GB2116238A

GB2116238A - Bay window arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2116238A
Application number: GB08233585A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Leon George Litchfield; Terence Hardy
Original assignee: LB
Current assignee: LB
Priority date: 1981-11-27
Filing date: 1982-11-25
Publication date: 1983-09-21
Also published as: GB2116238B

Abstract

A variable bay window construction comprises a number of window frames 5A, 5B, 5C, upright pillar members 6 which are disposed at the corners of the construction where the window frames meet one another at an angle, the pillar members having arcuate surfaces against which the frames of channel section 7, may locate in different angular positions, and inner 8 and outer 9 cladding or trim members which are retained in channels 10 on the pillars 6 to cloak the gaps between the adjacent frames and conceal the pillars from view. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Window constructions The invention relates to components for use in the construction of windows.

In the construction of bay windows considerable problems arise in interconnecting the adjacent window frames at the corners of the bay.

Such problems are increased in the case of angled or variable bay windows where the frames are not at right angles and the angle of inclination of the adjacent frames to one another may vary considerably from window to window.

It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate these disadvantages.

The invention provides a variable bay window construction comprising a plurality of window frames constructed from components having central longitudinally extending grooves or channels formed in the outer edges thereof, upright pillar members disposed at the corners of the bay window construction where said window frames meet one another at an angle, said pillar members having arcuate surfaces against which said frames may locate in different angular positions, and inner and outer cladding or trim members attached to the assembly at said corners to cloak the gaps between the adjacent frames and conceal said pillar members from view.

Preferably said cladding or trim members are engageable with retaining means formed on said pillars and have flexible side members which contact the outer surfaces of the adjacent window frames.

The trim members may incorporate inwardly directed ribs or flanges terminating in undercut projections engageable with complementary undercut formations formed in recesses extending longitudinally of said pillars and constituting said retaining means.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing which is a horizontal cross section through a variable bay window construction according to the invention.

Referring to the drawing, there is shown a variable bay window having side window frames 5A and 5C inclined to a central window frame 5B.

In order to enable such windows to be installed in locations where the required angle of inclination between the side and central windows is different, circular support pillars 6 are provided at the corners of the bay where the frames meet one another. The pillars engage in longitudinal channels or recesses 7 located centrally of the side frame members of the windows. The side frames 5A and 5C may therefore be rotated about the pillars 6 to adopt different angles relative to the centre frame 5B to suit the construction of the window.

The gaps between the adjacent frames in the region of the pillars 6 are closed by inner and outer cladding strips 8 and 9 each comprising flexible side members 8A, 9A and a central inwardlydirected tongue 8B, 9B having under cut or "firtree" formations at its inner end engageable with complementary retaining formations formed in longitudinally extending slots or channels 10 provided at diametrically opposite locations on the pillars 6.

The width of the side members 8A, 9A is selected to enable them to extend across inner and outer gaps of different widths between the adjacent window frames, dependent on the angle of inclination of the frames to one another. The flexible nature of the side members 8A and 9A also enables them to flex to accommodate differences in angle between the frames. The side member 9A of the outer cladding strip 9 are provided with inturned edge portions 9C which hold the side members clear of the associated frames and increase the range of angles which can be effectively cloaked while still providing a satisfactory external appearance and an effective weather seal.

In assembling the window the pillars 6 are supported on a sill or other suitable support at the bottom of the opening in which the window is to be fitted and are secured to a lintel or other top structure at their upper ends. The frames 5A, 5B and 5C are then located in position in an unglazed condition and after adjustment to the correct angular positions are secured to the pillars 6 by self-tapping screws inserted through the side frame members in line with the central recesses 7 and screwed to the pillars. The frames are then glazed by insertion of double glazed units 11 or other suitable glazing elements to complete the window assembly.

Various modifications may be made without departing from the invention. For example the frame members may be of different construction from those described and alternative means of retaining the cladding strips in position may be provided. Wide variations may also be made in the shape, size and dimensions of the components to suit individual requirements.

1. A variable bay window construction comprising a plurality of window frames constructed from components having central longitudinally-extending grooves or channels formed in the outer edges thereof, upright pillar members disposed at the corners of the bay window construction where said window frames meet one another at an angle, said pillar members having arcuate surfaces against which said frames may locate in different angular positions, and inner and outer cladding or trim members attached to the assembly at said corners to cloak the gaps between the adjacent frames and conceal said pillar members from view.

