GB2259106A - Sub-frame for use in fixing a door or window frame in a wall of a building - Google Patents
Sub-frame for use in fixing a door or window frame in a wall of a building Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2259106A GB2259106A GB9218133A GB9218133A GB2259106A GB 2259106 A GB2259106 A GB 2259106A GB 9218133 A GB9218133 A GB 9218133A GB 9218133 A GB9218133 A GB 9218133A GB 2259106 A GB2259106 A GB 2259106A
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- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- frame
- sub
- frame according
- securing
- building
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B1/00—Border constructions of openings in walls, floors, or ceilings; Frames to be rigidly mounted in such openings
- E06B1/02—Base frames, i.e. template frames for openings in walls or the like, provided with means for securing a further rigidly-mounted frame; Special adaptations of frames to be fixed therein
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B1/00—Border constructions of openings in walls, floors, or ceilings; Frames to be rigidly mounted in such openings
- E06B1/56—Fastening frames to the border of openings or to similar contiguous frames
- E06B1/60—Fastening frames to the border of openings or to similar contiguous frames by mechanical means, e.g. anchoring means
- E06B1/6069—Separate spacer means acting exclusively in the plane of the opening; Shims; Wedges; Tightening of a complete frame inside a wall opening
Abstract
A sub-frame, for fixing into a building to define an opening for receiving a prefabricated door or window frame (52) having an external peripheral groove (53), is provided with a number of resiliently biased frame securing elements (24' or 24''), and releasable means, such as pins (29) (Fig. 6, not shown) extending through aligned holes (20) in the sub-frame, restraining elements (24' or 24'') in inoperative positions which allow the frame (52) to be inserted into the sub-frame without interference from the securing elements, whereafter the pins are removed. The elements (24', 24'') can be replaced by manually-adjustable elements (72). <IMAGE>
Description
SUB-FRAME FOR USE IN FIXING A DOOR OR WINDOW FRAME
IN A WALL OF A BUILDING
The invention relates generally to the fixing of prefabricated door or window frames into the walls of buildings, and is particularly concerned with sub-frames for incorporation into the walls during their erection to define openings into which the door or window frames are subsequently fitted.
Such systems are well known, and have the advantage that the door or window frame is not actually fitted until most of the construction work has been completed, thus avoiding the risk of damage to the frame which exists when the frame is fixed in position while the wall is being built. Also, it is possible to use safely fully factory finished frames, and to delay taking delivery on site until the building is ready for them to be fitted.
Many of these systems are arranged so that when the frame is fitted into position within the sub-frame it interlocks automatically with the sub-frame to hold the frame firmly in place. For example, it is known to provide either the frame or the sub-frame with resilient tongues which deflect as the frame is pushed into position and then snap into a recess in the other part to lock the two together. Either this involves a non-standard frame construction, or it can involve possible damage to the finish of the frame as it is inserted.
The present invention aims to provide a sub-frame which will enable a standard prefabricated door or window frame to be fitted into it without suffering any visible damage to its finish, and makes use of the fact that such standard frames made of wood or plastics are invariably formed with an external peripherally extending groove.
According to the invention there is provided a sub-frame for fixing into a building to define an opening for receiving a prefabricated door or window frame having an external peripheral groove, the sub-frame being provided with a number of frame securing elements located at intervals around the inner periphery of the sub-frame in an inoperative condition which allows the door or window frame to be inserted into the desired position within the opening defined by the sub-frame without interference from the securing elements, and actuator means which are in co-operative engagement with the frame securing elements and are capable of causing the elements to adopt an operative condition in which portions thereof project inwardly from the sub-frame into the external peripheral groove of the door or window frame to secure the frame to the sub-frame after the frame has been inserted into position within the sub-frame.
The sub-frame will be dimensioned to receive a standard door or window frame of specified size and having an external peripheral groove of a particular width, the frame securing elements of the sub-frame being arranged to be a close fit within the groove when in the operative condition so that the frame will be held relatively firmly in position.
Preferably, each frame securing element is disposed in an inwardly facing channel formed in the inner periphery of the sub-frame, the channel preferably being approximately the same width as the external peripheral groove of the door or window frame which is to be received by the subframe. In this case, each frame securing element may be retracted completely into the channel in its inoperative condition.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the frame securing elements are resiliently biassed towards the operative condition, and the actuator means comprises releasable means restraining the securing elements in the inoperative condition until said means are released, thereby allowing said elements to move into the operative condition.
In this case, each frame securing element may comprise a bent strip of springy metal (which preferably has a width only very slightly less than the width of the channel and the external peripheral groove of the door or window frame) having a first portion which is attached to the sub-frame, and at least one other portion which is engaged by the releasable restraining means to hold the element in its inoperative condition and which will naturally adopt an operative position projecting inwardly from the sub-frame when the restraining means is released. As will be appreciated, a variety of different shapes is possible for the springy metal securing elements, and two preferred shapes are described later with reference to the drawings.
The first portion of each such securing element preferably comprises a tab which projects through an aperture in the sub-frame to hook the securing element onto the sub-frame. Preferably the sub-frame is provided with a series of these apertures located at substantially regular intervals around the sub-frame to accommodate location of the securing elements in a variety of different positions as desired. These apertures are preferably in the form of slots each having its major axis lying parallel to the plane of the opening defined by the sub-frame.
