GB2155087A - Frame component - Google Patents

Abstract

A frame component 10 for a window or panel assembly comprising a hollow box shape with formations at the two opposite sides to accept bead member(s) 26 which carry seals 52, the component being versatile and in alternative examples having integral bead members as in component 31,the components being used to make up various window and window frame, or panel and panel frame constructions. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Window constructions This invention relates to window or panel constructions primarily, though not exclusively, of plastics materials and in which members of various sections are made up into a complete window assembly.

Window constructions of this kind take a number of forms depending upon the type of window assembly to be constructed, that is with fixed or opening panels or combinations of these. In conventional constructions, a whole range of special components of different sections are often required to make up a single window assembly and furthermore at certain junction positions in the assembly, section changes may result in securement complications as well as risk of inadequate weather sealing.

There are in existence many different window constructions, including those which have extruded sections, which fit together in various combinations to provide a complete frame for one or more window panels which may or may not be openable.

However, in general, there are specially designed parts for each purpose. In consequence, tooling costs and stocking of components is expensive and complex. Various types of weather seals or glazing gaskets are also available for use with the sections of different manufacturers and often these have been specially designed for use with only one manufacturer's sections, although some are available for use with sections of more than one manufacturer.

It is the object of this invention to provide a window or panel construction which incorporates components enabling various different window assemblies to be constructed with a minimum number of different types of component, so that those which are used are versatile.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a frame component for a window or panel assembly of elongated form and of constant crosssection, and having, at two opposite sides thereof, formations for engaging bead members arranged to carry sealing strips at either of the said opposite sides.

Preferably, the frame component has two identical opposite sides with formations capable of accepting bead members in any one of four alternative positions.

The bead members may have formations to accept weather seal or glazing gasket strips.

Alternatively, the sealing strip may be carried by a bead carrying member formed integrally with the frame component.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a window assembly using the window construction in accordance with this invention, Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view on a smaller scale of an externally glazed window assembly, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an internally glazed window assembly, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative window assembly, Figure 5 is a cross-section of the main frame component used in the construction, Figure 6 isa bead member, Figure 7 is an alternative main frame component, Figure 8 is another form of bead member, Figure 9 is a further form of bead member, and Figures 10 and 11 are respective alternative main frame components of the construction.

Utilising the window construction illustrated in the drawings it is possible to make up a large number of different window assemblies using a minimum number of components which are, as far as possible, standardised. It is possible to make up fixed windows or opening windows, or combinations of these. Each window assembly comprises a frame in which glass is fitted, either directly or by means of a movable or fixed subframe. The construction, according to this invention, is capable of adaption for many different types of window and the examples shown in Figures 1,2,3 and 4 are only by way of example and the components can be assembled in other ways, as will become apparent.

The main component from which frames are made up is shown in Figure Sat 10. This component is a generally rectangular box section which, in this example, is made from extruded plastics material, for example polyvinylchloride. This has three separate through compartments 11,12,13 of which the larger compartment 11 is placed centrally and the two smaller compartments 12 and 13 are at opposite ends respectively. The larger compartment 11 may receive reinforcement in the form of a hollow aluminium box section, as shown particularly in Figure 1. The frame component is symmetrical having, along its two opposite longer sides, pairs of recesses 19 defined by L-shaped integral corner extensions 20, 21, 22, 23 and centrally placed T-shaped extensions 24, 25.

The symmetry in two planes of the frame component 10 enables it to be used in a number of different positions. Figures 1 to 4 show different uses of the frame component, as will be later described.

Each recess 16,17,18 or 19 can accept a bead member 26, one of which is shown in Figure 6. Such a bead member is also formed as an extrusion of plastics material and is of generally hollow L-shaped section with a lipped rib 27 extending downwards and adjacent to this an L-shaped arm 28. As shown in Figure 1,such a bead member 26 can be engaged in one of the recesses 16, 17, 18 or 19 of the frame component. The end of the arm 28 is placed under the T-shaped extension 24 and the lipped rib 27 engages under the L-shaped adjacent corner extension 20. As will be apparent, the bead member can be fitted to any one of the corners of the frame component in either of two orientations. Although it is not necessary to further secure the bead member 26 in the frame component 10, it is possible to do so using screws, as at 29 in Figure 1 or rivets.Such screws or rivets may also be used to hold the reinforcement 15 in place within the elongated frame component 10.

The bead member 26 also has a lipped groove 30 into which a weather seal or glazing gasket can be fitted. Figure 1 shows examples of each and these will be further described later.

The external angle shape of the bead member 26 provides a smooth continuation of the end wall of the frame component when fitted and this can also be seen from Figure 1.

Although Figure 5 shows the standard frame component, it is possible to modify this by incorporating the bead member in it so that this becomes an integral part. Figure 7 shows such a construction in the form of a T-shaped component 31. This has the same hollow box configuration and is identical at one end to the component 10. At the other end, however, the component is extended so that it is generallyT-shaped overall. Each lateral extension comprises a bead member 32,33. The end wall at this end is, therefore, extended into a continuous wall comprising the end wall of the frame component and the bead members. Each such bead member portion has a lipped groove 34, 35 to accept a weather seal or glazing gasket.Each longer side of the frame component has a recess 36, 37 equivalent to the recesses 16 and 18 in Figure 5 and these are defined at one end by the L-shaped extensions 38,39 and at the other end by short Lshaped extensions 40,41. These differ from those on the basic component 10 in that the recesses 36, 37 are longer. There is no necessity for recesses at the other sides of the L-shaped extensions 40,41 because bead members are already incorporated.

