EP2685041A2

EP2685041A2 - Method and device for mounting a window, door or the like

Info

Publication number: EP2685041A2
Application number: EP13175922.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Torbjörn BLOMQVIST; Anders Hjalmarsson
Original assignee: Inwido AB
Current assignee: INWIDO AB
Priority date: 2012-07-10
Filing date: 2013-07-10
Publication date: 2014-01-15
Also published as: SE537456C2; SE1200433A1; EP2685041A3

Abstract

A device is used for installing a complete window, a complete door or hatch (1) in an opening (2), in a wall construction (3) or the like. The device comprises a pre-mounting element (4) which is configured to receive and support the case (5) of the window, the door or the hatch and which is arranged to be mounted in said opening (2) of the wall construction (3). The pre-mounting element (4) is adjustable in the opening (2), and it includes a frame (6) which is size adjusted for the outer dimensions of the frame (5), with a play between the frame (6) and case (5) arranged so that the frame (6) obtains a guiding function for the case (5). The case (5) is guided to an intended end position in the adjusted frame (6) during the installation of the window, door or hatch (1) in the frame (6).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention refers to a method and a device for mounting a complete window, a complete door or the like in a wall opening, particularly at installations on site, i.e. at house constructions or the like, and where there is a need to achieve a greater flexibility for installing/delivery of said windows, doors or the like, and/or to increase the efficiency of the mounting of the same. The inventive concept also allows an advantageous dismounting and change of the window, door or the like.

BACKGROUND

In the manufacture of prefabricated buildings or building elements, streamlining of the manufacturing and assembly process is far refined, both in terms of the building elements and of the installation of parts in for example windows, doors and shutters. However, the effectiveness on site varies, i.e. on the building site, in terms of both renovation and new construction. Regarding installation of windows and doors, there is a known system which is described in EP-A-1,500,768 and which has the purpose of creating a pre-mounting element or console which may be pre-mounted at the edge of a wall opening intended for a window or a door, so that a simple setup and installation of the door or window frame on the mounted console are enabled. In particular, this known system focuses on solving the problems of varying wall constructions which then in some cases affects the ability to firmly install a door or window in any depth position in the wall, for example in wall constructions of non-bearing materials at the mounting location. The known system involves a console in the shape of a rigid rail which is fixedly mounted to a bearing part of the wall construction in the wall opening, and this console extends towards the opening, in this case over non-bearing parts of the wall construction, and can be adjusted in depth position inwards/outwards so that a tubular-shaped guide of the console enters a position for the placement of the window/door in the wall. In the tubular-shaped guide, an adjustment element in the shape of a threaded rod with a profile piece is then installed for supporting the frame. By the threading, the profile piece is vertically adjustable. The problems with the known system is partly that it consists of several parts which makes it expensive, and also that the parts must be individually mounted around the wall opening and then be adjusted to fit the case which then is to be assembled. Furthermore, several tools are needed for the mounting and adjustment, instead of for example in many situations the use of case/framing bolts or screws which directly may adjust a frame in the opening. Ordinary caulking, wind sealing and moisture sealing may be similar as in normal window/door installation.
As to background art, EP-A-1,918,500 could be mentioned as well. This document discloses a frame member which is to be inserted in a wall opening.
Compared to industrial installations of windows, doors, shutters and the like in wall portions there is a great need for flexibility regarding the delivery of e.g. windows to the construction site since both the actual construction work may be delayed or for that matter the delivery can be delayed. No known system is capable of handling the problems discussed above.

