DK179130B1

DK179130B1 - Method of providing a window arrangement, a window arrangement comprising a set of gable elements and a number of opposed windows, and window of such a window arrangement

Info

Publication number: DK179130B1
Application number: DKPA201170359A
Authority: DK
Inventors: Claes Lindgren
Original assignee: Vkr Holding As
Priority date: 2011-07-04
Filing date: 2011-07-04
Publication date: 2017-11-20
Also published as: DK201170359A

Abstract

By the method a support structure (200, 211, 212) is initially provided, on to which a first gable element (221) is mounted. A second gable element (222) of the set is connected temporarily and releasably to the support structure at a distance from the first gable element corresponding substantially to the width of a window. A first window (231) of a first set of opposed windows is connected with the first and second gable elements (221, 222) and with the support structure (200, 211, 212). A second window (232) of the first set of opposed windows is connected with the first window (231) and with the support structure (200, 211, 212). Subsequently, the second gable element (222) is released from the first window (231) and from the support structure (200, 211, 212), and re-connected temporarily and releasably to the support structure (200, 211, 212) at a distance from the first set of opposed windows (231, 232).

Description

The present invention relates to method of providing a window arrangement comprising a set of gable elements and a number of sets of opposed windows.

Traditionally, in such window arrangements forming a ridge constellation, two windows meet top-to-top, the tops of the windows resting on a ridge beam extending in parallel with the ridge and with the bottoms resting on opposite wall or fagade elements, or in the case of installation on substantially flat roofs, on opposite upstands.

Such window arrangements are installed in many different roof structures under varying conditions. This applies both to the fastening of the window arrangement itself to the subjacent or surrounding roof structure, and to its relation to other window systems or arrangements which may be installed side-by-side or opposite the window in question.

In most such window arrangements, the top and the bottom of the window are tailor-made for the specific installation conditions, i.a. in correspondence to the character of the supporting structure. This in turn increases the number of different elements required to form the window arrangement aimed at.

The installation of a single window may be cumbersome in itself. This fact has been elaborated on in the prior art, examples being published international application No. WO 88/04348, in which the window is anchored in the roof structure in the way that a number of angular mounting brackets are by one leg fastened to the side members of the window frame, and the window is then mounted in the roof opening and fastened by the second leg by screws to the subjacent roof structure, the rafters, the counter-battens or the battens. However, varying measurements have to be carried out in order to ascertain correct positioning, and the measuring is an obvious source of error and can be the reason for considerable delays during mounting, as an erroneous measuring implies that the mounting bracket has to be removed after the window has been mounted in the roof opening. I n GB461238 a collapsible building used for horticultural purposes is described. The present invention differs from GB461238 in that a second gable element is used as a temporary support when mounting a first set of a plurality of sets of opposed windows or panel elements.

In published international application No. WO 99/35355, this problem has been addressed and solved in that the mounting bracket is formed as a corner fitting in which the first leg portion being formed as two leg sections essentially perpendicular to each other for connection with adjacent frame members at the joint hereof. This document furthermore provides for a solution to the positioning of the window next to and side-by-side other windows. However, even though this installation principle provide for a substantially increased ease of installation relative to the prior art, the mounting bracket disclosed in this document has a limited degree of flexibility with regards to its field of use.

An item of prior art concerned with the increase of flexibility is published international application No. WO 00/65171, in which a multipurpose fitting for connection of a frame structure of a panel with a support element is described. This document describes a progress over the prior art, in which particularly designed fittings for fixed panels are usually designed as support fittings with oblique sections defining the possible inclination of the panel, whereas in openable panels, the connection is made by especially designed hinge fittings, and solves the problem that fittings of this kind used in panels for construction of e. g. tilted surfaces must be produced in several various forms because of the structure of the known fittings, dependent on whether the panel is to be openable or fixed and on the inclination of the panel. By the multi-purpose fitting of this document, the angle of inclination of the panels is adjusted by means of a separate mounting and hinge fitting, the support element can be produced as a standard product, and the adjustment of the fitting according to the desired inclination can be effected at any time, e.g. on the building site where the final mounting takes place. As the fittings further serve as hinge fittings of the openable panels, an additional standardization is obtained, as all panels can then be prepared for opening and only at a relatively late stage during the project is it necessary to decide whether the individual panel is to be openable or fixed.

Opening and closing of the sash structure relative to the frame structure in such window systems normally takes place by means of a suitable operator. In traditional roof windows and other roof penetrating structures mounted in a roof, such as hatches and panel systems, one type of operator is the chain operator, another type being the scissors operator. Examples of such arrangements are described in for instance DE 101 26 395 C1 and WO 2009/076952. As it is desired to make the operator as inconspicuous as possible, the operator itself or its housing is embedded in the frame structure, typically the bottom frame member.