The releasable restraining means preferably comprise pins which extend transversely through the sub-frame in directions substantially perpendicular to the plane of the opening defined by the sub-frame, the pins being retractable or removable to release the securing elements and thereby allow them to move into their operative conditions. In this case the sub-frame preferably comprises transversely extending holes for receiving the pins, the holes being provided at substantially regular intervals around the sub-frame to accommodate various different locations of the securing elements.
In an alternative embodiment, each frame securing element comprises a pair of overlapping leaves which are held together at one end, and the actuator means comprises a plurality of driving members in engagement one with each frame securing element, each driving member being located between the two leaves of its frame securing element and movable relative thereto to cause the element to adopt its operative condition by wedging the leaves apart whereby one of the leaves is caused to project inwardly from the sub-frame.
Preferably each driving member is rotatably mounted in the sub-frame and is arranged to cause translational movement of the associated frame securing element relative to the driving member in order to wedge the leaves of the element apart when the driving member is rotated in a predetermined direction.
A common problem with sub-frames is to prevent distortion both during transit and during erection of a building around the sub-frame. For this purpose the sub-frame may be provided with a removable corner brace at each corner to help maintain the squareness of the sub-frame at each corner and, in addition, the sub-frame may be provided with a removable bracing strut between at least the two horizontal sides, which in use form the head and cill portions of the sub-frame, to help maintain the correct distance between these two sides. In the preferred construction of the sub-frame, each corner brace and bracing strut engages with pins which extend transversely through the sub-frame in directions substantially perpendicular to the plane of the opening defined by the sub-frame to secure the brace or strut in position, the pins being retractable or removable to disengage from the brace or strut and thereby allow it to be removed.
Usually the corner braces and bracing strut or struts will remain in position throughout the erection of the building around the sub-frame, and will only be removed when the door or window frame is ready to be fitted into the sub-frame.
Preferably the outer periphery of the sub-frame along at least the two vertical sides is formed with at least one outwardly facing channel for receiving, in an interlocking manner, a number of wall-ties for fixing the sub-frame in position as the building is erected around it.
Generally the sub-frame will comprise a number of straight members of substantially uniform cross-sectional profile which are joined substantially rigidly together at the corners of the sub-frame, for example by right angled corner pieces each of which is suitably fixed to the ends of the two members which meet at the respective corner.
In a preferred construction, the cross-sectional profile of each sub-frame member defines two outwardly facing channels separated by a central, inwardly facing channel, the base wall of the central channel being convexly dished towards the inner periphery of the sub-frame, and the free edge of each outwardly facing channel forming a laterally inwardly directed lip which may also be slightly re-entrant with respect to the channel.
Each sub-frame member is preferably made of metal, and may be extruded to the desired cross-sectional profile or, more preferably, may be formed by a rolled strip which is folded to form the desired profile.
Further according to the invention, there is provided a method of fixing a door or window frame having an external peripheral groove in a building, wherein the building is erected around a sub-frame constructed in accordance with the invention and the sub-frame is suitably fixed to the building, the door or window frame is fitted into the opening defined by the sub-frame and positioned so that the external peripheral groove is aligned with the inoperative frame securing elements carried by the sub-frame, and the actuator means are then operated to cause the securing elements to adopt their operative condition in which portions thereof project inwardly into the external peripheral groove of the frame to fix the frame in position, said portions of the securing elements being dimensioned to be received as a relatively close fit in the groove in order to reduce unwanted movement of the frame relative to the sub-frame.
To facilitate fitting of the frame into the opening, the lower horizontal member of the sub-frame may be provided with at least one fixed locating block which projects inwardly from the sub-frame member for engagement in the outer peripheral groove of the cill of the door or window frame when the frame is fitted into the sub-frame.
Further preferred details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of two different embodiments, given by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a sectional view through part of a fitted window assembly including one embodiment of a sub-frame in accordance with the invention, the section being taken parallel to the plane of the window on the line C-C in
Figures 2 and 3;
Figure 2 is a cross-section through the assembly taken on the line A-A in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a cross-section through the assembly taken on the line B-B in Figure 1;
Figure 4 is an elevation of part of the sub-frame looking in the direction of arrow F in Figure 1;
Figure 5 is an elevation, to a large scale, of part of the sub-frame looking in the direction of arrow G in
Figure 4;;
Figure 6 is a longitudinal section through a portion of the sub-frame showing one form of a frame securing element restrained in an inoperative condition;
Figure 7 is a cross-section, to a large scale, through the assembly at one side thereof showing a wall tie engaged with the sub-frame for fixing the sub-frame to the surrounding wall, and also showing a preferred method of sealing the gap between the wall and the window frame on the interior side of the assembly;
Figure 8 is a sectional view of one corner of the subframe fitted with a corner brace, the section being taken on the line D-D in Figure 8;
Figure 9 is a cross-section taken on the line E-E in
Figure 8;
Figure 10 is a schematic front elevation of the sub-frame fitted with a bracing strut between the top and bottom horizontal members of the sub-frame;;
Figure 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the subframe in a second embodiment;
Figure 12 is a perspective view of a frame securing element and associated actuator of the second embodiment;
Figure 13 is a perspective view of one of the components of the frame securing element of Figure 12;
Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of the actuator shown in Figure 12; and,
Figure 15 is a longitudinal section through a portion of the sub-frame and one of its frame securing elements and actuators in position in the second embodiment.
