GB2164694A

GB2164694A - "Georgian-style" multi-pane window

Info

Publication number: GB2164694A
Application number: GB08522997A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Terence Hardy
Original assignee: L B
Current assignee: L B
Priority date: 1984-09-18
Filing date: 1985-09-18
Publication date: 1986-03-26
Also published as: GB8423576D0; GB8522997D0

Abstract

A window construction comprises a main frame receiving a glazing element such as a double glazing unit together with a lattice structure positioned within the area of the main frame to define a plurality of subsidiary frames, the lattice structure overlying the glazing element and producing the visual effect of a multi-pane "Georgian" type window. Alternative forms of connecting lattice members together and to the main frame are shown (Figs 3 and 6). The lattice structure is preferably made of flexible plastics to aid insertion into the main frame. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Windows This invention relates to windows and especially to so called "georgian" windows in which the main frame of the window is sub-divided into a number of smaller frames. Such windows will be referred to hereafter as multiple pane windows but it is to be understood that this term does not imply that each of the individual frames is separately glazed as in the case of traditional georgian windows. The invention is especially but not exclusively applicable to double or multiple glazed windows which will be referred to hereafter simply as double glazed windows.

Traditional multiple pane windows while being attractive in appearance are expensive and timeconsuming to install since each of the sub-frames within the main outer frame of the window requires to be individually glazed using a separate pane of glass. With the advent of sealed unit double glazing and the adoption of extruded plastic profiles for the construction of window frames, there has been a move towards the use of fewer glass panes or units of larger area. There is however a requirement in many situations to replace windows of multiple pane construction with those of similar appearance, and attempts have therefore been made to produce plastic window frames having multiple sub-frames for single or double glazing to produce multiple pane windows.Previous proposals of this kind have either been excessively expensive or have been of unsatisfactory appearance and it is an object of the present invention to provide a multiple pane window construction which may be cheaply produced and easily installed and will reproduce traditional multiple pane "georgian" style windows in an aesthetically acceptable manner.

The invention provides a window construction comprising a main frame adapted to receive a glazing element, and a lattice structure adapted to be positioned within the area of the main frame to define a plurality of subsidiary frames and to over lie the glazing element to produce the visual effect of a multi-pane window.

Preferably said lattice structure comprises a plurality of elongated frame members interconnected at right angles to one another and having end connectors engageable with said main frame.

In a preferred arrangement the lattice structure is formed from at least one continuous elongated frame member extending from one side or end to the other of said main frame, and at least one transverse member extending at right angles thereto and comprising separate components interconnected by a bridging piece engaging said continuous member. Preferably the bridging piece is constructed from flexible plastics material to permit flexing of the lattice structure during engagement with the main frame. Preferably also the bridging member incorporates a locking member engageable with the or each of said continuous members to locate the bridging member against sliding movement relative thereto.

In an alternative arrangement all the sub-frames of said lattice structure are formed from separate elements interconnected at right angles to one another by four-way connectors. Preferably the connectors are engaged with the sub-frame components in a manner which permits flexing of the lattice structure during engagement with the main frame.

The frame members of said lattice structure are preferably produced by cutting appropriate lengths from a hollow plastic extrusion of uniform crosssection, the frame members being interconnected by engagement of spigots on the connectors within the open ends of the frame members.

The term "glazing element" is used herein to refer either to a single glass pane or to a double, triple or other multiple glazed unit.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front elevation of a window according to the invention; Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of section "A" of the window shown in Figure 1 illustrating one construction according to the invention; Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 showing the parts partly disassembled; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a connecting member incorporated in the construction of Figures 2 and 3 shown separated from the associated components; Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of section "B" of the window shown in Figure 1 illustrating an alternative construction according to the invention in a partly disassembled condition; and Figure 6 is a perspective view of a connecting member incorporated in the construction of Figure 5 shown separated from the associated components.

Referring to the drawings, the window comprises a main or outer frame 5 of rectangular form constructed from interconnected extruded plastics frame members. Each frame member is provided with a longitudinally extending projection 5A forming a seating for a glazing element which is retained in the frame 5 in abutment with the seating by removable glazing beads 5B engaged with projections 5C on the frame. The glazing element comprises a single double glazed unit 7 extending over the whole area of the frame.

