EP3857011B1

EP3857011B1 - Removable cladding assembly

Info

Publication number: EP3857011B1
Application number: EP19805365.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Gary Clark
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-09-27
Filing date: 2019-09-26
Publication date: 2024-01-24
Anticipated expiration: 2039-09-26
Also published as: EP3857011A1; GB2572231A; PL3857011T3; GB2572231B; EP3857011C0; GB201815735D0; WO2020065313A1

Description

The present invention relates to cladding for windows or doors, and in particular to a cladding which is readily removable without damage being caused to the cladding.
External cladding is commonly used on building exteriors in order to change the aesthetic appearance of the building or fixtures within it. For example, cladding may be applied to window or door frames, offering a wide range of potential aesthetic finishes which can be achieved. Furthermore, fitting of cladding to existing window or door frames allows the aesthetic appearance of the window or door to be changed without the need to replace the entire frame, which would a highly disruptive and costly procedure. Such cladding is further beneficial for enhancing the weather-proofing of the window or door to which is applied, particularly in the case of windows or doors having timber frames, which are more susceptible to deterioration due to weathering.
Application of aluminium cladding to timber window or door frames is a particularly popular option, since it provides the advantages of having a frame of timber construction and having a natural timber finish on the interior of the building, together with having a metallic aluminium finish on the building exterior, which may be desirable for aesthetic purposes.
Such cladding often takes the form of extruded aluminium profiles, which are mounted to the timber window frame using snap-fit fittings. Such fittings engage a recess formed in the profile cover allowing the profile to be quickly and easily mounted to the frame. However, cladding profiles mounted in this way cannot be easily removed, since the snap-fit fittings do not allow for a reversible installation. Therefore, in order to remove the cladding profile from the window frame, the cladding profile must be pulled away from the window frame with considerable force, which is likely to cause damage to both the cladding profile and the fitting. Thus, if there is any need to remove the cladding, for example in order to replace the glazing unit, it is likely that the cladding will need to be replaced in its entirety.
A further problem with known cladding systems for windows in particular, is that by mounting cladding to an existing window sash and frame, the overall depth of the window sash and frame is increased. Accordingly, where the window comprises an outwardly-opening sash fitted within the frame by means of standard friction hinges, opening of the sash would cause sash to come into contact with the frame because of the increased depth, thus preventing the window from being fully opened. Use of such cladding is therefore typically limited to fixed or inwardly-opening window or door assemblies.
The present invention arose in an attempt to provide an improved cladding assembly, which can be readily mounted and subsequently removed from a window or door frame, without damage being caused to the cladding.
According to the present invention there is provided a window or door assembly according to appended claim 1, comprising a glazing unit housed within a frame, the frame comprising a sash accommodating the glazing unit, and a plurality of frame elements surrounding the sash. The assembly further comprises a sash profile mounted to an outwardly-facing surface of the sash, and a frame profile mounted to an outwardly-facing surface of at least one of the frame elements. The sash profile is releasably mounted to the sash by means of a rotational clip, so as to overlap an edge of the glazing unit. A gap is provided between the sash profile and outwardly-facing surfaces of the glazing unit and sash, which gap extends from an edge of the sash profile which overlaps the glazing unit to the rotational clip. A stepped portion is provided in an outwardly-facing surface of the frame profile, and, in use, the sash profile overlaps said stepped portion of the outwardly-facing surface of the frame profile.
The window or door assembly of the present invention may be any type of known window or door assembly. Within the context of the present invention, the term "sash" refers to an element of the window assembly in which the glazing unit is arranged to be housed and supported and is not limited to a sliding sash. The sash may be openable or non-openable (fixed). Where the sash is an openable sash, the sash may be joined to the frame in an openable manner by means of a hinge, such as a friction hinge. The sash may alternatively or additionally be a sliding sash. The term "frame element" refers to any known element of a window or door frame arranged to surround the sash, and includes known frame elements such as cills, jambs, heads, transoms and mullions. The term "profile" refers to a cladding element used to cover a part of the sash or frame. The term "outwardly-facing surface" refers to a surface of the particular component, which, in use, faces outwardly relative to the building in which the window or door assembly is installed.
