GB2259322A

GB2259322A - Glazing assemblies

Info

Publication number: GB2259322A
Application number: GB9119827A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Joseph Lawless
Original assignee: CENTREWOOD Ltd
Current assignee: CENTREWOOD Ltd
Priority date: 1991-09-09
Filing date: 1991-09-17
Publication date: 1993-03-10
Anticipated expiration: 2011-09-17
Also published as: IE67964B1; GB2259322B; GB9119827D0; BE1003499A6; IE913153A1

Abstract

A window assembly 1 has a rectangular frame 2 supporting glazing panels 9 to provide either a single or double glazed window. Each glazing panel 9 is fixed on the frame 2 by beading strips 13 extending around a periphery of the panel 9 and engaging the frame 2. Interengagable formations on the frame 2 and beading strips 13 allow snap engagement of the beading strips 13 with the frame 2. The frame 2 is fabricated from aluminium extrusion members forming a top 3, bottom 4 and sides 5. At each corner joint between the sides 5 and the top 3 or bottom 4 an L-shaped cleat engages in associated sockets in the frame members which are crimped into grooves on the cleat to rigidly fasten the frame members together. <IMAGE>

Description

"Improvements in and relating to windows" This specification relates to windows.

It is known to provide aluminium framed windows carrying either single or double-glazed panels. The window frame typically comprises a number of aluminium extrusion frame members interconnected, for example, by rivets. It is important that the frame members are connected so that they form a rigid support frame for the glazing panels.

Difficulties arise in correctly aligning the frame members and securing the frame members together in correct alignment. In some cases, the frame can be of somewhat complex construction with a relatively large number of parts making assembly of the window difficult and time consuming.

It is necessary for a merchant to retain a stock of both single and double-glazed window assemblies to meet differing customer requirements. This may require considerable storage space, and hence expense, for the stock. A further disadvantage for the merchant is that the merchant may have large amounts of capital tied up in the stock.

The present invention is directed towards providing an improved window which overcomes these problems.

According to the invention there is provided a window comprising a rectangular frame defining an opening for reception of a glazing panel, a number beading strips extending around a periphery of the panel, the beading strips engaging the panel with a weatherproof sealing strip therebetween, the beading strips engaging a sidewall of the opening to secure the panel in the opening, each beading strip engaging the opening sidewall by means of complementary interengagable formations on the side wall and the beading strip which allow snap engagement of the beading strip with the sidewall.

In one embodiment of the invention the frame comprises four frame members each frame member having mitred ends for interengagement with adjacent frame members, each adjacent pair of frame members being interconnected by means of an Lshaped cleat having legs which engage with complementary sockets in each frame member, sidewalls of the sockets being crimped into engagement with grooves on the legs to rigidly interengage the frame members.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the frame members are of channel section having a base with outwardly extending sidewalls, an inwardly directed flange being provided on each sidewall above the base to define with the base sockets for reception of a leg of the cleat, the flanges being crimped into the grooves in the cleat to fasten the cleat to the frame member.

In another embodiment, the beading strip is for retaining a double-glazed panel on the frame, the beading strip being Lshaped have a flat base with an upstanding panel retaining flange at one end of the base, the weatherproof sealing strip being mounted on the panel retaining flange, an inwardly extending V-shaped groove being provided along the edge between the base and the panel retaining flange, the base sitting against the opening sidewall with a free edge of the base engaging an associated socket at an inner end of the sidewall and the groove engaging with a complementary V-shaped groove in an inner face of an upstanding flange at an outer end of the sidewall.

In an alternative arrangement, the beading strip is for retaining a single glazed panel on the frame, the beading strip having a flat base with an upstanding panel retaining flange at one end of the base, the weatherproof sealing strip being mounted on the panel retaining flange, a plate sloping outwardly and downwardly of an upper end of the panel retaining flange and having a free end with a V-shaped groove, the base sitting against the opening sidewall with a free edge of the base engaging an associated socket at an inner end of the sidewall and the groove on the plate engaging with a complementary V-shaped groove on an inner face of an upstanding flange at an outer end of the sidewall.

