EP4610448A1

EP4610448A1 - Modular wooden counterframe system for pitched roof windows

Info

Publication number: EP4610448A1
Application number: EP25160492.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Nicola Faedo
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2024-02-27
Filing date: 2025-02-27
Publication date: 2025-09-03
Also published as: IT202400004171A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular system for making counterframes (36) in particular for windows (44) with pitched roofs (38). The modular system provides for the assembly of a plurality of frames (28, 28a, 28b) in turn formed by groups of four battens (10, 10', 14, 14', 10a, 10b, 14a, 14b) with defined heights (A, B; H1, H2, H3), which define a kind of kit, to construct the counterframe (36) with the height (H) determined, preferably directly on the construction site.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention belongs to the construction sector and in particular to the installation of windows or skylights in pitched roofs. The invention, specifically, concerns the wooden counterframes to be inserted into the structural holes of the roof to then accommodate the window.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A window to be installed in a roof must comply with the requirements of thermal and acoustic insulation, as well as water tightness and air tightness. For the installation of the window, the roof has a structural hole into which a false frame or counterframe is placed, in which an insulating frame or an insulating panel is usually inserted first and then inside this the actual window. The window and the roof are then further connected by a waterproofing and breathable collar. Finally, connections between the window and the roof can be installed externally and a vapour barrier can be installed internally.
On the construction site, in practice, the structural holes often do not have measurements that are reproducible and exact or compatible with the window to be inserted so as to be able to provide a standard counterframe for the mounting of the window. In addition, the specific counterframes made on site for each window to be installed often have dimensional defects and must still be adapted to the structural hole and the relative window.
For each specific situation, therefore for each pair of a structural hole and its window, it is necessary to prepare a customised counterframe which is usually a wooden frame formed by four battens. Customised preparation is demanding not only from an economic point of view, but also from the point of view of the time required for this purpose.
Outside the field of counterframes and their function in the construction industry are multiframe structures or modules to prevent soil erosion, as described, for example, in the Korean document KR 200 410 582 Y1 , which also due to the gaps between the individual frames are not suitable for use as counterframes.
The window frame proposed in the Polish document PL 218 383 B1 is also not a counterframe. The adapting frame described there allows the positioning of the window on a curved roof, it does not perform the function of a counterframe, which serves to achieve the necessary thickness for the correct positioning of the window, i.e. to obtain a framing in the perimeter around the window or door standing finish that is to be inserted inside the counterframe.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and to propose a counterframe that is easy and precise to produce. Another object of the invention is to propose a system for the construction of counterframes that is universal and adaptable to different roofing stacks and related windows.
In a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved through a modular wooden counterframe system for pitched roof windows comprising:

(a) a first group of four battens comprising:
- (a-1) a first pair of first battens having a first overall length;
- (a-2) a second pair of second battens having a second overall length,
wherein
- said first and said second overall length are preferably different;
- each end of each batten is preferably provided with at least one hole;
- each end of each batten is provided with a shaping such that the shaping of a first batten and the shaping of a second batten are compatible with each other to couple them in a geometric form for the purpose of forming a right angle between a first batten and a second batten;
(b) at least a second group of four battens with the characteristics described for the first group of four battens;
wherein the battens of the first group of four battens and the battens of the second group of four battens have the same height or, preferably, a different height; and
(c) optionally, in addition to the first and second group of four battens, one or more further groups of four battens having the characteristics described for the first group of four battens wherein the battens of each further group of four battens have the same or, preferably, a different height than the battens of the first and/or second group of four battens;
wherein
1. (i) the battens are present in unassembled form forming a kit for the production of a counterframe; or
2. (ii) the battens are present in an assembled form wherein the four battens of each group of four battens form a frame and a plurality of said frames are superimposed forming one or more counterframes.