In the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 10 of the drawings the sub-frame 1 is formed by four members 2,3,4 and 5 which are joined substantially rigidly together at their ends to define a rectangular opening 6 surrounded by the sub-frame. Each of the members 2,3,4 and 5 comprises a length of similar metal track having a uniform cross-sectional profile, the members either being made to the required length or being cut to size from standard lengths of the track.
As shown, the cross-sectional profile of each of the subframe members 2,3,4 and 5 provides the member with a central, inwardly facing channel 7 having a substantially convexly bowed base 8, and a pair of outwardly facing channels 9,10 disposed one on each side of the central channel 7 and separated therefrom by respective walls 11,12 lying substantially parallel to the plane of the opening 6. The walls 13,14 defining the base of the channels 9 and 10 lie in a common plane perpendicular to the plane of the opening 6 and together define the inner surface of the sub-frame member. The laterally outer walls 15,16 of the channels 9,10 extend perpendicularly from the base walls 13,14 respectively to the same height as the inner walls 11,12 and then turn inwardly so that each forms a lip 17,18 extending in a slightly re-entrant manner back into the channel 9,10.
Along the base 8 of the central channel 7 each sub-frame member is provided with a series of apertures 19 in the form of slots at evenly spaced intervals along the length of the member, the major axis of each slot being aligned with the longitudinal axis of the member. In addition, each member has a series of rows of substantially aligned holes 20 extending transversely through the member, the rows being evenly spaced apart along the length of the member - in this example at the same interval as the slots 19 but with the rows being located approximately mid-way between the slots.As best shown in Figure 7, each row of holes 20 comprises aligned holes 20a,20b through the outer walls 15,16 of the member, and aligned holes 20c,20d through the inner walls 11,12, the inner holes 20c,20d being smaller than the outer holes 20a,20b and having their axis slightly offset from the axis of the outer holes in a direction towards the inner face of the member, as can also be seen from Figure 5.
The profiled tracking which forms each sub-frame member 2,3,4 and 5 is preferably made of rolled steel strip which is folded to the required shape and then galvanised, the slots 19 and holes 20 being punched at the desired positions prior to the folding operation.
At each corner of the sub-frame 1, the sub-frame members which meet at the corner are joined by means of a substantially rigid connector piece 21, which may for example be injection moulded from nylon or other similar plastics material, the corner piece being formed with two portions 22,23 at right angles to each other and each comprising three parallel fingers designed to fit tightly into the ends of the channels 9,7 and 10 of the respective sub-frame member.
Each sub-frame member 2,3,4,5, with the exception of that 5 which is intended to form the lower horizontal or cill member when the sub-frame is installed in a building, has a number of resilient frame securing elements 24 fitted in its central inwardly facing channel 7 at spaced intervals along its length. One possible construction for these securing elements is shown at 24' in Figures 1 and 6, the element comprising a bent strip of spring metal, for example steel, having a width which is only very slightly less than the width of the central channel 7 in which it is located.As shown, the element 24' has a central portion 25 which lies substantially parallel with the base 8 of the channel 7 and has a punched tab 26 which is arranged to project through one of the slots 19 in the base 8 of the channel 7 and to hook or clip onto the base to locate and retain the element 24' in the channel. The opposite end portions 27,28 of the element 24' are angled inwardly from the central portion 25 so that, when the element is unconstrained, the two end portions will project out of the channel 7 and inwardly beyond the plane of the inner surface of the member as shown in Figure 1. Initially, however, the two end portions 27,28 of each element 24' are constrained to lie wholly within the channel 7, as shown in Figure 6, by means of a pair of pins 29 which are inserted through respective rows of the holes 20 extending transversely through the member.As shown, the end portions 27,28 of each element 24 may be kinked to provide seatings 30,31 which engage the pins 29 when the end portions 27,28 are restrained thereby within the channel 7.
In the case of the alternative form of frame securing element 24" shown in Figure 1, it is the end portions 32,33 which are located against the base 8 of the channel 7, and the central portion 34 which is designed to project out of the channel and inwardly beyond the inner surface of the sub-frame member when the element 24" is unconstrained. One end 32 of the element 24" is formed with a tab 35 which projects through one of the slots 19 to hook or clip the element onto the sub-frame member, and the central portion 34 of the element is kinked to provide a seat 36 for a restraining pin 29 when the element 24" is pressed back into the channel 7 and the pin is inserted through one of the rows of holes 20 to restrain the element in this retracted condition.
In the case of the lower sub-frame member 5, instead of the resilient frame securing elements 24, the central inwardly facing channel 7 is fitted with a number of locating blocks 37, which may be injection moulded from nylon or other similar material, at spaced intervals along its length. Each location block 37 is held in position by means of a portion 38 which is designed to be a press fit through one of the slots 19 in the base of the channel 7, and is dimensioned so that it has a portion 39 projecting out of the channel 7 inwardly beyond the inner surface of the member 5.
