GB1602284A

GB1602284A - Metal windows

Info

Publication number: GB1602284A
Application number: GB2105177A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: CREHAN E
Current assignee: CREHAN E
Priority date: 1978-05-30
Filing date: 1978-05-30
Publication date: 1981-11-11

Description

(54) IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO METAL WINDOWS (71) I, ERIC CREHAN, of 2, Eeech- croft, High Street, Dorchester-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, a British Subject, do hereby declare the invention, for which I pray as a Patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: - This invention relates to the construction of windows which are partly or principally formed of metal. The invention is primarily formed of metal. The invention is primarily, though not exclusively, applicable to windows in which the surrounding outer fixed frame is formed of timber and acts also as a "sub-frame" for mounting into brick work, masonry or some other window opening.

In the manufacture of replacement windows it is necessary to produce large numbers of non-standard size frames with non-standard component glazed panels.

The normal procedure is to measure the window opening, and decide upon the " fenestration ", and transmit the measurements to a calculation department which converts these into suitable instructions for the production section. This is the selection of the number, dimensions and pattern of component glazed panels which are to fit into the surrounding frame. From these instructions the production section will machine, saw and fabricate the components for the final window, a process which often becomes extremely complex and can cause numerous errors and wastage of time and components.

Accordingly it is one object of the present invention to provide an improved window construction which will be more readily adaptable for manufacture in numerous non-standard sizes.

Broadly stated the invention consists in a surrounding outer fixed frame, at least one glazed panel, the glazed panel being located in the frame by engagement of a projecting flange or element secured to the panel behind a projecting flange or element secured to the frame, means for preventing disengagement of said flanges or elements and means for holding the panel in the frame, the holding means being disposed at a position remote from said flanges or elements.

The means for holding the panel in the frame also constituted the means for preventing disengagement of said flanges or elements.

A part of the panel may overlap and conceal the projecting flange on the fixed frame to prevent unauthorised removal.

Additionally the window construction may further include at least one openable glazed panel mountable in the outer frame adjacent the first mentioned panel, which in a preferred embodiment provides a structural frame bar for the or each openable panel. The means for holding the panel in the frame may be accessible when the openable panel is open and may be fully concealed inacessible externally when the operable panel is closed.

The flange or element in the frame and means for holding the panel in the frame are concealed internally and externally or alternatively the means for fixing the panel may not be accessible from the outside of the construction. Preferably the means for holding the panel in the frame and/or the means for preventing disengagement of said flanges or elements are releasable.

There may be a plurality of spaced flanges or elements on the fixed outer frame.

In most cases the surrounding outer frame is formed of timber and also acts as a "sub-frame", and each of the inner panels is formed principally of metal. Preferably each of the component panels is prefabricated as a separate unit and is provided with sealing strips along at least three edges to seal against adjacent parts of the surrounding frame or of other panels. It is of particular advantage if each component panel is provided with two sets of sealing strips around at least three edges, one being a compression seal and the other a wiping seal.

From another aspect of the invention also consists in a method of fixing a glazed panel on an outer fixed frame having at least one projecting flange or element located at one edge thereof comprising the steps of engaging a projecting flange or element secured to the panel behind the projecting flange or element secured to the frame and connecting the panel to the frame to prevent disengagement of said flanges and connecting the panel to the frame at a position, remote from said flanges so as to hold the panel into the frame.

The invention may be performed in various ways and one specific embodiment with a number of possible modifications will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front elevation showing diagrammatically the main components of one form of window construction according to the invention, Figures 2 and 3 are front elevations illustrating two further forms of the invention, Figure 4 is a vertical section on a greatly enlarged scale through the window construction of Figure 1, showing details of construction, Figure 5 is a plan view on the line V-V in Figure 4, and Figure 6 is a front elevation as seen in direction of arrow VI in Figure 4.

In the window construction illustrated in Figure 1 there is a zurrounding outer fixed frame 10 formed of timber and two inner glazed panels 11, 12, the lower panel 11 being fixed while the upper panel 12 is opening and is hinged to the fixed frame along its top edge 13. The fixed frame has no internal transom and when the fixed panel 11 is installed it provides a closing bar for the opening panel 12. As a result it is unnecessary to fabricate an outer frame accurately to the specified dimensions and it becomes unnecessary to mark off the outer frame or fix transoms and mullions.

Details of the means used for securing the panels within the frame will be given below with reference to Figures 4 to 6.

In Figure 2 the window construction includes an outer surrounding fixed frame with two inner panels of which the right hand panel 16 is fixed and the left hand panel 17 is opening and is hinged along its vertical edge 18. Here again the fixed frame is constructed without mullions or transom. The construction illustrated in Figure 3 is somewhat similar to that of Figure 2, but here there is a centrally fixed panel 20 and two opening panels 21, 22, one on each side and both hinged along their vertical edges 23, 24 to the surrounding frame.

