EP3274536A1

EP3274536A1 - Device for sealing a gap between a wall and a window or door profile and method using such a device

Info

Publication number: EP3274536A1
Application number: EP16715346.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Erik THIJS
Original assignee: D & G Suncontrol
Current assignee: D & G Suncontrol
Priority date: 2015-03-25
Filing date: 2016-03-24
Publication date: 2018-01-31
Anticipated expiration: 2036-03-24
Also published as: LU93007B1; BE1022790B1; WO2016151534A1; EP3274536B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for sealing a space between the back edge of a wall and a window or door profile. In contrast to conventional sealing methods, wherein a layer of silicone or a separate finishing profile is used, the device according to the present invention combines a spacer with an L-shaped finishing profile. This combination, together with the specific features of the spacer and the L-shaped finishing profile, ensure that the space between the back edge of a wall and a window or door profile is properly sealed at the front edge of the wall.

Description

DEVICE FOR SEALING A CAP BETWEEN A WALL AND A WINDOW OR DOOR PROFILE AND METHOD USING SUCH A DEVICE

The present invention relates to a device comprising a spacer (3) and an L-shaped finishing profile (4) for sealing the gap between a window or door profile (2) and the back edge (1 c) of a wall.

As known, a window, door or gate comprises a fixed frame in which a leaf is mounted pivotally. The uprights and cross members of the fixed frame and of the leaf are formed from profiles. Known profiles for leaves of windows or doors typically consist of an inner shell and an outer shell, which are connected together by means of a thermal bridge.

At present, a window or door is placed against the back edge of a wall opening and the gaps between the frame or profile of the window or of the door and the back edge of the wall are filled with a foam or similar, and the profile is attached by means of fixing hooks or brackets, in which the assembly is finished with a silicone layer. One disadvantage of applying such a silicone layer is that it is susceptible to wear and tear, and poor weather conditions, which can lead to the seal no longer completely closing and not having an aesthetic finish. In addition, removal of such a silicone layer when renovating is a time-consuming task. A secondary disadvantage here is that the definitive silicone layer can only be applied after completion of the mortaring and plastering work and so the window fitter must return to the site, with a delay in the final handover.

A solution for this is found in a profile which replaces the silicone layer, as described in DE331 1 142. Here, a rubber profile is placed between the window profile of a block or framed window and the front edge of the wall (front side of the brick), in which the profile has counter- hooks along the outside which serve to hold the profile in place. The disadvantage of this type of profile is that it is more difficult to drain away moisture and rainwater, and that the counter- hooks in the profile mean that the profile is difficult to remove afterwards. As a result, during decorating work it is not possible to remove the profile easily. Most profiles as described in DE331 1 142, but also as described in GB2191529 or DE29922461 , comprise legs which are placed at an angle of 90 degrees to each other. The disadvantage here is that the profile cannot be fixed sufficiently firmly, and the space between the profile and the back edge of the wall is not completely closed off, resulting in the collection of rainwater and moisture in this space.

The object of the present invention is to provide a finishing profile which can be fitted in a simple manner and removed again (reusable), and wherein the space between a window or door profile and the back edge of a wall can be fully closed off. DESCRIPTION

A detailed description of the present invention is given below with reference to the attached drawings and various embodiments. Figure 1 shows a top view of a device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The present invention comprises a device which comprises a combination of a spacer (3) and an L-shaped finishing profile (4). The combination of the two parts forms a device which can seal a gap between the outside of a profile of a window or door (2) and the back edge (1 c) of the wall. The L-shaped finishing profile (4) comprises two legs (4a, 4b), where one of the legs comprises one or more relief elements (4c). In a specific embodiment, the relief elements (4c) of the L-shaped finishing profile (4) form tooth-shaped protrusions (4d). These tooth-shaped protrusions may comprise a serrated profile (4e). The spacer (3) is placed between the back edge (1 c) of the wall and a window or door profile (2) and comprises a space (3a) in which one or more relief elements (4c) of the L-shaped profile (4) can be held. In the embodiment shown, the spacer (3) comprises an extra space (3b) in which an expansion strip (5) is arranged. This expansion strip (5) is a conventional expansion strip as available commercially. In another embodiment, shown in figure 4, the expansion strip (5) may also be arranged on the spacer (3) without a separate space being provided for this. In yet another embodiment, the spacer (3) is used without expansion strip. In a specific embodiment, the spacer (3) consists of plastic, metal, rubber or a combination of these materials. Preferably, the spacer (3) consists of plastic.

Figure 2 shows a top view of a spacer (3) in which the spacer (3) comprises not only the space (3a) for receiving one or more relief elements (4c) but also a space (3b) in which an expansion strip (5) is arranged.