However, this solution requires that the space needed to accommodate the operator in the frame member may be provided in the frame member. In some windows, this is either not an option due to the geometrical restrictions of the window parts or it is not for some reason desired to make room for the operator in the frame structure. One way of operating such windows is by mounting a pressure medium operated cylinder at the bottom frame member, and connecting the free end of the piston to the bottom sash member, one example of prior art disclosing such an arrangement being EP 0 692 640 A1.

Increasing architectural demands have rendered it desirable to provide windows or panels to be positioned side-by-side or opposite each other with a uniform appearance. One document concerned with the uniform appearance of such panels is published international application No. WO 00/65172, in which openable and fixed panels are provided with a similar appearance. However, in this document there is no frame structure and no solution as to how the inconspicuous opening and closing of the panels relative to the fixed structure is provided.

The weight of such a window system may be substantial. This depends partly on the materials chosen, partly on the dimensions of the window system. Most of the weight is concentrated to the sash structure due to the pane. In particular in large windows, in which the area of the pane is very large relative to the sash and frame structures, this poses particular demands to parts to the design of the sash and frame structures. This effect has increased as a result of the demands to insulating properties, meaning that there are often two or even three sheets of glass or other glazing material in one pane. I n the prior art, measures have been taken to increase the rigidity of the sash and frame members, one example being published international application No. WO 00/65172, in which an element accommodated in the frame member and extending over essentially the entire length thereof makes it possible to vary the moment of inertia of the frame member and thereby optimize the configuration of the panel system. However, this solution is not immediately applicable to all kinds of panel systems, in particular not those comprising both a frame and a sash, and in which particular care must be taken when transmitting the load from the sash via the frame and further to the supporting underlying roof structure.

Furthermore, securing the window and the window system against the weathering is a crucial issue. An arrangement of coverings and flashings must be provided. In prior art flashings, the flashing comprises one or more flashing members each having a first leg intended for being placed against an external surface of the window frame and a second leg being arranged at an angle with respect to first leg so that it projects from the window frame and having opposite first and second edges, said first edge being connected to the first leg, and two end edges interconnecting the first and second edges, and a connector element for use in a flashing system.

Roof window flashings are typically composed of a set of flashing members or flashing frames, which are attached to the window frame one by one in an overlapping manner so as to make the joint between the window and the roof watertight. Examples of such flashings are found i.a. in DK82857C, EP0087647A1 and EP1038078B1.

It is noted that in this the designation "flashing member" is used in its traditional meaning, namely a member arranged to engage both the roof and the window frame, whereas, for the sake of simplicity, the general term "flashing" is used for the entire set of members used for waterproofing the joint between the window and the roof, including cladding and covering members.

Traditionally, the flashing members are attached to the window frame by means of screws. This works very well with windows having wooden or plastic frames, where the screws may enter and come into a stable engagement with the frame virtually at any point.

With this background it is an object of the present invention to provide a method of window arrangement of the kind stated in the introduction, in which an increased standardization and modulation of the production becomes more feasible, and the installation at the building site is facilitated.

In a first aspect of the invention, this is achieved in that the method of providing a window arrangement comprising a set of gable elements and a number of sets of opposed windows or panels elements, such as solar panels, comprises the steps of: a) providing a support structure, b) providing a first gable element of said set, c) mounting the first gable element on the support structure, d) providing a second gable element of said set, e) connecting the second gable element temporarily and releas-ably to the support structure at a distance from the first gable element corresponding substantially to the width of a window, f) providing a first window or panel element of a first set of opposed windows or panel element, g) connecting the first window or panel element with the first and second gable elements and with the support structure, h) providing a second window or panel element of the first set of opposed windows or panel element, i) connecting the second window or panel element with the first window or panel element and with the support structure, j) releasing the second gable element from the first window or panel element and from the support structure, k) connecting the second gable element temporarily and releas-ably to the support structure at a distance from the first set of opposed windows or panel element, whereby steps f) to k) are repeated a number of times corresponding to the predefined number of sets of opposed windows or panel element.

In this manner, it is possible to provide a window arrangement forming a ridge constellation by the use of only two gable elements. The opposed windows of one set or pair are self-supporting once both windows of the pair have been installed.

In a second aspect which is not part of the invention, a window arrangement is provided. The window arrangement comprises a number of sets or pairs of opposed windows which are self-supporting. The gable elements thus only form part of the supporting structure during installation, whereas they form each end of the window arrangement and may as such form the basis for finishing details.

In a third aspect which is not part of the invention, a window of such a window arrangement is provided. The window comprises a substantially rectangular frame structure having four corner sections and a bracket arrangement comprising a set of bracket units, each bracket unit including a base element mounted at each corner section of the frame structure, each bracket unit furthermore comprising at least one supplemental element adapted to be detachably connected to said base element.

Further embodiments and advantages are set forth in the dependent claims.