SUMMARY

An object of the present invention is to solve or at least mitigate the above described problems. The invention aims at streamlining the installation process of windows, doors, shutters, and similar units regardless of the wall construction, improving the sealing around the unit, and adjusting size variations of the wall opening, and also increasing the flexibility alternatively to reducing or eliminating the sensitivity for disturbance between the planned delivery and the need/installation occasion of said units in the wall openings where they eventually shall be installed.
Another object of the invention is that the complete units shall be dismountable without destroying or causing damage to the same. The idea behind this is, for example that a house or property owner who rents out space or property, shall be able to offer other types of e.g. windows when the need is changed in the premises, without necessarily having to discard the windows when switching to e.g. more soundproof windows, or with integrated solar film, or the like. One scenario could be that companies rent or lease windows / doors over certain periods of time to facility renter or property owner for full flexibility. For simplicity, the description here continues by exemplifying with a window application, but the invention also relates to doors, shutters and similar applications, as mentioned above.
The objects are achieved by a novel and inventive technique which is defined in the appended independent claims; wherein preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.
In a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a method of the initially specified kind which comprises a pre-mounting element in the shape of a frame, which is mounted in a suitable wall opening for a window or the like, and thereafter adjusted, preferably in a conventional manner similar to normal installation and adjustment of a case, i.e. with frame/case bolts/screws, wedges or corresponding conventional adjustment devices, but other forms of adjustment are of course possible. It is much easier to handle and adjust a light-weight frame, relative to a complete window or door. The frame is size adjusted for each case size and is not limited to a particular type of wall but can vary in design depending on the wall construction according to the inventive. Pre-mounting a frame and adjust the same in an initial stage and dimensionally adapting the frame to the intended case, makes it possible in the next step to just lift/insert the window with its case into the frame, and push it into the frame, from inside the room and out towards the outside to an intended end position in the frame. The end position is preferably arranged as a stop or a shoulder in the frame or alternatively that it is the frame side itself that stops the case from continuing the movement in the mounting direction, which has the advantage that the complete window can not fall out during the mounting.
With this procedure, no further adjustment of the complete window is needed - it is guided and directed by the already adjusted frame. Since the frame is dimensionally coordinated with the case and the dimensions are accurate by industrial manufacturing with tested tolerances, the frame guides the case and center/directs the same in relation to the frame, whereby further adjustment of the case in the end position is not required. The method also permits - with the frame in place - mounting of a "blind window" or weather shelters in the frame, instead of the window during an appropriate period of the construction process. In this way, the first construction process does not depend on the delivery of the window, which means that the flexibility of the construction process increases and that the sensitivity to delivery delays reduces or do not occur. Further, an otherwise end mounted window does not have to be protected at when polishing or painting the facade or during other situations which may jeopardize the window, but a blind window can serve as a weather shelter which may be installed early in the construction process so as to provide so-called "tight construction". The window can be installed later in a more favorable time.
Furthermore, it is within the invention possible that the frame is adapted for connection of wind paperboard and vapor barriers, or other forms of air or moisture seals, and that the frame comprises insulating material to avoid thermal bridges around the window construction. Prior-art methods do not offer this flexibility or this rapid installation method of complete windows, doors, shutters or similar.
In a further preferred embodiment of the method the window case is then locked, when the case is in place in its end position. This makes it impossible to lift out of the window from the outside, e.g. at burglary attempts, and also impossible to lift out the window from the inside, without disengaging the lock. Preferably, the case is locked in a dismountable manner allowing to replace the entire window, including the case, to another type if the need changes in the property or that the window somehow has been damaged or needs to be replaced for any other reason. With the centering and the following locking in the already adjusted case, the window is fastened in an adjusted and ready position. The above applies also if a blind window is mounted during the construction process and then replaced by the real window at an appropriate stage. When the delivery arrives on site and the installation shall take place, the window is simply lifted into the frame, pushed into the frame and locked in the same, whereby the installation is complete, without adjustment at this stage, so installation is very simple and quick. Known systems available on the market do not have this flexibility and adaptability.
In another preferred embodiment, the case is locked to the frame in the intended end position by locking blocks mounted in cavities arranged in the frame. According to this embodiment, the locking blocks - in the mounted position - connect to the inside of the case, thus preventing the window from being removed inwardly. Since the case in its end position is also locked against an outward movement, the window becomes locked to the frame, but the locking blocks are dismountable to permit dismounting of the window. The locking blocks are then hidden preferably by hidden boards or other covers in the wall opening and thus become even more difficult to remove in a potentially undesired disassembly. Known systems do not offer - in the same simple way - locking of the case during the mounting process, but the case is lifted into the wall opening and placed on wedges or the like and then fastened and adjusted to the intended end position by means of frame/case screws or the like.
As an alternative embodiment to the above described embodiment, the frame comprises recesses instead of cavities. Since the case further comprises locking elements which snap into the recesses of the frame when the case is inserted into the frame and the case reaches its end position, the case is locked to the frame thus preventing the window from being removed inward, but preferably it is also prevented that the window is removed outwardly, and the frame then does not need a specially arranged shoulder for this. This solution offers so to speak, a "snap-in" function of the window in the frame and thus the wall opening, which simplifies and speeds up the mounting process considerably compared to prior-art methods. Of course it is possible that - within the inventive idea - let the frame comprise locking elements and instead having the case comprising the recesses - the function is the same.
In another alternative embodiment to the locking function, the locking blocks are instead fixed in the wall opening, for example by being screwed therein. The locking blocks are then arranged against the case, either against its inside or in a guide on the case in its mounted position, wherein the case is locked into its final location in or on the frame.
In a further preferred embodiment, the case is fixed in the intended end position by - after the mounting of the case to the frame - mounting so-called hidden boards or covering sides around the wall opening which, when in its mounted position, lock the case in its end position against or in the frame. These are mounted dismountable in that they are screwed or similar against edges of the wall opening which enclose the case, or that the frame or the opening comprises holding means in which the hidden boards are locked into place through coordination with cavities disposed on the back of the hidden boards. These engage the holding means during installation of the hidden board, thereby locking the hidden board to the frame or the wall opening and thus also locking the case against or in the frame. In this way the case is first installed in the frame as before and subsequently the hidden boards are snapped in place against the frame, and the window is thus locked into its end position while the cover around the window is finished.