In order to prevent unwanted distortion of the sub-frame 1 during delivery and installation in the building, the sub-frame may be fitted with removable corner braces and one or more removable bracing struts extending between opposite sides of the sub-frame. One example of a corner brace 40 is shown in Figures 8 and 9, the brace comprising a substantially right-angled triangularly shaped plate which is cut away as shown at 41 at the vertex and has a right angled flange 42 extending along each of the orthogonal edges. The bracing plate 40 is positioned at the corner with its edge flanges 42 received in the channels 7 of the two sub-frame members meeting at the corner, each flange 42 lying against the base 8 of the respective channel.The brace plate 40 is maintained in position by means of a pair of pins 29 adjacent each edge 42, each pin extending through a respective transverse row of holes 20 in the respective sub-frame member and also through a respective slot 43 in the brace plate 40, the slots 43 extending parallel to the edge 42 of the plate 40 in order to register with the holes 20 irrespective of their position with respect to the end of the sub-frame member - which may vary when the member has been cut to size from a standard length of track.
In the case of the bracing struts, one example 44 is shown in Figure 10 between the upper and lower horizontal members 3 and 5 of the sub-frame 1. The strut 44 has a body portion 45 which is of a length equal to the desired spacing between the inner surfaces of the two members 3 and 5, and an extension portion 46 at each end of the body which projects into the central inwardly facing channel 7 of the respective member 3,5 and is provided with a transverse hole or slot which aligns with a transverse row of holes 20 through the member in order to receive a pin 29 therethrough to secure the strut 44 in position.
When the sub-frame 1 is assembled ready for delivery, all of the resilient frame securing elements 24 are retracted and restrained within the channel 7 of the respective sub-frame member by pins 29 inserted through the appropriate rows of holes 20, and the corner braces 40 and bracing struts 44 are also secured in position by means of appropriately inserted pins 29. In this respect, it should be appreciated that the pins 29 are simply pushed through the aligned holes 20, and although they may be subsequently removed as and when desired simply by pulling them out, there is little risk of them coming out accidentally since the resilience of the securing elements 24 acting on them and/or the friction of the pins within the aligned holes will act to prevent this.Also, if desired, the peripheral surfaces of the sub-frame members 2,3,4 and 5 may be covered by a selfadhesive plastics foil sheet to protect the surfaces during delivery and installation, and this may also help to hold the restraining pins 29 in place.
In use, the sub-frame 1 is located in position when the wall of the building has reached the desired level of the window frame opening, the sub-frame being placed with its lower member 5 resting on the upper surface 47 of the partially erected wall. The wall 48 is then built up around the sub-frame 1 while supporting the sub-frame in a vertical plane. As the wall is built up the side members 2 and 4 of the sub-frame, each member 2,4 is periodically fixed to the wall 48 by means of a conventional wall tie 49 having a pair of L-shaped attachment lugs 50,51 at one end arranged so that they can be inserted into the outwardly facing channels 9,10 respectively of the member 2,4 by suitably tilting the wall tie 49, and which then lock in position behind the lips 17,18 as shown in Figure 7 when the wall tie is turned back to a horizontal position.The wall tie is then cemented into the wall 48 between successive courses thereof, hence fixing the sub-frame firmly to the wall.
Alternatively, the sub-frame may be screwed to the wall by means of screws fitted through appropriate slots 19 of the members 2 and 4.
When the building work has been completed and the factory finished, and possibly glazed, window frame is to be fitted into the opening 6 defined by the sub-frame 1, the pins 29 securing the corner braces 40 and the strut 44 in position are withdrawn so that the braces and strut can be removed, and the protective foil sheet material, if provided, is also removed from the sub-frame members.
The window frame may then be fitted in position. The frame 52 has external dimensions which are very slightly less than the dimensions of the opening 6 into which it is to be fitted, and has a peripherally extending external groove 53 of a width substantially equal to that of the central inwardly facing channel 7 of each of the sub-frame members 2,3,4 and 5. The depth of the groove 53 is greater than the extent by which the locating blocks 37 project inwardly from the lower member 5, and the frame 52 is fitted by presenting it cill first intothe opening 6 so that the rear edge of the groove 52 in the underside of the cill slides across the top of the locating blocks 37 until the front edge of the groove 53 comes up against the front edge of the blocks 37.The frame 52 is then rocked into the vertical position so that the rear edge of the cill groove 53 drops down behind the locating blocks 37 and the head of the frame slips into position beneath the upper sub-frame member 3. The locating blocks 37 are thus received tightly within the cill groove 53 and serve to locate the frame 52 accurately within the opening 6 with the groove 53 extending around the sides and head of the frame in alignment with the inwardly facing channels 7 of the subframe members 2,3 and 4. The pins 29 restraining the frame securing elements 24 are then withdrawn and portions thereof, i.e. the end portions 27 and 28 of the elements 24' or the central portion 36 of the elements 24", then spring inwardly into the facing groove 53 of the frame to lock the frame firmly in position.As mentioned earlier, the width of the frame securing elements 24 is such that they are designed to fit closely into the groove 53 so as to prevent unwanted movement of the frame.
The gap between the external periphery of the installed window frame 52 and the surrounding portion of the wall on each side of the sub-frame 1 is then sealed by insertion of a suitable sealing compound as indicated at 54 and 55 in Figures 2 and 3. Alternatively, the gap on at least the inner side of the sub-frame may be closed and sealed as shown in Figure 7 by a suitable trim strip 56 having a fastening rib 57 of fir-tree section along the length of its rear face, the rib 57 being arranged to press-lock into a series of socket members 58 spaced apart along the length of the gap and fixed in position by means of barbed plugs 59 which are pushed through respective holes 20a in the outer wall 15 of the sub-frame.
Generally, the sub-frame will be manufactured off site and delivered ready to be installed, but it will be readily appreciated that it will be possible, and within the scope of the invention, to provide the sub-frame in kit form for assembly on site when required. This will of course greatly facilitate delivery and storage of the sub-frame prior to installation.
The sub-frame in the second embodiment illustrated in
Figures 11 to 15 is much the same in construction as in the first embodiment, differing only in the form and operation of the frame securing elements and minor changes in the design of the track members of the subframe in order to accommodate the frame securing elements.
Thus, the sub-frame of the second embodiment comprises four members which are joined substantially rigidly together at their ends to define a rectangular opening, each member being formed by a length of similar metal track 60 having a uniform cross-sectional profile as shown in Figure 11. As in the first embodiment, the track 60 provides the sub-frame members with a central, inwardly facing channel 61, and a pair of outwardly facing channels 62,63 disposed one on each side of the central channel 61 and separated therefrom by respective walls 64,65 lying substantially parallel to the plane of the opening defined by the sub-frame. The laterally outer walls 66,67 of the channels 62,63 lie substantially parallel to the inner walls 64,65 and are each provided with an inwardly turned, slightly re- entrant lip 68,69 along its free edge.
The track 60 also has a series of rows of substantially aligned holes 70 extending transversely through the channel side walls 64,65,66 and 67, the rows being substantially evenly spaced apart along the length of the track. In this embodiment, however, the holes 70a and 70b in the walls 66,64 of the channel 62 are the same size as each other, and the holes 70c and 70d in the walls 65,67 of the channel 63 are also the same size as each other but smaller than the holes 70a and 70b. Also, the portion of the track defining the base 71 of the central channel 61 is substantially flat and is not provided with the longitudinal row of slots 19 which are present in the sub-frame of the first embodiment.
The construction of each of the frame securing elements 72 which are located at intervals around the inner periphery of the sub-frame in the second embodiment is shown in Figures 12 and 13. Each element 72 is formed by a pair of elongate, overlapping leaves 73,74 which are clamped together at one end, and which have a width only very slightly less than the width of the inwardly facing central channel 61 of the sub-frame track 60. The securing element 72 will thus fit snugly between the walls 64,65 of the central channel 61.
The base leaf 73, i.e. the leaf which lies flat against the base wall 71 of the channel 61, has one end 75 folded over to form a narrow recess 76 which receives the corresponding end of the other leaf 74 to clamp the two ends together. This clamping may be achieved by arranging the end of the leaf 74 to be an interference fit in the recess 76, or more positive securing means may be used if desired. The leaves 73 and 74 will usually be made of metal, such as steel, and at least the upper leaf 74 will be relatively springy in order to allow it to flex near the end which is clamped to the base leaf 73.
At its free end the base leaf 73 has an upturned lip 77, and between the ends the leaf 73 is formed with a longitudinally extending toothed rack 78 facing the other leaf 74. In the present example, the rack 78 is formed by at least one row (two rows are shown) of equally spaced holes or notches 79 which are cut in the leaf 73.
In use, each frame securing element 72 is associated with an actuator in the form of a driving member 80 which is arranged to be located between the two leaves 73,74 to force them apart. The driving member 80 comprises a pinion which is arranged to engage and cooperate with the rack 78, the pinion being formed by a tubular sleeve having a length approximately equal to the width of the leaves 73,74 and two axially spaced circumferentially extending rows of teeth 82 designed to engage with the two rows of holes or notches 79 forming the rack 78. The driving member 80 also comprises a drive shaft 83 having a shank 84 which will extend through the sleeve pinion 81 and will fit at one end closely into the smaller holes 70c,70d of the sub-frame track 60.At the other end of the shank, the drive shaft 83 has a head 85 having a diameter such that it will fit closely in the holes 70a and 70b of the sub-frame track 60, and between the head 85 and the shank 84 is a screw-threaded section 86 which is engaged with an internal screw thread provided at one end 87 of the sleeve pinion 81 in order to couple the pinion and the drive shaft together.
In use, the frame securing element 72 is located in the desired position in the sub-frame track 60 with the sleeve pinion 81 located between the two leaves 73,74 near their free ends such that aligned teeth 82 of the pinion are located in aligned holes or notches 79 of the rack 78 and the free end of the upper leaf 74 is spaced from the base of the channel 61 by a distance equal to or less than the depth D of the channel 61 as shown in
Figure 15. The securing element 72 is then adjusted in position to bring the axis of the sleeve pinion 81 into line with the axis of a selected row of holes 70, and the drive shaft 83 is then inserted through these holes and the sleeve pinion before being rotated (anticlockwise in this embodiment) in order to screw the drive shaft and the sleeve pinion firmly together.The driving member 80 is thus assembled and rotatably mounted in position by means of the drive shaft 83 which has the free end of its shank 84 received in the smaller holes 70c,70d of the track 60, and the head 85 received in the larger holes 70a,70b. The free end of the head 85 is provided with a slot 88 for engagement by a screw driver in order to rotate the drive shaft 83 and hence the driving member assembly 80. The frame securing element 72 is thus installed in the sub-frame in its inoperative condition as illustrated in full lines in Figure 15.
The sub-frame is installed in a building in the same way as described earlier for the first embodiment, and when a window frame has been placed in position within the subframe the frame securing elements 72 are caused to move into their operative condition to fix the frame in position by rotating the driving member 80 of each element in an anti-clockwise direction. This rotation will cause successive teeth 82 of the pinion 81 to engage in successive holes or notches 79 of the rack 78 and thereby drive the frame securing element 72 along the channel 61 towards the right in Figure 15. This causes the leaf 74 of the securing element 72 to be gradually wedged further apart from the base leaf 73 by the pinion 81 as the clamped ends of the leaves moves closer to the driving member, until the fully operative condition is reached as illustrated by the dotted lines in Figure 15.
In this condition the leaf 74 projects out of the central channel 61 of the track 60 and into the peripheral groove of the window frame which has been placed in position within the sub-frame, thereby serving to hold the window frame securely in position in a manner similar to the resilient securing elements 24 of the first embodiment.
As will be noted, each row of teeth 82 of the pinion 81 in the example shown contains five equally spaced teeth.
This means that the two teeth of each row furthest from the downwardly projecting tooth in engagement with the rack 79 will provide a two point support for the upper leaf 74 which will act to hold the element 72 in position and prevent undesired movement towards returning to the inoperative condition as a result of the spring force exerted on the driving member 80 by the leaf 74.
Claims (35)
1. A sub-frame for fixing into a building to define an opening for receiving a prefabricated door or window frame having an external peripheral groove, the sub-frame being provided with a number of frame securing elements located at intervals around the inner periphery of the sub-frame in an inoperative condition which allows the door or window frame to be inserted into the desired position within the opening defined by the sub-frame without interference from the securing elements, and actuator means which are in co-operative engagement with the frame securing elements and are capable of causing the elements to adopt an operative condition in which portions thereof project inwardly from the sub-frame into the external peripheral groove of the door or window frame to secure the frame to the sub-frame after the frame has been inserted into position within the subframe.
2. A sub-frame according to claim 1, in which each frame securing element is disposed in an inwardly facing channel formed in the inner periphery of the sub-frame.
3. A sub-frame according to claim 2, in which each frame securing element is retracted completely into the channel in the inoperative condition of the element.
4. A sub-frame according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the frame securing elements are resiliently biassed towards the operative condition, and the actuator means comprises releasable means restraining the securing elements in the inoperative condition until said means are released, thereby allowing said elements to move into the operative condition.
5. A sub-frame according to claim 4, in which each frame securing element comprises a bent strip of springy metal having a first portion which is attached to the sub-frame, and at least one other portion which is engaged by the releasable restraining means to hold the element in its inoperative condition and which will naturally adopt an operative position projecting inwardly from the sub-frame when the restraining means is released.
6. A sub-frame according to claim 5 when claim 4 is dependent on either claim 2 or claim 3, in which the width of each frame securing element is only very slightly less than the width of the inwardly facing channel of the sub-frame in which the element is disposed.
7. A sub-frame according to claim 5 or claim 6, in which the first portion of each securing element includes a tab which projects through an aperture in the sub-frame to hook the securing element onto the sub-frame.
8. A sub-frame according to claim 7, in which the subframe is provided with a series of said apertures located at substantially regular intervals around the sub-frame to accommodate location of the securing elements in a variety of different positions as desired.
9. A sub-frame according to claim 8, in which the apertures are in the form of slots each having its major axis lying parallel to the plane of the opening defined by the sub-frame.
10. A sub-frame according to any one of claims 4 to 9, in which the releasable restraining means comprise pins which extend transversely through the sub-frame in directions substantially perpendicular to the plane of the opening defined by the sub-frame, the pins being retractable or removable to release the securing elements and thereby allow the elements to move into their operative condition.
11. A sub-frame according to claim 10, in which the subframe comprises transversely extending holes for receiving the pins, the holes being provided at substantially regular intervals around the sub-frame to accommodate various different locations of the securing elements.
12. A sub-frame according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which each frame securing element comprises a pair of overlapping leaves which are held together at one end, and the actuator means comprises a plurality of driving members in engagement one with each frame securing element, each driving member being located between the two leaves of its frame securing element and movable relative thereto to cause the element to adopt its operative condition by wedging the leaves apart whereby one of the leaves is caused to project inwardly from the sub-frame.
13. A sub-frame according to claim 12 when dependent on claim 2 or claim 3, in which the width of the leaves of each frame securing element is slightly less than the width of the inwardly facing channel of the sub-frame in which the element is disposed.
14. A sub-frame according to claim 12 or claim 13, in which each driving member is rotatably mounted in the sub-frame and is arranged to cause translational movement of the associated frame securing element relative to the driving member in order to wedge the leaves of the element apart when the driving member is rotated in a predetermined direction.
15. A sub-frame according to claim 14, in which each driving member comprises a pinion which engages a rack provided on one of the two leaves of the associated frame securing element to cause the relative translational movement of the element.
16. A sub-frame according to claim 15, in which the rack comprises at least one row of holes or notches formed in the leaf.
17. A sub-frame according to claim 15 or claim 16, in which the pinion comprises a toothed sleeve which is mounted on and coupled to a drive shaft which is rotatably supported by the sub-frame.