A lattice structure 10 is mounted in the frame 5 at each side of the unit 7 and seats against the adjacent surface of the unit. The lattice structures define a series of sub-frames 11 projecting from the surface of the unit 7 and thereby giving the appearance of a multiple pane window. The lattice structures are removably fitted to the main frame 5 and are constructed from interconnected components, two alternative versions of which are shown in Figures 2 to 4 and Figures 5 and 6 respectively.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the vertical component of the lattice structure comprises a continuous element 15 of hollow extruded plastics construction and tapering cross-section. This element ex tends from top to bottom of the frame save for end connectors 16 having body portions 16A and oppositely projecting spigots 16B and 16C. The spigots 16B are shaped to correspond to the hollow crosssection of the frame member 15 so as to form a tight push-fit therein. The spigots 16C are of circular section and adapted to locate in holes 17 formed in the glazing beads SB or in the fixed projections 5A of the main frame.By virtue of the flex ible nature of the plastics material from which the frame member 15 is formed the member can be flexed to locate the spigots 16C in the holes 17 and then springs back into an untensioned condition in which it lies flat against the adjacent surface of the glazing element 7.

The transverse components of the lattice structure 10 comprise separate frame members 18 interconnected at the points where they cross the member 15 by bridging pieces 19 (see also Figure 4), each having a body portion 19A of generally Ushaped cross-section to correspond to the crosssection of the frame member 15 and having laterally projecting spigots 19B which engage in the ends of the adjacent frame components 18. The other ends of the transverse components 18 are fitted with end connectors 16, identical to those described previously, which engage in holes 17 in the glazing beads and fixed abutments at opposite edges of the main frame 5.Thus each transverse frame member in the illustrated example consists of two frame members 18 interconnected by one bridging piece 19 and may be flexed by virtue of the flexible nature of the latter to permit engagement of the spigots 16C in the holes 17, following which the transverse frame members flex back to an untensioned condition and the bridging pieces 19 locate over the vertical members 15 of the lattice structure. The bridging pieces 19 are provided with pegs 20A projecting from the base of the Ushape and engaging in holes 20B in the upright frame component 15. This ensures correct horizontal alignment of the transverse frame members.

In use of this arrangement the vertical frame member 15 of the lattice structure is located in position between the top and bottom members of the main frame 5 and flexes into position against the surface of the glazing unit 7. The transverse frame members are then separately assembled, flexed and engaged with the holes 17 in the glazing beads or abutments at the sides of the main frame 5, following which the transverse members flex back into an untensioned condition with the bridging pieces 19 located over the vertical frame component 15 and secured against vertical movement by means of the locating pegs 20A. The whole lattice structure then rests against the surface of the glazing unit 7 and projects therefrom to give the appearance of a multi-paned window.

A similar lattice structure is fitted at the opposite face of the glazing unit 7 to produce the same effect from the other side of the window although a lattice sub-frame may be provided at one side of the window only if desired. This provides a cost saving and also has the advantage that one side of the window is completely plain and thus more readily cleaned than the side fitted with the lattice sub-frame. For best visual effect however both sides of the window should be fitted with subframes.

Figure 5 shows an alternative arrangement in which both the vertical and horizontal members of the lattice sub-frame are constructed from separate lengths of frame member 21 interconnected by four-way connecting pieces 22 (see also Figure 6) having body portions 22A and spigots 22B projecting therefrom in four directions at right angles to one another.In this case flexing of the lattice structure to permit fitting to the main frame 5 is permitted by virtue of the movement which takes place between the frame members 21 and the connectors 22 and the lattice structure is generally assembled by working from one corner of the main frame towards the diagonally opposite corner and engaging two adjacent end pieces 16 in holes 17 in the glazing beads simultaneously as a final operation, following which the frame structure snaps back into an untensioned condition in which it lies flat against the adjacent surface of the glazing unit 8. This arrangement is satisfactory for windows up to a certain size above which the arrangement shown in Figures 2 to 4 is preferred since this has increased rigidity due to the continuous nature of the vertical components of the lattice sub-frame.It should be appreciated of course that the horizontal components may be continuous and the vertical components formed in separate parts if desired, particularly where the width of the window exceeds its height. As in the case of the Figures 2 to 4 embodiment the arrangement shown in Figures 5 and 6 may be fitted to one or both sides of the window as desired.

By virtue of the use of separate connecting components in the form of the end connectors 16, bridging pieces 19 and four-way connectors 22, the horizontal and vertical frame members of the lattice sub-frame may be simply and easily cut from a continuous length of the same extrusion and it is not necessary to form angled cuts or other special formations since the frame components butt up to vertical faces of the connectors from which the complementary spigots project. Lattice sub-frame structures may therefore be readily produced to fit a wide variety of shapes and sizes of window by cutting appropriate lengths from a single subframe extrusion, interconnecting them and fitting them to the main frame by virtue of the end connectors. The system is therefore extremely versatile and the resultant effect is virtually indistinguishable from windows having multiple separately glazed panes, especially where subframe structures are applied to both sides of the window.