An alternative to the above solution is that the hidden boards in its mounted position instead cover and lock the locking blocks, in the embodiments in which they occur. By installing the hidden boards the locking blocks are fixed in their position for locking the case into the frame and just as in the above embodiments the window will be securely locked in its end position, while the cover around the window is finished.
In a second aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a device of the kind specified above which has the specific features that a pre-mounting element is arranged for installing and adjustment in the wall opening, and thereafter receiving and supporting a case for a window, door, hatch or similar, consisting of a frame which is size adjusted for the outer dimensions of the case. Since the frame and for example the windows are prefabricated in factory, with tested dimensions and within specified tolerances, a good check of the play between the case and the frame is obtained, whereby the dimensions of the frame are tested so that the frame guides the case during the installation of the case in the frame. The frame, which in the installation process is disposed in the wall opening and adjusted, usually to horizontal and vertical position, is not limited to a particular type of wall but it is adjusted to any type depending on which wall construction it shall fit as e.g. the attachment option in the bearing parts of the wall varies with the type of wall. For example, a window can in one situation be mounted flush with the frame work in a wooden stud wall, while in another situation it is placed in a position where it basically only has foam insulation or the like in the position of the window, for example, in a stucco wall construction.
In the above described system of EP-A-1,500,768 , this is taken into account - namely to be able to mount a console which supports the window from a bearing part of the wall to a position with no bearing surrounding construction, but this known system lacks both the exact and size adapted frame guiding benefits and each partial console around the wall opening must measured and adjusted relative to the others.
In the present invention no further adjustment of the case is required, but during the installation of the window the case only needs to be pushed into the frame wherein the case is centered in the frame due to the measurements. A further advantage over conventional methods is that the holes which are typically found in traditional cases, which are arranged for case screws or the like, can now be left out in the new solution according to the invention. This is an advantage in the manufacturing of the cases in which this step can be deleted, and especially beneficial is to get rid of this step when handling aluminum coated windows. However, it can not be excluded that the inventive device also includes the possibility to post-adjustment of the position of the case in the frame, if it should be considered that this possibility should exist. For example, there may be a need for post-adjustment after a period of time if the wall construction has changed or the window for some reason becomes askew or similar.
In a preferred embodiment of the device, the frame includes a shoulder for receiving the outer side of the case when installing the case in the frame. When the case is inserted into the frame in the installation direction, from inside to outside, the movement of the case is stopped in the installation direction of by the shoulder in the frame, thus indicating the end position of the case in the frame. In prior-art systems, special stop boards or the like need to be mounted to the outside/end position, to ensure that the window does not fall out during the installation of the window in the wall opening. This is not necessary when using the present device since the window is prevented from falling out by the shoulder of the frame. Furthermore, the frame structure guides the case to the shoulder without any risk that e.g. a side misses the shoulder because of carelessness during installation so that the window fall out as can occur in known systems. The shoulder also prevents the window from being removed outward, out of the frame, from its end position. The window must be removed inwardly.
In a further preferred embodiment, the device includes a locking structure, which locks the case in the frame and in which one part of the locking structure is provided at the frame and the other part at the case. Through interaction between these parts, the case is locked to the frame when the case is in its end position, either by the installer or automatically by e.g. a locking piece snapping into a locking guide. This means that when the case reaches its end position, is is - as previously mentioned - already adjusted and complete, and when the case is also locked in this position by the locking structure, the window is fixedly arranged in the wall opening. Conventional devices include no pre-mounting piece at all, but the entire complete and usually heavy window must be placed in the opening and adjusted into it in different ways and then also be secured, usually by screws between the case and the wall. The tightening in the wall forms the locking of the system. In the present aspect of the invention, the window is inserted into the frame to the end position and either automatically locked or by the installer when the window rests securely in its end position in the frame. The time for adjustments and installation of the complete window in the wall opening is through this process considerably shorter compared to conventional methods.
In a preferred embodiment, the locking structure is possible to adjust, that is it is possible to adjust the position of the case in the frame. This is in many situations unnecessary since the frame is guiding and self-adjusted, but there are applications where post-adjustment must be possible. Especially for wall applications allowing the system to slightly move creates the need, or if a wall, "sets", i.e. slightly settles and the wall opening including the window then changes. The frame itself is adjustable relative to the wall opening, but this adjustability is not, depending on the embodiment, always accessible after the installation of the case in the frame, wherein for practical reasons there is a need for post-adjustments of the position of the case in the frame without having to remove the case from the frame.
In an embodiment, the frame is provided with elongated cavities which are arranged along the frame at certain positions and at at least two opposite sides of the frame, e.g. at the top part and the bottom part, or at the side parts. In depth, in terms of depth of the frame or the wall opening in the installation direction, the cavities are placed in position for the inside of the case in its mounted position or its end position, in the frame. When the case is installed in the frame to its end position, locking blocks are mounted in the cavities, which are in their mounted position and rest against the inside of the case and thus to lock the case in the frame, thereby preventing movements of the window inwardly. Preferably, the locking blocks are removable for easy replacement of the entire window if necessary.
In an alternative embodiment of the locking structure described above, the frame is provided with locally or point by point positioned cavities on tested positions on the frame, and at at least on two opposite sides of the same. As above, the cavities are placed in positions at the inside of the case in its end position in the frame. In the same manner as above, the locking blocks are placed in the cavities for locking the case into the frame. Preferably, the locking blocks are removable for easy replacement of the entire window if necessary.
Instead of the cavities in the frame, an alternative embodiment of the frame includes elongated recesses, for example in the form of a folding or bending, if the frame is made as a sheet metal profile, or as a guiding along the frame if the frame for example is made of a rigid plastic material or similar. The recesses are provided at at least two opposed frame parts and are configured to receive locking elements which, according to this embodiment, are fixedly arranged on the case. Thus, the locations of the recesses in the depth position are coordinated with the positions of the locking elements on the frame. When the case is inserted into the frame during installation, the locking elements engage the recesses, as the case reaches its intended end position in the frame, wherein the case is locked to the frame. Preferably, the case is detachably locked with the locking elements for example by a tool or the like. Alternatively, the locking element comprises a release mechanism so that the entire window can be dismounted if necessary.