18. A sub-frame according to claim 17, in which the sleeve is coupled to the drive shaft by a screw-threaded connection which is tightened by turning the drive shaft in the direction in which the driving member is rotated to wedge the leaves of the associated frame securing element apart.
19. A sub-frame according to claim 17 or claim 18, in which the sub-frame comprises transversely extending holes for receiving and supporting the drive shafts of the driving members, the holes being provided at substantially regular intervals around the sub-frame to accommodate various different locations of the securing elements.
20. A sub-frame according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the lower horizontal member of the sub-frame is provided with at least one fixed locating block which projects inwardly from the sub-frame for engagement in the outer peripheral groove of the cill of the door or window frame when the frame is fitted into the sub-frame.
21. A sub-frame according to any one of the preceding claims, provided with a removable corner brace at each corner to help maintain the squareness of the sub-frame at each corner while the building is erected around the sub-frame and until the door or window frame is ready to be fitted into the sub-frame.
22. A sub-frame according to any one of the preceding claims, provided with a removable bracing strut between at least the two horizontal sides which, in use, form the head and cill portions of the sub-frame to help maintain the correct distance between these two sides while the building is erected around the sub-frame and until the door or window frame is ready to be fitted into the subframe.
23. A sub-frame according to claim 21 or claim 22, in which each corner brace or bracing strut engages with pins which extend transversely through the sub-frame in directions substantially perpendicular to the plane of the opening defined by the sub-frame to secure the brace or strut in position, the pins being retractable or removable to disengage from the brace or strut and thereby allow it to be removed.
24. A sub-frame according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the outer periphery of the sub-frame along at least the two vertical sides is formed with at least one outwardly facing channel for receiving, in an interlocking manner, a number of wall ties for fixing the sub-frame in position as the building is erected around the sub-frame.
25. A sub-frame according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a number of straight members of substantially uniform cross-sectional profile which are joined substantially rigidly together at the corners of the sub-frame.
26. A sub-frame according to claim 25, in which the members are joined at the corners of the sub-frame by right angled corner pieces each of which is suitably fixed to the ends of the two members which meet at the respective corner.
27. A sub-frame according to claim 25 or claim 26, in which the cross-sectional profile of the members defines two outwardly facing channels separated by a central, inwardly facing channel.
28. A sub-frame according to claim 27, in which the base wall of the central channel is convexly dished towards the inner periphery of the sub-frame.
29. A sub-frame according to claim 27 or claim 28, in which the free edge of each outwardly facing channel forms a laterally inwardly directed lip.
30. A sub-frame according to any one of claims 25 to 29, in which each of the straight sub-frame members comprises a zinc coated, rolled steel strip which is folded to the desired cross-sectional profile.
31. A sub-frame according to claim 1, substantially as described with reference to Figures 1 to 10 or Figures 11 to 15 of the accompanying drawings.
32. A method of fixing a door or window frame having an external peripheral groove in a building, in which the building is erected around a sub-frame according to any one of the preceding claims and the sub-frame is suitably fixed to the building, the door or. window frame is fitted into the opening defined by the sub-frame and positioned so that the external peripheral groove is aligned with the inoperative frame securing elements carried by the sub-frame, and the actuator means are then operated to cause the securing elements to adopt their operative condition in which portions thereof project inwardly into the external peripheral groove of the frame to fix the frame in position, said portions of the securing elements being dimensioned to be received as a relatively close fit in the groove in order to reduce unwanted movement of the frame relative to the sub-frame.
33. A method according to claim 32, in which, after installation of the frame in position in the sub-frame, the gap between the external periphery of the frame and the surrounding portion of the building on each side of the sub-frame is sealed by insertion of a suitable sealing compound or device.
34. A method according to claim 33, in which the gap on at least the inner side of the sub-frame is sealed by a suitable trim strip having a fastening rib along the length of its rear face, the rib being press fitted into a series of socket members spaced apart along the length of the gap and fixed to the sub-frame.
