GB2078284A - Improvements in window frames - Google Patents

Abstract

A window frame (10) (Figure 1) is disclosed having top and bottom members (12, 14) formed from substantially identical extruded sections. Side members (16, 18) join the top and bottom members. A head drip (28) engages in an interference lock with a groove in the top member (12). A sill (76) engages in the same way with a second groove in the bottom member (14). <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements in window frames This invention relates to window frames and particularly to frames formed of extruded sections of aluminium or like material or plastics. In such window frames it is desirable to use as many similar sections as possible for different functions in order to reduce costs in producing differently shaped sections. This naturally leads to some difficulties in amalgamating the different functions of say the top horizontal section with the bottom in a single section piece. For instance, it is desirable for the top section to be provided with a head drip so that water running down the walls does not run onto the window, while the bottom section should preferably be provided with a sill.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a window frame in which the head drip fits in a convenient fashion with an existing form of window extruded section. It is a further object to provide a sill which also fits with the same extruded section.

In accordance with the invention there is provided a window frame comprising top and bottom members formed from substantially identical extruded sections joined by side members and an extruded head drip having an edge adapted to engage in an interference lock in a first groove formed in the section comprising the top member.

Preferably the window frame in accordance with the invention further comprises an extruded sill having a flange arrangement adapted to engage in an interference lock in a second groove formed in the section comprising the bottom member.

The invention is further particularly described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a complete window frame embodying the present invention; Figure 2 is a section through the top horizontal member of the frame of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a detailed section of the head drip shown also in Figure 2; and Figure 4 is a section through the bottom horizontal member of Figure 1.

The window frame 10 of Figure 1 comprises top and bottom horizontal sections 12,14 connected at their ends by vertical side sections 16,18. In this embodiment a middle section or mullion 20 divides the frame into two parts. Between sections 20 and 18 a pane of glass can be fixedly disposed. Between sections 20 and 16 a transom 22 is disposed dividing the frame still further.

In the lower part between transom 22 and section 14 a separate frame 24, adapted to carry a pane of glass, is pivotally arranged so as to swing from a closed position wherein the frame 24 engages at its edges with sections 14,16,20 and 22, and an open position as shown in the drawings. A smaller window frame 26, also adapted to carry a pane of glass, is pivotally mounted in the upper part between transom 22 and section 14. This frame however pivots about a horizontal axis whereas the frame 24 pivots about a vertical one. Further, more detailed description of the hinging of the frames 24 and 25 is not necessary for the understanding of the invention which in any event is not limited to window frames 10 being provided with such smaller frames 24, 26 or indeed with an transoms or mullions.

In the top section 12 is provided with a head drip section 28 which can be seen in greater detail in Figures 2 and 3. The head drip section 28 is intended to prevent drips of water from falling directly on to the glass panes carried in the frame 10.

In Figure 2 the top section 12 of the frame 10 is shown in relation to the wall of a structure 30 in which the frame is fitted. The drawing also shows in section the top 32 of the small frame 26.

The section 12 comprises a box member 34 having flanges 36, 38 which define a groove 40 therebetween. The flanges 36, 38 are turned away from each other to form further grooves 42, 44. The box member 34 has further flanges 50, 52 disposed on section 32. The flanges 48 and 50 each have grooves for carrying flexible seals 54, 56. The section 32 has flanges 58, 60 for positioning and fixing a pane of glass (not shown). It should be appreciated however that the flanges 46 and 48 are equally well adapted to carry a pane of glass if the frame 26 is omitted.

The head drip section 28 can be seen in greater detail in Figure 3 and is substantially L-shaped in section although the corner of the 'L' has been truncated to form a sloping part 62. An angle of 150 is suggested for the degree of truncation to obtain maximum efficiency in terms of extension, quantity of material used and the slope of the head drip.

At its end 64 the head drip is provided with serrations or ripples 68 and a pip 70. The serrations grip the inside of the groove 42 while the pip provides an interference lock when snap fitted into a corresponding notch 72 formed in the groove 42.

These provisions ensure a secure mounting for the head drip and obviate the need for adhesives or the like. A seal 74 may be provided to fit in the gap between the head drip 28 and the wall of the structure 30 and thereby prevent the ingression of water or draughts through that gap.

In Figure 1 the bottom section 14 is provided with a sill 76 which can be seen in cross-section in Figure 4. It will be noted that the cross-sectional shape of the section 14 is the same as that of section 12.

Consequently the sill is provided with flanges 78,80 having pips 82, 84 at their respective ends for gripping the internal surface of the groove 40. The flanges 36, 38 forming the groove 40 are provided with pips 86,88 which cooperate in a snap fit arrangement with the pips 82,84 on the flanges 78, 80 respectively. A positive interference lock is therefore ensured when the sill is fitted to the frame 10.

The sill 76 has further flanges 90,92 which forms shrouds for closing any gaps between the sill 76 and the frame 10. Furthermore a groove 94 is formed in the base of the sill at a position corresponding to the groove 40 in the frame 10. This ensures that the complete frame will fit in arrangements already existing in the structure 30 for engagement with the groove 40 when the sill is not used.

Finally it will be noted that both the head drip 28 and sill 76 can be fitted facing the other direction.

That is to say, the frame 10 can be reversed so that the smaller frames 24,26 open inwardly while the head drip and sill remain towards the outside. In this latter case the head drip is fitted in the groove 44 instead of the groove 42 as shown. Similarly the sill 76 is simply reversed.

Preferably all the sections referred to are constructed from PVC or other plastics material and formed by extrusion process.

Claims (16)

1. A window frame comprising top and bottom members formed from substantially identical extruded sections joined by side members and an extruded head drip having an edge adapted to engage in an interference lock in a first groove formed in the section comprising the top member.

2. A window frame as claimed in claim 1 in which the head drip has in the region of said edge ripples formed on one surface for providing a frictional grip on one side of said first groove and a pip on an opposite surface for engagement in a notch formed in the other side of said first groove.

3. Awindowframe as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which the head drip is substantially L-shaped in cross section.

4. A window frame as claimed in claim 3 in which said edge is the edge of the longer side of the head drip.

5. A window frame as claimed in any preceding claim in which said first groove is formed by a flange on the extruded section.

6. A window frame as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising an extruded sill having a flange arrangement adapted to engage in an interference lock in a second groove formed in the section comprising the bottom member.

7. A window frame as claimed in claim 6 in which said flange arrangement comprises two flanges on said sill each having a pip extending away from one another for engagement with corresponding notches formed in said second groove.

8. A window frame as claimed in claim 6 or 7 in which said sill is provided with a groove on its opposite side from said flange arrangement corresponding to said second groove.

9. A window frame as claimed in claim 7 or 8 in which said second groove is formed by two flanges on the extruded section.

10. A window frame as claimed in claim 9 when appendant to claim 5 in which the flange forming the first groove is one of the two flanges forming the second groove.

11. A window frame as claimed in claim 10 in which two of said first grooves are provided in the extruded section, in which each is formed by a respective one of the two flanges forming the second groove, and in which each first groove opens in opposing directions.

12. A window frame as claimed in claim 11 in which the head drip is engageable in either of said first grooves.

13. A window frame as claimed in any of claims 6 to 12 in which the flange arrangement on the sill fits into the second groove in two ways such that the sill can extend on either side of the frame.

14. A window frame as claimed in any preceding claim in which at least one of the top, bottom and side members and the sill are constructed from PVC.

15. A window frame as claimed in any of claims 7 to 14 when appendantto claim 6 in which the sill is constructed from PVC.

16. A window frame substantially as hereinbefore particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings.