GB2261688A

GB2261688A - Window installation

Info

Publication number: GB2261688A
Application number: GB9124194A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ernest Malcolm Heywood Scholes
Original assignee: Scholes Ernest M H
Current assignee: Scholes Ernest M H
Priority date: 1991-11-14
Filing date: 1991-11-14
Publication date: 1993-05-26
Anticipated expiration: 2011-11-14
Also published as: GB2261688B; GB9124194D0

Abstract

A method of mounting an openable window frame (3) in an opening via hinges connecting one side of the openable window frame to a respective one of the main frame members: in which the method comprises positioning the openable window frame on locators (8) arranged on an opposite frame member to the one on which the hinges are provided, with the position of the locators being set such that the required mounting positions of the hinges on the frame member can be determined; and thereafter mounting the hinges at the mounting positions in order to mount the openable window frame hingedly in the required rectangular opening. <IMAGE>

Description

WINDOW FRAME INSTALLATION This invention relates to the installation of a window frame assembly in an opening defined in a building to receive the assembly. in which the frame assembly comprises a fixed rectangular outer frame and at least one openable window sash hingedly mounted on the outer frame.

The invention has been developed primarily. though not exclusively. in relation to the installation of window frame assemblies made of extruded plastics material. such as UPVC.

In the formation of UPVC window frame assemblies it is usual to first mount the fixed outer frame in the opening and then to offer up the or each openable window sash to the fixed outer frame at the desired location and then to form mountings for the hinges. The hinges are mounted directly on the outer frame or on a transom or mullion provided in the fixed frame to give horizontal or vertical hinging.Once the desired position has been determined. the hinges are then mounted in place.

Necessarily this task requires careful attention on the part of the installer who may use techniques such as the use of a line marked on the fixed outer frame, a ruler or tape to correctly position the openable sash. This assembly is usually carried out in the factory. though it can be done on site. Also, usually glazing is carried out on site though this also can be done during manufacturing in the factory.

Clearly, therefore the final quality of the installation is dependent very much upon the skill and attention given to the task by the installer. If the hinges are not located at the correct position. a usual espagnolette fitting located in the openable window sash may make undesirable friction contact with the mating surfaces of the fixed frame and in time wear away some of the surface and/or may not seat properly with the espagnolette striker plate which is intended to cooperate with the espagnolette rod.

Both incidents result in customer complaints and expensive site recall.

The invention therefore addresses this problem by providing an improved window installation which lowers the level of skill required to carry out a satisfactory installation and eliminates the need to check the operation of the espagnolette.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a window frame assembly for installation in an opening in a building. said assembly comprising: a rectangular outer frame to be mounted in said opening and comprising first and second opposed pairs of frame members: an intermediate frame member extending perpendicularly between two opposed frame members of the outer frame to define a respective rectangular opening on each side of the intermediate frame member: an openable window frame adapted to be mounted hingedly in one of said rectangular openings via hinges connecting one side of the window frame to a respective one of said frame members: and, locators arranged on an opposite frame member to said one frame member and on which the openable window frame can be positioned. said locators being positioned such that the required mounting positions of the hinges on said one frame member can be determined prior to mounting of the hinges at said mountings in order to mount the openable window frame hingedly in said one rectangular opening.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of forming a window frame assembly for installation in an opening in a building. said assembly comprising: a rectangular outer frame to be mounted in said opening and comprising first and second opposed pairs of frame members, an intermediate frame member extending perpendicularly between two opposed frame members of the outer frame to define a respective rectangular opening on each side of the intermediate frame member. and an openable window frame adapted to be mounted hingedly in one of said rectangular openings via hinges connecting one side of the window frame to a respective one of said frame members:: and said method comprising positioning the openable window frame on locators arranged on an opposite frame member to said one frame member, with the position of the locators being set such that the required mounting positions of the hinges on said one frame member can be determined: and thereafter mounting the hinges at said mounting positions in order to mount the openable window frame hingedly in said one rectangular opening.

The invention therefore facilitates the formation and subsequent installation of window frame assemblies, and even if the outer frame is not located absolutely accurately in position i.e. with its top and bottom frame members horizontal and its side frame members vertical, and / or in the event of any slight bowing of the top or bottom frame members when installed. the locators serve to hold the openable window frame steady. so that the hinge mounting positions necessary for an accurate assembly for this particular installation can be determined reliably and with ease.

In the case of factory assembly. and subsequent installation of the assembly on site, the locators provide additional function of defining a datum to be observed during any manipulation of the assembly to fit any particular window opening on site.

