the exterior of the window, the removal of water which drains into the sill from the window is generally S accommodated by providing a weep hole at each end of the sill or weep holes to drain S 10 the water into the transom in the case of a hollow transom. The water then is allowed to drain through in the case of a solid transom, holes provided in the low point of the transom sill.

The holes in the front of the transom provided to allow the water to drain therefrom are generally small for aesthetic purposes. Because of the surface tension of 15 water, small holes provide some resistance to the flow of water thus requiring a driving force or pressure head to allow an adequate flow of water. In the past, combination window frame assemblies have relied on the hydrostatic head of water in the transom above the drain hole to provide sufficient pressure to overcome the resistance to flow through the drain holes. Like any drainage point exposed to the elements, over a period time, these drainage holes are prone to becoming partially or totally blocked by dust and other debris requiring a greater pressure head to allow water to pass. Unfortunately, the hydrostatic head available is dictated solely by the width and height of the transom which is at best only several centimetres.

Furthermore, the rate at which water can be drained away by the drainage system in the window assembly, referred to as the water rating for the window, is also dictated by the hydrostatic head of water above the drainage outlet for the transom.

004539404v13.doc 2 Once the hydrostatic head of water in the entire width of the transom is no longer able to drive the water through the drainage holes at a sufficient rate and the water flowing into the transom exceeds the rate out of the outlet, water will no longer be able to drain from the track of the sliding window causing water to pool and possibly spill over into the interior of the window sill.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a window frame assembly which overcomes or alleviates these problems.

According to the invention there is provided a window or door frame assembly having enhanced water rating comprising at least one horizontal frame member and vertical frame members, said horizontal frame member having at least one window or door member supported thereon or thereabove, said horizontal frame member comprising a channel-shaped upper part, and a hallow lower part, weep holes connecting the upper part with the lower part to allow water collecting in the channel-shaped upper part to drain into the interior of the lower part, the lower part having at least one water outlet from the interior thereof, the at least one water outlet connected to a duct through which water can flow, the duct having outlet means being positioned below the at least one water outlet, the outlet means having an unpressurised water flowrate therethrough which is less than the unpressurised flowrate through the water outlet, such that in use water flowing through the horizontal frame member and out of the duct will tend to be retained, at least temporarily, in the duct and interior of the lower part until sufficient 20 hydrostatic head has built up to cause the water to flow out of the lower part and duct.

Preferably, the outlet means is positioned substantially below the water outlet. More preferably, the outlet means is positioned at least 5cm, even more preferably, at least below the water outlet. o By providing a reduced flowrate outlet means from the duct, the outlet for water from the frame assembly is at a much lower height relative to the window or door. Hence, any water at the outlet means has a much greater potential hydrostatic head above the outlet to overcome any resistance to flow through the outlet thereby increasing the rate at which water can be o*o* discharged from the frame assembly and reducing the possibility of the outlet becoming blocked. The size of the outlet means can be determined to enable the best outflow characteristics to be obtained. The most appropriate diameter can be easily determined from test results. All other holes or outlets may preferably be sized to provide rapid drainage of water into the duct.

CE00371783.6 3 In one embodiment of the present invention, the frame assembly includes a generally horizontal hollow sill member supporting or having thereabove a window or door member, the hollow sill member collecting water that contacts the window or door member, the hollow sill including at least one outlet in fluid communication with the duct.

The duct may comprise a tube extending downwardly from the at least one outlet in the hollow sill. The tube may be of any cross-section shape. The tube may be routed such that the tube extends downwardly to thereby position the outlet means below the at least one outlet. The tube preferably extends through a passage formed in the structural 10 elements of the building that surround the window or door frame. For example, in a brick building, a passage may be formed by drilling in the brick(s) below the window or door frame and the tube may pass through the passage. The passage should preferably be arranged such that the outlet means is positioned to discharge water therefrom to the outside of the building or to a drain.