The arrangement of the present invention provides a sash profile which can be readily removed by rotation of the rotational clip by which it is mounted to the sash. The provision of a gap between the sash profile and outwardly-facing surfaces of the glazing unit and sash, the gap extending from an edge of the sash profile which overlaps the glazing unit (i.e. an 'inner' edge of the sash profile) to the rotational clip, allows the insertion of an appropriate tool through the gap to rotate the clip so as to either mount the sash profile to the sash or to release the sash profile from the sash.
Prior art cladding systems are known from AT183219B , DE1944513A1 and GB1370357A .
The gap provides a substantially linear pathway between the inner edge of the sash profile and the rotational clip, which linear pathway permits the insertion of a tool through the gap to access the rotational clip, thus enabling the sash profile to be released from the sash.
The sash profile is arranged to overlap a stepped portion of the outwardly-facing surface of the frame profile, which stepped portion is most preferably an inner edge portion of the outwardly-facing surface of the frame profile, thus providing a so called 'high-performance flush' or 'storm-proof' cladding arrangement. The overlap is at least in a plane parallel to the plane of the outwardly-facing surfaces of the glazing unit, sash and frame. That is to say, as viewed from the outside, an inner edge portion of the frame profile is positioned behind a corresponding edge portion of the sash profile. The overlap between the two profiles provides a more effective barrier ingress of water or the passage of air between the two profile than if, for example, there were no overlap. Moreover, the fact that the sash profile overlaps the frame profile allows this overlap to be created whilst also allowing the sash profile to be released by rotation of the rotational clips, and subsequently removed from the window assembly. If, for example, the frame profile was arranged to overlap the outwardly-facing surface of the sash profile (i.e. the opposite arrangement to that of the present invention), the sash profile would be prevented from being removed by the overlapping frame profile. In order to remove the sash profile, it would first be necessary to either remove the frame profile, or to move the sash relative to the frame by opening the window. However, where the sash is a fixed sash (i.e. the sash cannot be moved relative to the frame), the latter is not possible, meaning that the only way to release the sash profile is by removal of the frame profile.
The sash profile may also overlap the stepped portion of the outwardly-facing surface of the frame profile in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the outwardly-facing surfaces of the glazing unit, sash and frame.
Where the window or door is recessed into an opening of the building, it may not be possible to attach the frame profile by means of a rotational clip, since access to the clip would be blocked by the wall of the building on one side and the sash profile on the other, making it impossible to insert an appropriate tool to rotate the clip. For this reason, the frame profile can only be removed by pulling the frame profile away from the frame element to which it is mounted, which is likely to cause damage to the frame profile such that it requires replacement. Thus, the arrangement of present invention allows both the overlap of the sash and frame profiles, and straight-forward removal of the sash profile without the need to also remove the frame profile. This allows, for example, the sash profile to be removed to permit the glazing unit to be replaced without unnecessary damage being caused to the frame profile. According to the arrangement of the present invention, the same profiles can be installed on any fixed or outwardly-opening windows or doors.
The window or door assembly may further comprise a seal or other sealing means provided in the gap between said edge of the sash profile and the rotational clip, which sealing means is arranged to form a seal between the sash profile and the glazing unit, and/or between the sash profile and the sash. Accordingly, ingress of water into the gap between the sash profile and the sash is prevented, improving the overall weather-proofing of the assembly. The sealing means is removable to permit the insertion of a tool through the gap to the rotational clip. The sealing means may preferably be a gasket. It may alternatively be packing material provided in the gap.
The sealing means may preferably be interposed between the sash profile and the glazing unit so as to secure the glazing unit within the sash. Advantageously, the sealing means is arranged to abut the glazing unit on the outwardly-facing surface of the glazing unit. A supporting portion of the sash may be arranged to directly or indirectly abut an inwardly-facing surface of the glazing unit, such that the glazing unit is sandwiched between the sealing means and the supporting portion of the sash. The supporting portion of the sash may be in direct contact with the inwardly-facing surface of the glazing unit, or alternatively a seal may be provided between the supporting portion of the sash and the inwardly-facing surface of the glazing unit such that indirectly abuts the inwardly-facing surface of the glazing unit. The seal may be in the form of a gasket or sealing tape or another other appropriate seal.
As discussed, the outwardly-facing surface of the frame profile comprises a stepped portion. Preferably, an inner edge portion of the frame profile has a stepped configuration, wherein the inner edge of the frame profile is the longitudinal edge which is positioned closest to the sash.
