GB2026580A

GB2026580A - Caravan window frame

Info

Publication number: GB2026580A
Application number: GB7917700A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: HILBE M
Current assignee: HILBE M
Priority date: 1978-05-23
Filing date: 1979-05-22
Publication date: 1980-02-06
Also published as: FR2426793A1; ES243427U; IT7804827V0; DE7914596U1

Abstract

An edge-finishing strip particularly for caravan windows, comprises an extruded strip (1) of synthetic rubber with a metal strengthening insert (2) which may be arranged to perimetrally surround the opening for an entire window, by being successively bent and then joined together at its opposite ends. The section (1) has a cross-section substantially of U-shape so that it encloses the edge of the wall (5), and is provided with a strip (8) which when inserted in the undercut groove (6a, 6b) biases the side walls (4a, 4b) against the wall surfaces. It is further provided laterally with a tubular gasket (9) to engage the window pane. In an alternative embodiment the separate strip (8) is replaced by an integral flange. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Sealing and finishing capping frame for windows This invention relates to a sealing and finishing capping frame for windows, in particular for caravans.

Caravans are notably provided with windows comprising a transparent surface which is fixed or preferably hinged to the caravan wall. The window opening is surrounded perimetrally by a capping frame which provides both a finish for the opening, around the relative aperture in the wall panel, and a seal against air and water when the window is closed. This capping frame is generally constituted by a plurality of suitably shaped sections joined together. This method often gives rise to serious drawbacks, both with regard to the difficulties of assembly leading to increased total cost, and with regard to operability. In this respect, they frequently become separated, wear or lose their sealing capacity, because of the fact that said caravans are continuously exposed to atmospheric agents.

The object of the present invention is to provide a sealing and finishing capping frame for windows with which it is possible to arrange that the frame is constructed in a single element and is of such a form as to provide a durable and effective seal.

It is further possible to arrange that the capping frame according to the invention is of simple design, of easy and immediate assembly and of economical construction.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a sealing and finishing capping frame for windows, comprising a single section coextruded from synthetic rubber together with a metal strengthening insert, and arranged to perimetrally surround the opening for an entire window, by being successively bent and then joined together at its opposite ends, said section having a cross-section substantially of U-shape so that it embraces the depth of the wall for said window, and is provided, towards the interior of said opening, with an arcuate tongue or gasket arranged to act in the manner of a strut, in order to seal the lateral arms of said U section against the wall, and is further provided laterally with a tubular gasket for sealing the transparent surface of said window.

The characteristics of the present invention will be more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the sealing and finishing capping frame for windows, illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawing, in which: Figure 1 is a cross-section through the capping frame according to the invention, while in its assembled state and sealing against a window; Figure 2 is a cross-section through the capping frame before being fitted.

With reference to said figures, the reference numeral 1 indicates overall a section which by successive bending forms a capping frame for a relative window.

The section 1 is constructed by coextrusion from synthetic rubber, preferably a terpolymer of known type known commercially as EPDM for short. The section comprises a metal strengthening insert 2 consisting of a strip disposed in a substantially central position along the body of the section. Said synthetic rubber has the consistency of sponge rubber over a portion of the section 1 as describedfiereinafter. The section 1 is of U-shaped cross-section, comprising a transverse portion 3 and lateral arms 4a,b suitably inclined to the transverse portion so that they converge symmetrically inwards. The metal insert 2 follows the profile of said cross-section, and is bent along said lateral arms 4a,b. When assembled, the section 1 ambraces the depth of the wall 5 which comprises the opening for said window.

As can be seen from Figure 1, the transverse portion 3 of the section 1 comprises a pair of lateral appendices 6a,b on that side facing the interior of the window opening, i.e. on the side away from the wall 5, these appendices centrally defining a longitudinal cavity or groove 7 of dovetail shape. The groove 7 forms a seat for an arcuate gasket 8, which is disposed with its concavity facing the base of the groove and is advantageously of plastics construction. The purpose of the gasket 8 is both to act as a finishing element and a resilient thrust element, acting as a strut on the appendices 6a,b for sealing the lateral arms 4a,b against the sides of the wall 5.