The hollow sill may support a track for a door or window. The track may have one or more weep holes such that the water striking the door or window member runs down the door or window member into the track and hence through the weep hole(s) into the hollow sill. The water can then run out of the hollow sill into the duct.

o In some embodiments, the at least one horizontal member may have a plurality of water outlets. The assembly preferably also comprises a plurality of ducts wherein each of the plurality of water outlet is in fluid communication with respective ones of the plurality of ducts. Each duct has an outlet means positioned below the water outlet associated with that duct.

In another embodiment, the frame assembly includes a hollow transom member spanning the vertical frame members and the frame further includes at least one hollow mullion, the transom member having a window or door member supported thereby or CE00371783.6 4 thereabove, the transom member including at least one outlet in fluid communication with the at least one mullion for draining water from the transom member into the at least one mullion, and wherein the at least one mullion includes an outlet means for discharge of water therefrom. The outlet means in the mullion is most preferably positioned substantially below the at least one member.

In yet another embodiment, the frame assembly includes a hollow sill member extending in a substantially horizontal direction, the hollow sill member having at least one fluid inlet means through which water striking a window or door member positioned above the inlet means can enter the hollow sill member, the hollow sill member *10 including a downwardly extending well portion having an outlet means wherein water striking the window or door member flows into the hollow sill member and collects in the well portion and flows out through the outlet means. In this embodiment, the well portion acts as the duct through which the water flows.

In a further embodiment, the horizontal member may be a solid sill or transom having at least one passage for water. This at least one passageway for water will be in fluid communication with the duct.

The frame assembly of the present invention may be used in sliding windows, double hung windows, awning windows, casement windows and combination type windows having a transom and mullions and side drain(s). The frame assembly may also be used on sliding doors and other doors having similar construction to the window arrangements recited above.

The frame assembly members are suitably made from aluminium extrusions or other metal extrusions, although the present invention also encompasses other materials of construction.

CE00371783.6 The invention also provides a method of enhancing the water drainage from existing combination sliding window and door frame assemblies including the steps of forming a passage from the transom to the mullion and providing an outlet preferably towards the lower end of the mullion.

The features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiment and accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 is a conventional window sill of the prior art; Figure 2 is a conventional transom sill of the prior art; 10 Figure 3 is a front elevational view of a window frame assembly in accordance *o with the invention; and Figure 4 is a sectional view through line 4-4 of figure 3.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a double hung window in accordance with the present invention; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of an awning window in accordance with S•the present invention; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the sliding window in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional side view of an awning window in accordance with the present invention; Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional side view of a prior art sliding door assembly; CE00371783.6 6 Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional side view of a sliding door assembly in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 11 shows a three-dimensional view, partly in cross-section, of another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to figure 1 in which a conventional window or door sill assembly is shown. The assembly consists of a hollow window sill 1 including a track section 2 for sliding window or door 3 which slides on the interior side of a fixture 4 such an outer wall or fixed glass partition.

When water or rain strikes the exterior surface of the sliding door or window 3, water drains through weep holes which have been drilled or punched in the front of the window sill, preferably at each end of the sill, to allow water to drain into the track section 2 of the sill. The water then passes through a further weep hole 6 into the hollow lower section of the sill before draining through outlet 7.

The driving force for the water flow through the outlet 7 is the hydrostatic head of water above the outlet which under ideal circumstances should not be any higher than the height of the hollow lower section of the sill. Once this section of the sill fills with water the track section of the sill then pools waters which if left to continue will lead to the water in the sill overflowing possibly into the interior of the window.

In the window frame assembly of the prior art shown in figure 2, a similar arrangement of drainage ports from the exterior face of the sliding window 13 is shown for a transom sill 11. In this arrangement, water passes through weep holes 15 drilled or punched in the front of the window sill into the track section of the transom sill which is provided with a weep hole 16 at each end of the sill to allow water to pass into the lower hollow section of the transom sill 11. Under light rain conditions against the windows 13 and 14, the water level in the sill will build up to, say a level shown as 18 for CE00371783.6 7 explanatory purposes, depending on the rate at which water is drained from the drain hole 17.