In the case of a top hung window frame, the intermediate frame member may comprise a transom, and the window frame may be hinged to the transom, so that it is mounted in the lower of the two rectangular openings; or if it is required to be mounted in the upper of the two rectangular openings, the upper frame hinges may be mounted on the top frame member of the outer frame.

In either event, the locators will be provided on a frame member of the outer frame which defines the lower edge of the respective rectangular opening, so that the weight of the window frame can be borne by the locators while the hinge positions are determined.

The locators may be mounted at required positions on the relevant frame member of the outer frame during initial manufacture in a factory. or may be provided with the component parts to be assembled on site.

Conveniently, the locators are arranged so as to be readily removable after they have fulfilled their function of allowing the openable window frame to be positioned on them for the purpose of determining the positions of the hinge mountings.

In the case of a side hung openable window frame, the intermediate frame member may comprise a mullion extending perpendicularly between the top and bottom frame members of the outer frame. The openable window frame may be hinged either to the mullion, or to one of the upright side members of the outer frame, according to requirements.

In a window frame assembly according to the invention, an openable window frame is hingedly mounted in one of the rectangular openings defined on one side of the intermediate frame member, and the other rectangular opening can be filled with any required glazed unit, which could be a further openable window, or a fixed glazed unit, such as a double glazed unit. Usually, glazing will be carried out on site after installation in a window opening.

In one particularly preferred embodiment, each locator is in the form of a clip which can fit over an upstanding flange present on a typical extruded section forming one of the frame members of the outer frame. Further, the locator clip may be arranged so as to be capable of making a mating fit with a usual keeper plate for receiving a locking head of an espagnolette window locking device.

The locators serve to ensure correct positioning of the hinges for the openable window frame, so that the espagnolette locking fitting on the openable window frame moves freely over the surface of the frame member of the outer frame without frictional contact therewith, while ensuring that the locking head of the espagnolette fitting is able to move slidably into and out of engagement with the espagnolette keeper. The locators therefore enable the openable window frame to be hingedly mounted, without any obstruction to the opening and closing of the window frame, and with accurate slidable engagement between the espagnolette head and the keeper. even in the event of some slight distortion of the rectangular shape of the outer frame. or bowing of any of the frame members of the outer frame.

The locators may be of different thickness to suit different requirements for particular window assemblies e.g.

different types of top hung sash windows.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described in detail. by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. in which: Figure 1 is a series of schematic diagrams showing two possible configurations of UPVC windows and the use of an embodiment of window installation gauge according to the invention in each configuration to facilitate quick and accurate installation: Figure 2 is a perspective view of the gauge, detached from the outer frame; Figure 3 is a side view. to an enlarged scale, of the gauge attached to the external edge of an outer frame which is shown in cross-section: Figure 4 is a perspective view and in detail of a preferred embodiment of the gauge showing the relative positions of the outer frame. sash. espagnolette rod and espagnolette striker:: Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment clipped on a typical UPVC outer frame, correctly positioning the sash at xx and displacing the sash by a distance x from the lower edge of the outer frame; and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a typical UPVC outer window frame and sash showing internal detail of the espagnolette rod and espagnolette striker.

Refering now to the drawings, Figure 1 shows schematically a top hung and side hung installlation comprising a rectangular UPVC unit having an outer frame (2) and possibly a number of transoms (6). or mullions (7).

incorporated into an aperture, and upon which a rectangular sash (3), containing a pane of glass or a double glazed unit, is mounted with hinges. The preferred embodiment of the invention provides an aid to facilitate the mounting of the sash (3) to the outer frame (2) within defined tolerances, determined by the manufacturer. therefore avoiding impingement between an espagnolette cam (4) and the outer frame (2) or between an espagnolette cam (4) and striker (5), when opening or closing the sash. Usually, the assembly will be carried out in a factory. with subsequent installation of the assembly on site. However. the assembly of the sash (3) may be carried out on site during the installation in a building.

A sash gauge. depicted schematically in Figure 2. is preferably of a one piece moulded plastics construction which comprises a thin elongated rectangular back (8) having. on one face. a hooked latch (9) extending along the length of its upper edge, and on the opposite face. a rectangular shelf (10) projecting from the lower edge of the elongated rectangular back (8) and at a substantially perpendicular attitude to it.