In the following the invention will be described in further detail by means of examples of embodiments with reference to the schematic drawings, in which

Figs 1 to 5 show perspective views of a first embodiment of a window arrangement according to the invention during steps of an embodiment of a method of providing the window system according to the invention;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a detail of a second embodiment of the window arrangement according to the invention;

Fig. 7 shows a detail of an embodiment of a window of the third aspect which is not part of the invention;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a window in an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 9 is a partial perspective view, on a larger scale of the lower left-hand corner part of the window shown in Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a partial perspective view, on a larger scale of the lower right-hand corner part of the window shown in Fig. 8;

Fig. 11 is a view corresponding to Fig. 10, in another state with some parts of the window in the embodiment shown removed;

Fig. 1 2 is a partial perspective view, on a larger scale of the top part of the window system shown in Fig. 8;

Fig. 13 is a view corresponding to Fig. 12, from a different angle;

Fig. 14 is a partial perspective view on a larger scale, in another state with some parts of the window in the embodiment shown removed;

Fig. 1 5 is a perspective view of a window in an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 16 is a perspective view, on a larger scale, of a window in an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 17 is a view corresponding to Fig. 16, with some parts of the window system removed;

Fig. 18 is a view corresponding to Fig. 16, with some parts of the window system removed, and from a different angle;

Fig. 19 is a view corresponding to Fig. 18, with some parts of the window system removed;

Fig. 20 is a perspective cross-sectional view substantially along the line VI-VI in Fig. 15;

Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment, substantially corresponding to a section along the line VII-VII of Fig. 15;

Fig. 22 is a perspective cross-sectional view substantially along the line VIII-VIII in Fig. 15, the cross-sectional view being rotated to a different angle;

Figs 23 and 24 are perspective views of an embodiment of the window according to the invention and incorporating a flashing system;

Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a window according to the invention, showing two windows built-in side-by-side;

Figs 26 and 27 are partial perspective views of a window system in a further embodiment;

Fig. 28 shows a cross-sectional view of a detail of an embodiment of a window system according to the invention;

Fig. 29 shows a detail, on a still larger scale, of the window system in the embodiment of Fig. 28;

Figs 30 and 31 show views corresponding to Fig. 28 of embodiments of the window system mounted in other pitches;

Figs 32 and 33 show views of details of further embodiments of the window and window system according to the invention; and

Fig. 34 shows a perspective view of a detail of a window system in a still further aspect of the invention.

The inventive method of providing a window arrangement will be described with particular reference to Figs 1 to 5. The window arrangement may be installed on any suitable supporting structure, including walls and other fagade elements, and is in the embodiment shown in the drawings an upstand generally designated 200 and built into a substantially flat roof structure (not shown).

The upstand 200 may for instance be formed as a concrete element cast either as a coherent element or assembled by a number of parts to form two longitudinal portions extending in parallel with the direction of the ridge of the window arrangement, and two transverse portions, together framing an opening or clearing 205. On top of each of the longitudinal portions, a beam element 211, 212 is placed. The beam elements 211 and 212 may be formed in any suitable manner, for instance by dimensional lumber 2x4 of softwood, or be a beam of metal or other suitable material, such as for instance an I-beam to be described in further detail in another embodiment.

In a first step of the inventive method, a set of gable elements 221 and 222 is provided. The gable elements 221 and 222 may be formed as identical parts made up of dimensional wood and define the slope or pitch of the window arrangement. The dimensions of each gable element 221, 222 are such that the length corresponds in substance to the length of the transverse portions of the upstand 200 and bridges the distance between the beam elements 211 and 212.

Each gable element 221, 222 may be provided by abutment means, not shown in detail, protruding from the underside of the gable element into the clearing defined by the opposed beam elements and/or the longitudinal portions of the upstand 200 in order to prevent movement of the gable element in the transverse direction. The height is determined by the desired pitch of window arrangement. In the embodiment shown, the pitch is approximately 45° but the pitch may vary.

Subsequently, the one gable element 221 is fastened to the supporting structure, in the embodiment shown thus to the one transverse portion of the upstand 200 and to the beam elements 211 and 212, for instance by screwing the longitudinal ends of the gable element 221 into the beam elements 211 and 212. The other gable element 222 is connected to the beam elements 211 and 212 as well and possibly also to the opposed longitudinal portions of the upstand 200, at a distance from the one gable element 221 corresponding in substance to the width of a window to be used in the window arrangement.

On the condition that two opposed windows have the same width, the windows of the window arrangement need not necessarily all be of the same character or have the same width; for instance one or more windows may be formed as a panel element having a different character.

In the preferred embodiment however, all windows 231, 232; 233, 234; and 235, 236 of the window arrangement have a similar structure to be described in detail below. The connection between the other gable element 222 and the beam elements 211, 212 and possibly the longitudinal portions of the upstand 200 is releasable, meaning that the connection may be disengaged without substantial damage to either of the elements involved. The position shown in Fig. 1 has now been attained.