As with the conventional window sill assembly, the rate a which water passes through outlet 17 is dependant on the hydrostatic head of water above that outlet and that hydrostatic head is limited by the design of the transom sill.

Referring to figure 3, a combination sliding window fixed low light panel assembly is shown including horizontal members 22, 23 and vertical members 20, 21.

Each of these members is preferably a hollow or solid extruded metal member made from, preferably aluminium, conventionally found in the industry. The assembly 10 includes a transom sill 24 spaning the vertical members 20, 21 and at least one mullion 25 extending from the transom to the lower horizontal member 22 which generally i partitions low light fixed panels 27, 28. Panels 27, 28 may be prepared from any translucent or opaque material and the mullion 25 is generally provided to provide structural integrity to the window frame assembly. A further mullion 26 may also be provided for structural purposes between the fixed window panel 29 and the sliding panel As with the prior art, water striking the exterior of the sliding panel 30 is drained through weep holes 32 into the track section 31 of the transom sill which is provided with weep holes 33 preferably at each end of the sill to allow water to pass from the track into the lower section 34 of the transom.

The transom sill is provided with a number of holes typically of about millimetre diameter in a position adjacent to the lower mullion 25 extending between the transom and the lower horizontal member 22. The water passes internally through these holes into the mullion which is provided with an outlet means such as an outlet in cap provided at the lower end thereof.

CE00371783.6 8 By providing large holes in the transom sill to enable water to pass into the mullion from which water is eventually discharged, the potential hydrostatic head of water above the outlet is effectively increased by the length of the mullion which may be up to 900 millimetres.

The outlet from the end cap in the mullion will typically be much smaller than the holes between the transom sill and the mullion and also the track section of the mullion and the lower hollow transom section because the outlet from the end caps can be seen from the exterior of the window assembly. However, if the outlet from the mullion is positioned either at ground level or other typically unnoticed positions then the outlet 10 from the end cap can also be enlarged. For best flow results, the outlet through the end cap is preferably about six millimetres. This figure was established from test results using this system.

Thus by passing the water from the transom sill into the mullion the outlet for water from the window frame assembly is effectively lowered thereby avoiding the problems of the prior art. The invention also envisages the adaptation of the water track *oo.

in the existing window frame assemblies particularly combination window frame assemblies by forming a passage from the transom to the mullion preferably by connecting the outlet from the transom sill through a hole in the mullion and providing an outlet at the lower end of the mullion for water to pass.

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional side view of a double hung window in accordance with the present invention. The apparatus includes a window pane 41 supported in window support extrusion 42. Window support extrusion 42 is slidedly received within window track receiving window portion 43 of transom 44. Window track receiving portion 43 includes weep hole 45 that allows water, such as rain, that strikes the window to run down the window and through weep hole 45 into the inside part of hollow transom 44. The frame assembly further includes a mullion 46 positioned CE00371783.6 9 below hollow transom 44. The hollow transom 44 is provided with a water outlet 47 and water flows through water outlet 47 into hollow mullion 46. Hollow mullion 46 includes an outlet means 48 in the form of a small hole drilled in a lower part of the mullion member 46.

It is preferred that hole 48 is a relatively small hole such that the water level in the hollow transom 44 rises to level 49 when it rains, to thereby provide a relatively large hydrostatic head to cause the water to flow out through hole 48 in mullion 46.

Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional side view of awning window in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the window frame assembly includes an awning top hung sash 50 and a lower horizontal window support extrusion 51 supporting a window pane 52. A transom 53 has holes 54 drilled therein such that water that strikes the window pane and frame assembly can flow into the inside of hollow transom 54.

Mullion 55 is in fluid contact with the inside of hollow transom 53 and water inside the hollow transom 53 can flow through outlet 56 in the transom and into the mullion.