Figure 3 shows the hooked latch (9) mounted in position in which a barb like portion with two angled faces (11) and (12) allow the sash gauge to be easily slid or clipped over an external lip (13) of the mullion, transom or outer frame (2) and be retained in position by the action of the latter on the lip (13). The dimensions x and y. of the hooked latch (), indicated in Figure 3, are defined by the dimensions of the lip on the external face of the outer frame to ensure positive and secure location. The sash gauge is clipped onto the lip of the mullion. transom or outer frame opposite to, or adjacent to. the espagnolette striker (5) thereby revealing the relative position of the concealed internal mechanisms (4) and (5). Such an arrangement is shown in Figure 4, and which also shows in more detail a preferred embodiment of sash gauge.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a typical profile of a sash (3a) which butts up against the rectangular reference surfaces (14) and (15) of a sash gauge (16). Said rectangular reference surfaces being shaped and angled to exactly conform with the lower inner corner surfaces of the sash. The corner edge (17), of the sash (3), locates exactly into the inside corner (18) of the sash gauge, as indicated in Figure 4. Usually. glazing will be carried out on site after completion of the installation in a building.

Claims

1. A window frame assembly for installation in an opening in a building, said assembly comprising: a rectangular outer frame to be mounted in said opening and comprising first and second opposed pairs of frame members; an intermediate frame member extending perpendicularly between two opposed frame members of the outer frame to define a respective rectangular opening on each side of the intermediate frame member; an openable window frame adapted to be mounted hingedly in one of said rectangular openings via hinges connecting one side of the window frame to a respective one of said frame members; and, locators arranged on an opposite frame member to said one frame member and on which the openable window frame can be positioned, said locators being positioned such that the required mounting positions of the hinges on said one frame member can be determined prior to mounting of the hinges at said mountings in order to mount the openable window frame hingedly in said one rectangular opening.

2. A method of forming a window frame assembly for installation in an opening in a building, said assembly comprising: a rectangular outer frame to be mounted in said opening and comprising first and second opposed pairs of frame members, an intermediate frame member extending perpendicularly between two opposed frame members of the outer frame to define a respective rectangular opening on each side of the intermediate frame member, and an openable window frame adapted to be mounted hingedly in one of said rectangular openings via hinges connecting one side of the window frame to a respective one of said frame members;; and said method comprising positioning the openable window frame on locators arranged on an opposite frame member to said one frame member, with the position of the locators being set such that the required mounting positions of the hinges on said one frame member can be determined; and thereafter mounting the hinges at said mounting positions in order to mount the openable window frame hingedly in said one rectangular opening.

3. A method according to Claim 2, in which the openable window frame comprises a top hung window frame, and the intermediate frame member comprises a transom, to which the window frame is hinged so that it is mounted in the lower of the two rectangular openings.

4. A method according to Claim 2, in which the openable window frame comprises a top hung window frame which is mounted in the upper of the two rectangular openings, and in which the upper frame hinges are mounted on the top frame member of the outer frame.

5. A method according to Claim 3 or 4, in which the locators are provided in a frame member of the outer frame which defines the lower edge of the respective rectangular opening, so that the weight of the window frame can be borne by the locators while the hinge positions are determined.

6. A method according to any one of Claims 2 to 5, in which the locators are mounted at required positions on the relevant frame member of the outer frame during initial manufacture in a factory, or are provided with the component parts to be assembled on site.

7. A method according to any one of Claims 2 to 6, in which the locators are arranged so as to be readily removable after they have fulfilled their function of allowing the openable window frame to be positioned on them for the purpose of determining the positions of the hinge mountings.

8. A method according to Claim 2, in which the openable window frame comprises a side hung openable window frame, and the intermediate frame member comprises a mullion extending perpendicularly between the top and bottom frame members of the outer frame.

9. A method according to Claim 8, in which the side hung openable window frame is hinged either to the mullion, or to one of the upright side members of the outer frame.

10. A method according to any one of Claims 2 to 9, in which the other of said rectangular openings is filled with a glazed unit.

11. A method according to Claim 10, in which the glazed unit comprises a further openable window, or a fixed glazed unit, such as a double glazed unit.

12. A method according to any one of Claims 2 to 11, in which each locator is in the form of a clip which can fit over an upstanding flange present on a typical extruded section forming one of the frame members of the outer frame.

13. A method according to Claim 12, in which the locator clip is arranged so as to be capable of making a mating fit with a keeper plate for receiving a locking head of an espagnolette window locking device.

14. A method according to Claim 13, in which the locators serve to ensure correct positioning of the hinges for the openable window frame, so that the espagnolette locking fitting on the opening window frame is movable freely over the surface of the frame member of the outer frame substantially without frictional contact therewith, while ensuring that the locking head of the espagnolette fitting is able to move slidably into and out of engagement with the espagnolette keeper.

15. A method according to Claim 2 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in the accompanying drawings.