The stepped portion may comprise a first section substantially parallel to the outwardly-facing surface of the frame element and extending inwardly towards the sash and glazing unit, and a second section extending outwardly from the first section (that is, away from the frame) either at right angles to the first section or at an obtuse angle to the first section. In use, the first section is at least partially overlapped by the sash profile, such that at least a part of the first section is positioned in between an outer edge region of the sash profile and the frame. Where the frame element to which the frame profile is attached is a horizontally-extending element such as a cill, the second section is liable to collect rainwater. Thus, in these circumstances, the second section is arranged to extend at an obtuse angle to the first section, such that the second section is angled downwardly in use, allowing any collected rainwater to drain away from the frame element.
A stepped pathway is preferably formed between the sash profile and the frame profile. Such an arrangement provides a significant advantage over one in which the two profiles are merely arranged to overlap, since it provides improved resistance to the ingress of water or passage of air between the sash profile and the frame profile.
The term "stepped pathway" in the context of the present specification, including the appended claims, refers to a pathway between the sash profile and the frame profile which includes one or more turns, which turns may preferably comprise an angle between approximately 45° and 90°, and most preferably comprise a turn of approximately 90°. Accordingly, any water, air or other fluid passing between the sash profile and the frame profile must navigate said one or more turn, thus providing an improved resistance to the passage of water, air or other fluid between the sash profile and frame profile.
The frame profile may comprise a plurality of interconnected frame profile members. For example, the frame profile may comprise a plurality of horizontally extending frame profile members interconnected by a plurality of vertically-extending frame profile members. Thus, the individual frame profile members can be individually formed, and subsequently joined together according to the particular frame to which the profile is to be mounted.
An outwardly-facing surface of at least one frame profile member may comprise a stepped portion having a first section substantially parallel to the exterior surface of the frame element, and a second section extending outwardly from the first section either at right angles to the first section or at an obtuse angle to the first section.
At least one frame profile member may comprises two stepped portions on opposing sides of the frame profile member. Accordingly, such a frame profile member may be positioned between two adjacent sashes (where the window or door assembly comprises two separate glazing units), allow the frame profile member to be overlapped by two sash profiles, one on either side. Such a frame profile member may be mounted to a transom or mullion of a window frame, for example.
At least one frame profile member may comprise a first stepped portion having a second section extending outwardly from a first section at an obtuse angle to the first portion, and a second stepped portion opposing the first stepped portion, the second stepped portion having a second section extending outwardly from a first section substantially at right angles to the first section. Such an arrangement is particularly useful where the frame profile member is to be mounted to a horizontally extending frame element (such as a transom). Accordingly, an upper portion of the frame profile member can, in use, be angled downwardly to allow the drainage of any collecting rainwater.
When the sash is in a closed position, an exposed portion of the outwardly-facing surface of the sash profile may be substantially flush with an exposed portion of the outwardly-facing surface of the frame profile. This arrangement provides a continuous appearance between the sash profile and the frame profile, which may be desirable for aesthetic purposes.
In preferred embodiments, an outwardly-facing surface of the glazing unit is substantially flush with the outwardly-facing surface of the sash. This provides ease of access of an appropriate tool through the gap formed between the sash profile and the glazing unit and sash. Furthermore, the overall depth of the window or door assembly when the sash profile is mounted to the sash (that is to say, the dimension of the window or door assembly from the from the outwardly-facing surface of the sash profile to an inwardly-facing surface of the sash) is thereby approximately the same as the overall depth of a standard all-timber window or door. Accordingly, the window or door assembly of the present invention can be installed within a building using standard hardware, such as standard seals and friction hinges. In particular, a window assembly according to the present invention having a sash which is installed within the frame using standard friction hinges avoids the problem of the sash profile coming into contact with the frame profile when the window is opened outwardly. Furthermore, where an existing window or door is being replaced with a window or door assembly according to the present invention, there is no need to make any unnecessary changes to features of the building in order to accommodate the window assembly, for example reconfiguration of internal window reveals is not required, since the overall depth of the window assembly is approximately the same as that of the window being replaced.