In the technical field, the word 'frame' can be replaced by the word 'module', which expresses the concept that the modular counterframe according to the invention consists of several modules, each of which is composed of the corresponding four battens.
The counterframe obtainable according to the invention is no longer a frame with four battens customised as a result of measurements taken on the roof, but has become a modular system of counterframes that makes it possible to prepare at low cost and with high precision of the individual elements, groups of battens, which then form, combined as required by the relative pair of roofing and window stack, a counterframe with precise measurements. The battens can be produced with high precision by simple means. The artisan is no longer forced to go to the construction site twice, the first time to take the measurements for the necessary counterframe and the second time to install the customised counterframe. With the modular system according to the invention, the artisan arrives on the construction site with the modular system and combines various groups of battens in order to obtain the counterframe with the desired height using pre-cut battens. The pre-cut battens therefore provide a customised counterframe advantageously at right angles. Thereby, the customised counterframe has practically become a kind of pre-cut or standard counterframe.
In the unassembled form of the battens, or in their semi-assembled form (possibly already forming relative frames), the modular system according to the invention becomes a kit for the production of counterframes with exact measurements. In the case of assembled battens to form a counterframe, the modular system according to the invention represents a counterframe or a group of counterframes.
An embodiment of the invention provides that the modular counterframe system further comprises

(d) at least one window which in the unassembled version (i) of the battens is part of the kit for the production of a counterframe and which in the assembled version (ii) of the battens is mounted within the counterframe; and/or
(e) at least one insulating frame which in the unassembled version (i) of the battens is part of the kit for the production of a counterframe and which in the assembled version (ii) of the battens is mounted within the counterframe.

According to the invention, it is possible to sell, for each window and possibly its relative insulating frame, a specific kit that already comprises, in addition to the window and/or the relative insulating frame, the elements to construct the corresponding counterframe.
The woodworking industry offers various connection options to form frames from battens. In the case of the present invention, a connection in which said shapings are 90° cuts adapted to form a half-lap corner joint has proved to be particularly advantageous. This shapings therefore involve the removal of parallelepipeds, through their entire thickness, at both ends of the batten for a portion of their height. A kind of shoulder is then formed on the end of the batten.
To facilitate and speed up the mounting of the counterframe on the construction site, a preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the modular counterframe system further comprises fixing means, preferably wood screws with countersunk heads, for connecting said battens and said frames therebetween to form the counterframe, wherein said fixing means are preferably compatible with relative holes applied in said battens. Obviously, other fixing means known in the art are also conceivable.
In order to be able to react to different needs on the construction site, i.e. structural holes prepared in one way or another, an embodiment of the invention provides a combination of battens, a kind of starter kit, which makes it possible to provide, for example, a counterframe for each window provided in the roof. Advantageously, the modular system of counterframes according to the invention comprises for each counterframe of a certain number n of counterframes five groups of four battens having the first and second overall length corresponding to the sides of the respective counterframe, wherein n is a non-zero natural number and wherein the five groups of four battens each comprise battens with the same height, but with a different height from each other group of four battens, and precisely of the groups of four battens wherein the battens have a height of 5 cm, 6 cm, 8 cm, 10 cm and 12 cm respectively. The kit therefore comprises 5 x n groups of four battens, therefore 5 modules for each hypothetical counterframe.
The measurements in cm indicated are to be understood as including the tolerances allowed in the wood construction sector, and comprise in the specific case a tolerance of +/- 2 mm, preferably +/- 1 mm.
The heights indicated with the starter kit make it possible to combine any height of the counterframe between 10 and 30 cm and also provide single frames that could serve as a counterframe alone. With a free composition there are no height limits.
Alternatively, it is conceivable to propose modular systems, in particular batten kits, which provide combinations of specific battens, i.e. already corresponding to certain heights of the counterframe measured previously, for each window to be mounted with the free choice between the above heights, also allowing more groups of four battens with the same height, thus reducing the number of frames necessary for the construction of the counterframe. Preferably, a modular counterframe system according to the invention comprises for each counterframe of a certain number n of counterframes, wherein n is a non-zero natural number and wherein each counterframe has a determined height, a plurality of groups of four battens each with battens of a defined height wherein the defined heights of the battens may be the same or different between one group of four battens and the other and wherein the defined heights of each group of four battens are added to make up the determined height of the respective counterframe, wherein the defined heights are chosen from 5 cm, 6 cm, 8 cm, 10 cm and 12 cm.
Obviously, in both alternatives, other "sub-heights" of the counterframe could also be provided, which are reflected in the defined heights of the battens, but the combination of the five heights defined above has proved to be very viable on the construction site.
The concept of the invention is very simple, but at the same time very versatile and universal in its adaptation to the specific situation on the construction site.
A second aspect of the invention concerns a pitched roof that comprises:

(a) a modular counterframe system according to the invention in the assembled state, thereby forming at least one counterframe;
(b) a structural hole on which said at least one counterframe is inserted; and optionally
(c) an insulating frame inserted into said at least one counterframe and
(d) a window inserted in said insulating frame.