Bead members of the kind shown in Figure 8 can be fitted instead. Such a bead member 42 is substantially the same as that in Figure 6 except that the arm 43 is longer. The lipped rib 44, together with the arm, can engage in the recess 36 or 37 in a manner previously described in relation to the Figure 6 construction. Such an arrangement is seen in Figure 1. A weather seal or glazing gasket can be fitted in a groove 45 provided in the bead member 42.

Figure 9 shows an alternative form of bead member 72 which can be used. This has a 45 angled portion 73 connected to an arm 74, having a groove 75 in the corner, between the portion 73 and the arm 53. The groove includes a lip 76. On the internal face of the angled portion 73 is a lipped groove 77 to accept a weather seal.

Figures 10 and 11 show alternative constructions of frame components. In the Figure 10 construction, the component 46 has an integral bead member at one side at 47 and the other side is identical with the standard component shown in Figure 5. In the Figure 11 construction, a component 48 has integral bead members 49, 50 at the two opposite corners.

The component is otherwise similar to the basic component in Figure 5 and having the longer recesses at the opposite sides of the Figure 7 construction.

Referring to Figure 1, this shows in section an assembly which includes the basic frame component 10 which is secured in a manner, not shown, to a sill 51 or other equivalent surround for the window. Securement may be by screws or other fastenings in conventional manner. The window assembly shown has an opening portion and, therefore, the frame component 10 is a fixed frame against which the window may close. A bead member 26 is fitted at one side and is secured in place by means of a screw 29. In the groove of the bead member 26 there is fitted a weather seal 52.

This may be of conventional kind having a lipped ridge engaging in the lipped groove 30 in the bead member. Forming the surround for the glass of the opening part of the window, there is a frame component 31 of the kind shown in Figure 7. One integral bead member 33 carries a weather seal 53 and this engages the adjacent outwardly presented face of the basic component 10. The other integral bead member 32 carries a glazing gasket 54 which again may be of conventional kind. The outer face of the frame component 31 may be grooved at 55 for appearance sake. To secure a double-glazing unit, shown at 56, in place against the glazing gasket 54, a bead member 42 of the kind shown in Figure 8 is fitted on the inside of the movable window portion.

This clips in place as described and, in this example, is of the longer arm type to accommodate the large overall thickness of the double-glazing unit 56. The bead member 42 carries a further glazing gasket 57.

Security against unauthorised attempts to remove the bead member 42 is achieved by placing this on the inside of the window.

In the space between the basic frame component 10 and the frame component 31 there is shown, in outline, a hinge 58 which may be used to mount the opening window to swing in a desired direction. A number of different types of hinges can be used in this position.

In the Figure 2 construction, there is shown an example of an externally glazed fixed window and adjacent opening window. The fixed window 59, which is double glazed is secured by means of a frame including a component 60 of the kind shown in Figure 10 and a glazing or bead member 61 as in Figure 8. At the opposite side the fixed window 59 is held by a component 62 of the kind in Figure 7, with a glazing or bead member 68. The opening window is formed by the type of component in Figure 11, of generally Z-shape, at 64 and there are further glazing or bead members 65 to retain the double glazed panel 66. Figure 3 shows the reverse arrangement in which the glass panels 67, 68, one fixed and the other opening, are secured by bead members on the internal side of the window assembly.

Figure 4 shows a panel 69, which in this case is also a double glazed panel, held by means of bead members 70, 71 at each side.

Other forms may be used, incorporating the frame various components in different combinations.

The components, being made from plastics materials, can conveniently be welded together.

Heat butt welding can be used, either on mitred or straight cut junctions. Brackets (not shown) which slot into the grooves of the components may be fitted. These have projections which engage in the interior of the hollow reinforcement 15 within the section. By means of these brackets, secure and strong right angle connections can be made.

With the box type of construction, drainage of water can be at the exterior face.

By means of these constructions, it is possible to make up window assemblies with a number of different sections around the perimeter of glass panels and large areas of glazed windows can be made up, as required. Among others, it is possible to make up external opening casement type windows which may be internally glazed, for security. While the components illustrated in the drawings are primarily intended for domestic windows, it is possible to make up larger window assemblies in which case a larger scale of component may be required.

Claims (17)

1. A frame component for a window or panel assembly, the component being of elongated form and of constant cross-section, and having at two opposite sides thereof, formations for engaging bead members arranged to carry sealing strips at either of said two opposite sides.

2. A frame component as claimed in claim 1 in which the component is symmetrical having identical formations for engaging bead members in any one of at least two alternative positions.

3. A frame component as claimed in claim 2 in which the component is generally rectangular and has four formations adjacent its four corners respectively.

4. A frame component as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 in which the bead members have formations to accept weather seals or gaskets.

5. A frame component as claimed in claim 1 in which at least one bead member is formed integrally with the frame component.

6. A frame component as claimed in claim Sin which one bead member is formed integrally at one corner of the component.

7. Aframe component as claimed in claim Sin which two bead members are formed integrally with the component, at opposite sides respectively.

8. a frame component as claimed in claim 7 in which the two bead members are formed at adjacent corners of the component.

9. A frame component as claimed in claim 7 in which the two bead members are formed at diagonally opposite corners of the component.

10. A frame component as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the bead members are engaged by continuous hook formations on the component and on the bead members respectively.

11. A frame component as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which reinforcement is provided within a hollow interior of the component.

12. A frame component as claimed in claim 11 in which the reinforcement is a hollow box section.

13. Aframe component as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which a bracket is securable to the said formations for the bead members on the component, the bracket extending perpendicularly to the length of the component to accept another component which then extends perpendicularly to the first component.

14. A frame component substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawings.

15. A frame component substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figure 7 of the accompanying drawings.

16. Aframe component substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figure 10 of the accompanying drawings.

17. A frame component substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figure 11 of the accompanying drawings.