Non-limiting embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of a window assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2A is a cross-section of the window assembly of Figure 1 through line II-II;
Figure 2B is a cross-section of the window assembly of Figure 1 through line II-II, with gaskets inserted;
Figures 3A to 3C are cross-sectional views of the sash profile according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the frame profile and frame element in isolation;
Figure 5 is a front view of a window assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6 is a cross-section of the window assembly of Figure 5 through line VI-VI;
Figures 7A to 7D are cross-sections of various embodiments of the frame profile according to the present invention; and
Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the procedure for removing the sash profile from the window assembly.

With reference to the Figure 1, there is shown a window assembly 1, comprising a glazing unit 2 housed within a window frame 4. It will be appreciated that the present invention may equally be utilised within a door assembly comprising a glazing unit. The window frame 4 comprises a sash 6 housing the glazing unit 2. The window frame 4 further comprises a frame element 8, which may be any known element of a window frame, such as a sill, jamb, head, transom or mullion, for example. The sash 6 is surrounded by the frame element 8 and may be fitted within the frame element 8 in a fixed position such that the window 1 is not openable. Alternatively, the sash 6 may be fitted within the frame element 8 in an openable manner by means of a friction hinge, for example.
Cladding 10 is fitted to the exterior surfaces of the window frame 4, the cladding 10 comprising a sash profile 12 mounted to the sash 6 and a frame profile 14 mounted to the frame element 8.
Figure 2A is a cross section of the window assembly 1 through line II-II indicated in Figure 1. The cladding 10 is mounted to respective outwardly-facing surfaces 7, 9 of the sash 6 and frame element 8.
The sash profile 12 is mounted to the sash 6 by means of a rotational clip 16, which engages with a recess 18 defined by a wall 20 of the sash profile 12, as shown in greater detail in Figures 3A to 3C.
Figure 3A shows the sash profile 12 in greater detail. The recess 18 comprises a mouth 22 defined by two lips 20a, 20b of the wall 20, such that the mouth 22 of the recess 18 is narrower than a central hollow 18a of the recess 18. As shown in Figures 3B to 3D, the rotational clip 16 comprises a base portion 16a, a head portion 16b and a neck portion 16c joining the base portion 18 and the head portion 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the head portion 16b is generally rectangular, having a greater length in one direction than in another orthogonal direction. However, it will be appreciated that the head portion 16b may have any appropriate shape having a greater length in one direction than in another direction. As shown in Figure 3E, in a first orientation of the rotational clip 16, the head portion 16b and the neck portion 16c are narrower than the mouth 22 of the recess, such that the head portion 16b can be received by the recess 18 through the mouth 22 thereof.
As shown in Figure 3F, in a second orientation of the rotational clip 16, the head portion 16b is wider than the mouth 22 of the recess 18, such that the head portion 16b abuts the lips 20a, 20b of the wall 20. Accordingly, the lips 20a, 20b are sandwiched between the head portion 16b and the base portion 16a of the rotational clip 16, so as to lock the sash profile 12 to the sash 6 (as shown in Figure 2A).
The rotational clip 16 is fixed to the sash 6 by means of a screw (not shown) extending through a central channel 17 of the rotational clip 16 into the sash 6. The screw allows rotational movement of the clip 16 about a central axis of the channel 17, such that the clip 16 is moveable between an unlocked orientation (Figure 3E) and a locked orientation (Figure 3F). The clip 16 is prevented from rotating freely by means of friction with the sash 6.
Referring again to Figure 2A, the glazing unit 2 is accommodated within the sash 6 such that an outwardly-facing surface 24 of the glazing unit 2 is substantially flush with the outwardly-facing surface 7 of the sash 6. That is to say, the outwardly facing surface 24 of the glazing unit is in substantially the same plane as the outwardly-facing surface 7 of the sash 6. When the sash profile 12 is mounted to the sash 6, the base portion 16a of the rotational clip 16 acts as a spacer between the sash profile 12 and the sash 8, thereby spacing the sash profile 14 from the sash 6 and the glazing unit 2. Accordingly, a first gap 26 is provided between the sash profile 12 and the outwardly-facing surfaces 7, 24 of the sash 6 and glazing unit 2, respectively, which first gap 26 is on the glazing-side of the sash profile 6a.