A third aspect of the invention relates to a process for the production of one or more wooden counterframes for pitched roof windows comprising the following steps:

(I) providing an unassembled modular counterframe system according to the invention;
(II) construction of a frame from each group of four battens necessary for the construction of the respective counterframe;
(III) superimposing the frames constructed in step (II) and fixing them together.

The battens and consequently the frames or modules, subject of the invention, are made of wood, preferably raw wood.
The invention therefore simplifies, thanks to the modular principle, the production of wooden counterframes, and in a fourth aspect of the invention also the installation of the same on the roof. In fact, a procedure for the installation of a pitched roof window in a pitched roof comprises the following steps:

(I) providing a modular counterframe system according to the invention;
(II) constructing said at least one counterframe with said modular counterframe system;
(III) application of said at least one counterframe to a structural hole of a pitched roof; and optionally
(IV) insertion of an insulating frame into said at least one counterframe, and
(V) insertion of a window into said insulating frame.

The modular counterframe system and the process for its production can also be in an equivalent manner applied to flat roof windows and consequently to flat roofs.
A further aspect of the invention relates to a use of the modular counterframe system according to the invention in the application of windows in flat roofs.
The features and advantages described for one aspect of the invention may be transferred mutatis mutandis, to the other aspects of the invention.
The industrial applicability is obvious since the artisan, facing any stack height of roofing in a roof, no longer needs to produce a specific customised counterframe as in the past, but has a modular universal counterframe system adaptable to any need for a specific stack height of the roofing and window.
As will be shown in detail below, the combination of battens with certain heights makes it possible to produce a counterframe with the relative "composite" total height.
Said objects and advantages will be further highlighted during the description of preferred embodiment examples of the invention provided by way of non-limiting example only.
Variants and further features of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims. The description of preferred embodiments of the modular counterframe system, whether in the form of a kit for the production of a counterframe or the counterframe itself, the relative roof, the method for the production of the counterframe and the method for the mounting of the counterframe on the roof according to the invention is provided by way of example and not limitation with reference to the attached drawings. In particular, unless otherwise specified, the number, shape, size and materials of the system and of the individual components may vary, and equivalent elements may be applied without deviating from the inventive concept.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT EXAMPLES

Fig. 1: shows in a side view a first batten for a counterframe.
Fig. 2: shows in a side view a second batten for a counterframe.
Fig. 3: shows in a perspective view the batten of Fig. 1.
Fig. 4: shows in a perspective view the batten of Fig. 2.
Fig. 5: shows a set of battens useful for producing a frame of a counterframe forming a modular package.
Figs. 6 a-c: show in perspective views the different phases of the mounting of a counterframe.
Fig. 7: shows in a perspective view the mounted counterframe of Fig. 6c showing various dimensions.
Fig. 8: shows in an exploded perspective view from above a roof with the various elements for mounting a window.