In another embodiment, shown in figure 4, the spacer (3) does not have a specific space (3b) for the expansion strip (5). In this embodiment, the expansion strip (5) is placed directly on the spacer (3), where on expansion, the expansion strip (5) makes direct contact with the back edge (1 c) of the wall.

As also shown on figure 2, an angle (A) of 45 to 150 degrees is formed on the side of the spacer at the insertion point for the L-shaped finishing profile (4) (i.e. adjacent to the space (3a) for receiving one or more relief elements). Preferably, an angle (A) of 45 to 90 degrees is formed at the insertion point. This angle (A) at the spacer (3) simplifies the installation of the L- shaped finishing profile (4) in the spacer (3), since one or more relief elements (4c) of the L- shaped finishing profile (4) are guided automatically to the space (3a) in the spacer (3) which is intended to hold these relief elements (4c).

In a specific embodiment of the present invention and a shown in figure 2, an adhesive zone (3c) is arranged on the spacer (3) on the side which rests against the window or door profile. In another embodiment as shown on figures 5, 6 and 7, the spacer is attached by screws. The screws (3d) are arranged in the spacer (3) on the side which rests against the window or door profile. In yet another embodiment, both an adhesive zone (3c) and screws (3d) are arranged on the spacer (3) on the side which rests against the window or door profile (2). In yet another embodiment and as shown on figure 8, the spacer (3) comprises one or more click elements (3e) which can interact with the side edge of the window profile. In the embodiment shown, the spacer furthermore has an L-shape. Thanks to the presence of the click element (3e), the spacer can be clipped onto the window or door profile. Both the adhesive zone (3c) and the click element (3e) may be present together in one embodiment. The adhesive zone (3c), the screws (3d) and the click element ensure that the spacer can be fixed against the window or door profile and assume a fixed position relative to the back edge (1 c) of the wall.

As evident from figures 1 and 2, in a specific embodiment of the present invention, an expansion strip (5) may be arranged in the spacer (3). The use of an expansion strip ensures that the assembly (spacer with expansion strip) always connects well to the back edge (1 c) of the wall. The combination of expansion strip (5) and spacer (3) ensures a consistent spacing between the back edge (1 c) of the wall and the window or door profile (2), and seals this space against the cavity behind. As explained further below, this benefits the wind-tightness and water-tightness of the installation. The expansion strip used is an existing expansion strip as available commercially.

It is evident from figure 1 that the L-shaped finishing profile (4) comprises two legs (4a, 4b) which form an angle (B) of 45 to 85 degrees to each other. In contrast to finishing profiles in which the angle between the two legs is 90 degrees, this angle ensures that sufficient clamping force or spring force is applied on both legs, where after installation of the L-shaped finishing profile (4), the finishing profile (4) is held in place in the spacer (3) with the necessary strength. In addition, one or more relief elements (4c) ensure that the L-shaped finishing profile (4) is firmly held in place in the spacer (3). In a specific embodiment as shown in figure 6, the leg (4a) of the L-shaped finishing profile which presses against the front edge (1 b) of the wall is thicker than the leg (4b) which is placed in the spacer. The difference in thickness, wherein the thinner leg (4b) is placed in the spacer, also ensures that sufficient clamping force is present in the finishing profile and that after installation, the finishing profile is firmly held in place. When the L-shaped finishing profile (4) has been fitted, a space (6) is formed between the finishing profile (4), the spacer (3) and the back edge (1 c) of the wall. This space ensures that moisture and rain can be drained away well, and prevents moisture from finding its way behind the expansion strip (5). This prevents moisture and wind from being able to penetrate to the back of the window or door profile.

Figure 3 shows yet another possible and most preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this preferred embodiment, the leg with one or more relief elements (4c) of the L-shaped finishing profile (4) comprises a curvature (4f) in profile. This curvature (4f) is located in the leg (4b) which fits into the spacer (3) at the intersection of the two legs. The curvature (4f), together with the angle (B) between the two legs of the finishing profile, ensures that the finishing profile has a spring force, whereby after installation, the finishing profile (4) remains firmly held in the spacer (3) and pressed against the front edge (1 b) of the wall. The most important advantage of this is that the space behind the finishing profile (6) remains well sealed and that as little moisture or rainwater as possible enters the space. The curvature (4f) also ensures that moisture which nonetheless enters the space (6) behind the finishing profile can rapidly be drained away.

Figure 4 shows another specific embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the spacer (3) has no extra space (3b) for mounting the expansion strip (5), but the expansion strip (5) is placed on the spacer (3) on the side at the back edge (1 c) of the wall.