The first gap 26 provides a linear pathway between the sash profile 12 and the outwardly-facing surfaces of the glazing unit 2 and the sash 6, the linear pathway extending from an first edge 28 of the sash profile 12 to the rotational clip 16, wherein the first edge 28 is that edge of the sash profile 12 which overlaps the glazing unit 2. This allows an appropriate tool to be inserted through the first gap 26 between the glazing unit 2 and sash profile 12, which tool can be used to rotate the rotational clip 16 such that the sash profile 12 can either be released from, or mounted to, the sash 6. The tool may be a spanner type tool, or other appropriate instrument, having a thickness sufficiently small to fit through the first gap 26 between the sash profile 6 and the glazing unit 2.
It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments of the present invention, the outwardly-facing surfaces of the glazing unit 2 and the sash 6 need not be substantially flush, provided that a continuous gap is provided between the sash profile 12 and the outwardly-facing surfaces 7, 24 of the sash 6 and glazing unit 2 sufficient to allow the insertion of an appropriate tool.
In the illustrated embodiment, a second gap 30 is also formed between the sash profile 8 and the outwardly-facing surface 7 of the sash 6 on an outer side of the sash profile 12 (the outer side of the sash profile 12 being the side which, in use, is positioned furthest from the glazing unit. Where the sash 6 is moveable relative to the frame element 8 (for example, where the sash 6 is an openable window sash), the sash 6 can be moved relative to the frame element 8 so as to provide access to the second gap 30, allowing the tool to be inserted through the second gap 30 so as to rotate the rotational clip 16.
However, it will be appreciated that where the sash 6 is not movable relative to the frame element 8 (for example, where the sash 6 is a fixed sash, which cannot be opened), access to the second gap 30 is blocked by the frame profile 14, thus preventing a tool from being inserted through the second gap 30 to rotate the rotational clip 16. The fact that the rotational clip 16 can be accessed from the glazing-side of the sash profile 12 through the first gap 26 means that the sash profile 12 can be always removed, if required, without first having to remove the frame profile 14 to provide access to the rotational clip 16, regardless of whether or not the sash 6 is movable relative to the frame element 8. This is particularly beneficial where the sash 6 is a fixed sash, which cannot be opened, meaning that access to the rotational clip 16 from the outer-side of the sash profile 12 through the second gap 30 is blocked by the frame profile 8.
It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments of the present invention, it is not essential that the second gap 30 is provided, and thus the sash profile 12 may be arranged to abut the sash 6 in this region.
As shown in Figure 2B, a first gasket 32 is provided in the first gap 26, the first gasket 32 being interposed between the sash profile 12 and the glazing unit 2 so as to secure the glazing unit 2 within the sash 6 and to form a weather-tight seal between the sash profile 12 and the glazing unit 2. A supporting portion 6a of the sash 6 is arranged to overlap an inwardly-facing surface 25 of the glazing unit 2 and sealing tape 35 is provided between the inwardly-facing surface 25 of the glazing unit 2 and the supporting portion 6a of the sash 6. Accordingly, the glazing unit 2 is sandwiched between the first gasket 32 and the supporting portion 6a of the sash 6 and is thereby secured within the sash 6 when the sash profile 12 and first gasket 32 are installed.
A second gasket 33 is provided in the second gap 30, the second gasket 33 being interposed between the sash profile 12 and the sash 6, so as to form a weather-tight seal. A third gasket 34 is provided in a gap between the sash 6 and the frame element 8, so as to form a weather-tight seal between the sash 6 and the frame element 8.
Referring back to Figure 2A, an outer edge 27 of the sash profile 12 overlaps an inner edge 36 of the frame profile 14, such that the sash profile 12 covers a portion 38b of an outwardly-facing surface 38 of the frame profile 6b. By overlapping the sash profile 12 with the frame profile 14 in this way, the profiles 12, 14 in combination provide a so-called `high-performance flush' or 'storm-proof' cladding 10, which is resistant to ingress of water and airflow through the cladding 10, thus providing additional insulation and weather-proofing to the window assembly 1 by forming a continuous barrier. At the same time, the fact that the sash profile 12 overlaps the outwardly-facing surface 38 of the frame profile 14 (rather than vice versa) allows the window 1 to be opened outwardly, where the sash 6 is an openable sash. Furthermore, this overlapping arrangement allows the sash profile 12 to be removed from the sash 6 without the need to first open the window assembly 1, or to first remove the frame profile 14. Thus, the cladding 10 can be equally applied to windows having fixed sashes and openable sashes. The majority of window assemblies will have a mixture of fixed sashes and openable sashes, and thus the present invention provides a cladding which can be applied to both fixed and outwardly-opening sashes, meaning that the same cladding can be applied to the whole window assembly (and all window assemblies and door assemblies within a building), which cladding can be readily removed without damage thereto.