As an alternative to the above embodiment, the recesses are placed locally/point by point and with a position wise coordination with the locking elements on the case. In the same way as above, the recesses/locking elements are placed at at least two opposite parts of the frame to lock the case in the frame.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the frame comprises a seal on the inside, i.e. on the frame side facing the case in the mounted position. Thus the seal seals between the frame and the case when the case is in its end position in the frame. In this way, the seal against wind and moisture becomes very good since first of all the frame - through its design depending on the type of wall - is constructed so that any need for wind sealing around the frame, such as wind paperboard can be inserted under the frame when installing the frame, wherein the frame in its mounted position secures the wind seal around the wall opening. Further, the frame also allows that for example a vapor barrier mounted in the wall is arranged in or under the frame for good vapor seal around the frame. Secondly the weather cover becomes complete when the frame is provided with a seal between the frame and the case according to the embodiment. Thirdly the seal contributes to guide and center the case in the frame and take up the necessary but controlled play which must exist between the case and the frame for allowing mounting of the case in the frame. Prior-art methods with wedges, case screws - or according to EP-A-1,500,768 - must rely on conventional caulking or foam sealant which does not provide the same secure seal such as this aspect of the present invention.
In an embodiment, the frame preferably has an L-shaped or T-shaped cross section with two legs arranged at approximately 90 ° angle between the legs. A first outer leg is - in its mounted position in the wall opening - engaging the outside of the edges of the opening, while a second leg extends inwardly from the outside in the wall opening. This encloses the outer corner of the wall opening and a short length around the outside of the opening, and all or parts of the sides of the wall opening, which face the case. In its mounted position the first leg seals between the frame and the underlying wall material on the outside, for instance being wind paperboard, wind resistant board, cellular plastic, concrete, or the like. The second leg is configured to guide and lock the case according to the above described embodiments, and where appropriate, hold the vapor barrier after installation into the opening. The L-shaped or T-shaped frame is preferably a rigid metal angle or sheet metal profile, but aluminum is also a possible option. Prior art methods present no solutions that enable reception of wind and moisture barriers, and guiding and centering of the frame placement in the wall opening. In summary, the risks of carelessness that may occur in connection with caulking or other sealant around the window assembly are also reduced.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the frame comprises an insulating and form stable material, preferably high density Styrofoam or similar materials which have insulating properties but which still are sufficiently form stable to provide the guiding effect that characterizes the invention. The reason that the frame preferably is insulating is to provide an even more effective way to prevent heat leakage around the window, door or hatch. Windows, doors and hatches of today are generally well insulated and their weak point is often leaks around the installation, i.e. the lack of wind and thermal insulation around e.g. the window. By making the frame of an insulating material the thermal transmittance is minimized. The previous positive characteristics of the invention - wind sealing using the frame and the sealing between the frame and the case - help to create an improvement of the system regarding the total thermal capacity of the system compared to prior-art methods, and according to the inventive idea both the efficiency of installation and sealing of the complete installation is improved.
To speed up the installation of the frame in the wall opening and to provide great opportunities for easy adjustments of the frame position in the wall opening, both regarding any adjustments to the horizontal and vertical position, and also the frame depth position in the wall, i.e. where in the wall section the frame and the case are supposed to be mounted, the frame comprises - in a preferred embodiment - oblong adjustment holes. These holes are provided in the tested positions on the frame, and they permit both adjustments in all directions along the frame side extensions, while possible adjustment in direction inwardly towards the enclosing edges of the wall opening, or vice versa, preferably is made with wedges or any type of adjustable case screws or the like. Thereby, the frame is fully adjustable in angle, depth, vertical, horizontal, etc. which means that when the frame is subsequently mounted in the frame, no further adjustments is needed.
In a further preferred embodiment, the bottom part of the frame is arranged for run-off of any water penetration between the case and the frame. This is because the lower part of the frame slopes slightly downwards and outwards in its mounted position in order to lead out the water so that there will be no water between the case and the frame. The inclined portions are either arranged along the entire lower part or at least on a partial length of the bottom slopes downwards/outwards, e.g. as one or more intermittently arranged run-off portions or drainage holes are provided at appropriate points in the bottom part of the frame.
To further facilitate and speed up the complete mounting of the window section or the like, while also offering an improved weather protection/insulation, the frame according to a preferred embodiment comprises seal means which are provided for air sealing/caulking between frame and wall opening. This is accomplished by a seal means including at least two, preferably several, protruding resilient lips provided on the frame, at the sides facing outwards towards the wall opening. These lips can have varying lengths depending on the requirements of the play between the dimensions of the wall opening and the frame to be mounted therein. Depending on that the dimensions of the wall opening normally vary somewhat, the seal lips contributes to absorb these variations and thus reduce the requirements of the wall opening and the time/efficiency during assembly when the need for conventional caulking disappears. During installation of the frame into the wall opening, the protruding and resilient lips get in contact with the enclosing wall opening, and during adjustments of the frame the resiliency allows the adjustability not to be more difficult, while maintaining the seal against the wall. Hereby, at least one and preferably several air pockets between the frame and the wall are obtained which therefore improve the air sealing and insulation around the frame. Previously known pre-mounting elements show no such steps at all but rely entirely on manual labor to caulk around the case in the usual way, which partly takes hours of time, and increases the risk of carelessness.
In a further preferred embodiment, the frame comprises holding means arranged to hold and fasten the so-called hidden boards or covering sides, which are usually arranged around the opening in the wall, on the inside of the window. When the hidden boards are mounted against the holding means of the frame, the hidden boards connect to the case either directly against its inside or in a cavity in the case provided for the hidden board, and thereby the hidden board locks the case in its end position and replaces in this situation the locking blocks or other snap lock or the like according to the previous embodiments. These holding means also allow the hidden boards to be dismounted in order to dismount the case from the frame later if the need arises. Prior-art methods do not use hidden boards as a locking feature because they in most cases screw the case in the wall opening, which leads to a much more detailed dismounting of the window than in the present invention and that hidden boards are usually destroyed.
An alternative to the above embodiment is that the hidden boards instead of directly locking the case in its end position lock the locking blocks in the embodiments comprising them. Hereby, the case is locked in its end position when the hidden boards are mounted to the arranged holding means, and the locking blocks are locked by the hidden board and are also preferably hidden by it.
The invention has a number of advantages over known methods and devices:

An industrially manufactured frame with tight tolerances results in a guiding function by an adapted and tested play located between the frame and the case.
Easy to handle and adjust a lightweight frame instead of a complete and heavy window, door or similar.
The window, door or hatch is easily pushed into the frame in the final position and is thus adjusted and ready since the frame is already adjusted and since the frame guides and directs the case - it's just to snap it and lock into place.
Flexibility during the construction process by pre-installing the frame and use for example of a blind window that provides a tight structure, and where the window or door may be delivered and installed at a later stage in the construction process.
Windows, doors or hatches are fully dismountable without components being destroyed during removal.
The frame may already from delivery include "caulking", wherein this installation step may be omitted and more time may be saved.
Also covering with so-called hidden boards is facilitated which speeds up the process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will hereinafter be explained by means of non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig.1 is a schematic view of the installation process of the guiding frame in a wall opening according to two alternatives - A and B.
Fig. 2a shows a guiding frame according to an embodiment comprising a cavity and a locking block for locking a case to a frame.
Fig. 2b shows a guiding frame according to an embodiment comprising a locking block which is fastened in the wall opening for locking a case to a frame.
Fig. 3a shows a guiding frame according to an embodiment comprising recesses which cooperate with locking elements which are fixedly arranged on the case.
Fig. 3b shows a seal arranged between a frame and a case, and an air seal arranged between the frame and the wall opening.
Fig. 4a shows a covering side/stealth board according to an embodiment, which locks a case against a frame, wherein a covering side/stealth board is dismountably arranged against the enclosing sides of the wall opening by specifically arranged holding means.
Fig. 4b shows a covering side/stealth board according to an embodiment, which locks a case against a frame, and wherein the covering side/stealth board is dismountably arranged against the frame by specifically arranged holding means on the frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of first and foremost the installation process, where a pre-mounting unit 4 (of two types) is inserted into an opening 2 in a wall construction 3, either from the outside which symbolizes position A, or from the inside which symbolizes position B. According to a preferred embodiment, the pre-mounting unit 4 is a complete frame element or frame 6 with a top part 15, a bottom part 16 and two side parts 17. The frame 6 is in a first step mounted into the wall opening 2 and adjusted thereafter according to preferably conventional methods, for example by means of wedges, frame/case screws or similar conventional adjustments devices, which usually are used in window and door installations (not shown in the figure), or for that matter other suitable methods. When the frame 6 is adjusted and ready a complete window 1 is inserted into the frame 6, and a window framing or case 5 is guided and centered by the frame 6 since there is a well-tested play between the frame element 6 and the window frame 5. The guiding function during installation is ensured by the fact that both the window 1 and the frame 6 are industrially manufactured with well-tested dimensions and sufficient narrow tolerances for obtaining the intended function. By this procedure, the window 1 does not have to be further adjusted when it is in the intended end position in the frame 6 since the window 1 is already adjusted and ready. However, the invention does not preclude in any way to the adjustability of the case in the frame in certain applications if desired, but the main idea is that no further adjustment is needed.
Fig. 2a shows a device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in which the frame 6 include cavities 8 which are arranged to receive locking blocks 9 for locking the case 5 in or against the frame 6. The cavities 8 are arranged on at least two opposite sides of the frame part e.g. at the top part 15 of the frame 6 and at its bottom part 16, to provide a locking effect. Furthermore, according to this embodiment it is optional whether the cavities 8 are consistently throughout the cross-section of the frame 6, i.e. in the shape of a through hole or if, as in the figure, there is a limited depth of the cavity 8, i.e. not consistently. In a situation where the cavity 8 is consistently it is possible to use the same cavity for installation and adjustment of the frame 6 in the opening 2. The length of the cavities 8 and the locking blocks 9 is optional and may be chosen either as point by point cavities 8 with short locking blocks 9 tested positions or elongate cavities 8 along the entire or parts of the length of the frame parts. The frame 6 in the figure has a simple geometry, but the appearance may vary depending on the material it is made of or which functions are built into the frame 6. For example, if the frame 6 is an aluminum profile, it is advantageous if the cavities 8 are in the shape of a continuous groove along the entire length of the frame part, while if it is a metal profile where the cavity 8 shall be accomplished through post-processing it is more advantageous with point by point cavities. The frame 6 can, as previously mentioned, also include insulating material.
The adjusted frame 6 (adjustment devices and adjustment range are not shown) is according to the figure fixedly fastened to the wall 3, and the window 1 is inserted into the frame 6 to an intended end position, partly centered in the frame 6 due to the guiding function, to an end position, in relation to the enclosing frame parts and partly to a end position in the depth of the frame 6, given by a shoulder 7. The shoulder 7 indicates the end position and the window 1 is inserted until to the outer side 18 of the frame outer side 18 reaches the shoulder 7- In this position the window 1 is locked and then fixed by the locking block 9, which in its mounted position abuts the inside 19 of the frame 6 and in that thus locks the case 5 to the frame 6. The locking block 9 is preferably somewhat wedge shaped. The shoulder 7 also contributes to increased safety during installation since it makes sure that the window 1 can not fall out during the installation. Furthermore, the usual additional step, which is frequently used in known mounting methods, is not required - namely to mount boards on the outside of the wall which serves to prevent the window from falling out.
Fig. 2b shows a device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in which the case 5 is locked to the frame 6 by mounting the locking block 9 directly into the enclosing wall sides 12 of the wall opening 2 by means of a fastening element 28 and into position of the inside of the frame 19, wherein the case 5 is clamped between the shoulder 7 and the locking block 9. Preferably, the locking blocks 9 are mounted to at least two opposite frame parts to achieve a desired locking function, and the length of the locking blocks 9 is freely variable within the invention.
Fig. 3a shows a device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in which the frame 6 includes local or elongated recesses 10, which are coordinated with locking elements 11 on fixedly arranged on the case 5, for locking the case 5 to the frame 6. This embodiment allows the window with its case 5 to be snapped into the frame 6 in a very simple and fast way, which is very convenient from a mounting point of view. The frame 6 is a profile angle preferably of sheet metal, aluminum or rigid plastic, and comprises two legs, a first leg 21 and a second leg 22, essentially set in L-shape or T-shape in relation to each other. The first leg 21 is arranged to abut the outside 23 of the wall or at least that part of the wall 3 which is facing outwards at the mounting of the frame 6. Further, the first leg 21 allows possible wind paperboard or other weather sealing which may be used in the wall construction, to be inserted behind the first leg 21, whereby an efficient sealing is achieved between the frame 6 and the wall 3. The first leg 21 is preferably also arranged to constitute a shoulder for additional security against the window falling out during installation, but this is not necessary as the second leg 22 is arranged to lock the case 5 to the frame 6 by the locking elements 11 in co-operation with the recess 10 which is provided in the second leg 22.