In another embodiment, a condensation collecting tray is fitted along a bottom of the frame extending inwardly of a inner face of the frame.

In another aspect the invention provides a kit of parts for forming a frame for a window assembly as previously described.

The invention will be more clearly understood by the following description of an embodiment thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which; Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of a window assembly according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a rear elevational view of the window, Fig. 3 is a front partially sectioned and partially cut away perspective view of the window, Fig. 4 is a detail exploded partially sectioned perspective view of portion of the window, Fig. 5 is a sectional view of a frame member forming portion of the window, Fig. 6 is a sectional view of a transom frame member forming portion of the window, Fig. 7 is a sectional view of another frame member, Fig. 8 is a sectional view of another frame member, Fig. 9 is a sectional view of a frame member similar to Fig. 8, Fig. 10 is a section view of a beading strip forming portion of the window, Fig. 11 is a sectional view of another beading strip, Fig. 12 is a side elevational view of a corner cleat forming portion of the window, and Fig. 13 is a detail perspective view showing a corner portion of the window.

Referring to the drawings, there illustrated a window assembly according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. The window assembly 1 comprises a rectangular outer frame 2 having a top 3, bottom 4 and sides 5 extending between the top 3 and bottom 4. A transom frame member 6 extends between the sides 5 parallel to the top 3 and bottom 4 between the top 3 and bottom 4. The frame 2 defines an opening, in this case an upper opening 7 and a lower opening 8 (Fig. 3) for reception of glazing panels 9. A subframe 10 is hingedly mounted in the upper opening 7 and carries a glazing panel 9 fixed in an opening defined by the sub-frame 10 by means of beading strips 13 which extend around a periphery of the glazing panel 9. The sub-frame 10 thus forms a window which can be opened or closed on the frame 2 as desired. A lower glazing panel is fixed in the lower opening 8 of the frame 2 by means of more beading strips 13.

Referring now in particular to Figs. 3 to 5 and Figs. 12 and 13, it will be seen that each of the top 3, bottom 4 and sides 5 is an aluminium extrusion having mitred ends 20 for complementary interengagement. A cross-section of the top 3 frame member is shown in Fig. 5 and is of generally channelsection having a base 24 with outwardly extending side walls 25. Inwardly directed flanges 26 are provided on each side wall 25 above the base 24 to define with the base 24 sockets 28 for reception of a cleat 30 (see Figs. 12 and 13) to clamp adjacent frame members 3, 4, 5 together. It will be noted that the cleat 30 is L-shaped having legs 31 each with a number of grooves 32. The legs 31 engage within the sockets 28 and outer edges of the flanges 26 are crimped down at 33 into the grooves 32 to rigidly secure the frame members 3, 4, 5 together (see Fig. 13).It will be appreciated that by having separate flanges 26 on each sidewall 25 rather than a continuous flange extending between the sidewalls 25 advantageously the frame members 3, 4, 5 are not distorted when the crimping takes place. A glazing panel retaining flange 34 projects outwardly of the base 24 and has a sealing strip retaining slot 35 at its outer end. At an inner end of the flange 34 a socket 36 for reception of a beading strip 13 is formed. Opposite the socket 36 at a front edge of the base 24 a V-shaped groove 37 is provided for interengagement with a beading strip 13.

Referring now to Fig. 6, the transom frame member 6 is shown and is of generally box-section having a top face 38, bottom face 39, a rear face 40 and a front face 41 which projects outwardly of the top face 38 and bottom face 39. Sealing strips (not shown) are mounted in slots 42 at outer free ends of the front face 41. Flanges 43 project rearwardly of the front face 41 both above the top face 38 and below the bottom face 39 to form sockets 44 for engagement with beading strips 13. It will be noted that the rear face 40 projects above the top face 38 and below the bottom face 39 and V-shaped slots 45 are formed therebetween for engagement by beading strips 13.