As shown in Figure 2B, the second gasket 33 is also interposed between the sash profile 12 and the frame profile 14 so as to form a weather-tight seal between the two profiles.
For clarity, figure 4 shows the frame profile 14 and frame element 8 of Figure 2 in isolation. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, the outwardly-facing surface 38 of the frame profile 6b comprises a stepped portion 40, the stepped portion 40 comprising the innermost edge 36 of the frame profile 14. The outer edge 27 of the sash profile 12 therefore overlaps the stepped portion 40 of the frame profile 6b, such that, in use, the outwardly-facing surface 38 of the frame profile comprises a visible section 38a and a covered section 38b, the covered section 38b being substantially covered by the overlap of the sash profile 14 (as shown in Figure 2A).
This stepped arrangement of the frame profile 14 has the advantage that the distance by which the outwardly-facing surface 9 of the frame element 8 must be set back from the outwardly facing-surface 7 of the sash 6 in order to allow an overlap between the sash profile 12 and the frame profile 14 is minimised. Furthermore, a stepped pathway between the sash profile 12 and the frame profile 14 is provided, which provides improved resistance to water ingress through the stepped pathway, as well as an improved resistance to the passage of air through the pathway, thus enhancing the overall weather-resistance of the window assembly 1. Provision of the stepped portion 40 allows the visible section 38a of the outwardly-facing surface 38 of the frame profile 14 to be aligned in substantially the same plane as an outwardly-facing surface 41 of the sash profile 12, as shown in Figure 2A. This also provides the cladding 10 with an improved aesthetic appearance when installed, since the visible surfaces of the sash profile 12 and the frame profile 14 are substantially flush, whilst maintaining the advantages of the overlapped profiles discussed above. In addition to this, when viewed from the outside of a building in which the assembly 1 is installed, there is no visible gap between the sash profile 12 and the frame profile 14, providing a continuous appearance of a single material. That is to say, it is not possible to see the underlying sash 6 and/or frame 8, which may be formed of timber, for example. Further to the aesthetic benefits, this also ensures that no part of the sash or frame will be exposed in use, thus improving the weather-proofing of the cladding.
As shown in Figure 4, the stepped portion 40 of the frame profile 6b has a first section 42 which is substantially parallel to the outwardly facing surface 8b of the frame element 8, and a second section 44 which extends outwardly from the first portion 42 at an obtuse angle to the first portion 42. Accordingly, in use, where the frame element 8 to which the frame profile 14 is attached is a horizontally extending frame structure (such as a cill), the second section 44 of the stepped portion 40 is angled downwardly such that any rainwater which might come into contact with the second section 44 drains away from the frame element 8. However, it will be appreciated that where the frame element 8 is a vertically extending structure, or where rainwater is not likely to collect on the second section 44 of the stepped edge (for example, where, in use, the frame profile 14 is oriented such that the second section 44 of the stepped portion 40 faces downwards), there is no requirement for the second section 44 to extend from the first section at an obtuse angle. In such cases, the second section 44 of the stepped portion 40 may, for example, extend outwardly from the first portion 42 substantially at right angles to the first portion 42, or at other angles.
It will be appreciated that a window or door assembly will comprise a plurality of inter-connected frame elements, such as cills, jambs, transoms, mullions or frame heads, which combine to form the frame of the window or door assembly. A plurality of interconnected frame profile members having different configurations according to the particular frame element to which they are attached will therefore be required. However, a common feature of each of the frame profile members of the present invention is that they are configured to have a portion which is overlapped by the sash profile, as describe in detail above.
Figure 5 provides an illustration of a window assembly having two glazing units 102, 102', each glazing unit 102, 102' being provided with an sash profile 112, 112' comprising a plurality of inter-connected sash profile members 113a-d, 113a-d', which extend in both vertical and horizontal directions. The sash profiles 112, 112' are surrounded by a frame profile 114, the frame profile comprising a plurality of inter-connected frame profile members 115a-e, which extend in vertical and horizontal directions. Figure 6 shows a cross section of the window assembly through line VI-VI indicated in Figure 5. As shown, each of the sash profile members 113a-d, 113a-d' is identical in cross-section and is orientated according to the part of the sash 106, 106' which it is being used to cover. However, the particular configuration of the frame profile members 115a-e is varied according to the part of the frame element 108 which the particular frame profile member is being used to cover.