Preferring now to the construction illu stated in Figures 4 to 6, it will be noticed that the opening panel 12 on the fixed panel 11 are both generally of the same construction and like parts are indicated by the same reference numerals. In each case there is a double glazing unit 30 located in a surrounding plastics channel or glazing gasket 31 which extends around all tour edges and has fabricated mitered corner joints. This component panel is itself located within a surrounding metal frame comprising a channel extrusion indicated generally at 32. Except as mentioned below the four frame bars 32 are also mitered and joined at the corners and each is of identical cross section. Each of the channel frame bars 32 includes an outer flange 33 and an inner flange 34 to receive and locate the double glazing sub unit which is held in position by a combination of ribs 35 and inturned lips 36.

The base of the channel bar 32, as indicated clearly in the lower part of Figure 4, has an external enlarged portion 37, a step 38 and an internal shoulder 39 of somewhat reduced dimensions. This step provides a clearance space for specific purposes. Projecting from the inner flange 34 is an extruded projection 40 which provides a first groove 41 to receive a projecting flange 42 on a bracket 43 which is secured by a screw 44 to the cill 45 of the surrounding timber frame. In addition the projection 40 provides a groove for a compression sealing bead 47 which as illustrated is forced against a vertical step or shoulder 48 on the surrounding frame. The projection 40 and the flange 34 also have projecting ribs 50 which locate as an interlock fit a synthetic plastic insulating strip 51 which overlies and is spaced from the inner surfaces of these metal components and thus reduces heat loss and internal condensation. The part 37 is also formed with an undercut groove to receive a wiping sealing strip 38 which engages the lower surface of the cill.

Along the upper edge of the fixed panel 11 is secured a bar or rail 55, by means of fixing screws 56. This rail has an upstanding flange 57 and a depending flange 58, each of which is connected to a respective rearward flange 59 forming an open channel which is finally closed by a snap-fitting plastic cover strip 60. This channel provides a closing bar for the upper opening panel 12 and replaces a conventional transom. The upstanding flange 57 also co-operates with a pair of fixing plates 62 secured one on each side of the frame to the upright jambs, to hold the panel 11 in position.

In assembling the window and after constructing the timber surrounding frame and the internal metal panels, a pair of fixing brackets 43 are first secured as shown to the cill of the frame. The lower panel 11 is then offered up to the frame from the outside and the projection 40 is engaged over and behind the projecting flange 42 on each bracket. It will be noted that the upper inner surface of each flange 42 is chamfered so that as the panel is lowered into its final position where the part 37 rests on the base of the bracket, the panel is also driven inwardly so that the sealing strip 48 is compressed and the seal 38 engages and wipes over the face of the cill.

The whole panel 11 is then swung inwards until it fits against the rebate or shoulder 48, and is held in this position by screwing the fixing plates 62 to the two jambs of the frame. These bear down on the bar 55 and also bear against the upstanding flanges 57. The panel 11 therefore cannot be removed forward from the frame, and since it cannot move upwards it cannot be removed from the lower fixing brackets 43. These brackets are totally concealed and inaccessible being covered by the external projecting parts 37 of the frame, and also fully concealed and inaccessible from the internal side of the unit.

The construction of the upper opening panel 12 is essentially similar to that of panel 11, the main difference being the upper hinge fitting. For this purpose the upper frame bar 65, which is otherwise similar to the frame bars or channels 32, has a forward extruded hinge profile 66 co-operating with a hinge profile 67, secured by screws to the top rail 68 of the timber frame. In other respects this opening panel 12 is identical and needs no further description. Along its lower edge it is provided with locking catches or hinges of any suitable type to engage the channel section glazing bar 59 secured to the top edge of the fixed panel. The step or rebate 28, 39 which extends around all four edges of the panel provides clearance for the securing plates 62 and in some constructions may also provide clearance for "projected stay" hinge fittings.

It will be noted that the use of compression sealing strips 47 on the two glazed panels avoids the need for accurate dimensioning and fabrication of the surrounding frame. Also the flexibility of the wiper seals 38 will accommodate some dimensional inaccuracy, and though less efficient as seals than the elements 47, they provide a very effective two-stage sealing system preventing ingress of water even under high wind loading.

Referring again fo the construction of Figure 2 it will be noted that the fixed panel 16 is located by a pair of brackets 43 along its lower edge and also by a further pair of similar brackets 70 along.

its outer vertical edge. To assemble this panel 16 it is first engaged with the brackets 43, while shifted slightly clear of the brackets 70, and then after it has been pressed home to an upright position it is slid to the right to engage the brackets 70 and finally secured by fixing the two plates 71 to the surrounding frame while the other panel 17 is open. In the construction illustrated in Figure 3 the centre panel 20 is secured by engaging behind a pair of brackets 72 on the cill of the frame after which the panel is located by securing plates 73 to the frame at all four corners, again with the opening panels in their open positions.

WHAT I CLAIM IS: - 1. A window construction including a surrounding outer fixed frame, at least one glazed panel, the glazed panel being located in the frame by engagement of a projecting flange or element secured to the panel behind a projecting flange or element secured to the frame, means for preventing disengagement of said flanges or elements and means for holding the panel in the frame, and holding means being disposed at a position remote from said flanges or elements.