Fig. 1 shows in a side view a first batten 10 for a counterframe. 90° cuts 12 were applied to the ends so that the ends have an L shape. The overall length of the batten 10 corresponds to L2, while the length of the cut part corresponds to L1. The height of the batten 10 is denoted by A which is subdivided into the height A2 of the length zone L2 of the batten 10 and the height A1 of the length zone L1 of the batten 10.
Fig. 2 shows in a side view a second batten 14 for the same counterframe. 90° cuts 16 were applied to the ends so that the ends have an L shape. The overall length of the batten 14 corresponds to L4, while the length of the cut part corresponds to L3. The height of the batten 14 is denoted by B which is subdivided into the height B2 of the length zone L4 of the batten 14 and the height B1 of the length zone L3 of the batten 14.
Window manufacturers, such as VELUX^®, usually indicate the measurements L1 and L3 for a correct construction of the counterframes with the insertion of respective insulating frames.
The battens 10 and 14 of Figures 1 and 2 have different lengths and represent respectively the short sides and the long sides of a frame to be produced from them. Each frame or module therefore requires two first battens 10 and two second battens 14 forming a group of four battens. The counterframe according to the invention is then formed by a plurality, i.e. at least two of these frames or two of these modules.
Fig. 3 shows in a perspective view the batten 10 of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 shows in a perspective view the batten 14 of Fig. 2. The drawings of Figures 3 and 4 show further dimensions, the thickness S1 of the batten 10 and the thickness S2 of the batten 14. The thicknesses S1 and S2 are constant throughout the entire batten 10, 14. The measurement C1 shows the depth of the 90° cut 12 and is equal to the depth of the 90° cut 16. The 90° cuts 12, 16 are shapings of the ends of the battens 10 and 14. Figures 3 and 4 also show, respectively, holes 18 and 20 which serve to fix the battens 10 and 14 between them.
Fig. 5 shows an assembly, i.e. a package or a kit 24, of battens 10, 10', 14, 14' useful for the production of a counterframe. The battens 10, 10', 14, 14' are in unassembled form held together by two polymeric tapes 22 and/or by screws. The combination of the battens 10, 10', 14, 14' serves to produce a frame or module of the counterframe. Multiple packs, with the same height or a different height of the battens, are then used to produce a counterframe with the appropriate dimensions for a given window and a given roofing stack.
Figs. 6 a-c show in perspective views the different phases of the mounting of a counterframe 36. In Figure 6a, the battens 10, 10', 14, 14', which are part of a modular kit M for the production of a frame or module 28 (Figure 6b), are arranged to form a rectangle, overlapping the 90° cuts 12, 16 so as to fit them geometrically to form right angles 26 (Figure 6b). Wood screws with countersunk head 30 are, in Fig. 6b, inserted into the holes 18 and 20 to fix the battens 10, 10', 14, 14' between them and form the frame 28. Wood screws with the countersunk head 32 are used to fix different frames 28, 28a, 28b produced in the same way between them. As shown in Figures 6a and 6b, two other frames 28a and 28b are made, respectively make up of a first pair of battens 14a, 14b and a second pair of battens 10a, 10b. The three frames 28, 28a, 28b have different heights (Fig. 6c) to correspond to the needs dictated by the roofing stack height (not shown) and different lengths to meet the needs dictated by the type of window to be installed. The three assembled frames 28, 28a, 28b form a counterframe 36. The angular junction brackets 34 are used to fix the counterframe to the roof (not shown).
In embodiments of the invention, the angular junction brackets may be part of the modular wooden counterframe system according to the invention.
Fig. 7 shows in a perspective view the mounted counterframe 36 of Fig. 6c showing various dimensions. The lengths L1 and L3 correspond to those indicated in Figures 1 to 4. The dimension H instead indicates the total height of the frame 36, while the individual dimensions H1, H2 and H3 correspond to the different heights of the individual frames 28, 28a, 28b.
Fig. 8 shows in an exploded perspective view from above a pitched roof 38 with various elements for mounting the window 44. The counterframe 36, which receives first the insulating frame 42 and subsequently the window 44, is mounted on the structural hole 40 of the roof 38.
The structure formed by counterframe 36, insulating frame 42 and actual window 44 is sealingly connected to the roof by means of the waterproofing collar 46. The insulating frame 42, the window 44 and the waterproofing collar 46 are only mentioned schematically, as they are widely known in the state of the art.

The following tables indicate measurements of battens useful for the production of counterframes for windows on the market, for example for windows from the VELUX^® group.

Table 1 - Measurements for the first batten 10

Height A	L1 = 52 cm	L1 = 60 cm	L1 = 71 cm	L1 = 83 cm	L1 = 99 cm	L1 = 119 cm	L1 = 139 cm
5 cm	BK 5	CK 5	FK 5	MK 5	PK 5	SK 5	UK 5
6 cm	BK 6	CK 6	FK 6	MK 6	PK 6	SK 6	UK 6
8 cm	BK 8	CK 8	FK 8	MK 8	PK 8	SK 8	UK 8
10 cm	BK 10	CK 10	FK 10	MK 10	PK 10	SK 10	UK 10
12 cm	BK 12	CK 12	FK 12	MK 12	PK 12	SK 12	UK 12

For each height A indicated, battens 10 with different lengths L1 can be provided, as indicated in Table 1. Each combination is designated with a two-letter code that identifies the length L1 and a number that identifies the height A.

Table 2 - Measurements for the second batten 14

Height B	L3 = 59 cm	L3 = 74 cm	L3 = 82 cm	L3 = 102 cm	L3 = 122 cm	L3 = 144 cm	L3 = 164 cm
5 cm	25 5	01 5	02 5	04 5	06 5	08 5	10 5
6 cm	25 6	01 6	02 6	04 6	06 6	08 6	10 6
8 cm	25 8	01 8	02 8	04 8	06 8	08 8	10 8
10 cm	25 10	01 10	02 10	04 10	06 10	08 10	10 10
12 cm	25 12	01 12	02 12	04 12	06 12	08 12	10 12

For each height B indicated, battens 14 with different lengths L3 can be provided, as indicated in Table 2. Each combination is designated with a first number identifying the length L3 and a second number identifying the height B.
The above battens are, for example, useful for creating a counterframe for any type of window from the series of pitched roof windows from the VELUX^® group currently on the market, by choosing the appropriate combination of battens.