A first frame profile member 115c is mounted to a cill 108a of the frame element 108 and has the configuration of the frame profile 14 illustrated in Figure 2.
A second frame profile member 115a is mounted to a head 108c of the frame element 108. In this case, an outwardly-extending second section 144a of the stepped portion 140a of the second frame profile member 115a extends outwardly from the first section 142a substantially at right angles, since the orientation of the second frame profile member 115a does not require the second portion 144a to be angled for the drainage of water.
A third frame profile member 115e is mounted to a horizontally-extending transom 108b of the frame element 108. Since the third frame profile member 115e is adjacent to two sash profile members 113c, 113a', one on either side, the third frame profile member 115e is provided with and upper stepped portion 140e which is overlapped by sash profile member 113c on one side of the third frame profile member 115e, and a lower stepped portion 140e' which is overlapped by sash profile member 113a' on the other side of the third frame profile member 115e. The upper stepped portion 140e has a second section 144e which extends at an obtuse angle to a first section 142e thereof, to allow the drainage of any collecting rainwater. However, since the lower stepped portion 140e' faces downwardly there is no risk of collecting rainwater, and thus a second section 144e' of the lower stepped portion 140e' extends substantially at right angles to a first section 142e' thereof. However, it will be appreciated that in other variations of the frame profile member, the respective second sections of the upper and lower stepped portions may both extend at obtuse angles relative to their associated first sections, or may both extend substantially at right angles to their associated first sections. For example, where the frame profile member is intended to be mounted to a vertically-extending mullion, it is not necessary for either of the respective second sections of the opposing stepped portions to be provided at an obtuse angle to the associated first section, since there is no risk of collecting rainwater on either second section.
Figures 7A to 7D show cross-sections of four variations of the frame profile member 14a-d, each being appropriate for a different type of frame element 8a-d. Each frame profile 14a-d member comprises at least one stepped portion 40a-d, which in use would be overlapped by an adjacent sash profile member (not shown). The frame profile member 14a of Figure 7B corresponds to the first frame profile member 115c of Figure 6, and would be appropriate for mounting to a frame cill. The frame profile member 14b of Figure 7A corresponds to the second frame profile member 115a of Figure 6, and would be appropriate for mounting to a frame head. The frame profile members of Figures 6C and 6D each comprise two stepped portions 40c, 40d on opposing sides of the respective frame profile members 14c, 14d. The frame profile member 14c of Figure 7C would be appropriate for mounting to a vertically-extending mullion. The frame profile member 14d of Figure 7D would be appropriate for mounting to a horizontally extending transom and.
With reference to Figure 8, the procedure for removing the sash profile 12 is illustrated. Firstly, the gasket 32 interposed between the sash profile 12 and the glazing unit 2 is removed by gouging a portion thereof out of the gap using a knife or other appropriate tool, followed by pulling out the remainder of the gasket 32. It will be appreciated that any appropriate means may be used to remove the gasket 32. After this, a tool 50 can be inserted through the inner side gap 23 as indicated by the broken arrow in Figure 8. The tool 50 can then be used to rotate the rotational clips (not shown), thus releasing the sash profile and allowing its removal from the sash 6. As can be seen from Figure 8, access to the rotational clip is only required from the inner side of the sash profile 12, and thus it is possible to remove the sash profile 12 without requiring access from the outer side thereof. As illustrated, access to the outer side gap of the sash profile 12 is blocked by the frame profile 14, meaning that the sash profile 12 can be removed without the window 1 needing to be opened or the frame profile 14 needing to be removed, which is particularly beneficial if the sash 6 is a fixed structure such as a fixed sash. Thus if the glazing unit 2 needs replacing, this can be done without any damage being rendered to either the inner or frame profiles 12, 14.
The invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, given by way of example only. It will be appreciated that within the scope of the appended claims, different arrangements of the system are possible.