Figures 5, 6 and 7 show another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, screws (3d) are arranged in the spacer (3) on the side which rests against the window or door profile. In this way, the spacer (3) can be firmly attached to the window or door profile.

Figures 6 and 7 also show an embodiment of the present invention in which the L-shaped finishing profile (4) is arranged in the spacer (3). This finishing profile comprises two legs (4a, 4b), wherein one leg (4b) comprises one or more relief elements (4c). These relief elements (4c) ensure that the finishing profile can be arranged in the spacer and can also be held in place. In a specific embodiment as shown in figure 6, the leg (4a) which presses against the wall may also comprise one or more relief elements (4c). These relief elements, together with the mutual angle (B) and optionally the curvature in the leg with one or more relief elements, ensure that the leg (4a) is firmly pressed against the front edge (1 b) of the wall, where the space behind the finishing profile (6) is closed off against moisture and rain.

Figure 7 shows a possible and most preferred embodiment of the present invention in which the leg (4b) placed in the spacer has a curvature (4f) in profile. This curvature, together with the angle (B) between the two legs of the finishing profile and the increased thickness of the leg (4a) which rests against the wall, ensures that the finishing profile has sufficient spring force and consequently, after installation, remains firmly pressed into the spacer (3) and against the front edge (1 b) of the wall. As stated above, in this way the space behind the finishing profile (6) is fully closed off, and as little moisture or rain as possible enters the space. Figure 8 shows yet another specific embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, on the side opposite the insertion point of the L-shaped finishing profile (4), the spacer (3) has one or more click elements (3e) with which the spacer can be firmly attached to the window or door profile. These click elements are configured so that they can interact with (be inserted or clamped in) the side edge of the window profile. This embodiment allows the spacer to be fitted on the window profile by the window manufacturer. The spacer therein is optionally already provided with the expansion strip, so that on installation, merely the liner of the expansion strip must be removed or the latter still be applied. Positioning the spacer on the window profile in advance guarantees that this assumes a fixed position relative to the back edge (1 c) of the wall. This then supports a consistent positioning of the L-shaped finishing profile (4).

Figure 9 shows a perspective side view of a specific embodiment of the L-shaped finishing profile (4). This finishing profile (4) consists of two legs (4a, 4b), in which one of the legs (4b) which comprises one or more relief elements, is provided with tooth-shaped protrusions (4d). The tooth-shaped protrusions (4d) allow the finishing profile (4) to be better fitted in the spacer

(3) and held in place. As figure 9 shows, the two legs (4a, 4b) of the L-shaped finishing profile

(4) form an angle (B) of 45 to 85 degrees to each other. This angle (B) means that the finishing profile (4) is also better held in place in the spacer (3) and pressed against the wall (1). In this embodiment, the above-mentioned relief elements consist of a serrated profile (4e) on the tooth-shaped protrusions.

Figures 10 and 1 1 show perspective side views of possible embodiments of the complete device of the present invention, after installation between the back edge (1 c) of a wall and a window or door profile (2).

Figure 12 shows a top view of possible embodiments of the spacer (3) and the L-shaped finishing profile (4) of the present invention. As can be seen, the leg of the L-shaped finishing profile (4b) inserted in the spacer (3) comprises one or more relief elements (4c) which are pushed into the spacer (3) and hold the finishing profile (4) in position in the spacer (3).

In view of the use as a finishing profile for windows and doors, it will be evident to the person skilled in the art that both the spacer (3) and the L-shaped finishing profile (4) must be made of sufficiently strong materials. Without being restricted thereto, the L-shaped finishing profile preferably comprises an elastic material such as rubber, plastic or metal. This choice of material has the advantage that the L-shaped finishing profile (4) lies perfectly along the front edge (1 b) of the wall, resulting in the creation of a good seal for the space behind the finishing profile. This also ensures that no wind or rain can penetrate behind the spacer (3) and the expansion strip (5).

The present invention also concerns the use of a device according to one of the embodiments described above, in which the spacer (3) is positioned against the window or door profile (2) before the window or door profile is installed. After the spacer (3) has been positioned against the window or door profile, the window or door can be placed against the back edge (1 c) of the wall. Since the spacer (3) has already been applied to the window or door before installation, uniform positioning thereof is simplified. In particular, no extra elements need be placed between the back edge (1 c) of the wall and the window or door profile (2) during installation. The presence of an expansion strip (5) also ensures that the assembly lies perfectly against the back edge (1 c) of the wall (1 ). The present invention also concerns the use of a device as described above, in which the L-shaped finishing profile (4) is placed in the spacer (3) immediately after installation of the window or door. In another possible variant, the L-shaped finishing profile (4) is only positioned after installation of the window or door and after performance of the mortaring or plastering. Due to the shape and material of both the spacer (3) and the finishing profile (4), the finishing profile (4) can be installed in a very flexible and user-friendly manner. In contrast to the usual finish of the gap between the wall and profile with silicones, use of the device according to the invention also allows the finishing profile to be removed and reused. This may for example be useful in the case of maintenance work (the profile may e.g. be cleaned separately; when decorating, the colour of the finishing profile can be adapted, etc.).