Following the erection of the two gable elements 221, 222, a first window 231 of a first pair is mounted to the one side of the juxtaposed gable elements 221, 222. This is carried out by connecting fittings present at the top of the window 231 to the gable elements 221, 222, for instance by brackets (not shown) connected to the apex of each gable element. Embodiments of the fittings at the top of the window will be described in more detail below. The window 231 is lifted into place either manually or by means of crane. Subsequently, the window 231 is swung down about the fittings at the top such that the bottom thereof may be connected to the beam element 211. Details of this operation are to be described further on. A second window 232 of the first pair is then lifted into position and the top of the second window 232 is positioned opposite the top of the first window 231. The fittings of the second window 232 are connected to those of the first window 231 and the position shown in Fig. 2 has been attained.

The second window 232 is swung into position and the bottom of this window is fastened to the beam element 212. As the tops of the first and second window 231 and 232 of the first pair of windows of the window arrangement now rest against each other by the connection between the respective fittings, the gable elements 221 and 222 are in principle superfluous for structural reasons, as the windows of the arrangement are self-supporting.

The one gable element 221 remains connected to the first window 231 by its connection to the bracket at the apex of the gable element 221, but the other gable element 222 is released from its engagement with the first window 231 and from the beam elements 211, 212 and possibly the longitudinal portions of the upstand 200. The other gable element 222 is subsequently moved to position spaced apart from the sides of the windows 231, 232 of the first pair opposite the one gable element 221. Here, it is re-connected releasably to the beam elements 211 and 212 and possibly the opposite longitudinal portions in the manner described in the above. Subsequently, the first window 233 of a second pair of windows of the window arrangement is at its top connected to the fitting of the first window 231 and to the bracket at the apex of the other gable element 222 to attain the position shown in Fig. 3.

Following fastening of the bottom of the first window 233 of the second pair to the beam element 211 and possibly the longitudinal portion of the upstand 200, a second window 234 of the second pair is connected to the first window 233 by its fittings at the top to attain the position of Fig. 4. Subsequent to the position shown in Fig. 4, also the bottom of the second window 234 is secured to the beam element 212 on the upstand 200.

The steps of removing the other gable element 222 from its engagement with the first window and from the beam element 211 is repeated, as is the step of positioning the other gable element 222 at a distance from the sides of the first and second window of the preceding pair of windows of the window arrangement. In Fig. 5, the other gable element 222 has been positioned at the transverse portion 204 opposite the transverse portion at which the one gable element 221 is positioned. At this point, the other gable element 222 is fastened permanently to the beam elements 211 and 212 and possibly the other transverse portion of the upstand 200.

The permanent connection may be the same as the temporary connection shown in the position of Figs 1 and 2, or comprise further fastening means according to needs or specifications. In Fig. 5, it is shown how the first window 235 of the third and last pair of windows of the window arrangement has already been connected to the first window 233 of the preceding pair, i.e. the second pair, and to the other gable element 222. Furthermore, the second window 236 is shown in the situation, in which the top of the second window 236 is connected to the top of the first window 235 and by its bottom to the beam element 212.

Following fastening of the second window 236 of the last pair of windows of the window arrangement to the beam element 212, the principle underlying the window arrangement according to the invention is illustrated. Thus, the window arrangement contains a number of pair of self-supporting windows.

Flowever, finish is normally provided, in the form endings at the respective gable elements 211 and 212, just as flashings and coverings are provided. Details relating to such aspects will be described below.

In the several views of the drawings, embodiments of a window of a window arrangement according to the invention are shown. The window comprises a substantially rectangular frame structure generally designated 1; apart from this feature, the design of the window is arbitrary and may for instance take the form of a panel system comprising a frame and sash combination, in which the sash carries a pane and may be opened for ventilation or smoke evacuation purposes, or fixed, that is, not openable relative to the frame structure. Other conceivable designs include a non-transparent or partially transparent panel element such as a solar panel.

Whenever a reference number is used, this is to be understood as an indication that reference is made to the particular feature in general and that there is no substantial difference between the two windows.

The window according to the invention may be used for many different geometrical configurations, e.g. as structural skylights abutting upstands such as an array of long lights forming a light band and ridge constellations. In the following, both embodiments relating to the use in a window arrangement as described in the above with reference to Figs 1 and 5, and elements to take part in other configurations will be described.

Referring first to the general description of a frame structure 1 of the window according to an embodiment of the invention as shown in Figs 8 to 12, the frame structure 1 has four corner sections 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d and is adapted to be installed in a roof structure (not shown). In the embodiment shown, the frame structure 1 is composed by four frame members 2, 3, 4 and 5, extending between respective corner sections; however, the frame structure may also be a coherent structure. The window furthermore comprises a bracket arrangement comprising a set of bracket units 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d. According to the main principle underlying this aspect of the present invention, each bracket unit includes a base element 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d mounted at the respective corner section 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d of the frame structure 1.