2. A window construction as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for holding the panel in the frame also constitute the means for preventing disengagement of said flanges or elements.

3. A window construction as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a part of the panel overlaps and conceals the projecting flange on the fixed frame to prevent unauthorised removal.

4. A window construction as claimed in claim 1 to claim 3, wherein, the means for fixing the panel are not accessible from the outside of the construction.

5. A window construction as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the means for holding the panel in the frame and/or the means for preventing disengagement of said flanges or elements are releasable.

6. A window construction as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein there are a plurality of spaced flanges or elements on the fixed outer frame.

7. A window construction as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising at least one openable glazed panel mountable in the outer frame adjacent the first mentioned panel.

8. A window construction as claimed in claim 7 wherein the first mentioned panel provides a structural frame bar for the or each openable panel.

9. A window construction as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the means for holding the panel in the frame are accessible when the openable panel is open and

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. to the cill of the frame. The lower panel 11 is then offered up to the frame from the outside and the projection 40 is engaged over and behind the projecting flange 42 on each bracket. It will be noted that the upper inner surface of each flange 42 is chamfered so that as the panel is lowered into its final position where the part 37 rests on the base of the bracket, the panel is also driven inwardly so that the sealing strip 48 is compressed and the seal 38 engages and wipes over the face of the cill. The whole panel 11 is then swung inwards until it fits against the rebate or shoulder 48, and is held in this position by screwing the fixing plates 62 to the two jambs of the frame. These bear down on the bar 55 and also bear against the upstanding flanges 57. The panel 11 therefore cannot be removed forward from the frame, and since it cannot move upwards it cannot be removed from the lower fixing brackets 43. These brackets are totally concealed and inaccessible being covered by the external projecting parts 37 of the frame, and also fully concealed and inaccessible from the internal side of the unit. The construction of the upper opening panel 12 is essentially similar to that of panel 11, the main difference being the upper hinge fitting. For this purpose the upper frame bar 65, which is otherwise similar to the frame bars or channels 32, has a forward extruded hinge profile 66 co-operating with a hinge profile 67, secured by screws to the top rail 68 of the timber frame. In other respects this opening panel 12 is identical and needs no further description. Along its lower edge it is provided with locking catches or hinges of any suitable type to engage the channel section glazing bar 59 secured to the top edge of the fixed panel. The step or rebate 28, 39 which extends around all four edges of the panel provides clearance for the securing plates 62 and in some constructions may also provide clearance for "projected stay" hinge fittings. It will be noted that the use of compression sealing strips 47 on the two glazed panels avoids the need for accurate dimensioning and fabrication of the surrounding frame. Also the flexibility of the wiper seals 38 will accommodate some dimensional inaccuracy, and though less efficient as seals than the elements 47, they provide a very effective two-stage sealing system preventing ingress of water even under high wind loading. Referring again fo the construction of Figure 2 it will be noted that the fixed panel 16 is located by a pair of brackets 43 along its lower edge and also by a further pair of similar brackets 70 along. its outer vertical edge. To assemble this panel 16 it is first engaged with the brackets 43, while shifted slightly clear of the brackets 70, and then after it has been pressed home to an upright position it is slid to the right to engage the brackets 70 and finally secured by fixing the two plates 71 to the surrounding frame while the other panel 17 is open. In the construction illustrated in Figure 3 the centre panel 20 is secured by engaging behind a pair of brackets 72 on the cill of the frame after which the panel is located by securing plates 73 to the frame at all four corners, again with the opening panels in their open positions. WHAT I CLAIM IS: -

1. A window construction including a surrounding outer fixed frame, at least one glazed panel, the glazed panel being located in the frame by engagement of a projecting flange or element secured to the panel behind a projecting flange or element secured to the frame, means for preventing disengagement of said flanges or elements and means for holding the panel in the frame, and holding means being disposed at a position remote from said flanges or elements.

are fully concealed and inaccessible externally when the openable panel is closed.

10. A window construction as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the flange or element in the frame and the means for holding the panel in the frame are concealed internally and externally.

11. A window construction as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the surrounding outer frame is formed of timber and also acts as a sub-frame, and in which the or each glazed panel has a frame formed principally of metal.

12. A window construction as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the or each glazed panel is prefabricated as a separate unit and is provided with sealing strips along at least three edges to seal against adjacent parts of the surrounding frame or of the panels.

13. A window construction as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the or each glazed panel is provided with two sets of sealing strips around at least three edges one being a compression seal and the other a wiping seal.

14. A method of fixing a glazed panel on an outer fixed frame having at least one projecting flange or element located at one edge thereof comprising the steps of engaging a projecting flange or element secured to the panel behind the projecting flange or element secured to the frame and connceting the panel to the frame to prevent disengagement of said flanges and connecting the panel to the frame at a position remote from said flanges so as to hold the panel into the frame.

15. A window construction substantially in any one of the forms described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

16. A method of fixing a glazed panel on an outer fixed frame having at least one projecting flange or element substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.