In addition, the ease with which the L-shaped finishing profile (4) can be installed means that this can also be fitted by a person other than the fitter of the windows or doors, e.g. after completion of the mortaring or plastering. This also has the advantage that the L-shaped finishing profile (4) cannot be damaged during performance of the mortaring or plastering, and that the fitter of the windows and doors need not return to site.

The present invention also concerns a window or door, characterized in that it comprises a device as described above for sealing a gap between a wall and a window or door profile. Finally, the invention also concerns a method for finishing window or door profiles in which a device as described above is used. In one possible method for finishing window or door profiles, the spacer (3) is placed against the window or door profile before the window or door profile (2) is installed. According to the present invention, the method for finishing window or door profiles comprises positioning the L-shaped finishing profile (4) immediately after installation of the window or door profile. In another possible method for finishing window or door profiles, the L-shaped finishing profile of the device is positioned after the window or door profile has been installed and after performance of the mortaring or plastering.

The use of a spacer (3) and an L-shaped finishing profile (4) in a device for sealing a gap between a window or door profile (2) and the back edge (1 c) of a wall, as shown in figure 1 , 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10 or 1 1 , has various advantages. The spacer (3) is already fitted on the window or door profiles before installation of these profiles, which facilitates both the positioning of the spacer (3) and the uniform positioning of the window or door profile. The expansion strip (5) also ensures that the assembly always connects perfectly to the back edge (1 c) of the wall. In contrast to finishing profiles which belong to the prior art, the present device comprises a spacer (3) together with an L-shaped finishing profile (4). The combination of a spacer (3) with a finishing profile (4) ensures that, because the spacer is held in a releasable manner, the profile (4) can be repositioned and no additional fixing means are required for positioning the finishing profile. The use of a separate finishing profile (4) is also easier than the application of a silicone layer. The finishing profile (4) can be fitted quickly without extra materials being required, since the profile can very easily be inserted in the spacer (3) provided. In addition, the L-shaped finishing profile (4) is made of a plastic, metal or rubber material, resulting in the guarantee that a good seal of the gap between a wall and a window or door profile is formed. Furthermore, the L-shaped finishing profile comprises at least one leg with one or more relief elements (4c), whereby this leg preferably also comprises a curvature (4f) in profile and where the two legs form an angle (B) of 45 to 85 degrees. These features mean that the L-shaped finishing profile, after installation, remains firmly pressed in the spacer (3) and against the front edge (1 b) of the wall. The most important advantage of this is that the space behind the finishing profile (6) remains well sealed and that as little moisture or rain as possible enters this space. The curvature (4f) also ensures that moisture which enters the space (6) behind the finishing profile can rapidly be drained away.

The attached drawings indicate diagrammatically and as an example an embodiment of a device for sealing the space between a wall and a window or door profile according to the present invention. In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a top view of a device according to the invention for sealing a space between a window or door profile (2) and the back edge (1 c) of a wall. This figure shows the spacer (3) in which a space (3a) is present in which one or more relief elements (4c) of the L-shaped finishing profile (4) can be received, and a space (3b) in which an expansion strip (5) is placed. The figure also shows that the legs (4a, 4b) of the L-shaped finishing profile (2) form a mutual angle (B).

Figure 2 is a top view of an embodiment of the spacer (3) of the present invention. In this embodiment, the spacer (3) has a space (3b) in which an expansion strip (5) is arranged. An angle (A) is formed in the spacer (3) at the insertion point for the L-shaped finishing profile (4). The present embodiment also shows an adhesive zone (3c) on the side which rests against the window or door profile.

Figure 3 is a top view of a device according to the invention, in which the leg with one or more relief elements (4b) of the L-shaped finishing profile (2) has a curvature (4f) in profile.

Figure 4 shows a top view of a device according to the invention in which the spacer (3) has no extra space for accommodating the expansion strip (5), but where the expansion strip (5) is placed on the spacer (3) on the side at the back edge (1 c) of the wall.