Additionally, each bracket unit comprises at least one supplemental element adapted to be detachably connected to the base element. The individual configuration of each bracket unit of the embodiment shown will be described in detail further down. In this description, terms such as “lower”, “upper”, “left-hand”, “right-hand”, “side”, “top”, “bottom”, etc. refer to the shown position of the window only, and is not to be interpreted as limiting the window to use in a particular position.

Referring in particular to Fig. 6, a particular use of the window according to the invention is shown, viz. in a window arrangement, for instance to be provided by means of the inventive method. In Fig. 6, only one window is shown; this window corresponds to the first window 231 of the first set of opposed windows of the embodiment shown in Figs 1 to 5.

The other windows are omitted for reasons of clarity, and would correspond to the second window 232 of the first pair and to the first and second windows 233 and 234 of the second pair. As shown, the bracket unit 6c is shown in a basic condition, i.e. comprising only base element 10c including its engagement means 13c.

The engagement means 13c are adapted to be connected to the engagement means 113c of a supplemental element constituted by the base element 110d of another, second window positioned opposite to the window shown, to the base element 31 Od of a third window next to the first window, and to the base element 210c of a fourth window opposite the third and next to the second, thus making interconnection of four windows possible. In the embodiment shown, the respective engagement means are complementary to each other.

In principle, each base element could be formed as illustrated in Fig. 7, and combined with an arbitrary panel element, which needs not necessarily be a window, but could in principle be any panel element, such as a blind panel, a solar panel etc. The base element would then be combined with suitable supplemental element(s).

Referring now in particular to Figs 8 to 12, one such supplemental element comprises, in the embodiment shown, a leg element 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d which in the shown state is connected to the respective base element 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d in a manner which is rotatable and detachable, that is the leg element may be connected and disconnected from the base element by suitable connection means and is able to rotate about an axis of rotation relative to the base element.

In the bracket unit 6a positioned in the corner section 1a in the lower left-hand corner of the frame structure, at the intersection between the bottom frame member 2 and one side member 5, the base element 10a is formed by two substantially plate-shaped parts 11a, 12a such that they together surround the intersection in the corner section 1a and protrude from the frame structure in a plane substantially parallel to that of the frame side member 5. The base element 10a could also be formed as a one-part element. At a distance from the bottom frame member 2, the leg element 20a is connected to the base element 10a in a hinge connection including a bolt 21a and matching apertures (not shown) in the base element 10a and hinge portion 22a of the leg element 20a. The leg element 20a furthermore includes fastening means for connection to the roof structure. In the embodiment shown, the fastening means include two portions 24a and 25a formed as folded portions depending from abutment portion 23a and a plurality of apertures in the folded depending portions. This embodiment is particularly useful in installation conditions involving a beam, for instance positioned on an upstand made to that purpose in a roof.

As shown in Fig. 10, the base element 10b and the leg element 20b of the bracket unit 6b of the lower right-hand corner are configured in manner corresponding to that of bracket unit 6a. In Figs 9 and 10, the window is shown in a state of storage, in which the window is adapted to be positioned in a stack of similar windows, for instance up to six windows. To that end, a supplemental element comprising a spacer element 40a and 40b, respectively, is connected to the respective base element 10a and 10b in a detachable manner, for instance by bolts (not described in detail). The spacer elements 40a, 40b - together with corresponding spacer elements at the top of the window - provide for the space needed between windows positioned on top of each other and protect the windows by transmitting the weight of the upper window or systems to the lower window or systems via the base elements of the bracket units, without parts of the frame structure or other parts of the window coming into contact with each other. Each spacer element has an upper end and a lower end, the upper end 41 a and the lower end 42a of the spacer element 40a of the lower left-hand corner section 1a being provided with engagement means, the respective engagement means at the upper end and the lower end being complementary to each other. The spacer element 40b at the lower right-hand corner section 1b may have a similar configuration, or as shown, a lower end 42b ending at the base element 10b. The spacer elements 40a and 40b are connected to each other by means of a transverse bar member 45a by means of suitable fittings 46a, 46b.

In Fig. 11, showing the lower right-hand corner of the window, the window is shown in a state of delivery, in which the spacer elements 40a and 40b have be detached from the respective base element 10a and 10b. Another supplemental element connected detachably to the base element 10b is shown in this Figure, namely a lifting element 50b. Together with corresponding lifting elements in the other corner sections of the window, this makes it possible to lift the entire window by means of suitable hoisting means, from the place of delivery, typically on the ground at the building site, or directly from a delivery lorry, up to the roof.

In principle, all base elements of the window could be formed in an identical manner, and be provided with one or more supplemental elements to adapt the bracket unit to its specific purpose. However, in the embodiment shown, the bracket units 6a, 6b at the bottom part of the window are substantially identical, and the bracket units 6c, 6d at the top correspond to each other but slightly are different from bracket units 6a, 6b at the bottom part. Referring now to Figs 12-14 and 6-7, the top part of an embodiment of the window will be described in detail.