2. A variable bay window construction according to claim 1 wherein said pillars are of circular cross-section.

3. A variable bay window construction according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said cladding or trim members have flexible side members which contact the outer surfaces of the adjacent window

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

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Window constructions The invention relates to components for use in the construction of windows. In the construction of bay windows considerable problems arise in interconnecting the adjacent window frames at the corners of the bay. Such problems are increased in the case of angled or variable bay windows where the frames are not at right angles and the angle of inclination of the adjacent frames to one another may vary considerably from window to window. It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate these disadvantages. The invention provides a variable bay window construction comprising a plurality of window frames constructed from components having central longitudinally extending grooves or channels formed in the outer edges thereof, upright pillar members disposed at the corners of the bay window construction where said window frames meet one another at an angle, said pillar members having arcuate surfaces against which said frames may locate in different angular positions, and inner and outer cladding or trim members attached to the assembly at said corners to cloak the gaps between the adjacent frames and conceal said pillar members from view. Preferably said cladding or trim members are engageable with retaining means formed on said pillars and have flexible side members which contact the outer surfaces of the adjacent window frames. The trim members may incorporate inwardly directed ribs or flanges terminating in undercut projections engageable with complementary undercut formations formed in recesses extending longitudinally of said pillars and constituting said retaining means. An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing which is a horizontal cross section through a variable bay window construction according to the invention. Referring to the drawing, there is shown a variable bay window having side window frames 5A and 5C inclined to a central window frame 5B. In order to enable such windows to be installed in locations where the required angle of inclination between the side and central windows is different, circular support pillars 6 are provided at the corners of the bay where the frames meet one another. The pillars engage in longitudinal channels or recesses 7 located centrally of the side frame members of the windows. The side frames 5A and 5C may therefore be rotated about the pillars 6 to adopt different angles relative to the centre frame 5B to suit the construction of the window. The gaps between the adjacent frames in the region of the pillars 6 are closed by inner and outer cladding strips 8 and 9 each comprising flexible side members 8A, 9A and a central inwardlydirected tongue 8B, 9B having under cut or "firtree" formations at its inner end engageable with complementary retaining formations formed in longitudinally extending slots or channels 10 provided at diametrically opposite locations on the pillars 6. The width of the side members 8A, 9A is selected to enable them to extend across inner and outer gaps of different widths between the adjacent window frames, dependent on the angle of inclination of the frames to one another. The flexible nature of the side members 8A and 9A also enables them to flex to accommodate differences in angle between the frames. The side member 9A of the outer cladding strip 9 are provided with inturned edge portions 9C which hold the side members clear of the associated frames and increase the range of angles which can be effectively cloaked while still providing a satisfactory external appearance and an effective weather seal. In assembling the window the pillars 6 are supported on a sill or other suitable support at the bottom of the opening in which the window is to be fitted and are secured to a lintel or other top structure at their upper ends. The frames 5A, 5B and 5C are then located in position in an unglazed condition and after adjustment to the correct angular positions are secured to the pillars 6 by self-tapping screws inserted through the side frame members in line with the central recesses 7 and screwed to the pillars. The frames are then glazed by insertion of double glazed units 11 or other suitable glazing elements to complete the window assembly. Various modifications may be made without departing from the invention. For example the frame members may be of different construction from those described and alternative means of retaining the cladding strips in position may be provided. Wide variations may also be made in the shape, size and dimensions of the components to suit individual requirements. CLAIMS

3. A variable bay window construction according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said cladding or trim members have flexible side members which contact the outer surfaces of the adjacent window frames.

4. A variable bay window construction according to claim 3 wherein the side members of the outer cladding members have inturned portions at their outer edges.

5. A variable bay window construction according to any preceding claim wherein said cladding or trim members are engageable with retaining means formed on said pillars.

6. A variable bay window construction according to claim 5 wherein said trim members incorporate inwardly directed ribs or flanges terminating in undercut projections engageable with complementary undercut formations formed in recesses extending longitudinally of said pillars and constituting said retaining means.

7. A variable bay window construction substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

8. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter herein disclosed whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.