Within the body of the transom frame member 6 screw channels 46 are provided to receive self-tapping screws to secure the transom frame member 6 to the sides 5.

Referring now to Fig. 7 there is illustrated another frame member, again formed by an aluminium extrusion, this frame member being used to form the sub-frame 10 and bottom 4 of the outer frame 2. This frame member is generally Z-shaped and has a box-section central body portion 50 with outwardly extending walls 51. Each wall 51 has a slot 52 at its outer end for reception of a sealing strip (not shown). A socket 54 for engagement with the beading strips 13 is formed by flanges 55 which extend over a top face 56 and a bottom face 57 of the body 50. V-shaped grooves 58 are formed at free ends of the top face 56 and bottom face 57 for engagement with beading strips 13.

Referring now to Fig. 8 there is shown a frame member 60 which is mounted on the bottom 4 of the outer frame 2 to form a condensate drip tray. The frame member 60 is riveted to the bottom 4 of the outer frame 2. The frame member 60 is again an aluminium extrusion having a box-section body 61 having a tray portion 62 extending rearwardly at an upper end of the body 61. A skirt 63 extends downwardly of a front face of the body member 61.

Referring now to Fig. 9 there is illustrated another frame member 65 similar to the frame member 60 described with reference to Fig. 8 and like parts are assigned the same reference numerals. In this case the frame member has a shorter skirt 63.

Referring now to Fig. 10 there is illustrated a beading strip 13. In this case the beading strip 13 is for mounting a single glazed panel on the frame 2. The beading strip 13 has a flat base 70 with an upstanding glass sheet retaining flange 71 at one end. A rib 72 extends along a free edge of the base 70. At an upper end of the channel retaining flange 71 is a re-entrant slot 73 in which is mounted a waterproof sealing strip (not shown). A plate 76 slopes downwardly and outwardly from an upper end of the flange 71 and has a free end 77 with a V-shaped groove 78 running along the free end 77.

Referring now to Fig. 11 there is illustrated another beading strip 13. In this case the beading strip 13 is for mounting a double-glazed panel on the frame 2. The beading strip is generally L-shaped in section having a base plate 81 with an upstanding panel retaining flange 82 at one end. A rib 83 extends along the other end of the base 81. An inwardly extending V-shaped groove 84 is provided along the outer edge of the beading strip between the base 81 and the panel retaining flange 82. A slot 85 is provided at a free end of the panel retaining flange 82 for reception of a sealing strip 86 (shown in Fig. 3).

In use, the window assembly 1 can be constructed by first fastening the top 3, bottom 4 and sides 5 together with the cleats 30. The sub-frame 10 can be assembled in similar fashion and either single or double-glazed panels 9 are fastened on the sub-frame 10 by means of appropriate beading strips 13. The sub-frame 10 is then hingedly mounted on the outer frame 2. A single or double-glazed panel 9 may be mounted in the lower opening 8 of the frame 2 by means of appropriate beading strips 13. The beading strips 13 are a snap-fit on the frame 2 and sub-frame 10 for quick and easy mounting of glazing panels 9 on the frame 2 and sub-frame 10.

Figs. 3 and 4 show the engagement between the beading strips 13 and the frame 2 and sub-frame 10. For illustration purposes both types of beading strip 13 described in Figs. 10 and 11 are shown, the beading strip 13 for a double-glazed panel 9 being shown mounted in the sub-frame 10 and the beading strip 13 for retaining a single glazed panel being shown mounted in the lower opening 8 of the frame 2.

