GB2191556A - Connector - Google Patents

Abstract

A connector for a stile and a rail of a window comprising a shaped member which preferably is hollow and made of thermoplastics material. The connector is provided with a first surface for abutting the end of a stile (2) of the window, a second surface for abutting the end of a rail (3) of the window, a third surface shaped to correspond with the external shape of the stile and a fourth surface shaped to correspond with the external shape of the rail. The connector incorporates holes to enable it to be secured preferably by barrel fastenings (6) to the stile and rail. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Connectorforwindow construction This invention relates to a connector which enables certain joinery products particularly casementwindowsto be made more simply and cheaply.

In conventional methods of making casement windows two styles and two rails are secured together with mortice and tenon joints. In order to assist in the prncessthe ends of the components which have been cut in preparationfortheformation of the joints are treated with adhesive. The joints are then formed and heldfirmlytogether by screws the head of which are countersunkto conceal them. As a final step the external unglazed casement is profiled so as to ensure that it fits the window frame satisfactorily.

This method of construction requires not only the cutting operation for making the mortice and tenon joints but in addition the final profiling step. The latter is an especially inconvenient operation to carry out on a large scale. Furthermore it has the major defect of reducing the resistance of wooden components which have been treated with a fungicide from fugal action.

Currently wood for use in window construction is often required to be treated so with a fungicide as to conform to certain recognised specifications for example BSS specification 5589. Various methods of treatment can be used although they usually entail immersing the components in a tankfilled with a liquid fungicidal preparation. Sometimes the process is carried out under pressure. In any event the extent to which the preparation penetrates the wood is limited, consequently any planing or other operation for example profiling which entails removal ofthetop surface of the treated wood results in a reduction in the thickness of the protective layer. Forthis reason some regulations specify that the fungicidal treatment shall bethe lasttreatment of the components priorto assembly. Consequently some conventional methods of making windows cannot conform to such regulations.The present invention provides an improved meansformaking casementwindows and other joinery products which entails less labour and which avoids notonlythe making of mortice and tenon joints but also the final profiling operation. As a consequence casement windows utilising these means complywith the above regulations.

Accordingly this invention provides a connectorfor a stile and a rail of a window comprising a shaped member incorporating a first surface for abutting the endofastileofthewindowand second surface for abutting the end of a rail ofthe window, a third surface shaped to correspond with the external shape of the stile and a fourth surface shape to correspond with the shape of the rail. and meanstosecurethe memberto both the stile andthe rail in abutting relationship.

This invention is illustrating but not restricted by the following drawings in which: Figure 1 is a view taken in plan of a horizontal section of invention connector joining a stile and a rail of a casement window.

Figure 2 is a view taken in vertical section along line B ofthe connector illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a viewtaken in vertical section along line A of the connector illustrated in Figure 1.

In Figure 1 a connector shown generally as number (1) is provided with a plane surface which abuts the end of stile (2) and a second plane surfacewhich abuts the end of rail (3). Connector ) is secured to the stile and rail bytwo bolts (4) inserted into counterbored holes (5) and screwed into two barrel fastenings (6) inserted into two predrilled holes (7). A non-setting fungicidal compound is applied to the ends of the stile and rail to weatherproofthejoin prior to assembly of the components. Preferably connector (1 ) is provided with a locating dowel (8)which engages with a hole in the stile and rail to prevent the assembly from twisting whenthejoints have been completed.

Figure2illustratestheexteriorsurface(9) ofthe connectorwhich has a profile which is identical to and in effect constitutes an extension ofthe profile of the rail (3) whilst Figure 3 shows profile (10) of connector (1 ) which corresponds to that of stile (2).

The connectors can be made of any constructional material having the necessary strength and dimensional stability. Howeverthermo-plastic substances e.g. polyethylene, nylon, polyvinyl chloride are preferred because connectors having complex shapes can then be made rapidly and cheaply. The connectors can be solid except where holes are required to be drilled for purposes of assembly. However connectors made from thermoplastics materials are preferalby at least partially hollow since the pressure of one or more cavities has the effect of imparting dimensional stabilitytothe connector. Other methods of securing the connector to the wooden components of the casement can be used although the combination of bolts and barrels illustrated above is preferred.

In orderto make casement windows utilising the present connectors the wooden components of the casementarecuttothe required length and drilledto allowthe connectorto be screwed or bolted to the components so thatthey are at right angles to each other. The component can be provided where neces sarywithaglazing rebate. The shape of the connector is such that a glazing rebate in the components is allowed by means of the connector to complete the right angled turn without any further machining of the component other than to drill the hole for use in fixing the connector. Furthermore the shape of the connectorallowsthe outside rebate if any to complete the right angle without any final processing. The present connectors also permit the components to be given chemicals including decorative treatments prior to assembly.

Connectors according to the present invention can The drawings originally filed were informal and the print here reproduced is taken from a later filed formal copy.

The claims were filed later than the filing date within the period prescribed by Rule 25(1) of the Patents Rules 1982.

This print embodies corrections made under Section 117(1) of the Patents Act 1977. be employed in the manufacture of a wide range of structures and the scope ofthis invention is not to be construed as being confined to use ofthe connectors in relation to casement windows.

Claims (7)

1. Aconnectorfora stile and a rail of a window comprising a shaped member incorporating a first surface for abutting the end of a stile of the window and a second surface for abutting the end of a rail of the window, a third surface shaped to correspond with the external shape of the stile and a fourth surface shaped to correspond with the external shape ofthe rail and means to secure the memberto both the stile and the rail in abutting relationship.

2. A connector according to Claim 1 whenever made from thermoplastics material.

3. A connector according to claim 2 which is hollow.

4. Awindowframe incorporating a connector as claimed in any one ofthe preceding claims.

5. Awindowframe according to Claim 4 comprising a stile and a rail wherein the stile and the rail have each been treated with a fungicidal compound prior to being secured to the connector.

6. Connectors as hereinbefore claimed in anyone ofthe preceding claims.

7. Connectors as hereinbefore described with particular reference to the drawings.