In the embodiment shown in these Figures, the bracket units 6c and 6d correspond to each other and only the bracket unit 6c will be described in detail. The base element 10c comprises two plate-shaped parts 11c, 12c and is connected to a leg element 20c. However, as opposed to the bracket units 6a, 6b at the bottom part of the window the leg element 20c is connected to the base element 10c by means of an adaptor element 60c. The adaptor element 60c is provided with engagement means 61c complementary to engagement means 13c of the base element 10c. Additional fastening may be provided, for instance in the form of detachable bolts 62c and 62d. The leg element 20c is provided with a hinge portion 22c hingedly and detachably connected to the adaptor element 60c by a bolt 31c and is provided with fastening means in the form of abutment portion 23c and a number of suitable apertures.

As at the bottom part of the window, the bracket units 6c, 6d at the top are provided with spacer elements 40c, 40d at each end of transverse bar 45c.

Referring to Fig. 13 showing the window in a state of delivery, the spacer elements 40c, 40d and transverse bar 45c have been removed, and lifting elements 50c, 50d are visible. When the window has thus been delivered and lifted up to the installation site, the lifting element 50c and the remaining lifting elements are removed thus attaining the state in Fig. 8, in which the window is ready to be fastened to the underlying roof structure and reach its built-in position of use. During the adaptation to the underlying roof structure, the leg elements 20a-20d are adjusted relative to the base elements 10a-10d to accommodate inclination, tolerances etc.

Referring now to Figs 15 to 27, an embodiment with particular focus on the operator and the hinge connection will be described in further detail. The reference numerals of this embodiment are the same for denoting elements having the same or analogous function. A frame structure 1 of the window according to the invention has four corner sections 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d and is adapted to be installed in a roof structure (not shown). I n the embodiment shown, the frame structure 1 is composed by four frame members 2, 3, 4 and 5, extending between respective corner sections. The window furthermore comprises a bracket arrangement comprising a set of bracket units 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d. In the embodiment shown, each bracket unit includes a base element 10a, 10b (only shown at the bottom of the window in the embodiment shown - base element 10d of the upper left-hand corner visible in Fig. 26) mounted at the respective corner section 1a, 1b, 1c and 1 d of the frame structure 1. Additionally, each bracket unit comprises at least one supplemental element adapted to be detachably connected to the base element.

The individual configuration of each bracket unit of the embodiment shown will be described in some detail further down. I n this description, terms such as “lower”, “upper”, “left-hand”, “right-hand”, “side”, “top”, “bottom”, etc. refer to the shown position of the window only, and is not to be interpreted as limiting the window to use in a particular position only.

The bracket units may be provided with a number of supplemental elements. One such supplemental element may for instance, as shown at the bottom only of the window in the embodiment shown, comprise a leg element 20a, 20b which in the shown state is connected to the respective base element 10a, 10b in a manner which is rotatable and detachable, that is, the leg element may be connected and disconnected from the base element by suitable connection means and is able to rotate about an axis of rotation relative to the base element. Further conceivable supplemental elements include an adaptor element, a spacer element and a lifting element. The window is fastened to the supporting structure by means of the bracket arrangement, which thus transfers the load resulting from the weight of the window to the roof supporting structure.

The window furthermore comprises a sash structure carrying a pane element 21 and including a plurality of sash members 12, 13, 14, 15, and an operator 31 including an operator member 32 having a first and a second end and adapted to extend between the frame structure and the sash structure. In the embodiment shown, the operator 31 is mounted on the external side of a first frame member constituted by the bottom frame member 2. As indicated, the operator in the embodiment shown is a chain operator and the operator member 32 is thus a chain which is able to transfer pressure and tension during opening and closing, respectively, of the sash structure relative to the frame structure.

In the following, the operator and its connection and positioning relative to the frame and sash structures will be described in further detail. The fundamental principle underlying the invention is that the operator is mounted on the external side of a first frame member.

In this context the term "external" is used for surfaces facing away from the opening defined by the window frame, while the terms "outer" and "inner" is used to indicate that a surface faces the outside or inside of the building, respectively.

This means that the operator 31 which is positioned externally, i.e. on the side of the frame member 2 not visible from the inside, is inconspicuous and concealed from a viewer standing in the room below the window.

In the embodiment shown and described the operator 31 is connected to the bracket arrangement of the window, namely to the bracket units 6a and 6b at the bottom of the window. This makes it possible to transfer the load resulting from the weight of the sash, friction in hinges etc., directly to the bracket arrangement and further out to the supporting structure, without any load being absorbed by the frame itself. This increases the degree of freedom in designing the frame structure. In particular, it is noted that the operator in the embodiment shown is accommodated in a housing 33 extending substantially between two adjacent bracket units 6a, 6b of the bracket arrangement. The housing is rotatably and detachably connected to the bracket units 6a, 6b in any suitable manner, for instance by a hinge pin connected to the base element of each bracket unit. This allows for the operator to follow the movement of the sash when opening the sash relative to the frame. A first end of the operator member 32 is accommodated in the operator itself and a second end of the operator member is connected to a transverse element 41 extending between sash members adjacent to the sash member opposite the first frame member, i.e. in the embodiment shown to the sash member 15 and 13 adjacent the bottom sash member 12. In this manner, the forces transmitted through the operator member to the sash are not concentrated to a single point or to a limited area which could lead to bending of the sash member in question, but instead, the forces are distributed to the adjacent sash members. The transverse element 41 is arranged to extend externally of the pane element 21 of the sash structure, and in a mechanically simple further development, the transverse element 41 is fastened to the sash members adjacent to the sash member opposite the first frame member by means of a fitting 41a (only the left-hand fitting visible in Figs 18 and 19).