As mentioned above it is optional, mainly due to the production method of the frame 6, that the recesses 10 are local or elongated along the entire or parts of the extension of the frame parts, e.g. the top part 15 and bottom part 16. However, the locking structure must be provided on at least two opposing frame parts for maximum performance. The second leg 22 is not limited to, as shown in the figure, be relatively short in relation to the depth of the wall opening 2, but can also be more elongated and cover a major part of the depth of the wall opening 2, e.g. a longer length for control or other purposes. Further, the second leg 22 preferably comprises also a guiding nose 27 which helps to guide the locking element 11 into the recess 10. The locking elements 11 are fixedly mounted to the case 5 in a coordinated position with the recesses 10, and the locking elements 11 as well as the second leg 22 are preferably slightly resilient, so that mounting and snapping are facilitated. It is appreciated that the frame 6 may also have a similar appearance and function as the locking element 11 and can be snapped into a notch in the case 5. The preliminary focus is that the function is achieved in one way or another.
Fig. 3b shows a device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in which the frame 6 preferably comprises an insulating but shape-stable material which at the outer side of the frame 6 is surrounded by a protective profile 30. Preferably, the protective profile 30 comprises the first leg 21 arranged to be connected to the outside 23 of the wall, or at least the part of the wall 3 which at the time of installation of the frame 6 constitutes the outside. The first leg 21 is preferably also arranged to receive a wind paperboard or the like (not shown) and the profile 30 thereby secures a wind seal around the wall opening 2. Further, the profile 30 comprises a second leg 22 and a third leg 29, which in the mounted position of the profile 30 extend inwardly into the wall opening 2, preferably perpendicularly to the first leg 21 and along the frame 6, and thereby surrounding the outer part of the frame 6 . As the dimensions of the wall opening 2 often vary, and also are slightly larger than the measurements of the frame 6 or the case 5, one usually caulks between the case 5 and the enclosing wall sides 12 of the wall opening 2. By instead providing the frame 6 with a seal member 25 at that side of the frame 6 which faces out towards the side walls 12 of the opening 2, a corresponding caulking is obtained to air tighten and thus insulate around the frame 6 without having to perform an additional step during the installation. The seal member 25 is provided with projecting lips 26 which project from the extension surface of the seal member 25 in a direction towards the wall sides 12. These lips 26 are resilient in order to take up irregularities and also to allow adjustment of the frame 6 in the wall opening 2, which -as mentioned above -can be skewed or vary in dimensions. When the frame 6 has been adjusted, it is already caulked around the frame 6, and the resilient lips 26 seal everywhere around the frame 6. The number of protruding lips 26 is not limited here. A seal 20 is also provided and seals between the case 5 and the frame 6. Depending on the positioning and size of the seal 20, it is according to this embodiment also possible to let the seal 20 have a guiding/centering function in addition to the sealing function.
Fig. 4a shows a device according to a preferred embodiment which comprises a so-called hidden board or covering side 13. According to this embodiment, the locking of the case 5 in or towards the frame 6 is obtained by means of the hidden board 13. As in several of the previously described embodiments, the guiding and centering frame 6 comprises the shoulder 7 for reception of the outer side 18 of the case. Further, it is also preferred that the seal 20 is disposed between the case 5 and the frame 6, preferably in connection to the end position of the case 5 in the frame 6. When the window 1 is mounted into the frame 6, the case 5 is pushed or pressed into the adjusted frame 6 and is guided/centered by the frame 6, and is further pushed to the intended end position, given by the shoulder 7.
Once in place, the window 1 is already adjusted and ready just as in other construction solutions and thus it remains only to lock the case 5 to the frame 6. This is performed by inserting the hidden board 13 into the case 5, preferably in a designated notch, and snapping into holding means 14, which according to a preferred embodiment are provided in enclosing wall sides 12 of the wall 3 of the opening 2. Of course it is not necessary to have a specific notch for receiving the hidden board 13 in the case 5, but the hidden board 13 can of course instead be connected directly to the inside 19 of the case 5. By this mounting method and devices, the time becomes significantly shorter for the mounting of the complete window 1 and the final finish of the window 1 by the snap mounting of the hidden board 13. According to this structure, it is useful that the holding means 14 are adjustable to obtain right angles between the case 5 and the hidden boards 13 around the window case, since it is common with variations of the dimensions of the opening 2.
Fig. 4b shows a device according to an alternative embodiment to what has been described in Fig. 4a. According to this embodiment, the holding means 14 are instead mounted directly on the frame 6, which in this case covers a larger part of the depth dimension of the wall opening 2. With the holding means 14 mounted directly to the frame 6 it is not necessary that they are adjustable since the dimensions are defined between the notch of the hidden board 13 in the case 5 and the holding means 14. The figure also shows a fastening element/adjustment device 28 which is used to adjust the frame 6 in the wall opening 2. In several of the previous figures, similar solutions may be found, but they are only shown here in figure 4b. The fastening element/adjustment device 28 is used in the first step of the installation process of the complete window mounting method, where when the frame 6 is arranged in the wall opening 2, and is adjusted thereafter by means of the adjustment device 28, usually approximately centrally in the wall opening 2 in terms of height and width with respect to the opening 2. As to the position of the frame 6 in the depth of the wall opening 2, it is preferred that the frame 6 comprises oblong adjustment holes 24, in which the fastening elements 28 are arranged.
By pushing the frame 6 in depth to a desired position in the wall opening 2 and then fixedly arrange the frame in the wall sides 12 of the wall opening 2, the frame 6 is then completely adjusted and mounted in its end position, and the mounting of the window 1 can start. In the same way as above, the window 1 is pushed in place in the frame 6 and automatically adjusted by the guiding frame 6, and in its end position the case 5 is locked by means of the hidden board 13 which snaps against the holding means 14 fixedly disposed on the frame 6. Hereby, the advantage of the fastening elements/adjustment devices 28 to be hidden under the hidden board 13 is obtained, but still accessible since the hidden board 13 may easily be dismounted by unsnapping the hidden board 13 from the holding means 14 and remove the same. Post-adjustment of the frame 6 and complete dismounting of the window 1 are therefore possible and also easy to perform, and the parts are not destroyed during dismounting which can easily happen in conventional systems.