Figure 5 is a top view of a device according to the invention in which the spacer (3) has one or more screws (3d) which ensure the fixing of the spacer (3) to the window or door profile (2).

Figure 6 is a top view of a device according to the invention in which the L-shaped finishing profile (4) is arranged in the spacer (3). One or more relief elements (4c) in the leg (4b) which fits in the spacer ensure that the L-shaped finishing profile (4) is firmly held in place in the spacer. The leg (4a) which presses against the wall is furthermore thicker than the leg (4b) which fits in the spacer, resulting in the creation of an extra tension due to a curvature (4f) in profile.

Figure 7 shows a top view of a possible embodiment of the present invention in which the L- shaped finishing profile (4) has a curvature (4f) in profile which contributes to the spring force of the finishing profile.

Figure 8 shows a perspective side view of a possible embodiment of the present invention in which the spacer comprises one or more click elements (3e) with which the spacer can be attached to the wall or door profile.

Figure 9 is a perspective side view of the L-shaped finishing profile (4) according to the present invention in which the finishing profile (4) comprises two legs (4a, 4b) which form an angle (B). One of the legs of the L-shaped finishing profile (2) comprises tooth-shaped protrusions (4d) with serrated profile (4e).

Figure 10 is a perspective side view of the complete device of the present invention, wherein a spacer (3) is arranged between the back edge (1 c) of the wall and a window or door profile (2), and wherein an L-shaped finishing profile (4) is arranged in the spacer (3).

Figure 11 is a perspective side view of a possible embodiment of the complete device of the present invention, in which the L-shaped finishing profile (4) is pressed into and fixed in the spacer (3).

Figure 12 shows various top views of possible embodiments of the spacer (3) and the L- shaped finishing profile (4) of the present invention. The leg of the L-shaped finishing profile (4b) which is inserted in the spacer (3) comprises one or more relief elements (4c) which fit in the spacer (3), resulting in the fact that the finishing profile (4) is being held in place in the spacer (3).

It will be evident to the person skilled in the art that the figures above are merely illustrative of an embodiment according to the present invention, and that the latter is in no way restricted at any moment to the details of these embodiments but also extends to other equivalent embodiments which incorporate the innovative contribution of the invention. The scope of the invention is given by the attached claims and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of equivalence of the claims.

Claims

1 . Device for sealing a space between the outside of a profile of a window or door (2) and the back edge (1 c) of a wall, comprising a spacer (3) and an L-shaped finishing profile (4) comprising two legs (4a, 4b), wherein at least one of the legs comprises one or more relief elements (4c) and wherein the spacer comprises a space (3a) in which the one or more relief elements (4c) of the L-shaped profile may be received, characterized in that the two legs of the L-shaped finishing profile (4) form an angle (B) of 45 to 85 degrees relative to each other.

2. The device according to claim 1 , in which the leg comprising one or more relief elements (4c) comprises tooth-shaped protrusions (4d).

3. A device according to claim 1 , in which the spacer (3) comprises a space (3b) in which an expansion strip (5) is arranged.

4. A device according to any of the preceding claims, in which an angle (A) of 45 to 170 degrees is formed in the spacer (3) at the insertion point for the L-shaped finishing profile

(4).

5. A device according to any of the preceding claims, in which an adhesive zone (3c) is arranged on the spacer (3) on the side which rests against the window or door profile.

6. A device according to any of the preceding claims, in which one or more screws (3d) are arranged in the spacer (3) on the side which rests against the window or door profile.

7. A device according to any of the preceding claims, in which the spacer (3) comprises one or more click elements (3e) with which the spacer can be attached to the window or door profile.

8. A device according to claim 1 , in which the leg with one or more relief elements (4c) of the L-shaped finishing profile (4) has a curvature (4f) in profile.

9. Use of a device according to any of the preceding claims, in which the spacer (3) is placed against the window or door profile before the window or door is installed.

10. Use of a device according to any of claims 1 to 8, in which the L-shaped finishing profile (4) is fitted immediately after installation of the window or door.

1 1 . Use of a device according to any of claims 1 to 8, in which the L-shaped finishing profile (4) is fitted after installation of the window or door and after performance of the mortaring or plastering.

12. A window or door, characterized in that it comprises a device according to any of claims 1 to 8.

13. A method for finishing a window or door profile, in which a device is used according to any of claims 1 to 8.

14. A method for finishing a window or door profile according to claim 13, in which the spacer (3) is placed against the window or door profile (2) before the window or door profile is installed.

15. A method for finishing a window or door profile according to claim 13, in which the L- shaped finishing profile (4) of the device is fitted after installation of the window or door profile (2).