Claims

A window or door assembly (1) comprising a glazing unit (2) housed within a frame (4), the frame comprising a sash (6) accommodating the glazing unit (2), and a plurality of vertically and horizontally extending frame elements (8) surrounding the sash (6), the assembly further comprising a sash profile (12) mounted to an outwardly-facing surface of the sash (6), and a frame profile (14) mounted to an outwardly-facing surface of at least one of the frame elements (8), wherein the outwardly-facing surface (38) of the frame profile (14) comprises a stepped portion (40), and wherein the sash profile (12) overlaps the stepped portion (40) of the outwardly-facing surface (38) of the frame profile (14)
characterised in that:
- the sash profile (12) is releasably mounted to the sash (6) by means of a rotational clip (16), so as to overlap an edge of the glazing unit (2); and

- a gap (26) is provided between the sash profile (12) and outwardly-facing surfaces of the glazing unit (2) and sash (16), which gap (26) extends from an edge (28) of the sash profile (12) which overlaps the glazing unit (2) to the rotational clip (16) and provides a substantially linear pathway from said edge (28) of the sash profile (12) to the rotational clip (16), which linear pathway is arranged to permit the insertion of a tool (50) through the gap (26) to access the rotational clip (16) .
A window or door assembly (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a sealing means (32) provided in the gap (26) between said edge (28) of the sash profile (12) and the rotational clip (16), which sealing means (32) is arranged to form a seal between the sash profile (12) and the glazing unit (2), and/or between the sash profile (12) and the sash (6), the sealing means (32) being removable to permit the insertion of a tool (50) through the gap (26) to the rotational clip (16).
A window or door assembly (1) according to claim 2, wherein the sealing means (32) in interposed between the sash profile (12) and the glazing unit (2) so as to secure the glazing unit (2) within the sash (6).
A window or door assembly (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the sealing means (32) is a gasket.
A window or door assembly (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the stepped portion (40) comprises a first section (42) substantially parallel to the outwardly-facing surface of said frame element (8), and a second section (44) extending outwardly from the first section (42), and wherein the first section (42) is at least partially overlapped by the sash profile (12) in use.
A window or door assembly (1) according to claim 5, wherein the second section (144a, 144e') extends outwardly from the first section (142a, 142e') at right angles to the first section (142a, 142e') or wherein the second section (44, 144e) extends outwardly from the first section (42, 142e) at an obtuse angle to the first section (42, 142e).
A window or door assembly (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein a stepped pathway is formed between the sash profile (12) and the frame profile (14).
A window or door assembly (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame profile (114) comprises a plurality of interconnected frame profile members (115a-e).
A window or door assembly (1) according to claim 8, wherein an outwardly-facing surface of at least one frame profile member (115a, 115e) comprises a stepped portion (140a, 140e) having a first section (142a, 142e) substantially parallel to the exterior surface of the frame element (108b, 108c), and a second section (144a, 144e) extending outwardly from the first section (142a, 142e).
A window or door assembly (1) according to claim 9, wherein the second section (144a) of said stepped portion (140a) extends outwardly from the first section (142a) at right angles to the first section (144a) or wherein the second section (144e) of said stepped portion (140e) extends outwardly from the first section (142e) at an obtuse angle to the first section (142e).
A window or door assembly (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein at least one frame profile member (115e) comprises two stepped portions (140e, 140e') on opposing sides of the frame profile member (115e).
A window or door assembly (1) according to claim 11, wherein said at least one frame profile member (115e) comprises a first stepped portion (140e) having a second section (144e) extending outwardly from a first section (142e) at an obtuse angle to the first section (142e), and a second stepped portion (140e') opposing the first stepped portion (140e), the second stepped portion (140e') having a second section (144e') extending outwardly from a first section (142e') substantially at right angles to the first section (142e').
A window or door assembly (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein, when the sash (6) is in a closed position, an exposed portion of the outwardly-facing surface of the sash profile (12) is substantially flush with an exposed portion of the outwardly-facing surface of the frame profile (14).
A window or door assembly (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein a portion of the outwardly-facing surface of the frame profile (14) is substantially flush with an outwardly-facing surface of the sash profile (12).
A window or door assembly (1) according to any preceding claim, where an outwardly-facing surface (24) of the glazing unit (2) is substantially flush with the outwardly-facing surface (7) of the sash (6).