Further embodiments

In an embodiment a method for installing a complete window, a complete door or hatch 1, in an opening 2 in a wall construction 3 or the like, wherein the method comprises the steps:

installing a pre-mounting element 4 in the said opening 2 of the wall construction 3 for receiving and supporting a case 5 of the window, door or hatch, and
adjusting the pre-mounting element 4 in the opening 2. The pre-mounting element 4 comprises a frame 6 which is size adjusted according to the outer dimensions of the case 5, and the installation of the window, door or hatch 1 with its case 5 is made after adjustments of the frame 6 by inserting the case 5 into the frame (6). The frame, by its size adjustment to the outer dimensions of the frame 5, guides and centers the case 5 in the frame 6 during the installation of the window, door or hatch 1. The case 5 is further inserted into the frame 6 to an intended end position, which preferably is provided by a shoulder 7 arranged on the frame 6 or that the frame 6 itself forms a shoulder, wherein the shoulder 7 prevents the window, door or hatch 1 from falling out of the opening 2 of the wall, and by guiding and centering in the adjusted frame 6 no adjustment of the case 5 in an end position is needed.

In yet another embodiment the case 5 is locked in the intended end position.
According to an alternative embodiment the case 5 is locked in the frame 6 in the intended end position, by the frame comprising cavities 8 in which locking blocks 9 is mounted, wherein the locking blocks 9 connect against the inside of the case 19 in a mounted position, and wherein the case 5 is then locked in the frame (6).
According to yet an other alternative embodiment the case 5 is locked against or in the frame 6 in the intended end position by mounting the locking blocks 9 against the enclosing wall sides 12 of the opening 2, with an abutment against the case 5, wherein the case 5 is locked against or in the frame 6.
In another embodiment the covering sides/hidden boards 13 are arranged dismountably to the frame 6 or to the enclosing wall sides 12 of the opening, after the case 5 is arranged in its end position, through holding means 14 arranged on the frame 6 or in the wall sides 12, and that the covering sides/hidden boards 13 in its mounted position locks the case 5 in the intended end position.
In a further embodiment the covering sides/hidden boards 13 are dismountably arranged to the frame 6 or against the enclosing wall sides 12 of the opening, after the case 5 has been arranged in its end position through holding means 14 arranged on the frame 6 or in the wall sides 12, and that the covering sides/hidden boards 13 in its mounted position locks the locking blocks 9, whereby the case 5 is locked in the intended end position.
In an embodiment the frame 6 of the device comprises a shoulder 7 for receiving the outer side 18 of the case 5, wherein the shoulder 7 indicates the case 5 intended end position in the frame 6, and wherein the shoulder 7 is configured to prevent the complete window, door or hatch 1 to fall out of the opening 2 during the installation, and further also to prevent removal of the complete window, door or hatch 1 outwards from its end position.
In yet another embodiment the device comprises a locking construction including at least two cooperating parts, and where one part of the locking construction is arranged at the frame 6 and the other part of the case 5, wherein these parts co-operate for locking the case 5 in the frame 6.
Further, another embodiment is characterized in that the frame 6 comprises elongated cavities 8 arranged along the frame 6, in position wise co-operation with the inside 19 of the case in its end position in the frame 6, and that cavities 8 are arranged at at least two opposed frame parts, wherein each cavity 8 is arranged so that at least one locking block 9 of any length, which in its mounted position is connected to the inside of the frame 19, wherein the case 5 is locked relative to the frame 6.
In yet another embodiment the frame 6 comprises locally/in certain points positioned cavities 8, in position wise co-operation with the inside 19 of the frame in its end position in the frame 6, and that the cavities 8 is arranged at at least two opposite frame parts, wherein each cavity 8 is arranged for at least one locking block 9 which is connected to the inside 19 of the frame in its mounted position, and wherein the case 5 is locked relative to the frame 6.
In one embodiment the frame 6 comprises holding means 14 for covering sides/hidden boards 13, wherein said holding means 14 are configured to fasten the covering sides/hidden boards 13 to the frame 6, wherein the holding means 14 also allow dismounting of said covering sides/hidden boards 13, and wherein the covering sides/hidden boards 13 are arranged to lock the locking blocks 9 in its mounted position, wherein the case 5 is locked to the frame 6.