Mullion 55 is also provided with a lower opening 57 through which water can flow out V of the mullion.

Turning now to Figure 7, which shows a cross-sectional side view of a sliding S. window in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the frame assembly includes a hollow sill 60 that holds window panes 61, 62. One of window pane 61, 62 is a fixed window and the other of window panes 61, 62 is a sliding window.

Rain that hits the window pane 61, 62 runs downs the window pane 61, 62 and through weep holes (not shown) into the hollow sill.

As can be seen from Figure 7, the frame assembly is positioned above a sill brick 63. A course of bricks 64 is positioned below the sill brick 63 and mortar 65 is used to hold sill brick 63 in position. Sill flap 66 ensures that water can not flow up underneath the lower part of hollow sill 60. The inside of the building is provided with a timber CE00371783.6 stud 67 having a timber reveal 68 positioned thereon, which timber reveal 68 provides support to the frame assembly.

In accordance with the present invention, a passage 69 is formed through the course of bricks 64 and mortar 65 and a hollow plastic tube 70 is fitted into the passage.

The passage 69 may suitably be formed by drilling or the like. Plastic tube 70 may be connected to a male extension 71 formed or connected to the lower part of hollow sill A drain hole 72 is formed in the hollow sill 60 such that water that collects in hollow sill 60 can flow through drain hole 72 into tube Tube 70 is provided with a plurality of weep slots 73 through which water can escape from the plastic tube. A plastic plug 74 is also provided in the end of plastic tube such that the flow of water through and out of plastic tube 70 is controlled to form a hydrostatic head by the water backing up to level 75 in the hollow sill. This ensure that there is sufficient hydrostatic head to ensure that water always flows out of the hollow •go.

tube 70 without overflowing the hollow sill 60, even during periods of heavy rain.

15 Figure 8 shows an embodiment of the present invention that is generally similar to Figure 7, except that this embodiment is applicable to awning windows. In Figure 8, features that are common to the embodiment shown in Figure 7 are given like reference numerals to those of Figure 7. The embodiment of Figure 8 differs in that it includes hollow sill 80 supporting window pane 81.

It will also be appreciated that the embodiment shown in Figure 8 may be used for casement windows. Similarly, a like arrangement may be used for double hung windows, with appropriate changes to the hollow sill and support extrusions being made.

Referring now to Figure 9, which shows a cross-sectional view of a prior art sliding door assembly, the sliding door assembly includes door panes 90, 91. Door panes 90, 91 are supported in extrusions 92, 93, which extrusions are themselves CE00371783.6 11 supported by door sill extrusions 94. Water runs off door panes 90, 91 through weep holes 95 and into hollow chamber 96 of door sill 94. Hollow chamber 96 is provided with an elongate opening 97 through which water can pass to exit the frame assembly.

Outlet 97 is provided with a sill baffle 98 to prevent entry of debris into sill member. As shown is Figure 9, the water level in door sill 94 is denoted by reference number 99.

The water that runs out through outlet 97 escapes onto tiles 100 located outside the building.

Turning to Figure 10, which shows a door frame assembly in accordance with the present invention, the door frame assembly of Figure 10 includes a number of 10 components that are similar to those shown in Figure 9 and these components are given a similar reference numeral to that used in Figure 9. However, the frame assembly of Figure 10 differs from the prior art frame assembly of Figure 9 in that the hollow sill 110 includes a downwardly extending well portion 110. The downwardly extending well portion 110 is provided with an outlet 112 through which water can flow to thereby 15 escape hollow sill 110. As shown in Figure 10, the water level 99 is significantly higher than the level of outlet 112 and this acts to provide an increased hydrostatic head (when compared to the prior art arrangement shown in Figure which assists in ensuring that water flows through outlet 112 at a required rate.