Windows constructed in this manner offer substantial advantages compared with traditional multiple pane windows and previous proposals for producing similar effects. Since the frame components are of plastic construction they are not susceptible to deterioration due to weather conditions and may be maintained in a clean condition simply by wiping. Since the lattice sub-frames comprise separate units attached to the outer faces of the window, existing windows may be modified to convert them to a multiple pane effect without requiring replacement of the window frame or reglazing. By virtue of the fact that separate lattice structures are fitted inside and outside the window, only one may be fitted at a time thereby enabling the owners to convert their windows gradually where they cannot meet the full cost initially.Since the lattice structures are superimposed over a single glazing unit the problem of individually glazing separate panes which arises in relation to traditional multiple pane windows is eliminated. Where lattice structures are fitted to one surface of the window only, the other face is smooth over its entire surface and can therefore be readily cleaned. If desired the lattice structure may be removed from the window for cleaning purposes where this would be quicker or easier than cleaning the individual areas of the glazing unit defined by the lattice frame.

Various modifications may be made without departing from the invention. For example the lattice structure may be differently constructed and preformed structures could be provided for fitting to windows of standard size. The number of vertical and horizontal components of the lattice frame may vary depending on the size and shape of the window. If desired adhesive may be employed to interconnect the connecting components and the frame members of the lattice frame and the frame members may be secured to the surface of the glass by adhesive if desired. Moreover while particular benefits are attained in relation to plastic windows, lattice structures according to the invention could be fitted to windows of wooden or other construction and the lattice framework itself could be made of materials other than plastics. Moreover while the invention has been described with reference to double glazed windows it could also be used in relation to single glazed windows.

Claims

1. A window construction comprising a main frame adapted to receive a glazing element, and a lattice structure adapted to be positioned within the area of the main frame to define a plurality of subsidiary frames and to overlie the glazing element to produce the visual effect of a multi-pane window.

2. A window construction according to claim 1 wherein said lattice structure comprises a plurality of elongated frame members interconnected at right angles to one another and having end connectors engageable with said main frame.

3. A window construction according to claim 2 wherein said lattice structure is formed from at least one continuous elongated frame member extending from one side or end to the other of said main frame, and at least one transverse member extending at right angles thereto and comprising separate components interconnected by a bridging piece engaging said continuous member.

4. A window construction according to claim 3 wherein said bridging piece is constructed from flexible plastics material to permit flexing of the lattice structure during engagement with the main frame.

5. A window construction according to claim 3 or 4 wherein said bridging member incorporates a locking member engageable with the or each of said continuous members to locate the bridging member against sliding movement relative thereto.

6. A window construction according to claim 5 wherein said locking member comprises a projection or stud on the underside of said bridging member engageable in a complementary aperture in the associated continuous member.

7. A window construction according to claim 1 or 2 wherein all the sub-frames of said lattice structure are formed from separate elements interconnected at right angles to one another by fourway connectors.

8. A window construction according to claim 7 wherein said connectors are engaged with the subframe components in a manner which permits flexing of the lattice structure during engagement with the main frame.

9. A window construction according to any preceding claim wherein the frame members of said lattice structure are produced by cutting appropriate lengths from a hollow plastic extrusion of uniform cross-section, the frame member being interconnected by engagement of spigots on the connectors within the open ends of the frame members.

10. A window construction according to any preceding claim wherein lattice structures are fitted at both surfaces of said glazing element.

11. A window construction substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.

12. A window construction substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1, 5 and 6 of the accompanying drawings.

13. A method of constructing a multi-pane window comprising providing a main frame, glazing said main frame with a glazing element and applying over at least one surface of the glazing element a lattice structure defining a plurality of subsidiary frames producing a multi-pane effect.

14. A method of converting a plain glazed window to a multi pane window comprising applying over at least one surface of the glazing element of the window a lattice structure defining a plurality of subsidiary frames producing a multi-pane effect.

15. A method according to claim 13 or 14 wherein a lattice structure is applied to both surfaces of said glazing element.

16. A method according to claim 13, 14 or 15 wherein the or each said lattice structure is adhered to the associated surface of said glazing element.

17. A method according to claim 13, 14 or 15 wherein the or each said lattice structure is detachable.

18. A method according to claim 13, 14, 15 or 17 wherein the or each said lattice structure is engaged with the main frame of the window.

19. A method of constructing a multi-pane window substantially as hereinbefore described.

20. A method of converting a plain glazed window to a multi-pane window substantially as hereinbefore described.

21. A window produced by the method according to any of claims 13 to 20.

22. 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.