Example 1

The combination of two UK 6 battens, two UK 10 battens, two UK 12 battens, two 04 6 battens, two 04 10 battens and two 04 12 battens provides a stack for constructing a UK (L1 = 139 cm) 04 (L3 = 102 cm) type counterframe with an overall counterframe height H of 28 cm.

Example 2

The combination of two MK 5 battens, two MK 6 battens, two MK 10 battens, two 06 5 battens, two 06 6 battens and two 06 10 battens provides a stack for constructing an MK (L1 = 83 cm) 06 (L3 = 122 cm) type counterframe with an overall height H of the counterframe of 21 cm.

Example 3

The combination of two CK 8 battens, two CK 10 battens, two CK 12 battens, two 01 8 battens, two 01 10 battens and two 01 12 battens provides a stack for constructing a CK (L1 = 60 cm) 01 (L3 = 74 cm) type counterframe with an overall height H of the counterframe of 30 cm.

A starter kit for each window measurement consists of five groups of four battens with five different heights A, B. Different heights of the battens can be combined to make up the desired overall height H of the counterframe:

Table 3 - Compatibility of counterframes 36 with battens with heights of 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12 cm

Overall height H [cm]	Composition of elements with starter kit*	Composition of free elements*
8	8	8
10	10	10
11	5 + 6	5 + 6
12	12	12
13	5 + 8	5 + 8
14	6 + 8	6 + 8
15	5 + 10	5 + 10 or 7 + 8
16	6 + 10	6 + 10 or 8 + 8
17	5 + 12	5 + 12 or 10 + 7
18	8 + 10	8 + 10
19	5 + 6 + 8	5 + 6 + 8
20	8 + 12	8 + 12 or 10 + 10
21	5 + 6 + 10	5 + 6 + 10
22	10 + 12	10 + 12
23	5 + 8 + 10	5 + 8 + 10
24	6 + 8 + 10	12 + 12
25	5 + 8 + 12	5 + 8 + 12
26	6 + 8 + 12	6 + 8 + 12
27	5 + 10 + 12	5 + 10 + 12
28	6 + 10 + 12	6 + 10 + 12
29	5 + 6 + 8 + 10	5 + 12 + 12
30	8 + 10 + 12	8 + 10 + 12

* The numbers indicated refer to the individual heights A and B respectively that must be combined to obtain the desired overall height H.

With the starter kit, which comprises a group of four battens for each group height 5 cm, 6 cm, 8 cm, 10 cm and 12 cm, it is possible to make up counterframes with any height between 10 cm and 30 cm (second column of table 3). It is preferable to make up the counterframe from as few battens as possible, in this regard specific kits are modular for each type of window that can provide not only groups of four battens of different heights (5 cm, 6 cm, 8 cm, 10 cm and 12 cm), but also more groups of four battens of the same height.
With the free composition, not linked to the starter kit or, more generally, to certain heights of the battens, there are no height limits.

Claims

A modular wooden counterframe system for pitched roof windows comprising:
(a) a first group of four battens (10, 10', 14, 14') comprising:
(a-1) a first pair of first battens (10, 10') having a first overall length (L2);

(a-2) a second pair of second battens (14, 14') having a second overall length (L4),
wherein
- said first and said second overall length (L2, L4) preferably are different;

- each end of each batten (10, 10', 14, 14') preferably being provided with at least one hole (18, 20);

- each end of each batten (10, 10', 14, 14') is provided with a shaping (12, 16) such that the shaping (12) of a first batten (10, 10') and the shaping (16) of a second batten (14, 14') are compatible with each other to couple them in a geometric form for the purpose of forming a right angle (26) between a first batten (10, 10') and a second batten (14, 14');

(b) at least a second group of four battens (10a, 14a) with the characteristics described for the first group of four battens (10, 10', 14, 14');
wherein the battens of the first group of four battens (10, 10', 14, 14') and the battens of the second group of four battens (10a, 14a) have the same height or, preferably, a different height (H1, H2, H3)); and