Figure 11 shows a window frame in accordance with the present invention having a transom 120 that supports a window pane (not shown) thereabove. The transom 120 includes a drain hole 121 that allows water running off the window pane to pass through the transom and through further drain hole 122 into drainage box or drainage tube 123.

A lower window sill 124 assists in supporting a further window pane (not shown) between transom 120 and lower window sill 124.

Drainage box or drainage tube 123 has an outlet 125 at its lower end through which water can drain. When rain strikes the upper window pane, it runs off the CE00371783.6 12 window pane, along drainage channel 126 in transom 120 and then through drainage holes 121 and 122 into the drainage box or drainage tube 123. The water then flows out through outlet 125. The water level in drainage box or drainage tube 123 may build up, for example, to the height shown at reference numeral 127 in Figure 11.

A generally similar arrangement of drainage holes is provided at the other end of transom 120 to allow water to also drain from drainage box or drainage tube 128. The flow of water through (or inside) transom 120 is generally shown by arrow 129 in Figure 11.

The drainage boxes or drainage tubes may be readily and simply secured to the S 10 window jamb 130, for example by use of screws such as 131.

.o.o "In the embodiments of the invention shown in Figures 5 to 8 and 10 to 11, the outlet through which water ultimately flows out of the frame assembly is located significantly below the lower level of the windows or doors. This acts to increase the amount of water with which the frame assembly can cope without flooding. Indeed, 0. 15 tests by the present inventors have shown that the water rating of the window can be doubled.

Although the present invention has been described hereinbefore with reference to a preferred embodiment, the skilled address will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A window or door frame assembly having enhanced water rating comprising at least one horizontal frame member and vertical frame members, said horizontal frame member having at least one window or door member supported thereon or thereabove, said horizontal frame member comprising a channel-shaped upper part, and a hollow lower part, weep holes connecting the upper part with the lower part to allow water collecting in the channel-shaped upper part to drain into the interior of the lower part, the lower part having at least one water outlet from the interior thereof, the at least one water outlet connected to a duct through which water can flow, the duct having outlet means being positioned below the at least one water outlet, the outlet means having an unpressurised water flowrate therethrough which is less than the unpressurised flowrate through the water outlet, such that in use water flowing through the horizontal frame member and out of the duct will tend to be retained, at least temporarily, in the duct and interior of the lower part until sufficient hydrostatic head has built up to cause the water to flow out of the lower part and duct.

2. A window or door assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the horizontal frame member incorporates or supports a track for a door or window.

3. A window or door frame assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the duct comprises a tube extending downwardly from the at least one water outlet.

4. A window or door frame assembly as claimed in claim 3 wherein the tube "extends through a passage formed in structural elements of a building that surround the window or door frame assembly.

A window or door frame assembly as claimed in claim 4 wherein the outlet means from the tube is positioned to discharge water to the outside of the building or to a drain.

6. A window or door frame assembly as claimed in claim 3 wherein the tube is mounted to ajamb of the window or door frame assembly.

07. A window or door frame assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising a plurality of water outlets in the at least one horizontal frame member and a CE004539404v15.doc 14 plurality of ducts wherein each of said plurality of water outlets is in fluid communication with respective ones of the plurality of ducts, each of said ducts having outlet means positioned below respective water outlets.

8. A window or door frame assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the frame further includes at least one hollow mullion, horizontal framemember including at least one outlet in fluid communication with the at least one mullion for draining water from the horizontal framemember into the at least one mullion, and wherein the at least one mullion includes an outlet means for discharge of water therefrom.

9. A window or door frame assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the outlet means is positioned at least 5cm below the water outlet.

A window or door frame assembly as claimed in claim 9 wherein the outlet means is positioned at least 10cm below the water outlet.

11.. A window or door frame assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 3 to 8, 10 or 11 of the drawings. Dated this 9 th day of January 2004 Wintec Aluminium Window Door Systems Pty Ltd by its attorneys Freehills Carter Smith Beadle