35. A method according to claim 32, substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB919118547A GB9118547D0 (en) | 1991-08-29 | 1991-08-29 | Sub-frame for use in fixing a door or window frame in a wall of a building |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB9218133D0 GB9218133D0 (en) | 1992-10-14 |
| GB2259106A true GB2259106A (en) | 1993-03-03 |
| GB2259106B GB2259106B (en) | 1995-01-04 |
Family
ID=10700651
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB919118547A Pending GB9118547D0 (en) | 1991-08-29 | 1991-08-29 | Sub-frame for use in fixing a door or window frame in a wall of a building |
| GB9218133A Expired - Fee Related GB2259106B (en) | 1991-08-29 | 1992-08-26 | Sub-frame for use in fixing a door or window frame in a wall of a building |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB919118547A Pending GB9118547D0 (en) | 1991-08-29 | 1991-08-29 | Sub-frame for use in fixing a door or window frame in a wall of a building |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (2) | GB9118547D0 (en) |
Cited By (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2286417A (en) * | 1994-02-12 | 1995-08-16 | Veka Plc | A template assembly |
| GB2299122A (en) * | 1995-03-03 | 1996-09-25 | Lb Plastics Ltd | Installing window and door frames in sub-frames |
| GB2300019A (en) * | 1995-04-05 | 1996-10-23 | Veka Plc | Template or base frame for mounting a window or door frame in a building aperture |
| WO1997006331A1 (en) * | 1995-08-07 | 1997-02-20 | Leva Michel Francois Charles M | Spacer for attaching covering elements to a wall |
| GB2317918A (en) * | 1996-10-05 | 1998-04-08 | Anglian Windows Ltd | Cavity Closer/Window Frame Fixing Clip |
| GB2385083A (en) * | 2002-02-11 | 2003-08-13 | Ian Douglas Law | Tie component for installing architectural components |
| WO2014029040A1 (en) * | 2012-08-23 | 2014-02-27 | Pedrero Jeldres Jaime | Thick construction sub-frame which remains embedded in the wall of the construction and which standardises the measurements of openings in constructions that use formwork |
| CN104818855A (en) * | 2015-04-10 | 2015-08-05 | 江苏建筑职业技术学院 | Construction method of gas tightness heat-proof bridge waterproof heat preservation energy-saving external window |
| GB2558227A (en) * | 2016-12-22 | 2018-07-11 | Vkr Holding As | Frame mounting |
| WO2023058223A1 (en) * | 2021-10-08 | 2023-04-13 | 文化シヤッター株式会社 | Coupler for building materials, coupling structure for same, and coupling method for same |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN112627674A (en) * | 2020-12-11 | 2021-04-09 | 上海宝冶集团有限公司 | Steel auxiliary frame for improving connection quality of door and window frame and wall body and construction method thereof |
Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4578904A (en) * | 1984-01-26 | 1986-04-01 | Rabitsch Benjamin F | Window with take-out fixed sash |
| WO1990015217A1 (en) * | 1989-06-08 | 1990-12-13 | John Carr (Press Lock) Limited | Window and door assemblies |
-
1991
- 1991-08-29 GB GB919118547A patent/GB9118547D0/en active Pending
-
1992
- 1992-08-26 GB GB9218133A patent/GB2259106B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4578904A (en) * | 1984-01-26 | 1986-04-01 | Rabitsch Benjamin F | Window with take-out fixed sash |
| WO1990015217A1 (en) * | 1989-06-08 | 1990-12-13 | John Carr (Press Lock) Limited | Window and door assemblies |
Cited By (18)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2286417B (en) * | 1994-02-12 | 1999-01-13 | Veka Plc | A template assembly |
| GB2286417A (en) * | 1994-02-12 | 1995-08-16 | Veka Plc | A template assembly |
| GB2299122A (en) * | 1995-03-03 | 1996-09-25 | Lb Plastics Ltd | Installing window and door frames in sub-frames |
| GB2300019A (en) * | 1995-04-05 | 1996-10-23 | Veka Plc | Template or base frame for mounting a window or door frame in a building aperture |
| WO1997006331A1 (en) * | 1995-08-07 | 1997-02-20 | Leva Michel Francois Charles M | Spacer for attaching covering elements to a wall |
| BE1009515A3 (en) * | 1995-08-07 | 1997-04-01 | Michel Francois Charles M Leva | Shim thickness for fixing elements huisserie. |
| GB2317918B (en) * | 1996-10-05 | 2001-02-07 | Anglian Windows Ltd | Cavity closer/window and door frame fixing clip |
| GB2351766A (en) * | 1996-10-05 | 2001-01-10 | Anglian Windows Ltd | Cavity closer/window or door frame fixing clip |
| GB2317918A (en) * | 1996-10-05 | 1998-04-08 | Anglian Windows Ltd | Cavity Closer/Window Frame Fixing Clip |
| GB2351766B (en) * | 1996-10-05 | 2001-05-02 | Anglian Windows Ltd | Cavity closer/ window and door frame fixing method |
| GB2385083A (en) * | 2002-02-11 | 2003-08-13 | Ian Douglas Law | Tie component for installing architectural components |
| WO2014029040A1 (en) * | 2012-08-23 | 2014-02-27 | Pedrero Jeldres Jaime | Thick construction sub-frame which remains embedded in the wall of the construction and which standardises the measurements of openings in constructions that use formwork |
| CN104818855A (en) * | 2015-04-10 | 2015-08-05 | 江苏建筑职业技术学院 | Construction method of gas tightness heat-proof bridge waterproof heat preservation energy-saving external window |
| CN104818855B (en) * | 2015-04-10 | 2017-03-15 | 江苏建筑职业技术学院 | There is the waterproof thermal-insulated the exterior window of energy saving construction method of the anti-heat bridge of air-tightness |
| GB2558227A (en) * | 2016-12-22 | 2018-07-11 | Vkr Holding As | Frame mounting |
| GB2559855A (en) * | 2016-12-22 | 2018-08-22 | Vkr Holding As | Frame mounting |
| GB2559855B (en) * | 2016-12-22 | 2020-03-11 | Vkr Holding As | Window frame assembly comprising wooden window frame and frame mounting member with upstanding fingers |
| WO2023058223A1 (en) * | 2021-10-08 | 2023-04-13 | 文化シヤッター株式会社 | Coupler for building materials, coupling structure for same, and coupling method for same |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2259106B (en) | 1995-01-04 |
| GB9118547D0 (en) | 1991-10-16 |
| GB9218133D0 (en) | 1992-10-14 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 732E | Amendments to the register in respect of changes of name or changes affecting rights (sect. 32/1977) | ||
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 19990826 |