(c) optionally, in addition to the first and second groups of four battens, one or more further groups of four battens (10b, 14b) having the characteristics described for the first group of four battens (10, 10', 14, 14') wherein the battens of each further group of four battens have the same or, preferably, a different height (H1, H2, H3) than the battens of the first and/or second group of four battens;
wherein
(i) the battens (10, 10', 14, 14', 10a, 10b, 14a, 14b) are present in unassembled form forming a counterframe kit (36); or

(ii) the battens are present in an assembled form wherein the four battens of each group of four battens (10, 10', 14, 14') form a frame (28, 28a, 28b) and a plurality of said frames (28, 28a, 28b) are superimposed forming one or more counterframes (36).
A modular counterframe system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises
(d) at least one window (44) which in the unassembled version (i) of the battens (10, 10', 14, 14', 10a, 10b, 14a, 14b) is part of the kit for the production of a counterframe (36) and which in the assembled version (ii) of the battens (10, 10', 14, 14', 10a, 10b, 14a, 14b) is mounted directly or indirectly within the counterframe (36).
A modular counterframe system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by further comprising
(e) at least one insulating frame (42), which in the unassembled version (i) of the battens (10, 10', 14, 14', 10a, 10b, 14a, 14b) is part of the kit for the production of a counterframe (36) and which in the assembled version (ii) of the battens (10, 10', 14, 14', 10a, 10b, 14a, 14b) is mounted within the counterframe (36).
A modular counterframe system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said shapings (12, 16) are 90° cuts suitable for forming a half-lap corner joint.
A modular counterframe system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises fixing means (30, 32), preferably wood screws with a countersunk head, for connecting said battens (10, 10', 14, 14', 10a, 10b, 14a, 14b) and said frames (28, 28a, 28b) therebetween to form the counterframe (36), wherein said fixing means (30, 32) are preferably compatible with relative holes (18, 20) applied in said battens (10, 10', 14, 14', 10a, 10b, 14a, 14b).
A modular counterframe system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising for each counterframe of a given number n of counterframes (36) five groups of four battens (10, 10', 14, 14', 10a, 10b, 14a, 14b) having the first and second overall lengths (L2, L4) that correspond to the sides of the respective counterframe (36) wherein n is a natural number other than zero and wherein the five groups of four battens each comprise battens with the same height, but with a different height from each other group of four battens, namely groups of four battens wherein the battens have a height (A, B H1, H2, H3) of 5 cm, 6 cm, 8 cm, 10 cm and 12 cm respectively.
A modular counterframe system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises for each counterframe of a defined number n of counterframes (36), wherein n is a natural number other than zero and wherein each counterframe (36) has a determined height, a plurality of groups of four battens (10, 10', 14, 14', 10a, 10b, 14a, 14b) each having battens of a defined height wherein the defined heights of the battens may be the same or different between one group of four battens and the other and wherein the defined heights of each group of four battens add up to make up the determined height (H) of the respective counterframe, wherein the defined heights (A, B H1, H2, H3) are chosen from 5 cm, 6 cm, 8 cm, 10 cm and 12 cm.
A pitched roof (38) characterized by comprising:
(a) a modular counterframe system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in the assembled state, thereby forming said at least one counterframe (36);

(b) a structural hole (40) on which said at least one counterframe (36) is inserted; and optionally

(c) an insulating frame (42) inserted into said at least one counterframe (36); and

(d) a window (44) inserted in said insulating frame (42).
A process for producing one or more wooden counterframes (36) for pitched roof windows (38) comprising the following steps:
(I) providing an unassembled modular counterframe system according to any one of claims 1 to 7;

(II) construction of a frame from each group of four battens (10, 10', 14, 14', 10a, 10b, 14a, 14b) necessary for the construction of the respective counterframe (36);

(III) superimposing the frames (28, 28a, 28b) constructed in step (II) and fixing them together.
A process for installing a pitched roof window (44) in a pitched roof (38) comprising the following steps:
(I) provision of a modular counterframe system according to any one of claims 1 to 7;

(II) constructing said at least one counterframe (36) with said modular counterframe system;

(III) application of said at least one counterframe (36) to a structural hole (40) of a pitched roof (38); and optionally

(IV) insertion of an insulating frame (42) into said at least one counterframe (36); and

(V) insertion of a window (44) into said insulating frame (42).
Use of the modular counterframe system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in the application of windows in flat roofs.