That lateral arm 4a of the section 1 which faces the outside wall 5 carries a facing tubular gasket 9, the axis of which follows the axis of the section, with which it forms a single piece. The transparent surface 10 of the window presses against the gasket 9 to form a seal, when the window is closed. Said terpolymer is of sponge rubber consistency in the tubular gasket 9, so favouring the yielding of the gasket and its adherence against the transparent surface 10 when the window is closed. The surface 10 is of the usual configuration, and is preferably hinged at the top. In order to increase the contact and sealing area against the surface 10, the tubular gasket 9 comprises externally a type of inclined tongue 9a.The sponge rubber portion of the section 1 also comprises a lip 11, somewhat in the form of a hook, which is disposed substantially as an extension and termination of the lateral arm 4a, so as to seal against the relative side of the wall 5. Correspondingly, on the other side the lateral arm 4b terminates lowerly in a similar lip 12. The lateral arms 4a,b of the section 1 are finally provided in the centre of the inner side, i.e. that side facing the wall 5, with res pectiveteeth 13alb facing the transverse portion 3 and arranged to increase both the retaining effect and the seal against the wall 5.

As is apparent from Figure 2, the transverse portion 3 of the section is provided with a single appendix 6 towards the interior of the window opening, and from the other side there projects a type of curved tongue 14 with its concavity facing the base of the groove 7, and terminating in an enlargement 15 in which there is a recess which mates with the appendix 6. The curved tongue 14 has the same purpose as the curved gasket 8.

The operation of the sealing and finishing capping frame for windows, as described, is easy to understand. The coextruded section is cut to the length of the window perimeter, and is then bent to follow the shape of this latter. The adjacent ends are then welded together, so that there is no gap in the cap ping frame after assembly.

The section is simply and immediately mounted on the wall 5 using a suitable mastic or glue.

The insertion of the gasket 8 between the appen dices 6a, b and the engagement of the expansion 15 of the curved tongue 14 against the appendix 6 provide adequate force for pressing the lateral arms 4a,b against the sides of the window wall 5.

Claims

1. A sealing and finishing capping frame for win dows, comprising a single section coextruded from synthetic rubber together with a metal strengthening insert, and arranged to perimetrally surround the opening for an entire window, by being successively bent and then joined together at its opposite ends, said section having a cross-section substantially of U-shape so that it embraces the depth of the wall for said window, an is provided, towards the interior of said opening, with an arcuate tongue or gasket arranged to act in the manner of a strut, in order to seal the lateral arms of said U section against the wall, and is further provided laterally with a tubular gasket for sealing the transparent surface of said window.

2. A capping frame as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said synthetic rubber assumes the consistency of sponge rubber in that portion of said section which configures said tubular gasket.

3. A capping frame as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said metal insert is constituted by a strip disposed in a substantially central position within the body of said U cross-section, and bent to follow the shape of this latter.

4. A capping frame as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said section comprises a pair of opposing appendices towards the interior of said opening, these appendices being arranged to define a longitudinal groove of dovetail shape constituting a seat for said arcuate gasket, which has its concavity facing the base of said groove.

5. A capping frame as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said section comprises said arcuate tongue on the side towards the interior of said opening, this arcuatetongue projecting substantially from one side of the section and being arranged to engage at its free end in a countershaped appendix configured from the section along its other side, a groove being defined longitudinally to the section between the side from which said tongue projects and said appendix, the concavity of said tongue facing the base of the groove.

6. A capping frame as claimed in Claims 1 and 2, wherein said tubular gasket configures an inclined tongue towards its outside.

7. A capping frame as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said lateral arms of the U cross-section terminate in respective lips of slightly hooked shape, arranged to seal against the relative side of said wall.

8. A capping frame as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said lateral arms of the U cross-section internally comprise respective teeth arranged to aid retention and to seal against the relative side of said wall.

9. A sealing and finishing capping frame for windows, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

10. Any novel element, or combination of elements, herein described and/or shown in the accompanying drawing, irrespective of whether the present claim is within the scope of, or relates to the same invention as, any of the preceding claims.