Normally, however, it will be appreciated that the whole window assembly 1 would have either single or double-glazed panels 9. Referring initially to the arrangement of the double-glazed panel 9 on the sub-frame 10, the base 81 of the beading strip 13 sits against the top face 56 or bottom face 57 of the body 50 with the rib 83 locating within the socket 54 and the groove 84 of the beading strip 13 interengaging with the groove 58 of the frame member. In similar fashion, regarding the single-glazed panel, the corresponding beading strip 13 has it's base 70 locating against a top or bottom face 38, 39, 56, 57 of one of the frame members with the rib 72 locating in an associated socket 44, 54 and the groove 78 of the beading strip 13 engaging with the groove 45, 58 on the frame member.

It will be appreciated that the invention provides a window assembly of relatively simple construction which can be quickly and easily accurately assembled from its component parts. Further, advantageously a single frame construction is adaptable to receive either single or double-glazed panels.

These glazing panels can be quickly and easily mounted on the window frame by the snap-fitting beading strips which securely retain the panels in position. Advantageously, therefore manufacture is simplified and cheaper and a merchant need only retain a stock of one type of frame and by the use of the appropriate beading strips this single type of frame can be used to provide either single or double-glazed windows. Thus, the merchant can cut down on the amount of stock that needs to be held in reserve. To further save space the window assemblies may be provided in kit form and be assembled to meet a particular order as required.

It will also be appreciated that replacement of broken window panels can be easily carried out, even by a relatively inexperienced person. Furthermore, during constructions of a building window frames may be mounted in appropriate window openings and the glazing panels added at a later stage when the construction work is finished. This would overcome problems associated with breakages of windows fitted before construction is complete.

It will be appreciated that the invention provides an improved window assembly that can be easily assembled from a kit even by a relatively inexperienced person.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment hereinbefore described which may be varied in both construction and detail.

Claims

1. A window assembly comprising a rectangular frame defining an opening for reception of a glazing panel, a number of beading strips extending around a periphery of the panel, engaging the panel with a weatherproof sealing strip therebetween, the beading strips engaging a sidewall of the opening to secure the panel in the opening, each beading strip engaging the opening sidewall by means of complementary interengagable formations on the sidewall and the beading strip which allow snap engagement of the beading strip with the sidewall.

2. A window assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the frame comprises four frame members, each frame member having mitred ends for interengagement with adjacent frame members, each adjacent pair of frame members being interconnected by means of an L-shaped cleat having legs which engage with complementary sockets in each frame member, sidewalls of the sockets being crimped into engagement with grooves on the legs to rigidly interengage the frame members.

3. A window assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein the frame members are of channel section having a base with outwardly extending sidewalls, an inwardly directed flange being provided on each sidewall above the base to define with the base sockets for reception of a leg of the cleat, the flanges being crimped into the grooves in the cleat to fasten the cleat to the frame member.

4. A window assembly as claimed in claims 2 or 3 wherein the beading strip is for retaining a double-glazed panel on the frame, the beading strip being L-shaped having a flat base with an upstanding panel retaining flange at one end of the base, the weatherproof sealing strip being mounted on the panel retaining flange, an inwardly extending V shaped groove being provided along the edge between the base and the panel retaining flange, the base sitting against the sidewall with a free edge of the base engaging an associated socket at an inner end of the sidewall and the groove engaging with a complementary V shaped groove in an inner face of an upstanding flange at an outer end of the sidewall.

5. A window assembly as claimed in claim 2 or 3 wherein the beading strip is for retaining a single glazed panel on the frame, the beading strip having a flat base with an upstanding panel retaining flange at one end of the base, the weatherproof sealing strip being mounted on the panel retaining flange, a plate extending downwardly and outwardly from an upper end of the panel retaining flange and having a free end with a V-shaped groove, the base sitting against the sidewall with a free edge of the base engaging an associated socket at an inner end of the sidewall and the groove engaging with a complementary V shaped groove on an inner face of an upstanding flange at an outer end of the sidewall.

6. A window assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a condensation collecting tray is fitted along a bottom of the frame extending inwardly of a inner face of the frame.

7. A window assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

8. A kit of parts for forming a frame for a window assembly as claimed in any preceding claim.