GB2187493A - Windows: doors - Google Patents

Abstract

A sets of inserts 2 convert standard window, door, panel frames into a different style by a simple snap and-lock action into the existing frame without the use of hand or power tools. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Window conversion inserts We H.l.S. Systems Ltd. of Units 16.17. Hither Green, Clevedon, Avon. BS21 6XU, a British Company do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us and the method by which it is performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement.

This invention relates to the conversion of standard window, door, panel frames and surrounds, into various classic and period styles by the additions of separate cast, formed or moulded inserts. The invention is of particular relevance for use with extruded aluminium or plastic frame and surround profiles, but may also be utilised with similar items produced from wood.

The design of the inserts, allows for a positive lock "in situ" action, yet remaining capable of being removed for the purposes of reglazing or change of style: they are also resistant to accidental removal and vandalism.

The invention is of particular benefit to the Architect, window manufacturer, builders merchant and the builder, as a moderate stockholding of standard items may be converted simply into a variety of special designs.

According to the invention, the external facing inserts are provided with extended tongues; not less than one of these tongues terminates in a small projection to locate into a predetermined housing, groove or recess. This projection locates on the underside of the predetermined housing groove or recess that is a feature of the window, panel or door frame or surround and creates the positive lock in function of the invention.

The inserts are attached to the standard window, panel or door frame or surround by inserting the tongue into the predetermined housing groove or recess with the insert tilted at an angle, so as to allow the locking projection to enter the groove and then fit under and against one of the inner facing surfaces.

The insert becomes primarily locked as it is brought from the tilted to the vertical position.

It is then pressed to the left or right direction so that its other tongue enters into the adjacent predetermined housing groove or recess and becomes intermediately locked "in situ". One, two, three or four inserts may thus be fitted and are finally locked in position by insertion of sections of the standard glazing head between the abutting faces of the inserts. The inner facing inserts are designed with barb like projections on the main inner face and are pressed into the opposing predetermined housing groove or recess that is also another feature of the window, panel or door frame and surround.

As with external facing inserts, they become primarily locked in position and are so designed to provide a pulling down action as well as a pulling together of the inner face of the frame or surround and the outer lower hidden face of the insert.

As there is a frictional locking action, the insert is then tapped to the left or right until the other plane tongue enters the adjacent predetermined housing groove or recess.

The tapered face of this tongue provides an intermediate locking action. The inner inserts are finally locked in position by insertion of a wedge shaped elastomeric seal that is pressed down between the inserts of the glazing panel. This elastomeric seal is provided with a small groove that locates on a corressponding projection that protrudes from the outer facing face of the insert. An interlock is created by the groove and projection forming a partial pivoting action as the elastomeric seal is pressed down into the gap between the insert and the glazing panel.

The pattern of assembly of a window panel, door frame or surround is as follows: The inward facing inserts are located, positioned and then snapped in place by pressing the barbs into the standard groove provided around the perimeter of the internal face. The glazing unit is then placed into the frame and onto the rebate of the standard profile and assembled inward inserts. The outward facing inserts and the beads are fitted with a section of the outer elastomeric seal strip and this preassembly is placed on the outer face of the glazing panel with the securing tongue adjacent to the four inner edges of the standard window profile.

The inserts are tilted and then pushed and tapped into the groove of the standard window profile at the top (and bottom) member/s so that the locating tongues snap into and under the lip of the groove. Then the inserts are moved outwards and sideways until the locating tongue registers in the standard window groove and the inner perimeter face of the insert contacts the corresponding face of the standard window profile. The standard beads are then inserted between the end faces of the insert by a tilting movement and outward pressure and final tapping action to cause the locking tongue to snap under the lip of the groove of the standard window profile.

The whole unit is now turned over and the inner locking elastomeric seal lip is inserted into the gap between the inner face of the standard window profile and inserts. Force is then applied progressively around the perimeter of the seal unit until it locks down in the gap and thrusts the glazing panel outwards onto the preassembled outward facing inserts, beads and elastomeric seal. Thus sealing the external and internal surfaces of the glazing panel within the standard window profile and the inserts and creating a secure assembly.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1. Shows a window assembly with two typical internal insets fitted in the top left and right hand corners of a standard window frame.

Figure 2. Shows the plan and end elevation views of the right hand internal facing insert.

Figure 3. Shows a view of one of the locking latch sections assembled in the window frame with a typical inserted wedge seal.

Figure 4. Shows a window assembly with two typical external facing inserts fitted in the top matching corner of the standard window frame.

Figure 5. Shows the plan and end elevation view of the right hand external facing insert.

Figure 6. Shows a view of one of the projecting tongue sections assembled in the window frame with a typical fixed sealing gasket.

Referring to the drawing, the internal facing insets 1 & 2 are provided with an external facing edge 3 that extends along the profile 4.

Fig. 1. depicts a simple curved style with a plain faced edge.

The insert 2 has a projection 5 extending from its inward facing lower edge 6 and an angular to horizontal projection 7 extending from its side inward facing edge 8. Each of the projections 5 and 7 are provided with not less than two locking latches 9 and 10 extending outwards from the internal faces 11 and 12.

The locking latches 9 and 10 create a pulling in action of the internal faces of the projectios 5 and 7 towards the internal face of the inward facing part of the window frame 13A. Also. a pulling down action is created between the lower edge 6 and the external face of the window frame edge 14.

The locking latch action is created by the hook over latch 15 creating the pulling together function and the tapered back face 16 operating as a wedge that forces the insert downwards. The external facing inserts 17 and 18 are provided with an angular facing edge 19 that extends along the profile 20 that is symetrical to the insert 4.

The insert 18 has a tongue 21 extending from its non profiled face 22 that terminates in a small right angle projection 23 that locates and registers within the pre-determined housing, groove or recess of the window frame edge 24. The angular to horizontal face 25 also has a tongue 26 extending outwards without a right angle projection. The tongue 21 enters the pre-determined housing, groove or recess by a tilting action, is then brought into an upright position as it is pressed into the adjacent pre-determined housing, groove or recess 27. The angled face of the tongue 26 registers against the outward facing edge 28 of the window frame 13B.

Suitable standard bead section 29 with a matching angular face to 19 then make up the pattern of inserts and thus provide a firm rebate 30 which the glazing panel 31 then registers against.

The glazing panel 31 is firmly locked in place and pressed against the external seal 32 that protrudes from the external inserts 17 an 18 and the standard bead section 29 by insertion of the internal wedge shaped seal 33 between the glazing panel 31 and the inward faces of the inserts 1 and 2 and the edge of the window frame 13A.

Claims (6)

1. Sets of loose parts that rapidly convert standard window, door, panel frames and surrounds into a variety of special, classic and period styles.

2. A set of loose parts that are cast, formed or moulded with extended tongues and latches that insert into standard window frames, door panel frames and surrounds and lock into position to form a stable unit.

3. A set of loose parts as clarified above that enable the style of a window to be changed as required or the glazing panel replaced without the use of tools or excessive force.

4. Cast, formed or moulded inserts as claimed above that are provided with tongues and latches that create a dual assembly action by pulling the insert down and in towards the standard window, door, panel frame or surround.

5. A latch projection that enters into a predetermined housing, groove or recess that locks in one plane and registers in another by its resilient nature and design.

The resilience being partially provided by the suspended bar construction formed by provision of a groove either side of the latch members.

6. A set of loose parts that can be assembled into standard window, door, panel frames and surrounds without the use of screws, pins, nails, rivets or adhesives.