Claims

A method for installing a complete window, a complete door or hatch (1), in an opening (2) in a wall construction (3) or the like, said method comprising the steps:
installing a pre-mounting element (4) in said wall opening (2) of the wall construction (3) for receiving and supporting a case (5) of the window, door or hatch;

adjusting the pre-mounting element (4) in said wall opening (2);

wherein the pre-mounting element (4) comprises a frame (6) which is size adjusted according to the outer dimensions of the case (5); wherein the installation of the window, door or hatch (1) with its case (5) is performed after adjustment of the frame (6) by inserting the case (5) into the frame (6); wherein the frame - by its size adjustment to the outer dimensions of the frame (5) - guides and centers the case (5) in the frame (6) during the installation of the window, door or hatch (1); wherein the case (5) is further inserted into the frame (6) to an intended end position, which is preferably provided by a shoulder (7) arranged on the frame (6) or that the frame (6) itself forms a shoulder, wherein the shoulder (7) prevents the window, door or hatch (1) from falling out of said wall opening (2), and by said guiding and centering in the adjusted frame (6) no adjustment of the case (5) in an end position is needed; and wherein the case (5) in the end position is locked in the frame (6) by means of a locking structure including at least two co-operating parts, one part of which being arranged at the frame (6) and another part of which being arranged at the case (5), said parts co-operating for locking the case (5) in the frame (6).
A method according to claim 1, wherein the case (5) is locked in the frame (6) in the intended end position, by the frame (6) comprising recesses (10) in which locking elements (11) arranged on the frame (5) snap into, wherein the case (5) is then locked in the frame (6).
A device for mounting a complete window, a complete door or hatch (1), in an opening (2) in a wall construction (3) or the like, comprising a pre-mounting element (4) configured to receive and support the case (5) of the window, door or hatch; wherein the pre-mounting element (4) is arranged to be mounted in said wall opening (2), wherein the pre-mounting element (4) is adjustable in said wall opening (2); wherein the pre-mounting element (4) comprises a frame (6) having a top part (15), a bottom part (16) and two side parts (17); wherein the frame (6) is size adjusted to the outer dimensions of the case (5), with a play between the frame (6) and case (5) which is arranged so that the frame (6) receives a guiding function for the case (5); wherein the case (5) is configured to be guided to an intended end position in the adjusted frame (6) during the installation of the window, door or hatch (1) in the frame (6); said device further comprising a locking structure including at least two co-operating parts, one part of which being arranged at the frame (6) and another part of which being arranged at the case (5), said parts being configured to co-operate for locking the case (5) in the frame (6).
A device according to claim 3, wherein the frame (6) comprises a shoulder (7) for receiving the outer side (18) of the case (5), wherein the shoulder (7) is configured to indicate the intended end position of the case (5) in the frame (6), and wherein the shoulder (7) thereby is configured to prevent the complete window, door or hatch (1) to fall out of the wall opening (2) during installation, and further also configured to prevent removal of the complete window, door or hatch (1) outwards from its end position.
A device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the locking structure is provided for adjusting the position of the case (5) in relation to the frame (6) by at least one of the co-operating parts of the locking structure being adjustable, wherein the distance between the case (5) and the frame (6) in the position of the locking structure is affected.
A device according to any one of claims 3-5, wherein the frame (6) comprises elongated recesses (10) which are arranged along the frame (6) and which is in position wise co-ordination with locking elements (11) arranged on the case (5), wherein the recesses (10) are arranged at at least two opposed frame parts, and further the recesses (10) are configured to receive said locking elements (11) for locking the case (5) in the frame (6), wherein the locking elements (11) preferably are snapped into the recesses (10), and wherein the case (5) is locked relative to the frame (6).
A device according to any one of claims 3-5, wherein the frame (6) comprises locally, in certain points positioned recesses (10) which is in position wise co-ordination with locking elements (11) arranged on the case (5), wherein the recesses (10) are provided at at least two opposite frame parts, wherein the recesses (10) further are configured to receive locking elements (11) for locking the case (5) in the frame (6), wherein the locking elements (11) are preferably snapped into the recesses (10), and wherein the case (5) is locked relative to the frame (6).
A device according to any one of claims 3 - 7, wherein the frame (6) comprises a seal (20) arranged on the frame side facing the case (5), wherein said seal (20) is configured to seal between the frame (6) and the case (5), and preferably also configured to guide/center the case (5) in the frame (6).
A device according to any one of claims 3-8, wherein the frame (6) essentially has an L-shaped cross section, preferably arranged to form a rigid angle, and configured to enclose the edges of the wall opening (2), wherein a first leg (21) is arranged to connect to the outside (23) of the wall around the wall opening (2), and a second leg (22) arranged in the direction along the enclosing wall sides (12) of the wall opening (2) and arranged to guide and lock the case (5) in the frame (6).
A device according to any one of claims 3-9, wherein the frame (6) comprises an insulating and shape-stable material, preferably high density Styrofoam or any other suitable material with insulating properties.
A device according to any one of claims 3-10, wherein the frame (6) comprises oblong adjustment holes (24) which are provided for adjustments of the position of the frame (6) in the wall opening (2), and for fastening the frame (6) in the wall (3) by means of screws or similar against the enclosing wall sides (12) of the opening.
A device according to any one of claims 3-11, wherein the bottom part (16) of the frame (6) is provided for an outflow by means of at least a partial length of the bottom part (16) arranged to slope downwards and out in the mounted position of the frame (6) in the wall opening (2).
A device according to any one of claims 3-12, wherein the frame (6) includes seal means (25) for air sealing/insulation between the frame (6) and the enclosing wall sides (12) of the wall opening, wherein said seal means (25) comprises at least two resilient lips (26), which are arranged on the frame side facing the enclosing wall sides (12) of the wall opening (2) and projecting from the frame (6) in the direction towards the enclosing wall sides (12) of the wall opening (2).
A device according to any one of claims 3-13, wherein the frame (6) comprises holding means (14) for covering sides/hidden boards (13), said holding means (14) being arranged to fasten the covering sides/hidden boards (13) to the frame (6), and wherein said holding means (14) also allowing dismounting of said covering sides/hidden boards (13).