The operator forms a contained unit positioned externally and is as such hidden from the inside. In case it is desired to disguise the operator further, partly from viewing, but also from direct exposure to the weathering, the operator may in the installed position of the window be at least partly concealed under cover plate 35 and a flashing arrangement 72 mounted on the frame structure 1, i.a. by means of a connector element 71. The flashing arrangement and the connector element are described in further detail in another embodiment.

In the shown embodiment, the operator is a chain operator and the operator member a chain. This provides for a particularly compact design, but other kinds of operators are conceivable as well, such as a scissors operator and a pressure medium operated opener/closer.

The window according to the invention may be used for many different geometrical configurations, e.g. an array of long lights forming a light band and ridges.

One conceivable installation situation is shown in Fig. 25, in which two windows according to the invention are built-in side-by-side. Thus the left-hand window may be as described in the above, thus showing the right-hand frame member 3, the right-hand sash member 13 and the pane element 21. To the right of the window, there is a further window, of which the left-hand frame member 105 and sash member 115 are shown. The sash member 115 carries the pane element 121 together with other sash members. A drain element 51, 151 is positioned in connection with the respective frame member 3, 105 such that they form two drain grooves positioned side-by-side. A common cover element 61 spans the gap between the adjacent sash members 13 and 115 and extends somewhat into the border portion of the respective pane element 21, 121.

The members of the frame and sash structures may in principle be formed in any suitable manner, but may preferably be formed as thin-walled profiles, such as fibre glass reinforced profiles made by pultrusion. Details of such profiles and in particular the fastening of the pane elements 21, 121 by means of glazing lists are described in further detail in other embodiments.

The hinge connection between the sash structure and the frame structure may in principle be formed in any suitable manner to provide a hinge axis at the top of the window or at another location between the top and bottom, or between the sides. However, a hinge axis located at the top of the window is preferred. The hinge connection may for instance include a hinge pin connected with the sash structure and a journal connected with the frame structure. However, one possible design is by accommodating the connection between the sash structure and the frame structure within the bracket arrangement. This is shown in detail in Figs 26 and 27.

The load resulting from the weight of the sash structure, thus primarily of that of the pane element, is transferred into the supporting structure, i.e. the fixed building structure to which the bracket arrangement is fastened. A first hinge part 91 is connected to the sash structure and a second hinge part 81 is connected to the bracket arrangement, i.e. in the embodiment shown to the bracket units 6c and 6d at the top of the window. In the embodiment of Fig. 26 showing the upper left-hand corner 1d of the frame structure, the second hinge part 81 comprises a first guidance 82 formed as an arc-shaped recess and a second guidance 83 formed as an arc-shaped track in a plate-shaped element 84. The plate-shaped element 84 of the second hinge part 81 is connected to the bracket unit 6d in that a folded portion 85 of the second hinge part 81 is connected to the base element 10d of the bracket unit 6d. The folded portion 85 may either be formed integrally with the plate-shaped element 84 or connected in any suitable manner, for instance by means of rivets or screws.

Correspondingly, as shown in Fig. 27 showing the upper left-hand corner of the sash structure, the first hinge part 91 includes a first arcshaped arm 92 for cooperation with the first guidance 82 of the second hinge part 81. A further connection between the first and second hinge parts is provided by a stop pin 93 which in the mounted position cooperates with track 83. The arm 92 and the stop pin 93 are formed on a plateshaped element 94 connected to the sash side member 15 by means of suitable fastening means 95 which may be screws or rivets. During opening and closing of the sash structure relative to the frame structure, the arm and stop pin of the first hinge part slide in the guidances of the second hinge part.

Referring now to Figs 28 to 31, embodiments focusing on the internal cover of the window arrangement according to the invention are described. In Fig. 28, the two windows 231 and 232 of the first set of opposed windows in the window arrangement of the embodiment of Figs 1 to 5 are shown. As described in the above, the bracket unit 6c is shown in a basic condition, i.e. comprising only base element 10c including its engagement means 13c.

The engagement means 13c are adapted to be connected to the engagement means 113c of a supplemental element constituted by the base element 11 Od of the second window 232 positioned opposite to the first window 231. An internal cover device generally designated 300 extends longitudinally in the shown embodiment of the window arrangement according to the invention.

