GB2214962A

GB2214962A - Improvements in window frames

Info

Publication number: GB2214962A
Application number: GB8818695A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Frederick Trenaman
Original assignee: THERMAL PROFILES ACCESSORIES
Current assignee: THERMAL PROFILES ACCESSORIES
Priority date: 1988-02-09
Filing date: 1988-08-05
Publication date: 1989-09-13
Anticipated expiration: 2008-08-05
Also published as: IE59944B1; IE880356L; GB2214962B; GB8818695D0; ZA885839B

Abstract

A frame member 10 comprises a main body portion 10' formed by extrusion and having a substantially constant cross-section, the main body portion 10' including a generally T-shaped hollow section with an outwardly facing open channel 26 at the base thereof. An elongate plastics component 42 engages with and closes the open channel 26 and extends beyond the channel on at least one side to form with the head of the T-shaped section a recess 12 for accommodating a window-carrying frame. The channel 26 is filled with foam 44 to secure the engagement of the plastics component 42 with the channel 26. <IMAGE>

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN WINDOW FRAMES This invention relates to a frame member for supporting a window, and is a.modification of our copending Irish Patent Application No. 394/87 whose contents are hereby incorporated by reference.

According to the invention there is provided a a frame member comprising a main body portion formed by extrusion and having a substantially constant cross-section, the main body portion including a generally T-shaped hollow section with an outwardly facing open channel at the base thereof, and an elongate plastics component engaing with and closing the open channel and extending beyond the channel on at least one side to form with the head of the T-shaped section a recess for accommodating a window-carrying frame, the channel being filled with foam to secure the engagement of the plastics component with the channel.

An embodiment of 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 frame member according to the invention, and Figure 2 is a perspective view of a frame structure incorporating the frame member according to the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein similar numerals have been used to indicate like parts, there is shown therein a frame member generally indicated at 10 according to the invention.

The frame member 10 comprises a main portion 10', which is formed with a substantially constant cross-section by extrusion from a suitable material such as aluminium, and includes a generally T-shaped hollow section 11 with an outwardly facing open channel 26 at the base thereof opposite the head 24. The portion 10' has a recess 15 formed on the side 16, such recess being defined in part by spaced-apart flanges 18, 19 integral with the section 11 which face each other to provide the recess 15 with a restricted opening. An integral outwardly extending rebate member 20 is also provided and has a recess 21 formed on its inner face for holding a sealing member as will be described below in relation to Figure 2.Further, the section 11 has a pair of semi-circular flanges 22 formed integrally with the leg portion 23 of the T-shaped section and extending towards one another for a purpose to be described below.

The outermost end of the walls 40 defining the channel 26 terminate in outwardly extending flanges 41.

A plastics component 42 elongated the directi~n of the channel 26 has inwardly projecting right angled flanges 43 which cooperate with the flanges 41 to interengage the frame member 10' and the plastics component 42, thereby closing the channel. The plastics component 42 and the frame member 10' are securely held together by means of a plastics foam filling 44 which is introduced in the channel 26. When the plastics foam filling 44 expands, the plastics component 42 and the frame member 10' are secured by the flanges 41 securely interengaging with the flanges 43. The foam 44 is preferably polyurethane foam. The plastics component 42 extends beyond the channel 24 on each side and forms with the head 24 of the T-shaped section 11 a further continuous recess 12 on the side 13 opposite the side 16 to accommodate a window-carrying frame 14.

In Figure 2, the frame member 10 is shown in use in a construction of door frame 30. The member 10 is fixed at its lower end 31 to a drainage cill 32 which in turn is fixed directly to a masonary structure (not shown) defining a door or window opening. A window or sidelight frame 14 carrying a window is accommodated in the continuous recess 12, preferably as an interference fit. One leaf of a door hinge (not shown) is accommodated in the recess 15 and may be selectively positioned anywhere along the length of the recess 15 by sliding, as described in the abovementioned Irish Patent Application No. 394/87. The other leaf of the hinge supports a door 34 which when in the closed position abuts against a sealing member 35 accommodated in the recess 21 formed in the rebate member 20.

Further recesses 36 formed in the side 13 adjacent to the recess 12 may also accommodate sealing members (not shown) to seal the window frame 14 onto the member 10.

As shown, the window frame 14 is located in the recess 12 and preferably comprises an extruded aluminium component 50 and a plastic component 51. The plastic component 51 and aluminium component 50 are secured together at 52 by means of a plastics foam filling 53 similarly as described above in relation to the frame member 10' and plastics component 42.

Further, the plastics component 42 has an inwardly facing channel 54 which receives a corresponding outwardly projecting flange 55 on the plastics component 52. The end 56 of the window frame 4 carries a double glazed window 57 which is secured in the end 56 by means of sealing members 58, 59. Thus, the door 34 and window 57 form a composite structure. It is to be understood that the channel 26 and component 42 are provided on the interior or room side of the structure.

The upper end 37 of the member 10 is fixed to a cross-piece (not shown) by screws (not shown) which engage in the semi-circular flanges 22. The member 10 is fixed to the drainage cill 32 in a similar manner.

If a window is not required in a particular structure, the side 13 of the member 10 may be fixed directly to a sidewall of a masonary structure with the door 34 supported at the opposite side 16.

The foam filling provides the dual function of securing the plastics component 42 to the frame member 10' and also provides excellent heat insulation for the room side of a building. The plastics component 42 can form an aesthetic appearance for the interior of a building.

It is envisaged that the member 10 will be manufactured and sold as a component of kit of parts for assembly into a frame structure as illustrated in Figure 2.

Claims

1. A frame member comprising a main body portion formed by extrusion and having a substantially constant cross-section, the main body portion including a generally T-shaped hollow section with an outwardly facing open channel at the base thereof, and an elongate plastics component engaing with and closing the open channel and extending beyond the channel on at least one side to form with the head of the T-shaped section a recess for accommodating a window-carrying frame, the channel being filled with foam to secure the engagement of the plastics component with the channel.

2. A frame member as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body portion has a further recess on the opposite side to the first recess, the further recess having a restricted opening for slidably accommodating one leaf of a door hinge.

3. A frame member substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

4. A door/window construction comprising a frame member as claimed in any preceding claim, a window carrying frame accommodated in the first recess, a hinge having one leaf accommodated in the second recess, and a door carried by the other leaf of the hinge.

5. A door/window construction substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.