The cover device 300 comprises a profile 301 made of e.g. aluminium to which a strip 302 of an insulating material is adhered. The profile 301 has a track 303 formed near its apex and is fastened to the opposed windows 231 and 232 by means of a bolt 304 with nut 305, washer 306 and clamping disc 307. The bolt 304 is inserted into the track 303, for instance from one of the ends of profile 301, and is inserted into a gap provided by opposed flanges 20 and 120 fastened to a respective window 231 and 232. The washer 306 and nut 305 are subsequently brought into engagement with the bolt 304. A plurality of bolts may be provided at suitable intervals along the length of the profile 301. The cover device 300 may extend substantially throughout the length of the window arrangement, or a number of shorter cover devices may be utilised.

In Figs 30 and 31, another feature of the covering device 300 is illustrated, viz. that it may accommodate pitches within a large angle interval.

Referring now in particular to Figs 32 and 33, embodiments of the window in another aspect will be described in further detail. A frame 1 of a window, which may for instance be one of the windows 231-236 of the window arrangement of Figs 1 to 5, is resting on an upstand 400 on a roof surface (not shown). As described in the above, the frame 1 is connected to the surrounding roof structure, i.e. the upstand 400, by means of a bracket unit 61 connected to a leg element 420a. On the upstand 400, an I-beam 401 with an upper flange 402, a web 403 and a lower flange 404 is mounted in any suitable manner. In this embodiment, the bracket unit 6c is shown as having a pivot joint to the leg element 420a, but other types of bracket units may of course also be employed.

The leg element 420a is connected to the I-beam 401 by means of a clamping device comprising two parts 421 and 422 clamping the leg element 420a to the I-beam 401 by engagement with the upper flange 402 of the I-beam 401. Furthermore, an insulating portion 410 of the up-stand 400 is indicated, just as a barrier element 430 extending from a flange 150 connected to the frame 1 to the lower flange 404 of the I-beam 401.

Fig. 33 shows an alternative to the above embodiment, in that the upstand 400 with an insulating portion 410 is covered by a layer 440 of a roofing material such as a bituminous felt. The barrier element 430 extends from the flange 150 connected to the frame 1 to the layer 440. In this embodiment, the I-beam is replaced with another type of beam element 450 connected to the upstand 400 in a suitable manner (not shown).

Finally, an embodiment of a detail of a further aspect of the invention is shown in Fig. 34.

In the case of ridge constellations having a low pitch, for instance 5°, special arrangements may be desirable or necessary. In this case, the load on the window arrangement resulting not only from the weight of the windows, but in particular the wind load, may be so substantial that it is not desirable to make use of solely the self-supporting feature provided by two opposed windows.

Thus, a separate rafter or truss element 500 as shown in Fig. 34 may be utilised between adjacent sets or pairs of windows.

The rafter element 500 may for instance be made as a welded hollow profile of a suitable material, for instance steel.

At each end of the longitudinal ends of the rafter element 500, a foot flange 501 with two protruding flanges 502 is provided. The foot flanges 501 and its protruding flanges 502 are adapted to abut on the upstand and/or a beam element on the supporting structure and secure that the rafter element 500 does not tilt during installation. Fastening of the rafter element 500 to the upstand and/or beam element may be carried out by inserting screws through openings (not shown in detail) in the protruding flanges.

At the centre of the rafter element 500, a gutter-like recess 503 is formed for abutment of the respective top of windows positioned opposite each other and next to each other. A rafter element 500 may be positioned between each neighbouring pairs of windows, or rafter elements may be positioned only between selected pairs of windows.

The invention should not be regarded as being limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings and described in the above. Various modifications and combinations may be carried out within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

A method of providing a window assembly comprising a set of gable components (221, 222) and a plurality of sets of opposite windows (231, 232; 233, 234; 235, 236) or panel components such as solar panels, the method comprising the steps of : a) providing a carrier structure, b) providing a first gable component (221) of the kit, c) mounting the first gable component (221) on the carrier structure, d) providing a second gable component (222) of the kit, e) providing temporarily and releasably connecting the second gable component (222) to the carrier structure at a distance from the first gable component (221) substantially equal to the width of a window; f) providing a first window (231) or panel component of a first set (g) connecting the first window (231) or panel component to the first and second gable components (221, 222) and to the carrier material test h) providing a second window (232) or panel component of the first set of opposite windows or panel components, i) associating the second window (232) or panel component with the first window (231) or panel component and with the carrier structure; ) releasing the second gable component (222) from the first window (231) or panel component and from the support structure; k) temporarily and releasably connecting the second gable component (222) to the support structure at a distance from the first set of opposite windows (231, 232) or panel components, whereby steps f) to k) are repeated a number of times corresponding to the predefined number of sets of opposite windows or panel components.

The method of claim 1, comprising the further step of providing cover ingredients and cover ingredients.